When Marty and I first moved to Tualatin in the early 90’s, we discovered the cool little bar that was upstairs at Rich’s Kitchen.  The establishment was housed in the old brick train station building, and downstairs served incredible food in a very intimate setting.  After dinner one time we wandered upstairs and were just blown away by the band.  Specifically the lead singer and guitar player, Dub DeBrie.  There was this funny picture of Dub, looking very much like Buddy Holly, by the door where you would turn to go upstairs.  I think we saw the picture a couple of times and said “we should go check this out” before we actually did.  (I asked Dub about that picture and where it went, and he said that when Rich’s closed they barely had notice or time to get equipment out, so who knows what happened to that picture…I wish I had it!) We adopted it as our local hangout when we were in the mood for live music and didn’t want to drive far.  Marty became friends with the bartender and his brother, and we loved the various talents that would show up on Thursday nights to jam with Dub.  It was sort of like an upstairs version of “Cheers” and after a while when Dub got to know Marty, he would tell him hello from the stage.  It was just the best and coolest place to hang out and watch music.  Plus, Dub won me over with his one man Who medley.  I’m serious!  This still gives me the chills.  It’s become this huge joke that every time Dub does The Who thing, he says it’s the last time…and it takes a hell of a lot of energy to do it, but it’s amazing.  Sorry, Dub, but I’m one of the ones who will not stop requesting it!

One night when we went to watch the jam session, we noticed a beautiful woman who Dub brought up on stage to sing and there was this…chemistry happening.  Her name was Anne Kessler and she made Marty melt with her version of The Savoy.  She’s now Anne DeBrie, so we were right about the chemistry.  She still makes Marty melt with that song.

Well, times and places change, and the band became Conroy-DeBrie (that’s for Tony Conroy who is one of the most wonderful people you’ll ever meet), Rich’s Kitchen closed (they even moved the building a few feet back from the road and it’s been refurbished), and for a long time the Country Inn hosted the Thursday “Play or Die” sessions.  Then last year, that stopped too, so it’s moved around a bit, but the session is still one of the hottest gigs in town.  Through the years some of the players have come and gone, but it’s all about Dub, really.  He’s the one who puts the jam together so that  this cohesive amazing thing happens between musicians on stage.  

Let me back up 10 years.  I was putting together a surprise party for one of Marty’s birthdays and I thought how cool it would be to have Dub play at the event.  By the way, I’m a terrible event planner, but I figure if you get the music right, it’s a success.  So, I called, and hired the band to play.  It was amazing.  Best surprise party EVER! 

Then 3 years ago, after getting back to work from my medical leave (stupid cancer…) I wanted to do something for the Children’s Cancer Association, so we planned a lunch at Outback Steakhouse in Tualatin.  When I thought of who would do the music, there was no question who I wanted…Conroy-DeBrie.  God bless ‘em, they said yes when I asked if they would get up early on a Saturday in November and do the gig.  The event was awesome and raised close to $11,000 for the kids.

Now there’s another call going out, and it’s from me to you.  Join me at:

The Dub DeBrie
Play or Die Benefit
“…the jam session of a lifetime”

The music, powerful vocals, and masterful
guitar of Portland’s legendary Dub DeBrie
have captured the hearts of thousands, letting
them know, “they are not alone.” As Dub fights
his final battle with AIDS, it is time for his fans
to let him know… he is not alone. Please join
us to raise funds for medical bills and living
expenses in… the jam session of a lifetime.

Date: Sunday, January 31, 2010
Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Roseland Theater*
Tickets: $25.00
Tickets available starting 1/13/10
www.ticketswest.com or call 503-224-2038

*8 NW 6th Ave, Portland www.roselandpdx.com

I’m one of the MC’s for the evening, and count on the fact that it will be jammed with talent.  For more information, go to the band’s website:

www.debrie.com where you can also BUY THEIR CD’s! 

A must-have for your collection is “The Cheese Stands Alone” which features one of my favorite romantic songs of all time which is a Dub original ”The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love.”  My God!  I’ve always wondered why he titled the “Cheese” album the way he did, but you have to admit, that childhood phrase does make a smile crawl across your face, doesn’t it?  Oh, and “Three Piece Jukebox” has “Bolero Fernando” on it.  LOVE that one too.  Plus you’ll find Anne’s solo album, and one of the best Christmas albums ever.  Seriously.  It’s a seasonal favorite of mine.  Go.  Shop!

Want To Jam With Dub?

      Jammers are welcome. To participate in the
      jam session you must pre-register. Please call
      Eric Williams at 503-516-5674. 

Host Band:
Eric Williams-Band Leader

Gary Ferreirs, Lindsy Scott, Jon Prince, Tony Conroy, Todd Strait, Carlton Jackson, and many of your favorite Jammers, old and new…PERHAPS even YOU!

Other:
50/50 Raffle, Comedian, & Memorabilia Raffle.

All I can say is that this man, this beautiful musician and dear friend has a terrible disease and I want to do all that I can to help with this event.  Let’s come together and do something wonderful, like Dub has done for others over the years.  Even if it was just to lift your spirits at Rich’s Kitchen for one night, we’re all better because he is in our world.  I adore Dub, Anne and Tony, and I think we will all be in for a very special evening.  Make your plans now!  I’ll see you there.  With bells on.

Iris