When I reflect back on all the places we've played it has truly been incredible.  Civic centers and riverfront parks, concert stages and massive outdoor music festivals, pizza places and fancy restaurants.  Playing with friends and the famous, and friends that later became famous. Coffeehouses, birthday parties, 10 people to 50,000.  Who would have thought it?  Not me, I just wanted to play guitar and sing.  And you, our loyal audiences have let me do just that.  You have supported our musical efforts more than I would have ever expected, and I thank you, from all of the guys in the band - both past and present members.

Now I know I'm older because my kids are older.  My daughter is mid twentys and teaching high school English in the Delta to an impoverished area.  Ever the idealist, she is working hard to improve peoples lives through education.  Sounds a lot like most of the Applegate generations before her.  We are proud of her and watch her success from a distance of miles but not hearts.  My son is the bearer of the next generation of music in the world of tommorrows yet to be.  He plays bass and guitar in two bands and is beginning to release CDs with original music.  Good stuff, not my stuff, but good stuff in any event.  He has come a long way from deciding the cello was not for him and I wish him well on his journey.  Both kids have grown up surrounded by the band and are a continuing discussion between sets at Leonardos.  Where we once ate as a family, and then the kids would watch the band till it was time to go home with their Mom; now my wife and I eat alone and she waits for me to return after playing.

This trip could not have been possible without some wonderful musicians.  These people have been friends and beyond  to me over these past years.  To say that the band could not have existed without each of them is an understatement of the highest order.  While it is possible to look backwards and remember moments of great success or fun with all the different permutations of the band, it is fair to say that I have always enjoyed whatever band I was playing with at the time.  Without exception the band members have given countless hours in preparation,  in terms of learning the instruments and developing the vocal skills needed and also in giving their time for rehearsals in spite of our increasing busy lives as our families and careers often placed calls on our previously freer, earlier lives.  To the band members I offer my heartfelt thanks for all you have each given to this cause.  I hope you all feel as good about our times together as I do.  In order of appearance:

Dick Applegate

Dave Teeter

Dave Wallace

Don Rosser

Bill Harlan

Russ House

Rich Mitts

Mitch Corbin

Steve Hatfield

Andy Hatfield

It goes without saying that behind every good man is a good woman (I think I heard my wife say that just recently...).  The women behind these men are no exception and I certainly appreciate all the women who have allowed their men to continue in this passion.  Special thanks to the current ladies, who have tolerated us the longest:

Lisle Applegate - simply - the love of my life

Judy Harlan - the one who can love Bill and tell him gently where he left his slippers as he prepares for another wild night with the band

Nikki Mitts - Rich's soulmate and shrink

Aletha Hatfield - Steve's better half and mother of the best mandolin/guitar player to ever come from central Illinois

So to all of you - audience, band members and wives - THANKS for all you have been to me for the past 30 years.  We look forward to being the band at the nursing home of the future.  I'm crankin' up the volume on the EAW speakers and hoping I can play the low and slow version of "Rocky Top", maybe as a waltz in the key of D.  What do ya think guys?  You up for it??  Come on, tune it up and kick it off ...

Bob Applegate