A lot can happen in ten years. Some friends are no longer with us; some groups are no longer with us; some businesses are not longer with us. It was a little over ten years ago when Montgomery College began working with Twister Communications in Conroe to consider becoming Twister’s corporate university. It was at a luncheon meeting that Dale Armet and I got off the topic and began talking about the Blues. One thing lead to another and we called a few Blues people to meet with us on the topic of forming an organization called, Friends of The Blues – Montgomery County (FOB). As they say, “the rest is history.”
Although, as an organization sponsoring an educational series at the College, called appropriately, “The Blues Series,” we only existed for a little more than three years. When the series ended, the reasons were several, but paramount among them was the death of A.J. Murphy, a founding member of FOB. Although we didn’t realize it until after his death, A.J. was the glue that our loose-net organization together.
Francine Murphy @ Veteran's Cemetery on Veteran's Day, 2008
Much has changed in ten years, however much remains the same. In our own ways we continue to support the Blues and live music. There’s not a day without something reminding each one of us about FOB and A.J. Murphy, so when Joy and I decide to host a dinner for some of “The Friends,” it was super that Francine Murphy was able to attend. A fun evening was had buy all, and as always, A.J.’s spirit was in the house.
kenne
AWESOME!! It was a wonderful evening, great food, great friends and lots of music and conversation. Thanks.
Can’t say much more than Mary’s comment. Kenne, you captured the evening so well. Me eating, and eating…oh and the video camera was great and the sound was very cool. Good job! Texas Blues/ A Retrospective was a cool series and lasted so much longer than we ever imagined. I hope to post some of the guests we were blessed with the best!!! Thanks for a wonderful visit to the past. It’s not true that you can never go back. We did!!!
It’s hard not to have a fun evening when you have “real” friends! Our only regret was not having more Blues friends, ten years out. The evening was FOBulous! Just FOBulous!
Ohhhh, I would have loved to attend this event! Sorry I missed out. My name is Melanie and I’m better known as “AJ’s daughter”.
Glad you all had a great time and thanks for honoring my dad.
So glad you found my blog entry. As you know, your dad was a very important part of the Friends of the Blues – Montgomery County when we were active in the early part of this decade. We continue to miss him, which will always be the case. The gathering was small since it was not easy to get in touch with many of those who were part of staring up FOB. Now that I have your email, I will let you know of any future plans. Again, so nice to hear from you.
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