Wood-Stock 2

It's been over a year since my friend Chris Wood, prolific and versatile local musician and all around awesome fellow, passed.  You may recall that in 2022 a tribute concert was assembled to benefit his family - WOOD-STOCK.  It was a big success.  Last month a follow-up show played out at The Peach, an indoor/outdoor art gallery/venue in West Palm Beach.  A really cool place on Georgia Avenue, underneath the Southern Blvd. overpass.  You should give it a visit.  This time, proceeds (via donations and merch sales) are going towards the final mastering of four tracks Chris had been working on over the years.

The line-up was similar to last year's, with the inclusion of Thorns, a two man band comprised of Chris' son Avery on guitar and Harrison, the son of Chris' dear friend/musical compadre Jeff' Snow, on drums.  The kids are eleven years old and already demonstrating some serious chops.  Their style favors '90s alternative/grunge.  In the future, after they've gone international, I can say I saw and knew them back when.

One of Thorns' original signature tunes is "Grasscutter", which Jeff describes as an anthem of the working man in South Florida.  Their setlist has increased handsomely and they've even cut an album!  Members of Memorial Presbyterian Church and their friends may have seen some of Thorns' earlier sets in the fellowship hall, recently re-named after Avery's father.  WOOD-STOCK 2 was their second appearance outside of church, and it was a scorcher.  Our pastor even led a rush to the stage, complete with moshing and body surfing.  Is your pastor that cool?

The festival began at 5 PM with former MPCer Elliott Shaw (now living in GA) taking the stage with his acoustic set.  Emily Blaylock was next.  Rivers was scheduled but did not perform due to a family emergency.  We enjoyed some good BBQ onsite from Troy's.  I washed the ribs, brisket, and collards down with some Copperpoint, from a local brewery.  After The Lightworkers' excellent set, Disbarred, a band comprised of attorneys, tore through Tool and Alice in Chains covers.  Closing out the night was Nate Adams (longtime MPC music director) and his band, performing U2 and Queen tunes.  In between sets, we caught up with several friends, one a former high school classmate, the rest from church, some of whom no longer attend but came out to pay tribute to their old pal and his dynamic legacy.  I'm sure Chris was looking down with immense approval.  We miss you terribly.