New Jersey Stage Issue 73 | Page 98

Jack DeJonette etc but I really just love anything that sounds good, is progressive or otherwise unique. Peter Gabriel is another artist I love to listen to. As for work favorites that’s really tough. Touring with John Eddie was very gratifying. Touring with a songwriter of his caliber with a top notch band making fans everywhere you go is a fun experience that has no equal. There’s the local Asbury acts like Glen Burtnik, Southside Johnny and the Jukes, Deal Casino. Matt Witte with New Blood Revival were always highlights for me. A couple years ago I worked with John McLaughlin and Jimmy Herring with our local friend Jason Crosby playing keys and violin doing a Mahivishnu Orchestra set. That was a bucket list type gig. Doing monitors for Aretha Franklin shortly before she passed was very special for me too. In 2015, the Stone Pony held a benefit to help raise funds for your wife’s cancer treatments. How did having your employer do that make you feel? It was so appreciated. It was unexpected for sure but in hindsight I shouldn’t have felt that way. The Stone Pony has always taken care of their community. The generosity of Caroline and the artists that came together to perform as well as all those that came out in support was overwhelming and humbling. How is Kelly doing these days? Kelly will mark her 5th year anniversary since being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in October. It is still a struggle and the treatments have left her with a host of lasting debilitating effects but she makes the best of each day as best she can. She’s inspiring. Thanks so much for asking. • NJ STAGE - ISSUE 73 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 98