Acknowledgements

Within the past year life changed dramatically for me and my close friend & guitarist, Chris Kleeman and there are a few people that I would like to recognize for their contribution to our success, good fortune and great fun.

First, I would like to thank Barbara Riley Levin, who has been much more than a loyal fan; she has made wonderful things happen for us, including but not limited to sponsoring our appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Aside from the impact that she has had on our lives over the past year, Barbara has selflessly given her time and resources for the betterment of the children of Vermont. She's "one of a kind", a good friend, a good person and likes Blues! THANKS BARBARA!!

Claude Nobs, the founder and CEO of the Montreux Jazz Festival http://www.montreuxjazz.com/default.htm deserves our gratitude for having us perform at his new Montreux Jazz Club and for inviting us to open for Issac Hayes and joining him to participate in the jam session with BB King and Joe Sample; a huge event. Moreover, Claude sat in and played harp with us this past Labor Day when we opened for BB King at the Riley Rink. To my fellow harp player I say, THANKS CLAUDE!!

Floyd Lieberman, BB King's manager has become a good friend in the past year. He invited us to open for BB at the BB King Blues Club and Lucille's Bar & Grill on 42nd Street in NYC www.bbkingblues.com and helped to get us into the Foxwood Casino in Ct. But over and above that, Floyd has graced us with hospitality, advice, great humor and opportunities that were, indeed, unexpected. THANKS FLOYD!!

BB King invited us to jam with him in Manchester, Vermont and Montreux, Switzerland. It does not get better than that...well, musically speaking anyway. However, the time that we've spent with him in his dressing rooms and on buses just sitting and talking about life and music may almost top the musical experiences we've had. We've heard some great stories and spent some real quality time with this legend of the blues. He has enriched our lives. THANKS BB KING!!

George Kalinsky, resident photographer for Madison Square Garden, has, (almost), become my personal photographer. He has taken the best photo ever (the one of BB King and me playing together) along with many others. Beyond his professional talents, he is a great friend. He has a new book out, "Rabbis; the Many Faces of Judaism", that you really should check out on his website: www.georgekalinsky.com THANKS GEORGE!!

Bill Daiek, manager of the Riley Rink at Hunter Park http://www.hunterpark.com/ performing arts center and world-class skating facility. Bill is one of those quiet guys who just there for you and gets it done. He's a consummate professional who has help promote us at every opportunity. The photo of Chris & I playing with the flag in the background was taken at a performance at Riley Rink thanks to Bill. THANKS BILL

Mark McChesney, owner and operator of The Barn in Pawlet, Vermont http://www.barnrestaurant.com/welcome.shtml . It was at The Barn where Kleeman and I first played together. Great food. THANKS MARK

And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank Chris Kleeman, "guitar wizard", friend, pain-in-the......, confidant, constant critic, moderator, mediator, damn good sound guy, (did I mention pain-in-the-@#$#@). The harp is a great instrument, but I will be the first to admit that without a little back up, it may have it's limitations. Chris is one of the best guitarist, singers and performers around and I'm lucky to be playing with him. Don't let this go to your head, Kleeman.....I've got a cello player waiting in the wings! THANKS CHRIS

Did I say "last"? Sorry, this particular page wouldn't be complete if I didn't acknowledge my nephew, Matt Holford, who (patiently) assisted me with this website. This is not his work; it's mine. He does much, much better work than this, but I was pretty stuck on doing my own thing. Above and beyond being an amazing web designer (he worked on George Harrison's site for the 30 year release of "All Things Must Pass"), Matt's an incredible keyboardist. Check out his band, Darediablo, in the upper right-hand corner of this site. THANKS MATT.

And of course, I really must pay tribute to my bride, Alison. Were it not for her support and willingness to let me go out and play, none of this would be happening. THANKS CHUM!!

For those of you whom I forgot to thank, my apologies, but not to worry....I'll be updating this site regularly!

Last Modified: 12/04/2007 07:24 AM Webmaster bob@bobstannard.com