by Marc Lovely
I
t’s easy to say that many traveled to Strangecreek Campout sadly knowing that a key figure
of our Wormtown family would not be there this
year.
Demse Zullo, drummer and founding member of
The Alchemystics and Brian “Budzy” White, roadie
and long-time friend of the band were tragically
killed in a car crash on May 3, the morning after
playing a gig at Rock and Roll Resort. Being blindsided by that unimaginable tragedy it was understandable that the band, who took over the Main
Stage at Strangecreek on Saturday, May 23 would
be discernibly heartbroken. But as the members
made their way to the stage, the setting sun illuminating and accentuating each of their faces,
something was noticeably unexpected. A lustrous
passion gleamed in their eyes and from the first
note you knew that the mood would be far from
somber. In fact, The Alchemystics’ set was more
of a celebration, elevating the lives of those two
cherished men.
Sandwiched between Cornmeal and Max Creek,
The Alchemystics rode the few remaining rays of
light buoyantly and surprised the audience with
an arsenal of special guests. Family and friends
took turns weaving in and out between songs in a
fun, but emotional set full of hits off their newest
album For the Future. MC’s Catalyst and Honeycomb, Demse’s daughter Ocea, Bill Carbone (drummer for Max Creek), and J