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All of the people we have been working with these nine years have been so giving and gracious in their contributions, that we would like to link their web sites. However, most of the people and businesses that have been so generous to donate equipment, services and facilities to this event, do not have a web presence — that we know of. Of course, we would be more than happy to post links as our little way of giving back. In the mean time, since we were not able to afford programs this year, we're posting Kenn's annual thank you's and acknowledgments here. Read on, friends.

Today is a day where I didn't want to do anything. I woke up with a pulled muscle in my left shoulder. Funny, all the physical therapy and electromagnetic treatments in the world can't seem to stem the tide of this nagging, annoying pain. I watched the Giants squeak by the 'Boys (go, Big D!), threw a heating pad on and hoped the pain would go away. I switched over to the Jets game. I'm a big Jets fan, but at this point I actually find myself rooting for the Pats (ugh!) 'cause I want "Gang Green" to get the #1 pick in next year's NFL draft. (Please God, if you're listening, all I want for Christmas is Reggie Bush in a green jersey.  Come on, man!) Damn. Still more pain. I stuffed down a chicken cutlet, with tons of mayo, on a roll. Later tonight I'll have rehearsal with The Baghdaddios. One week to go before Blank-Fest and I'm still not feeling the whole Holiday Spirit thing. I'm in a bad mood and I really could care less. 

I haven't felt like myself lately. Maybe it's all the hours in the office; maybe it's all the late nights when either playing shows, rehearsing or networking all over NYC. Not quite sure. I can only imagine how my Ol' Man must have felt, slagging away at two jobs for over 30 years — getting up before the sun came up and strapping on his work boots knowing that he wouldn't know the comfort of his warm bed until well after midnight. And this he endured day after day, with no end in sight, for what seemed like a life sentence. Now THAT was a man.  And here I am complaining like a complete wuss. 

And then I thought about the life sentence that some people have — a lifetime condemned to unrelenting heat in the summer and unbearable cold in the winter — with no foreseeable end in sight. They suffer, they starve, they get sick -- they die. It's just not fair. 

And that is why we drag ourselves out of bed, the comfort of our homes, trek on down (or, in my case, up) to Nyack this one Sunday out of the year and throw this amazing collection of talent together (or in most of your cases: come on out to witness this amazing collection of talent) — and collect those precious blankets. Just like someone like me takes my relatively easy life for granted, I think we all have a tendency to forget how comparatively good we have it. Sure, our teams might lose, we can't seem to lose those 5 or 10 extra pounds, the guy next door got the office with the window and our bills are pretty staggering, but, for the most part, we know where our next meal comes from and we know that -- when the B.S. of yet another rat-race day is over -- we have a roof over our heads, running water, heat and all the creature comforts we need to live a good life.

The homeless don't.  It's that simple.

This concert series started on whim, a whim based on a dream -- a fervent hope that someday I'd be able to walk the streets of the greatest City of the greatest country in this world and not see a man or a woman laying in a cardboard box, huddled under a pile of soiled blankets. I dream of a day when I can get the New York Post for the sports scores and while turning the pages to get to the story not happen across a two paragraph blurb about somebody's son, aunt, daughter or grandpa found by a Department of Sanitation worker, their life snuffed out because their story was lost on mankind, simply falling through the cracks. Gone forever. And no one gives a damn.

Whether you realize it or not, you, by being here to read this, DO give a damn. I thank you for that. Frankly, there are so many people to thank that there wouldn't be enough room on the pages of this programme. But I'll try. 

Every year for the past 7 years the ownership of Bruxelles opens their doors and does their best to always make us feel at home — they encourage us, oftentimes throwing more than our fair share of complimentary meals and drinks our way. And their commitment to us and our cause doesn't end once the bright lights are turned off and the crowds have all gone away. For the next several days after the show, they are nothing short of magnanimous in continuing to collect blankets from those who couldn't make it to the show, in procuring a vehicle for us to distribute the blankets and, in short, giving us that little pat on the back we need to keep going. This is something that starts right at the top, from ownership, right on down through the waitresses, bartenders and bouncers. No, I still don't know all your names — so if I miss someone here please forgive me — but to everyone connected with Bruxelles over the years: Dave McGoldrick, Walt, Chuck Debruyn, Wally, Sean, and Keith (yes, even that damned Dolphins fan who always busts my hump); I thank you from the bottom of my rock 'n roll heart.

The regulars at the club, including the many musicians who populate the stage area on Sunday nights for the always-engaging "Sunday Night Live" open mic nights continue to hang out in the place even though Blank-Fest has a weird way of taking over and bringing in a sea of strangers.  Many a club's patrons would retreat to the safety of a neighbouring bar — but the people that hang here are a reflection of the class act that the club typifies. Again, there are so many among them that I'm bound to forget names but I would be remiss if I didn't mention Kevin Lacy and his lovely wife, Marla who have pitched in many a year for sound and stage help.  The same should be said of Lance M. who isn't usually slated to help, but stops by and pitches in nearly every year.  This year we have the extra added insurance of having backup equipment and expertise lent by Chuck Garabedian, the multi-talented front-person (like the way I tactfully put that?) of one of this year's acts, Temptress. Temptress is a national act and Chuck G. does NOT have to travel here from New England with everything he owns in tow to help us. He does so out of the kindness of his heart. Ditto to Bart Cennammo who will be in the middle of everything, soundwise — from providing equipment to lending a hand with the sound. For all of the above I gratuitously bow in thanks to you all.

Of course, I would never let the occasion pass without a nod toward the main supplier of our amps and backline: if you ever need anything even remotely connected with guitars, amps or P.A. equipment do not hesitate to go to Harvey, Kevin and the rest of the crew at Alto Music. They are consummate professionals and generous to a fault. They truly understand the true meaning of "giving 'til it hurts." The same goes for Nyack's own Long Island Drum Center, who will be supplying the house kit. They never bat an eye when asked, they simply step up and answer the bell. Again, a truckload of thanks to y'all.

Gary Pelligrino always generously donates the lights and — when he doesn't have a pressing family or business commitment is here pitching in with the manning thereof. At this writing, I have yet to approach him, but if you're standing here today and see a great light show — well, you'll know whom to thank.  He does this for no other reason than his generous heart.  Again, Gary whether or not you're able to represent this year — the fact that you've done so the last several years is enough to suffice for a lifetime.  Thank you, my friend.

Over a decade ago, I dated a talented, beautiful, aspiring actress named Kristina Latour. Despite all that we're STILL friends. Last year she brought in a Manhattan Neighborhood Network video camera and captured the essence of this event for an MNN broadcast documentary which, thanks to the wonders of the Internet, was viewable the world over. Folks from L.A., South America, London, Paris and New Zealand were able to see the effort that we began, way back in 1997 — practically in a vacuum. For helping to spread the word and make Blank-Fest a Nyack-born tradition that we ALL can be proud of, I thank you.

Naturally there is no Blank-Fest without the bands and I am running out of room here, but space issues be damned: every one of you deserve a cross between a Grammy and the Congressional Medal of Honor — every one of ya, from the local faves who took time out of their busy schedules, to national acts like Patti Rothberg and Temptress, to bands like Crankbox, who drove out here direct from Cincinnati, and Warrior Poetes, who drove out from Connecticut, for their "20 minutes of fame" and everyone in between — your participation this year, as in every year, is valued more than mere words here can describe.  Thank you for putting aside your own personal feelings, egos and schedules and making this all possible.

We always say that Blank-Fest is about the homeless, nothing more, nothing less. So true. With that in mind, I turn my attention to the dozens of volunteers who help me hand out the blankets that we collect at each of these shows. Last year's generosity was beyond belief — people pitching in, not just with precious time away from their families and loved ones on the Eve of the Holiday but some in pitching in with their vehicles. Special kudos to the band Cheatin' Soccer Mom who gave me the keys to their touring van at the very last minute. For everyone who pitched in to help those in need, I salute you.

There are three generous people who are conspicuous by their absence but who deserve thanks nevertheless. Jo Brown managed The Baghdaddios from 2002 until earlier this year. She also served as Chairperson of Blank-Fest at that same time. She helped hold everything together, dotting our i's and crossing our t's. Her tireless effort and support help chaperone this event from 119 donations the year before to the over 650 donations that last year's concert netted. This unprecedented growth was not accidental. Jo, even though you're no longer part of this event, you are still part of our family and I thank you still, for everything you've done.

Joe D'Urso is, along with The Baghdaddios and Chuck DeBruyn, one of the founding acts of this endeavour. But Joe is not just a talented musician, great songwriter and inspired performer — he also threw his entire organization's collective might behind getting the word out about this annual celebration. He's championed our cause since its inception and performed at every one — except this year. Unfortunately, his touring schedule mandated missing this year's show — the first in nine years. And yet, in his latest mass email to his worldwide following, he still found the time and room to mention this very event. As always, even if he's not here in person, Joe D'Urso is here in spirit. Thank you, Joe, you are truly a friend and we are the better for knowing you! Merry Christmas, my dear friend!

John Sidoti was a member of The Baghdaddios from 1993 until 1996 and again from 1997 until 1998, being a participant in the very first Blank-Fest. He left us to move to Milwaukee, having found his soul mate in his lovely wife, Ann. Since then, he's come back to visit, I've attended his wedding, we speak periodically on the phone and he's even sat in on bass for our 9/11 show at C.B.'s 313 Gallery in 2003 and played with us at the Midpoint Music Festival, that same year. This year, he intended to fly out with his wife and four kids for what we had planned as a "classic Baghdaddios" lineup reunion. By "classic" we meant all four members who had played on the group's first CD, "Willie Horton Hears A Who." Unfortunately, this was not to be. Two nights ago, I received a phone call from Ann informing me that John was laid up at the local hospital with a burst appendix. Thankfully, John is going to make a full and complete recovery. But, obviously, our "reunion" will have to wait 'til next year. It's moments like these that put everything into perspective. I'm just thankful that we'll have a 2nd chance. Just know that we'll be carrying you in our hearts, John. Our love to you, always.

OK, just a few more "thank yous" and you can go back to your beer.........

Pete and Cassandra Loos live in Nacogdoches, Texsas. My former babysitter is now a proud professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin University and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure our country's marshlands and ecosystem are preserved. He's also still a dear friend and an unabashed Baghdaddios fan. He's helped sponsor several shows for our band down in his adopted state and he's attended a couple of Blank-Fest shows in the past. This year, he and his wife are flying in JUST to attend — and, like last year, he has generously agreed to help me squire equipment from Alto Music and Long Island Drum Center back and forth, cart blankets from Bruxelles to my parents' garage and helped out in any small or large way he can. As one of my oldest and most loyal consorts I am speechless and humbled in my open admiration for a man I'm proud to call my friend and the wonderful woman that he's chosen to share his life with. 

After last year's Blank-Fest, we decided that the event was too important to leave the stage management to amateurs i.e. US. So we placed an ad on CraigsList.org for a professional stage manager to volunteer his or her time for the entire day. Almost immediately, Johny Lashley answered the "call." With extensive experience at popular New York City clubs such as Nuyorican, Shine, Joe's Pub and SOB's, he marked the date for this very event on his calendar months in advance by simply saying, "Count me in." So for volunteering to keep our event running smoothly, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Johny. You are a prince among men.

Chuck DeBruyn has been with me on this concert from the very beginning — from that cold night when I shuffled into Bruxelles and he reminded me of the idea I had for this concert over a cold mug to this very moment. He has been my most vocal and ardent supporter and his contribution in every aspect has been nothing less than an inspiration.  In the concert's 2nd year he actually brought a group of people — the customers and staff from his own establishment — to a rival bar, solely for the benefit of Blank-Fest. Chuck, no matter where your life takes you, no matter what the future brings, whether or not you are materially involved with Blank-Fest or not, you will always be #1 in my book. There's not enough good that I can say about Chuck DeBruyn. Thank you Chuck for being my friend and for being Blank-Fest's best friend!

Finally, the old proverbial "last but not least": we have a brand new Chairperson for this concert series. Her name is Mary Beth Seacott and she has, probably, the hardest job of all. That job consists of dealing with me — and trust me, that is NOT easy. There are times when a lesser person would have walked away -- no make that RAN -- screaming.  That's not our M.B. She's dealt with contacting groups, scheduling, booking equipment, getting press releases out, poster and website design. She's put up with my increasing demand of "more, more, more" even when she's unemployed and bill collectors are crawling up her backside -- sometimes shunning paying freelance graphic art jobs to not only take care of this concert but also in helping me run my band. For all the car rides, for all the late nights out at clubs, for all the time logged on countless websites and for the hundreds of emails sent -- for all of this and more -- and for never once stopping to take a bow, ask for thanks or even for one red cent, I am thoroughly and profoundly grateful. You are my greatest ally and Blank-Fest is unequivocally in your debt.

Thank you Mary Beth, thank you all for your friendship, love and continued support. I am but just another failed musician without you. To say anything less would be a cold lie. 

Remember: never give up. It's absolutely a matter of life and death. 

Kenn Rowell

New York, NY

8:54 PM, December 4, 2005