2006 marks the 10 year anniversary of the first Once Hush CD,
"Say It Anyway."
It seems appropriate to commemorate this event with everyone associated with the band; the musicians, family, supporters, press, and extended families. We, formerly, Fine Tune Management, invite all those who were involved with, or affected by, the band's positive force to share your memories and thoughts in an effort to reconnect with the special spirit of the band and its following.
For me, it was a ton of pressure. I regret that there was not enough of me to go around; that those near to me were not able to really know the person behind the management face. I remember every 4:00 AM crisis when the band was on the road. I remember my kids telling me that I was always working. I remember the discord and the strain of a too-tight budget. But, also, there were the guys, college kids, who could not make a cup of coffee. The guys who looked at me like starving children when we arrived in Morgantown, in the middle of a blizzard with 2 pans of home-made lasagna that really, I could not afford to make and yet, could not do otherwise. Thanks for the company during the rise, Sue.
I am not much of a socializer. I am a thinker, like my son, Adam. He, though, is brilliant and remembers the OH guys with great love.
Now, in 2006, I am happy for C. Loren Duffey – now married and, last I heard, residing in NC. I hear he is doing very well in the real estate market (no surprise there)! Loren could nail a solo like Neal Peart. I really miss those sticks, kid! I still have the shrapnel to remind me of those days!
I am happy for Allen, who has married our determined and faithful Trish, and whose keys could make me cry one minute and dance like I was 10 years younger than my drivers license says in the next. Such rare talent. I hope his children know the Allen I was privileged to know. I hope his kids know what a special and extremely rare talent their Dad possesses. I will always remember John Alagia watching for my reaction when you guys finished "Breathing Opera." I remember the audacity with which I told John he better not screw up my favorite song! I can still see that tiny room where we mixed the CD and remember hearing for the first time your unforgettable keys. I can still see how John’s eyes met mine and the questioning look he gave me until he saw the tears in my eyes and knowingly smiled.
I am happy for Eric who finally married our dear, patient Heather and has moved back to his home in WV. I will never forget your wide-eyed amazement when you came to Baltimore at the age of 18. I will never forget the way you shook off the cramp in your hand after playing “Say It Anyway,” a song that still remains as my second favorite OH tune. You and Loren dropped many a jaw of would-be musicians in various rhythm sections! For me, your talent was also linked to your quiet leadership qualities. They did not go unnoticed. I cherish the memories. Thank you for your patience and for making, “Heroes and Frozen Ghosts” an unforgettable memory. I hope your voice and lyrics will live on for a long time through Eric Lewis Music. We may surprise you one day…
I am happy for our zen-like Greg White, who walked on stage and then knocked us all out with the power of his leads. I hope you will teach your son to play like that and to enjoy the sheer magic of music the way you did. (Have you seen School of Rock?) We miss you, Greg, and wish you and Laura much happiness!
I guess, most of all, I hope that GR thinks of those times with joy. You were always enormously special to me, the kid brother I never had, though my position prevented me from telling you so. I pray for you and hope that you will find the joy in life to match the joy you have given others through your gift of voice, guitar and determination. Sometimes, extraordinary talent seems like a curse, or at the very least, a burden, doesn't it? Sometimes, our worst enemy lies within. I will love and miss you always.
As for those who supported OH, I would like to say Thank You - to Janet and Doug, to Jason B (how did you put up with me?), Gary, Ryan, Tim, Roger and a million others. Angel – I miss you – my truest friend and right hand in the biz of Local Reps. Most of all, I would like to thank my children, Adam, Allison & Stephanie. You, of all, gave the most. You gave of your Mom’s time to the tune of 20 hours a day for 7 years. I recently reread the dedication on "Say It Anyway" and realized once again how much you really gave of yourselves. Whether it was working the merch booth night after night or just missing me there for you, I thank you for allowing me the experience and for your faith in me.
I am proud of you all, your music, your accomplishments and your current successes.
Adam & I now work a farmette in PA, raising organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. We also have 3 chickens and a reptile business. Adam works at the only local deli as a meatcutter in this small picturesque town. I am making major progress on my book and take on marketing gigs that interest me. Allison, now a world traveler (a girl after my own heart!), lives in IN and Steph married Joe and resides in MD, living happily ever after.
We would love to hear what’s up with all of you now! Please feel free to share memories, favorite tunes, pics or anything else. We were a huge family of 10,000 and broke all the rules associated with unsigned bands (health insurance? Pah-leese!). 10 years later, I believe the love and the joy are still there. I thank you, and miss you all, but the music lives on... Happy Anniversary!
Peace,
Terri Sommella
Manager
Once Hush
terri@sommellamarketing.com
