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RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Ted Silverman |
12/8/2009 7:20:45 AM |
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RIP Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to mention) You were and are dearly Loved!
Last night, December 7, 2009, a huge gathering of the musical cohorts and many friends of Rick Hendricks assembled at the Amnesia club, San Francisco's home of bluegrass and roots music, on Valencia Street in the heart of the Mission District.
Performances by many of the bands that Rick had played with over the last 30 years occured through this special evening. Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys kicked things off with an opening set that featured three tunes composed by Rick: "Coyote Meadow Stomp," (an instrumental), "Long Lonesome Day," the first song Rick ever penned with a guest solo by Kevin Johnson on Trombone and delivered on dobro and vocals by Jordan Klein, and a sing-along rendition of Rick's ode to Southern Bar-b-Que, "Johnson County." Belle Monroe printed up 100 flyers with the lyrics and urged the crowd to join in.
A marvelous poster (created by Misisipi Mike) of a smiling Rick Hendricks was blown up and mounted at the back of the stage and beamed over the assemblage all night long. The image served double duty as a collectible and very memorable poster and flyer for the event.
Other great acts included harmonica ace Steve Norris, a dozen or so members of the Cafe Babar Jugband, Ted Krauter and Friends, The Closet Cowboys, The Anchor Steam Hysters, The Jiffy Mellows (with special guest Misisipi Mike on guitar), and an epic performance by The Shut-Ins with Jordan Klein filling the very large musical shoes of Rick Hendricks on a Rickenbacker double neck Steel guitar.
In the midst of the celebration, well wishes and many toasts, Tom Drohan, bassist of the Brewglass Boys and Shut-ins as well as other bands to numerous and wonderful to mention announced that he had just received a call from the Hospice informing him that Rick had passed on. The celebratory vibration grew extremely somber and many a tear was shed (including many by this witness, and dear freind of Rick's).
After about 10 minutes of stunned group silence, the music and celebration of the life of Rick continued till the very wee hours of the following morning.
Huge thanks are due to Shawn McGee, owner and proprieter of the Amnesia for hosting. Belle Monroe (aka Pam Brandon) and Tom Drohan for organizing and managing the event. Misisipi Mike for the terrific promotional artwork. Mike & Anne Altman of the Iron Springs Pub & Brewery in Fairfax for donating more than enough beer to provide all the musician's with an ample backstage supply. And all the many musicians, friends, fans and loved ones of Rick who attended and made this shindig possible.
Rick will be missed by many many people and this gathering focused so much love and gratitude upon the man that I like to think we nudged him toward his peaceful passing in the greatest way possible.
Rest in Peace our dear musical Brother Rick!
Ted Silverman
SF, CA |
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RE: RIP in Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to mention) You were and are dearly Loved! |
| Larry Carlin |
12/8/2009 9:50:30 AM |
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Ted:
Wow...thanks for the sad news and the heartfelt words that I am sure had to be tough to write.
It is amazing that Rick passed while the tribute show was going on. There is something cosmic about this. Maybe he just had to get out of the hospice to -- at least in spirit -- join all of you at Amnesia...
Larry |
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RE: RIP in Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to mention) You were and are dearly Loved! |
| Big Hank |
12/8/2009 10:04:35 AM |
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I never had the opportunity of meeting Rick but my tears are genuine. What a moving announcement! I offer my heartfelt condolences to Rick's family and all of his friends, especially those that were in attendance for this amazing tribute. I have to agree with Larry; there was a very spiritual thing going on last night.
Godspeed Rick.
Henry |
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RE: RIP in Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to mention) You were and are dearly Loved! |
| Jeanie and/or Chuck |
12/8/2009 10:12:11 AM |
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We arrived and left early and missed the news about Rick. It's a sad day for all who knew him. Belle and the Brewglass Boys are one of the hardest working bluegrass bands in the region and I can't imagine how many folks enjoyed Rick's contributions to the band over the years.
It's a credit to the SF bluegrass community that so many, many people turned out for last night's tribute. Rick leaves behind a large musical legacy and many friends with good memories of him.
Chuck |
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RE: RIP in Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to mention) You were and are dearly Loved! |
| Michael Hall |
12/8/2009 11:36:25 AM |
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| A great guy...who left us too soon. |
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RE: RIP in Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to mention) You were and are dearly Loved! |
| Jordan Klein |
12/8/2009 12:41:56 PM |
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Thanks so much for writing this up, Ted. It was truly an amazing evening. I'm so glad that so many of Rick's friends and loved ones were together.
It has been a great honor and privilege to play music with Rick over the years. He was an inspiring, entertaining, soulful musician. He was an especially kind, thoughtful, and loving human being, with a great (and unique!) sense of humor. And he was a loyal friend. I will miss him dearly. |
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RE: RIP in Rick Hendricks (of bands to numerous to men |
| Ted Silverman |
12/8/2009 1:48:16 PM |
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I concur with all the kind words re Rick.
He truly was a one of a kind friend, human being and musician.
Last night was a very special send off and Rick's passing right in the midst of it was, as Larry commented - fairly cosmic.
By the way, while I am unsure of the total of whatever contributions came to the tip bucket last night, whatever was collected is being donated in Rick's Honor to the Coming Home Hospice at
115 Diamond St, San Francisco, CA 94114.
If you have any interest in contributing to the Hospice in Rick's memory I am sure Rick's Family and the Coming Home Hospice would be more than appreciative.
Thanks,
Ted Silverman
For the Brewglass Boys
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Darby Brandli |
12/8/2009 7:42:10 PM |
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| We met Rick many years ago through "Cowboy Jim" Hyatt (now of 5th String, Berkeley) and got to know him fairly well through the Strawberry Music Festival. Rick visited us several times twice a year during the Strawberry Festival and we "caught up" on everything going on in our life. Rick told us during the Labor Day Fest that things were turning for him but it didn't register with me (and I am a nurse). He was a lovely man, a lovely human being. This is all very sad. He was too young. He was lucky to have such a community around him. |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| J.D.Rhynes |
12/8/2009 10:20:56 PM |
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| Rick; I'll see you at the other camp. |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Jeanie and/or Chuck |
12/8/2009 10:45:24 PM |
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It just dawned on me that even in death Rick was a consummate show biz professional. His passing during his musical tribute was a superb example of timing. And like any good entertainer, he left the stage with the crowd begging for more.
Be at peace, my friend.
Chuck
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Ted Silverman |
12/9/2009 9:42:52 AM |
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I want to add to notes to this thread.
The tribute to Rick has so far raised nearly $800 to be contributed to the Coming Home Hospice in SF - which is a very positive sign of the love shown to Rick.
The other thing is - if my guesstimation is correct, Rick left us at the same approximate time that his 11 dear friends in the Cafe Babar Jug Band were performing an intensely heartfelt "I'll Fly Away."
That is, in the words of Larry Carlin, "truly cosmic."
T |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Belle Monroe |
12/9/2009 12:18:26 PM |
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I would like to thank all the people who came out on Monday night, and also who have sent kind words to me and to the band. After 10 years as a sextet, it's hard to comprehend we are now officially a quintet. Playing music with Rick for so long has left an indelible imprint. I'll still hear Rick's solos in my head in the songs we play. I'll think of him every time I see a bottle of Anchor! He loved his work, but didn't drink beer...
He was notorious for leaving quirky "love and God Bless" messages on the answering machine at odd hours. I sure wish I'd kept one of them. We'll miss you Rick.
Love, Belle. |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Bruce Campbell |
12/9/2009 3:32:25 PM |
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| I am thankful I had some fun times with Rick - he was a sweet man. |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Frank Buffum |
12/9/2009 10:15:49 PM |
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Monday's gathering was indeed something special. Rick's path to the next jam was lit by the love of his musical community. It was a blessing to all and surely to Rick. I was glad just to be in the room for a spell, hear Jordan sing the hell out of Long Lonesome Day, and sing out with everyone on Johnson County.
Frank |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Larue |
12/10/2009 12:11:09 AM |
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I had only learnt of Rick Hendrick's at a few Strawberry Music Fests this past 5 years or so.
He was always hangin out with his reso at a few haunts I frequented there.
As a dobro wanna be, he always had my ear.
I never approached him, at the fest, off the side, or after sets on Main Stage with Bell's Band.
I should have.
I had NO idea he was passing from us.
I DO understand now, he was known and loved by many.
Damn for his loss, and may he and his all be blessed as much as possible.
I always liked his music at the jam camps at BerryFest, where I knew him . . . .
Great tributes to him from those above . . . thanks for sharing all that folks.
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Tom Drohan |
12/10/2009 12:29:12 AM |
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Monday night we gathered to pay tribute to our friend Rick Hendricks. It was a very emotional night that took on a more profound meaning for us all when, halfway through the evening, we got the news he had died. I wanted to share some of it with folks who weren't able to come, or couldn't stay all night Together we created a remarkable event that said so much about how we all love Rick and how powerful we are as a community. Nine different groups (plus extra folks sitting in!) that all had a strong musical connection to Rick played their music for him. An enormous amount of people were crowded into Amnesia Bar. The event raised $755.00 for the Coming Home Hospice where Rick spent his final days.
The contributions were incredibly heartfelt and the moments to remember were endless. Shawn McGee opening the doors and saying - "forget bluegrass Mondays, tonite is for Rick." Belle and the Brewglass Boys joined by Kevin Johnson on Rick's "Long Lonesome Day" and the "Johnson County" sing-along with lyric sheets for all - great idea Pam! Steve Norris, who introduced me to Rick in 1991, giving a compact display of harmonica virtuosity. Doug Wiliford coming to video the event. The Babar Jug Band getting more people (was it 20?) on the Amnesia stage than have possibly ever been there before, and blowing us away with "I'll Fly Away." The tremendous amount of cooperation by all the musicians in getting on and off stage quickly in an extremely tight space and time frame. Ted Kratter and friends - a late addition, with "Catfish John" and the line that settled on you - "I was proud to be his friend." Misisipi Mike making a poster that just made me cry when I saw it. Jivano's Cutlery Service - I first met Jivano as he was holding Rick's hand at the hospice last Friday. It was a real treat to hear his music and think of Rick playing those tunes along with him. Russ Roesner snapping tons of photos, showing the best ones around. The Anchor Band - the fucking Anchor Band! - Horns! - these folks can party! - with the addition of Bay View Boat Club Bruno sitting in. Mike and Anne Altman from Iron Springs Pub in Fairfax - not only there in spirit but they sent beer along for all the musicians - how cool is that? The Jiffy Mellows with Misisipi Mike filling in on guitar (and doing a way better version of Rick's "Young Love" than the Shut-Ins ever did - I thought that was Rick's first tune, but someone said it was "Long Lonesome Day" - anybody know for sure?) Jimmy and Mark and everyone shared many deep, honest expressions of their feelings for Rick. Our sound man - sorry I didn't get his name - wrestling mics, etc., for an ever changing stage set up (nine bands - what a hassle!). Steve Dirkin and friends rocking out (with horns!) on "Dead Flowers." Pam showing up with a bigger-than-life-size poster of Rick to put onstage to oversee the proceedings. The Shut-Ins (more horns!) - astoundingly coherent given the hour - remembering the Rick songs: "Grandfather's Clock" and his own "Reno." Gayle Lynn singing "Norma Jean" with Jordan Klein playing Rick's licks right off the record. All of the hugs....
Most of all, it was incredible to be with so many of Rick's friends and loved ones when we heard the news he had died. Rick's daughter Kelsey was there, as were many, many long time friends like Dennis Montalto and Joe Byrnes and Rick's friend from the music community. As hard as the moment was when we heard the news, it was better to all be together.
Thanks to all the musicians and contributors for bringing so much. Overwhelmed and thankful, Tom Drohan |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Thomas Kingsley |
12/10/2009 2:40:13 PM |
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| you will be missed Rick... |
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Kevin B. Johnson |
12/10/2009 2:40:15 PM |
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Rick is, (and always will be) my best friend and was to be my best man
at my recent wedding but became too ill to attend.
I cannot imagine a more perfect evening and send-off for Rick that was on
Monday evening. I saw him on Sunday and thought that he would be gone
that day. It is amazing that he held on until Monday evening.
Rick always spoke very fondly of playing with the Brewglass Boys.
I felt that you were the best and most professional band that he has played with.
You all had the chemistry together where you came together with such powerful, and playful, music.
Also, I can see your deep respect and friendship you all shared with each other and Rick.
He would brag about your performances at Strawberry (which unfortunatly I
did not attend) and say about the wonderful responses you got from the audiences.
I would say,"I`m not surprised. Everyone can recognize greatness when they hear it!"
It was a great honor to be a part of the Tribute for Rick and wonderful to see all the
love that we shared for Rick.
I also will miss Rick`s phone calls at all hours that he would always sign off with,
GOD BLESS YOU!".
God Bless You my friend & brother...
Love,
Kevin.
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Cari Hendricks |
12/10/2009 3:13:38 PM |
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It's heartwarming and emotional to read the touching posts from Rick's friends. When David and I left the Hospice on Saturday, we both felt like Rick would wait until Monday night, during the tribute, to make the transition-- while you all were together. He was there with you. As Earl said, "Rick wouldn't miss a great party". He had great affection and tremendous love for you all-- his friends and fellow musicians.
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RE: RIP Rick Hendricks |
| Kevin Ferko |
12/18/2009 11:41:06 PM |
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Rick may have been small in stature but he was a giant in the hearts of many. Just the mention of his name brings a smile to my face and sends me back to the days of Boy Howdy and the Closet Cowboys. Rick was Uncle Duty back then sporting a long pony tail and doing what he did best, singing and paying with depth and soul. It's tragic and sad that his life ended this way but I am filled with the warmth that he left behind. Happy Trails my friend until we meet again.
your old pal,
Wells Ferko |
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