It’s hard to believe 30 years have passed since the closing of Sweetwater, but here we are.  When I contemplated this landmark, there was only one scenario that inspired me to put on the “Full Circle” concert, which was to bring back the “Sweethearts of the Rodeo” for one more set. For me the Sweetwater experience actually started at the Strawhat Pizza Parlor the first time I walked in and heard the sisters singing with our dear departed friend JB Crabtree at the Pedal Steel guitar.  Fortunately, in recent years I had been in touch with Janis, and when I approached her, she was excited by the idea. The girls have a new cd release entitled “Restless” and they are ready to roll with a new band that includes Al Perkins of Flying Burrito Bros. fame. One listen to the “Restless” cd assured me the Sweethearts were in top form and would make the 30th an unforgettable experience.

We are incredibly happy to announce the addition of Vince Gill to the show. Vinnie was an integral part of Sweetwater musically, and it is fitting he take part in the festivities. He will be joining us for a bluegrass set with Allen, Geno & Dennis Fetchett as well as sitting in with the Sons of the South Bay for some good ol' jammin'. If you don't know all about Vince Gill, let me ask where have you been?

     Opening the show will be Laura Sinclair Carlson always a Sweetwater favorite.  Laura also has a new cd release called “Remembering House,” which is perhaps her best songwriting effort ever inspired by her friendship with the Lakota Sioux healer Basil Braveheart.  Her band will include; Ramona, Jeff Wilson (Pure Prairie League), Allen Wald (Sundance), Gene Libbea (Nashville Bluegrass Band) and Rich Wenzel who recorded the cd.  The opening set will include a couple of acoustic numbers from Michael Shuler of Lt. Elmo & The Radio Bandits.

         Closing the show will be an electric set from “The Sons of the South Bay,” which includes; Gary Ferguson, Todd Robinson, Jeff Wilson, Rich Wenzel, Bobby Tsukamoto and yours truly.  The Sons also have a new cd release entitled “Old Friends,” which is packed with R&B favorites.  Leonard Arnold from Blue Steel and his wife Kristine will join the Sons for a few numbers.

         Sweetwater founder John Campbell will be the Master of Ceremonies and longtime manager Richard Stacey will be on duty.

          Needless to say we are all looking forward to this event and I encourage you to order your tickets immediately, as there is no telling how long they will last and there is only one show.

Jim Conroy