The Song Remains The Same…

As a teenager in South Dakota I loved getting to go see bands. It didn’t really matter what it was, I just loved music. But there was one band that stuck out that my friends and myself followed close. The Zwarte Band. These guys as far as we were concerned were a local South Dakota band that were very close to making it big. And as a musician and local South Dakotan, I watched them close. And I loved their music. Seeing them live was a high energy experience that could rival some of the best national acts I seen play.

One night, Zwarte was playing the Chateau Lounge in Yankton South Dakota. Me and my friend had to go see them. They were killing it as usual. Considering the place though, the crowd was slim. We were having a ball regardless. As they went on break, Bob Zwart walked by us. We told him they sounded awesome. He thanked us quickly and headed up to the bar. For the record, I didn’t take it personally. After all, I knew as a musician that your time for breaks was limited. So you had to be quick about saying thank you, grabbing your drink, and doing whatever else you needed to get done.

Then the bass player came by. Baron Duncan. We told him he sounded awesome and loved his playing. “Hey thanks guys! Means a lot. I do appreciate it. Mind If I take a chair with you?” “Absolutely! Sit down.” We got Baron a drink. He sat and talked with us the entire break. He talked about feeling blessed being able to play music. How much he appreciated the people that loved his music. In general, setting a road map for what I wanted to be as a musician. Grateful to be able to play music. I heard in July of 2012, he had passed away. My heart had sank.

That night though, I didn’t have an opportunity to meet Randall. As fate would have it, some years down the road, I opened up for, The Randall Zwarte Band. A version of the band without Bob. In a place that we used to play a few times a year for a bike rally. Angels Straw Bale Saloon outside Spencer, Nebraska. As we set up to play that afternoon I remember asking “Where is Randall?” One of the sound guys told us that they were down at the river taking a dip. I was eager to meet him. After all, I grew up loving his music.

As we started to play, it was over 98 degrees out. And we were playing on a very unforgiving flat bed trailer. The crowd didn’t care though. They were loving it and it was an honor to be the one making the noise for them. As I looked up into the packed crowd I noticed Randall Zwarte and Eddie Filarecki looking at the stage with big smiles listening to the music. A quick moment of fear hit me. Then determination. I was going to crush this stage like Randall is rocking with me.

As we finished out our set, I was drenched head to toe in sweat still burning from the heat of the stage. “You kicked some butt up there. Nice job.” “Randall? Nice to meet you. Thanks.” “You sounded great.” ” Thanks Eddie. We were just trying to cool off in the tent quick. We will be out of your way shortly.” “Hell no. Don’t worry about it. You guys were melting up there. Take your time. As a matter of fact, you guys are welcome to hang out with us back here while we play.” “Seriously? Thanks Randall.” “No problem. I may even see if I can get you to play with us on a tune.” “That would be cool. Thank you.”

As I wandered out to put away my equipment, I had people approach me and say how much they loved the music. I thought back to Baron in that moment. And spent the next hour talking with them and letting them know how blessed I felt to be playing music for them.

As the night pushed on I took Randall up on his offer and hung out most of the night in their tent and talking with them. Randall even gave me a signed copy of his “Road to Sturgis” documentary. I never did get a chance to play with him on stage that night unfortunately. But talking with him though made me realize that he was a man that was full of life and willing to live it to the fullest. And on top of all of that, he had a heart of gold. He gave me his number and offered to get us some opening gig’s with them if I was interested. I told him of course. I would love that. We were supposed to play with them again that summer for a party he was having at his gravel pit. Unfortunately, we were already playing some where that night. I never did get a chance to tell him how much I appreciated that night.

I found out in April that Randall passed away. When I seen it flash across my Facebook, I had a sick sadness come over me. So I grabbed my guitar, and started playing Randall’s songs. Lucy, Ride to Sturgis, Good Deal Bad Man, Winslow. My way of saying thank you. And once again, loving the fact I can play music. Later, I even did my own version of one of my favorite songs by them and recorded and released it.

Zwarte was a big part of me growing up. I loved their music and still do. If I learned anything from them, it was to love the things you have. Because things will change. They always do. So appreciate what you have. And make the best of every moment.

Until next time.