Thought on the Slim the Drifter Tribute Show - By N.L. Belardes

Mysterious photo of Jon Harte of the Californian hard at work

I had a good time at the Slim the Drifter show last night. The best moment? Giving Slim’s widow, Debbie, a hug. She knows why.

I never knew Slim, but I almost cried right then. She seemed genuinely happy about all the great music and people getting together for the event

Friends, family and Bakersfield area musicians from a wide range of musical backgrounds packed the house before the show even began.

And that’s in a city where first acts usually perform to a sparse crowd.

Fishlips is a great venue, and even though I arrived ten minutes early, I couldn’t get a table. I didn’t mind. I hung out at Willieboy’s corner. He knew Slim the Drifter back at West High.


Jean E.


Dave W.






Monty Byrom


Spoken Word Poet

Other moments that were really great: seeing Dave Wulfekeuhler sing, and Jean Erraserrett sound just like Slim; Three Chord Whore performing for about two minutes of hard rock, and my kids in Black Dog. I enjoyed when Lando, after playing a slow song he wrote for Slim, said, “I can see you’re all falling asleep” and then he and his brother, Jordo, who plays a mean violin, kicked into their duo-rendition of Wilco’s “Acuff Rose”. Monty Byrom even tapped his foot a couple of times.


Willieboy


Lando


Black Dog


Lando

More favorite moments included Monty Byrom singing a song off the Guilty Ten, and then borrowing Lando’s guitar for some acoustic blues.

Lots of original music on a night of many Slim the Drifter songs. Chuck Seaton and Billy Russell sang their own original Slim tribute song. It was just as good as Lando’s and Jean’s.


Always hot Darcie of Three Chord Whore

My family capped off the night with a trip to Zingo’s, the location for part of Slim the Drifter’s video for “Ballad of Bill.”

The biscuits and gravy always rock.


What's for supper?


Zingo


Jordo

Now read my short history of Slim the Drifter.

This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on Thursday, June 28, 2007. You can leave your response.