Classic Rock
Posted by Iris Harrison on February 1, 2010
The “Play or Die” Jam Benefit for Dub DeBrie was nothing short of amazing. Musicians from the Portland area, and ones who had even left town came back to play in this event to raise money for their friend who is fighting HIV. I was honored to be an MC for the event along with musician Lindsy Scott.
I wrote an earlier blog about Dub and Anne DeBrie and the event. If you haven’t read it yet, link here and catch up.
I keep trying to pinpoint my favorite part of the evening, and there are so many, that it’s hard to do.
When Norman Sylvester took the stage for a rousing version of “People Get Ready” with the house band, and Dub on guitar…well, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Or when there was about 6 guitars on stage for “The Sky is Crying” and all were phenominal, especially from Doug Rowell, who I used to follow from bar to bar when he was in Legend. Ah, those were the days! I adored that band. Doug is as amazing as ever.
The set with Dub’s dear friend Gary Ferreira (Fernando) got everyone on their feet. I knew that one would be special because they are such close friends, and I’ve seen “Nando” show up at many a jam.
When Melody Guy sang with Dub on guitar, it was like heaven had opened and let angels out to play.
“Mambo Kings” brought out the love in a big way. I can’t believe how many people claim it as “their song.” 
Hey, I thought it was MINE! It’s that freakin’ good. Why this was never a huge national hit just mystifies me. People were dancing and telling stories about how special that song was to their various relationships. 
I’ve heard Dub refer to Saturday night as “date night” in the clubs, and with that perfect song that he wrote, it’s sure to have sparked many a romance. Once when I was watching him at Rich’s Kitchen, I audibly sighed at the end of the song, and the woman in the table next to me leaned over and said “I know….”
There were so many memorable moments in the jam last night, with musicians weaving in and out of sets, highlighting one or two artist at a time. 
They would then step back into the role of side player…seamlessly. The selections included familiar favorites, blues, and original DeBrie tunes. The thing that cut through the most, was this intense love for the music from each artist, and their love for the man they were there to honor…Dub.
Dub took the stage at several times through the evening. His wife, and musical partner, Anne said that he wasn’t feeling well last night, and he was feeling better when he was playing because the music distracts him from the pain. So he played…quite a bit. Conroy DeBrie finished up the evening with some originals, and much to our delight, when the crowd started yelling PINBALL…he grabbed the acoustic guitar and said “this is the last time we’re going to do this one.” HA! He says that everytime he plays it. Dub launching into “Pinball Wizard” would have made Pete Townshend himself proud.
Dub thanked everyone for coming, and Anne made the comment that “we’d like to do this again next year.” The crowd went nuts. Dub said he will do his best to be here, and promised to keep fighting. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from the “miracle man.”
There was a professional film crew there last night and from what I understand it will be turned into a DVD. I’m so glad! While it was a night that will live in my memory, it’s nice to be able to hear it again…and again.
As for Dub, the love from the room was great medicine last night. He’s given us so much through his music over the years, I only hope we were able to give it back in kind.
I love ya Iris, you did a fantastic job for my friend. I will never forget the night.So much talent ,so much respect, and so much love.My best to you, and Marty. I love you guys. Gary Anthony Fernando Ferreira
Comment by GaryFerreira FERNANDO — February 2, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Thank you so much for your part in the Dub event. It was amazing. Such incredible talent in Portland. I’ve only just recently met Dub and Ann but the giving heart he has is so apparent. Jetta Smith
‘
Comment by jetta — February 2, 2010 @ 3:10 pm
Really wish we could have made it up to Portland for this one! We love his music, have a couple CD’s thanks to Perry Hyde who introduced us to his friends great talent. Sadly, we did not partake in this one but hoping to snag a CD when it’s released. Dub, we won’t miss the next one, promise! We love all that you give. Please, please, keep it comming. Jan & Randy
Comment by Jan & Randy Cox — February 2, 2010 @ 6:09 pm
Iris, I sang Mambo Kings that magical night, it was an honor! I believe Dub is our hidden jewel of the Northwest, so much quality and variety in what he writes and performs! We need to find him a place to set up his equipment, leave it, and let us go to him and support him as long as he’s willing to play for us! Thank You for being there for Dub, I’ve listened to you for years, enjoy you very much! Chuck Seggerman
Comment by Chuck Seggerman — February 9, 2010 @ 8:40 am
Thank you Iris for all that you have given to make the benefit for DUB A HUGE HAPPENING !!!!! To type the least…..
RICH’S KITCHEN NO PLACE LIKE IT . Dub was and has been one of the main
influences in my playing career. I remember going to play and sing at Rich’s in 1991 and brought an electric guitar to use after I finished playing
Dub said to me ” you should play more acoustic guitar” and I did and still do. As I said at the benefit
Dub was ALWAYS gracious to share the stage at RICH’S and
MAKE YOU SOUND YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST.
Dub would scan the room and then would say your name to come up to
PLAY OR DIE at THE WET SPOT LOUNGE .
I would bring my guitar and voice and step 6 inch up onto the stage
that special corner of world where the music was
alive and and the beat hot , musicians tucked in tight ,
and Dub would say what songs do you want to do ?
I would would draw on a bar napkin some songs I wanted to do
and let Dub pick 2 out of 3 out of 5 I was ready to perform .
I would print the letters MR. and then draw a soul of a shoe for Mr Soul.
I had bands from when I was 14 till intomy 20s on back in New Jersey and we played
Green Wood lake New York , the Jersey Shore ,battle of the bands , proms, dances , I’ve had bands here in Portland
and these days play , sing and perform mostly a single act
and cover a ton of John Prine from 60s up but I must say
that night of the benefit when I walk up on that stage and Dub introduced me
like he has done many times before it was Deja Vu ‘all over again’.
It was
A COSMIC RICH’S KITCHEN
and for me the BEST PERFORMANCE I ever gave
with the best musicians I have ever played with the best sound system , the best stage
for THE BEST DUB DEBRIE
Thank you ,
Michael Cosentino
Mr. Soul
.Lyrics Analysis of “Mr. Soul”
Mr. Soul by Neil Young
——–
Oh, hello Mr. Soul, I dropped by to pick up a reason
For the thought that I caught that my head is the event of the season
Why in crowds just a trace of my face could seem so pleasin’
I’ll cop out to the change, but a stranger is putting the tease on.
I was down on a frown when the messenger brought me a letter
I was raised by the praise of a fan who said I upset her
Any girl in the world could have easily known me better
She said, You’re strange, but don’t change, and I let her.
In a while will the smile on my face turn to plaster?
Stick around while the clown who is sick does the trick of disaster
For the race of my head and my face is moving much faster
Is it strange I should change? I don’t know, why don’t you ask her?
Comment by michael cosentino — February 13, 2010 @ 9:58 am
[...] night. What an honor! Amazing music and friends who showed up to help out their friend, Dub! Click here to find my earlier blog of the [...]
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