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This month, Commodore Callahan took it on the road. It was a rainy Saturday in California, and “it was a drive by singing” according to bassist Don Kane, as they drove through the land of tiny towns. Their path covered over thirty five cities, starting near a little community-made labyrinth in Calistoga, and including: Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville, Yountville, Napa, American Canyon, Vallejo, Crockett, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, Albany, Berkeley, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Oakland, Emeryville, San Francisco, Brisbane, South San Francisco, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Moss Beach, Pacifica, and San Bruno. [This month, others covered Carmel and San Francisco, extending our reach].
Band members experimented with different styles for the song; “Such a Crime” was sung in 3/4 time in Albany and Berkeley (it works well as a waltz). Points of interest which were special to Commodore Callahan along the ‘hope trail’ included the Carquinez Bridge and Bay Bridge, the Old Mill, and Rockaway Beach.
Nick’s Rockaway Beach was a particular highlight, because it was the location of Don’s first gig (his dad’s band played at Nick’s from 1948-1966, and since Don was so young Nick didn’t want him playing there — but on New Year’s eve, when dad’s bass player got sick, Nick didn’t have any choice). Band members Don Kane and Lauren Speeth also joined Elfenworks Foundation team member Mike Dalling and his family at Yuri’s Night in NASA where they took the occasion to all sing ’Such a Crime’ under the shadow of a visiting (and very retro) rocket exhibit.
