That’s how Patterson and I greeted each other in Brooklyn last week. It was shortly before the first show of a 3-night run. We stood for a while and talked, agreeing that the usual “how are you?” doesn’t cut it/can even seem dismissive these days. Turns out we’ve both noticed people greeting each other this way, more and more often.
I was so thankful to be able to be there for the 3 shows at Brooklyn Bowl (*almost* a taste of Homecoming); to greet so many HeAthens again, to be together in person for the first time in 20+ months!
From IA, KY, FL, CO, IL, VA, and all around the Northeast, HeAthens arrived for the shows, gathered in bars, restaurants, hotels…even at a friend’s home for an exquisite brunch. I didn’t count how many times I heard a HeAthen ask someone: “are you okay?” There were many. I was moved (if unsurprised) to find the authenticity, thoughtfulness, passion, and caring as vibrant among us as ever.
On the third night, Patterson dedicated “Grand Canyon” to “my dear friend Jimmy C.” I locked eyes with Sarah. In a breath, everything about the show—the music, the lights, the warm swaying crowd—faded. My eyes were wet. A few sobs shook loose...maybe more than a few. For a while, I wasn’t so much at the show as I was within myself.
Jimmy’s absence was unavoidable, almost palpable. Feeling the grief swell up around me as much as within me, I recognized—really recognized—what we’ve lost together.
Another dozen songs, each with its unique heartbeat, brought the Brooklyn run to an ecstatic close. We came together as we do at night’s end: for chats, hugs, the group pic... Soon, the particular four words I’ve longed to hear and say for nearly two years resonated from every direction in the emptying venue:
“See you at Homecoming!”
Together with the setlist, those words reverberated in my mind. Feeling the fond imprints of generous post-show embraces and conversations, and looking forward to Homecoming perhaps more than ever before (which is a whole, whole, whole lot), I knew—really knew—what we have together.
Remember when I wrote to you last year about supporting Nuci’s, waxing on about how great it will be when we can finally come together for Homecoming again? (The shows, meeting up at Flicker, backyard BBQs, the auction, impromptu gatherings, lunch at White Tiger, oh and Flicker, and the shows...?) Well, we’re actually almost there. Really! The week of January 12th is close enough that I’ve already been counting days for months (57 to go!).
When there was no Homecoming to attend last year, we HeAthens still raised $45K for Nuci’s Space. Why? How? Because we showed up. Even though we couldn’t gather in person, we never stopped coming together, checking in, celebrating triumphs, creating, strategizing, connecting about DBT and so very much more. We care about each other (and show it) 24/7.
Most of those whom Nuci’s serves have little or no other access to the support and nurturing we HeAthens share with each other. We show up for Nuci’s together to give these folks the kindness and support that I cherish in our community.
Without this community, firing up my own optimism engines would have been next to impossible too many times to count. That's why knowing what I have together with all of you makes giving every year so meaningful for me.
I hope you’ll join me and Sarah and support Nuci's Space as generously as your situation permits right now. We’ve decided to contribute a little extra this year because we’re aware of the increased need in Athens that especially impacts those who rely on Nuci’s.
You know how this message has to end, right? With those four words that I can’t say or write without smiling: See you at Homecoming!
Yours Always,
Luke
a/k/a uncle rickey
Thank you Luke
Well unfortunately there was no Homecoming in 2021 but we had a show stashed in the archives. 2/14/2019--Night two of the 2019 Homecoming.
Thanks to Leslie Bogart, Tyler Eaves, Bill Fraley, Lester Johnson, Jamie Jacobs and Chris Wade for filming the show
The set list
Heathens, Gravity’s Gone, Feb 14, First Air of Autumn, My Sweet Annette, Birthday Boy, Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife
Sounds Better in the Song, (Something's Got to) Give Pretty Soon, Where the Devil Don’t Stay, Tornadoes, Three Dimes Down
Wednesday, Slow Ride Argument, Babies in Cages, Ramon Casiano, Guns of Umpqua, Filthy and Fried, The Righteous Path
A Ghost to Most, The Opening Act, Women Without Whiskey, Drag the Lake Charlie, Marry Me Careless, Shit Shots Count
The Tough Sell, Zip City, Grand Canyon
Here's a few previews
Obtaining your discs is a TWO STEP PROCESS
STEP ONE: Donate to Nucis
A $30 minimum donation for the dvd
A $35 minimum donation for the Blu-ray
you can do that below
This link allows you to choose between Paypal or Credit Card
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine ... 5m0h2kRogw
Donations to this link will be automatically reported to us at 3DD. Don't forget step Two
Check
If you're sending a check, make sure you include "3DD" and your user name (if you have one) in the memo line!
Mail it to:
Nuci's Space
396 Oconee Street
Athens, GA 30601
NB--Due to increase in costs, the discs will be shipped in paper sleeves.
STEP TWO: PAY FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING
SHIPPING AND HANDLING IS PAID TO ME
S&H for the DVD is $6.50
S&H for the BLURAY is $7.50
pay me via Paypal or Venmo--
My Paypal address is jonicont@aol.com
My Venmo address is @John-Contovasilis-1
Or you can send me a check (Email me (jonicont@threedimesdown.com) for my address)
We appreciate folks who put in a little extra for the S&H but please pay the exact amount. That indicates whether you want a bluray or dvd.
Thanks to everyone who donated last year.
ALWAYS GO TO THE SHOW
Jonicont
