From Ray Redman, we have this remembrance/party review for Mr. Fish:
“Pat Lentz, Jon Gage, Heather Drury Leoncini and various JJB (Juggernaut Jug Band) supporters orchestrated a farewell party for Steve Drury AKA ‘The Amazing Mr. Fish’. It was standing room only for the majority of the night at the Park Restaurant at Slugger Field. The rain didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the jugband fans.
John Gage set up a humble PA and played a few songs. There was no speech, per Heather’s request. She wanted a party, not a wake. There was only music and a celebration of Fish’s life. A slide show of Fish’s world played quietly in the background .
Gage was followed by several other pickers whose names I didn’t catch. Ebenezer Primitive (Aviv Naamani and me) and a guest jug blower played for about an hour. Tinnius McPann (Alan Brock) and ‘The Pail’ fiddled away on a few Celtic tunes. Alan finished out with some old time tunes, accompanied by Joe Mooser on accordion.
There were several past members of the JJB. I overheard some great stories of past adventures. The current members of JJB were there but didn’t play. Mike Hoerni, Roscoe Goose and Chris Brandstatt played at Clifton’s Pizza last Friday and Saturday. The show went on at Clifton’s in spite of Fish’s death. Many came to offer their condolences that night.
The online guestbook displayed heartfelt condolences from as far away as Japan.
Fish was informed of the seriousness of his health condition last Thursday, I believe. He spent a few hours with Pat Lentz and John Gage. A blood disorder and liver complications made his condition untreatable. He passed away Saturday morning.
Waitin’ for that chicken pie to cool.”
