Oracle 2005 - The Year in Review - Page 2

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Papa John & Mama Lil Ellis. The band couldn't have asked for better friends, and they will both be missed. Click for enlarged view.

On a sad note, on March 15, 2005 the band and the world lost a wonderful man in the person of John T. Ellis ("Papa John").

One of the band's earliest supporters, Papa John was instrumental in booking the band at the American Legion Post 175, where we continue to perform to this day.

John was a long time member of the Legion, as well as the Fleet Reserve and Kent Island Elks.

Last year we sadly had to report that his wife Lillian "Mamma Lil" had also passed away. We can take some comfort in the knowledge that they are once again together, this time for all eternity. We're going to really miss seeing the two of them out on the dance floor together.

Reared in Baltimore, John served in the Navy. He worked as a plumber and pipefitter for the government before retiring in 1995 from the Naval Academy as a civilian.

To their family and close friends we would like to express our heartfelt condolences. "Papa John" was a wonderful guy, a good friend, and a great patriot.

We'd ask that everyone that knew them remember them and their family in your thoughts and prayers, and from time to time raise a glass and offer up a toast in their memory. They'd like that.

The funeral home put together a moving tribute to John. Check out this Video Tribute to John T. Ellis.

Oracle continued our series of performances at the ever more popular J&Js Afterdeck in Pasadena Maryland. Afterdeck is one of those hidden gems that few people know about unless you happen to either live in the area of are a member of the Oracle Family! The "Cheers" atmosphere where "everybody knows your name" and there is always someone to dance with, sit with, or chat with, is ever present. Check out the archived photos from our performances at Afterdeck at the Afterdeck Photo Gallery.


	As we moved towards the end of April we were pleased to help our good friends with the group Changing Focus on one of their fund raiser dances. These folks have been great supporters of the band and members of the Oracle Family now for a couple of years, so it was a pleasure to be able to help out in a successful fund raising event. You can see more photos at the Changing Focus Benefit Page

In May another family reunion of sorts occurred at our performance at Perry's Restaurant. Veronica's eyeballs about popped out as we were paid a surprise visit from Mike's eldest brother Ted and his wife Cynthia, along with their daughter Kristian, who came up from Orlando Florida to visit Cynthia's cousin Glenda and her husband Miles, who were also there. You've got to love surprises like that!

	In June two of the band's closest friends celebrated a combined birthday / anniversary party at the American Legion hall in Severna Park. We've known Ron & Carla for almost as long as the band has been around. They have seen the band in every iteration since the beginning, and they invited all of the past Oracle band members back to help them celebrate their big day. The resulting band reunion that took place was almost as much fun as it was to play for our two dearest friends. Original Oracle member Jeff Baxter returned to sing with us, accompanied by his wife Jolene. It still sounds strange to say that...some of us wondered if Jeff would EVER get married. We actually had the privilege of playing at THEIR wedding back in 2003. It was the only wedding we've ever done where the bride and groom sang their own first dance number! We also had the opportunity to welcome back to the Oracle stage bassist & vocalist Glenn Jones, who left us at the end of 2004. It was a memorable evening for everyone. Our congrats and thanks go out to Ron & Carla for being such wonderful friends and for allowing us to be a part of such a fabulous party!



Also in June we were thrilled to come out to the City of Laurel to perform for their concerts in the parks series. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day, with the sun shining, the temperatures mild, and not even a hint of rain. It was quite simply a perfect day for an outdoor concert. We had Nikki come out to perform with us, and, since we had so much fun a couple of weeks earlier at Ron & Carla's party, Jeff Baxter came back to sit in on a few numbers. It really was a lot of fun. A crowd of around 150 came out for the performance, but with a park as large as Granville-Gude, things sure looked pretty empty out there. Nevertheless, the show went great, and with luck we'll be able to schedule a return date for 2006.


	In June we celebrated Veronica's birthday at our Perry's performance for the month. We got a huge birthday card for her and had everyone in the club that night sign it for her.



2005 - Oracle Band Year In Review Page 1 2005 - Oracle Band Year in Review Page 2 2005 - Oracle Band Year in Review Page 3 2005 - Oracle Band Year in Review Page 4 2005 - Oracle Band Year in Review Page 5 2005 - Oracle Band Year in Review Page 6

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