Epic Fourth of July

Often a large group of us gather up East Canyon at a private "resort" known simply as The Ranch. The 4th of July weekend is usually a good weekend for this gathering, and an excuse for adults (by now geezers) to behave badly. No exception this year, but there was a big surprise that involved a live band, big sound, flashing lights, and a laser show...thanks to Joe Q and his Honda generators.

(click on pics for a larger image)

On the 3rd, campers and musicians began gathering... lots of good acoustic sessions as the beers came out of the coolers.


Newcomer Rod and his twelve string worked well with Bill and his Taylor.


Note George's tiny mandolin. George knows a zillion obscure old timey tunes, which endeared him to Harry who also loves those old tunes.

This weekend marked a couple of birthdays, adding to the celebration. Harry, and also Bobby D., for whom no ranch task is ever complete (as long as Marsha keeps the drinks flowing).




Others just lazed...


Then there was the bad nap hair... (but great smile!)


And a beautiful sunset brought an end to Independence Day eve (not really, everyone just moved to the campfire for serious drinking and serious BS, along with a rousing performance by the scum chorus... no pictures or recordings survived the tequila onslaught).


The morning of the Fourth began with an appropriate patriotic tribute...


As the participants tried to limit themselves to maintenance doses of inebriates throughout the day, final preparations were made for the night's activities, with the trucks rolling in carrying sound and light gear and the musicians instruments. A tent platform was transformed into the Dirty Dog Saloon!


George and Rosemary got the night's entertainment started (aided by Esther's vocals), and slowly the crowd gathered.




Then the headliners came out, a loose affiliation of musicians from many bands over the years such as Cow Jazz and the Bar X Barflys... for tonight, the Dirty Dog Allstars...



And a shot of the band with the dirty dog himself...


The audience was immediately appreciative (although, obviously, the drinking was taking it's toll), and between sets we visited with several VIPs in attendance.




Rachel and David above have started a nifty new magazine: Edible Wasatch. Available at restaurants and store around town.... check it out...

And here's our Impresario for the evening... Joe Q, who financed, organized, and constructed the whole Dirty Dog experience...


Night time brought very chilly air, but more tequila was passed around, and things heated up... especially once the lasers hit the smoke...



And the girls got frisky...



Even our hostess Julie hung in there (especially when she found out the kitchen had magically been cleaned up)...


Finally, the band played their last song... the saloon closed down, but the night was not over... we gathered around the campfire for warmth, more music, and, yes, more tequila...


Thanks again to Joe, the musicians, the sound and light folks, and especially Bill and Julie for a memorable (epic!) 4th of July ranch experience.