I know it's been a while since I last posted, and I apologize to everyone for that...it had been a hectic few weeks trying to get everything together for the Fishlips event.

We kicked things off on Saturday, July 21st around 7:00 PM with Chrisanova, a Bakersfield resident who happens to be a former co-worker of my mom, and a couple of my Kidney Team members as well.  People from all over Bakersfield began coming into Fishlips almost immediately.  When I arrived shortly before 7:00, I wanted to see the "Back To The Future" Car which was already parked outside in the adjacent parking lot.  I went, took several photos individually and with a couple groups of people who I knew.  It's true everyone...this IS the best replica of the car from the movies.  In fact it's so good that Paul (the car owner) had been down to Jay Leno's house just last week to show it off...in case you didn't know, Jay is a huge car buff and owns probably between 50-100 classic cars. 

After a few minutes in the hot sun looking at the car, I went back inside where Fat Daddy Blues was beginning to play their music set.  I decided to begin making my rounds to everyone who was there (it was pretty full by then already).  A few people were actually suprised that I had come to personally thanked them for coming to support me.  I really was shocked at this because it only seemed like a good, natural thing for me to do.  One gentleman told me that he had attended several benefits before and that I was the first one to personally thank him for coming...I couldn't believe this!  I was raised to thank everyone for helping me and be appreciative...it's just the polite thing to do...especially when I realize that these people don't even know me (most of them) and that they are not obligated to this for me.  Along the way of thanking everyone, I did run into several people I had not seen in some time...in a couple of cases, in years!  I was so happy that everyone was there.  After some time of talking to people, I decided it was time to relax and enjoy some music.  I talked with several friends, gave a couple TV interviews and had a great time.  Finally, I went on stage to thank everyone...which actually was one of the hardest times I've had publicly with voicing how I felt, etc.  I was literally speechless because I had not expected the turnout we had.

Following my speech, Twenty Years After took the stage.  Now, I had seen these guys before, and I think they're great!  They have become good friends of my family and they are really the ones who stepped up and volunteered to be the first band to sign on and volunteer their time.  Jean Erassarrert was a huge proponent in helping us get the other bands...so thanks Jean!  Before I move on, I forgot to mention that we had about 40 raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing to do in between each band...that many giveaways was awesome! 

Follwing 20 Years After, we had a couple other local bands that played rock, followed by country. 

 Finally, at 2:00 AM, the event was over, we the Kidney Team thanked Fishlips, the remaining supporters and the bands.  It was a great night of fun, friendship and something I will never forget.  Thanks to everyone for coming!!