July 4th, 2004
Dave and Maggies Backyard BBQ party - San Francisco, CA

Great night.

Big softball game kicked this whole annual party off. Karen couldn't make it, but in her absence, Mark did her proud by winning MVP!! He's my star. Then everyone headed over to the house to begin one of the funnest parties we've been to in a LONG long time!!

Karen's from Chicago, and every year for the Fourth of July, they have a huge fireworks display downtown over Lake Michigan, and the orchestra plays along in sync with the pops and the bangs...the oohs and the ahhhs.

Well this party reminded me of home. We played as the night hit it's peak. Where folks were frisky, and freezing (it gets cold sometimes in the ol' mission). But as we hit our stride, a few courageous cats started lighting fireworks that were amazingly well-timed to our cymbal crashes, and crazy crunches. Neat!!

A neighbor lady read the Declaration of Independence and the bill of Rights in honor of the holiday. If you haven't heard this stuff since you were a kid like us, check it out sometimes. It's pretty cool cuz it makes a lot more sense now.

Kareoki (sp?) in the basement after the bands were done. GOOD times.

Grilled meat...and sweet corn...beer...tequila...and great people.

Six Million Dollar Band played (with Chris M from Griddle sitting in on drums....AMAZING!!!!), and so did Marshmellow - the all-girl Japanese pop band.

Thanks Dave and Maggie. It was great!