Irrelevant Items About Picture Book and Friends


Upcoming Appearances:

Who Date Location Time
Ricky Allen Saturday, July 18, 2009 Richmond Fair
at The Diamond		  1:00 - 2:30 pm
Ricky Allen Monday, July 20, 2009 Richmond Fair
at The Diamond		  5:30 - 6:30 pm
Picture Book Thursday, July 23, 2009 Richmond Fair
at The Diamond		 9:00 - 10:30 pm Richmond Fair
Ricky Allen Sunday, August 9, 2009 Melon Stage
Carytown Watermelon Festival		  10:00 - 10:40 am
Cary Jackson Sunday, August 9, 2009 Seedless Stage
Carytown Watermelon Festival		  11:30 am - 12 noon
David Whitlow Sunday, August 9, 2009 Seedless Stage
Carytown Watermelon Festival		  12 noon - 12:30 pm
Ricky Allen Sunday, August 9, 2009 Melon Stage
Carytown Watermelon Festival		  12:40 - 1:00 pm
Picture Book Sunday, August 9, 2009 Melon Stage
Carytown Watermelon Festival		 2:00 - 2:40 pm
Cary Jackson Sunday, August 9, 2009 Melon Stage
Carytown Watermelon Festival		  2::40 - 3:00 pm

Picture Book at Borders
Picture Book will be playing Borders Books on West Broad on Friday, March 8th, 2002 from 8:00 -10:00 pm.
Also scheduled are April 19th and May 17th, same Bat-Time same Bat-Location.


Borders Books & Music, February 1st, 2002.

Borders Set List: Seven Bridges Intro / Picture Book / Is She Really Going Out With Him? / Put The Message In The Box / Norwegian Wood / Helplessly Hoping / Tell Me So / Queen Of Eyes / On And On / The Mall Police / You Don't Mess Around With Jim / I'd Really Like To Know Your Name / Sentimental Lady / One After 909 / I Just Wanna Touch You / Teach Your Children / Stephen Crane's Fabulous Blue Hotel / Balloon Man / Ticket To Ride / Never Enough Time / One Horse Planet / Dear Prudence / Operator / The Long And Winding Road / The Ones Like You / A Happy Hippie / Rain / Flesh Number One / Cover Of The Rolling Stone / Love The One You're With / The End Of The World As We Know It / Suite: Judy Blue Eyes / Find The Cost Of Freedom

Loosely bound
Picture Book members regroup on an as-needed basis

BY MELISSA RUGGIERI
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER  Jan. 31, 2002
Picture Book

When: 8-10 p.m. tomorrow Where: Borders Books and Music, 9750 W. Broad St. Info: (804) 965-0733 Cost: Free

The Picture Book motto is unusual, but appropriate: The band that never plays together, stays together.

Tomorrow, the quintet of Ricky Allen (guitar-vocals), Rudy Faas (bass), Billy Griffin (guitar-vocals), Cary "Street" Jackson (lead guitar) and David Whitlow (guitar-vocals) will play at Borders Books and Music - the first full gig for the band in nearly three years.

Last month, the boys regrouped for a spin at Matt's Village Pub, but for only a handful of songs. And last weekend, says Allen, history was made when Picture Book actually rehearsed for four hours, a task the band abandoned years ago after hitting the practice block twice a week the first two years of its existence.

So, who is this mystery called Picture Book, a band named for a tune on The Kinks' "Village Green" album?

About a decade ago, Allen and Whitlow met Griffin and Faas and formed the band. After Faas had a son, he departed for family life and a rotating door of musicians filled his slot as Picture Book made the Richmond rounds, primarily at The Lost Sock and now-defunct Moondance. Jackson joined the lineup in 1998, but hasn't made too many Picture Book memories.

"We basically grew up and grew apart," Allen says of the band's recent disappearance. "Most of us are married with kids so our schedules didn't always work out. We never spent a great deal of time hanging out outside the band, so the band kind of faded away."

In their downtime, Allen and Jackson formed the Traveling JillBaris with local singer-actress Jill Bari Steinberg, seen last fall in the Firehouse Theater production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." The other members performed as soloists at open-mike nights around town, but now they've "discovered how much fun [the band] is again."

The Traveling JillBaris, by the way, broke up when Steinberg had to devote too much rehearsal time to "Hedwig." But Allen hasn't discounted the possibility of a reformation. "That band will exist the next time we see Jill," he says.

At tomorrow's Picture Book return, the band will pull out its repertoire of folk-pop covers - Joe Jackson, The Beatles, Robyn Hitchcock, Crosby, Stills and Nash - and originals, which follow a similar musical path. While the band hasn't recorded any material yet, the Borders show will be recorded and eventually sold at the store.

Considering how infrequently Picture Book performs, the guys obviously don't rely on gig money to pay the rent. All members but Jackson, the elder statesman at 56, are in their late 30s and maintain nonmusical careers: Faas and Whitlow are computer programmers at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Allen is a senior prepress technician at Color Mark printing company, Jackson works as a librarian at a middle school in Prince George County and Griffin works with computers at Capital One.

While Picture Book appearances might have been sparser than Billy Joel's hair, don't expect another three-year wait for the next show. Allen has already been approached for booking by the Borders' locations in Fredericksburg and Virginia Beach and hopes to hang out around here more as well.

"Things have been going more our way now than they were in our supposed heyday in 1993 and '94," Allen says.

And does he think the old fans will tingle with delight when they learn that the boys are back in town?

"I don't know," Allen says with a laugh. "I don't know that there's any of them left!"

 

Coming Friday, February 1st, 2002


Picture Book at Borders
Picture Book is confirmed for their first full-length show in years on Friday, February 1st, 2002 at Borders Books on West Broad. The time of the performance will be 8:00 to 10:00 pm.

Thursday December 6th 2001
Picture Book actually plays!
At Matt's Village Pub on 12th Street, on Thursday, Dec. 6th 2001, the full roster of Picture Book played for the first time in over two years. Ricky, David and Billy were on guitars and vocals, Cary 'street' Jackson on lead guitar, and Rudy Faas on bass and vocals. With no rehearsal, they made the evening singing Seven Bridges/Picture Book, On And On, Put The Message In The Box, and Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Photos of the performance will be posted shortly.


Thursday December 7th 2000
The Traveling JillBaris!
There is a new group in the Picture Book pantheon of permutations! Picture Book members Ricky Allen and Cary "Street" Jackson have teamed up with Jill Bari Steinberg to form the Traveling JillBaris. Their official debut will be at Matt's Pub on Thursday, December 7th. Come by and check it out!



November 20 1999
All Picture Book - All The Time!

Picture Book's "All Picture Book - All The Time! evening at the Lost Sock was quite successful. The evening started with a Billy Griffin solo set which became a Liquid Chicken reunion as Ryan Turochy joined Billy for a few songs. Following that was a typical Ricky Allen unabashed pop set. Cary "Street" Jackson followed and was joined by friend Lisa (of PMS & the Hot Flashes) as the Muggles. Next up was David Whitlow who favored us with selections of his own unique blend of laid-back adult contemporary folk-pop. After which there was a two hour long Picture Book set, lacking only in the mysterious absence of bassist Rudy "Dental" Faas. Another Picture Book evening at the Sock is rumored to be in the works for January 2000. See the Gallery for more candid photos.



April 22nd 1999
Cary "Street" Jackson Joins Picture Book!

Recent fellow traveler Cary "Street" Jackson received a surprise Thursday night at John & Normans when he was introduced as Picture Book's newest member! He has been sitting in on guitar and occasional vocals when the band has played the last several times, and has claimed to be "honored" to play with them. As flattery will get you everywhere with these guys, the subject of incorporating him permanently into the band has been secretly under discussion in recent weeks. Agreement was reached and the surprise announcement was made at the final John & Norman's gig. Cary, after the initial shock, graciously accepted. Look for him at all future Picture Book events. Ricky, Billy, David & Rudy would like to extend Cary a warm welcome into our lazy little circle! Of course now the possibility of the band actually *gasp* practicing becomes a subject of much speculation!



Coming April 15th 1999
Picture Book Closes John & Normans!

With Picture Book the term "they closed theplace down" takes on new meaning! With the recent sale of the Lost Sock, we now add John & Norman's being sold! Picture Book will play a final gig on thursday, April 15th. It seems everywhere they play goes out of business. Hey, did we hear that the Moondance got sold as well?



Coming December 5th 1998
The LAST SOCK!

The Lost Sock is being SOLD! There will be a final musical bash at the BMI-Beleaguered establishment on Saturday, December 5th and Picture Book will play, along with other favorites from the much-missed open mic night. Don't miss this historic event!



October 22-24 & 28-30
Picture Book to be (temporarily) Insincere Pumpkins!

Picture Book is scheduled to play at the Richmond Jaycees Haunted Forest at Bryan Park. The Forest runs October 22-24 & 28-30. The band is definite for Media Night, the 22nd. They will also play two or more of the other days. In a fit of halloween spirit, they will be playing under the name The Insincere Pumpkins!
Richmond Jaycees Press Release:
4 guys 4 guitars = 1 wild time
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:55 pm
Bryan Park Shelter number 1

These dudes fear NOTHING
They will get you ready for a trek through the Richmond Jaycees Haunted Forest in search of the Headless Confederate Soldier The real question is will Insincere Punpkins' crazy tunes scare away the terrifying creatures of the forest or bring them out of hiding?
Will a stroll through the forest become a monster mash?
The only way to know is to join The Richmond Jaycees, the Central Virginia Food Bank, Virginia Blood Services and other brave should
Opening Night at Bryan Park.



Coming June 20th & 21st
Picture Book at Woodsock '98!
Okay! The scedule is finally made for the Third Annual Woodsock Festival at the Lost Sock. Picture Book (and band solo ventures) will be playing throughout the weekend. Rumor has it that original Picture Book bass player Rudy Faas will again sit in, as Richard Bishop will be out of town during the Sunday evening Picture Book set. The Schedule is as follows:

When?Who?
Saturday, June 20th at 1:00 pmRicky Allen, the Unabashed Pop Segment
Saturday, June 20th at 5:00 pmDavid Whitlow, the Wussy Folk Singer
Sunday, June 21st at 7:00 pmPicture Book
Sunday, June 21st at 10:00 pmLiquid Chicken: (Billy Griffin and Ryan Turochy)



April 4, 1998
Picture Book Plays With Rudy
Picture Book played a memorable set at the Lost Sock. As an additional point of interest, original bass player Rudy Faas sat in, as Richard Bishop was out of town. A grand time was had by all!

Coming April 4, 1998
Picture Book to Appear at Lost Sock
Plans are in the works for Picture Book to actually appear in public on Saturday night, April 4th, at the Lost Sock. Word has not yet leaked as to whether they have considered anything like maybe practicing before the event. We shall see...

March 26 1998
A New Whitlow!!
Again, stunning news in the Picture Book world! David and his wife Dee now have a third, with the birth of their daughter Casey! Will this change the "Wussy Folk Singer" in any way? Well, recently he was seen lying on the floor next to young Miss Whitlow, babbling in a seemingly incomprehensible language... so apparently nothing has changed!

February 7, 1998
Picture Book plays... briefly.
The four members of Picture Book actually were seen in the same room at the same time. Ricky, Billy, David and Richard played five or six songs together at Ricky's birthday party. Plans are formulating to actually go out and play in public sometime before the end of the millennium. Yes, and there'll be pork in the treetops by nightfall, m'lord!

November 29 1997
Thanksgiving Festival
Three Quarters of Picture Book, the laziest band in Richmond, played at the Lost Sock on Saturday, Nov 29th. The Sock was providing a special evening for the "classic" Open Mic Night musicians to play, and Picture Book was asked to appear. Richard was out of town, but David, Billy and Ricky happily appeared in the same room for the first time since playing the wedding of October's guitarist Christ DeTreville in June. Even with only 1 hour of practice in 5 months, the set was virtually flawless and the response was overwhelming, leading to questions of when the lethargic combo would appear again. Current rumors abound concerning a similar festival to be held December 27th. We'll keep you posted...

June 7th & 8th, 1997
Picture Book blows the roof off at Woodsock '97!
Well, Woodsock '97 has come and gone, another highly successful festival this year. Picture book and its various sub-configurations played throughout the weekend to a great response! Billy and Ryan opened the festival Saturday at noon as Liquid Chicken. A particular highlight of their performance was an overtly romantic "Theme From The Love Boat", with fascinatingly revealing new lyrics concerning Gopher and Julie.
Saturday night's Picture Book set was probably the most successful set the band has yet played! The performance was virtually flawless, and the audience reaction overwhelming! Responses later heard concerning the set included "incredible harmonies", "Picture Book blew the roof of the place!", and the like! Particularly standing out were "Stephen Crane's Hotel" and the newly-unveiled cover of "Day Tripper".
Sunday afternoon, David's Whitlow, the Wussy Folk Singer, favored the audience with his own unique brand of adult contemporary folk rock. Cheerfully dismissing Ricky's friendly cries of "Aw, come on!" and "He's history's greatest monster!", David turned in excellent performances of "Windowspin", "Fool Across Todd Rund-g-ren" (AKA "the Rubicon"), among others.
Sunday night provided one of those epoch-shattering moments, as Harry Gore sat in on lead guitar with Picture Book, for a historical performance. More laid back than Saturday's set, Sunday's was quite enjoyable nonetheless. Particularly memorable was the cover of "Cover Of the Rolling Stone", throughout much of which Harry Gore, on lead guitar, remained doubled-up in laughter.
Prior to giving his solo set to Harry, Ricky and Mr. Gore revisited their Cherry Blossom Clinic days with an impromptu performance of "I Saw The Light"
All in all, Woodsock '97 was an excellent weekend and a rejuvenating one for the perennially lazy Picture Book. Photos will soon be available. The set lists were as follows:
Saturday Night
Seven Bridges Intro
Picture Book
Norwegian Wood
Message In The Box
You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Helplessly Hoping
The Ones Like You
Queen Of Eyes
On And On
A Happy Hippie
Day Tripper
Dear Prudence
One Horse Planet
Sentimental Lady
Stephen Crane's Hotel
Love The One You're With
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Find The Cost Of Freedom

Sunday Night
Seven Bridges Intro
Picture Book
Is She Really Going Out With Him
I Just Wanna Touch You
I'd Really Like To Know Your Name
Teach Your Children
Ticket To Ride
The Mall police
Day Tripper
Tell Me So
One After 909
Operator
Never Enough Time
Rain
Flesh #1
Cover Of the Rolling Stone
The End Of The World As We Know It


Coming June 7th & 8th
Picture Book at Woodsock '97!
Okay! The scedule is finally made for the Second Annual Woodsock Festival at the Lost Sock. Picture Book (and band solo ventures) will be playing throughout the weekend. The Schedule is as follows:

When?Who?
Saturday, June 7th at 12:00 noonRicky Allen, the Unabashed Pop Segment
Saturday, June 7th at 10:00 pmPicture Book
Sunday, June 8th at 4:00 pmDavid Whitlow, the Wussy Folk Singer
Sunday, June 8th at 10:00 pmPicture Book
Sunday, June 8th at 11:00 pmLiquid Chicken: (Billy Griffin and Ryan Turochy)



May 9
Woodsock II
Picture Book is scheduled to play the 2nd annual Woodsock Festival at the Lost Sock! The festival lasts Saturday afternoon through Sunday night, June 7th & 8th. It is not yet known what time the band will play (or which of the 2 days, for that matter). It is also expected that there will be sets by Liquid Chicken, The Wussy Folk Singer and The Unabashed Pop Segment. Be there!

April 19
We're Baaaack!!

Picture Book has put in their first live appearance in 8 months! They played in a tent in a field in Charles City County, at the wedding of John Schickler, emcee of the open mike night at the Lost Sock! They were chosen by John because, as he says, "They're the only band I know that will never break up!" Of course Picture Book has no plans to ever break up, it just takes nothing short of an earthquake to get the four of us off our duffs and into the same room at the same time! The set list from the gig has been lost, but rest assured it was chock full of our usual hits and near misses. There were 32 songs played, including an a capella "Amazing Grace" to start things off.

August 22
Drummer!
Picture Book's set at the Lost Sock tonight was something unusual for the band... there was a drummer! Last week, Billy met Claud Johnson, a local drummer, while practicing on the patio of the Sock. Claud was interested in playing with a harmony-oriented acoustic group. Well, he came to the right place. After a couple phone calls in the next few days, it was arranged that Claud would sit in at the Sock and see what happens. Judging by the audience reaction, it was a great fit! Here's what was played:
Seven Bridges Intro (Eagles)
A Happy Hippie (Ricky Allen)
The Ones Like You (Billy Griffin)
I Really Want To Know Your Name (David Whitlow)
Ticket To Ride (The Beatles)
Never Enough Time (Ricky Allen)
Tell Me So (Billy Griffin)
Dear Prudence (The Beatles)
Stephen Crane's Fabulous Blue Hotel (Billy Griffin)
One Horse Planet (David Whitlow)
The Mall Police (Ricky Allen)


August 3
Highland Hills Benefit Show
The band played tonight at the Highland Hills Fund-Raiser Benefit Pool Party on a double bill with October. They enjoyed unique acoustics as the sound bounced off the surface of the pool and spread throughout the neighborhood. Of course there was the added perk of being able to dive into the pool itself following the gig as Billy and Ricky demonstrated sub-olympic quality launches off the diving board to the sounds of October's excellent set. Photos are supposedly forthcoming, so check this space! Picture Book's set list:
Seven Bridges Intro/Picture Book (Eagles/Kinks)
Rain (Beatles)
Never Enough Time (Ricky Allen)
Helplessly Hoping (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
Stephen Crane's Fabulous Blue Hotel (Billy Griffin)
I Really Want To Know Your Name (David Whitlow)
Dear Prudence (Beatles)
I Just Wanna Touch You (Utopia)
Norwegian Wood (Beatles)
Operator (Jim Croce)
A Happy Hippie (Ricky Allen)
On And On (Stephen Bishop)
Tell Me So (Billy Griffin)
One Horse Planet (David Whitlow)
Love The One You're With (Stephen Stills)
Ticket To Ride (Beatles)
Flesh #1 (Beatle Dennis) (Robyn Hitchcock)
The Ones Like You (Billy Griffin)
The Mall Police (Ricky Allen)
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
Find The Cost Of Freedom (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)


August
Richmond Music Journal Mention...
The following mention appeared in the August issue of the Richmond Music Journal
Billy Griffin, David Whitlow, Ricky Allen and Richard Bishop, playing three guitars and a bass are in Picture Book, named for an obscure song on a Kinks album. They often play the Lost Sock, opened for October at Moondance, and have a monster web page linked to the www.cvaweb.com site. Check out the photos, lyrics, set lists from gigs, and bios.


July 21
Picture Book plays the Moondance!
Billy returned tonight for Picture Book's debut at Richmond's premiere club, the Moondance. The band opened for veteran Peter Bell's new band October. It is rumored that the Richmond Music Journal was in attendance so there might be an upcoming mention, which we will of course be printing. Picture Book decided to lace this important set with a larger percentage of originals than usual. The set list was as follows:
Seven Bridges Intro/Picture Book
Rain
Never Enough Time
Stephen Crane's Fabulous Blue Hotel
Dear Prudence
One Horse Planet
Norwegian Wood
A Happy Hippie
Tell Me So
Love The One You're With
Flesh #1 (Beatle Dennis)
The Ones Like You
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Find The Cost Of Freedom


July 20
Picture Book opened for the Third Estate at The Lost Sock tonight. Billy, due to circumstances beyond his control, was unable to attend. However, Ricky, David and Richard continued on bravely as Picture Booklet. The set list was as follows:
Picture Book
Ticket To Ride
One Horse Planet
A Happy Hippie
Dear Prudence
Love The One You're With
Caped Crusader
Rain
I Really Want To Know Your Name
Never Enough Time
Flesh #1
I Just Wanna Touch You
Find The Cost Of Freedom


Coming July 21
Picture Book will be playing at the Moondance in Richmond's historic Shockoe Bottom, opening for October. They should be going on around 10:00 PM.



Thursday, June 6, 1996
Once again Picture Book kicks the proverbial hindquarters! Tonight they performed at the Lost Sock for the first time with their new bass player, Richard Bishop. He put in a phenomenal performance, adding that one element that has been missing (in Picture Book's opinion) from their performances in the last half year or so! The set list was as follows:
Love The One You're With
Rain
Flesh #1 (Beatle Dennis)
I'm A Believer
Dear Prudence
On And On
Message In The Box
You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Raymond Chandler Evening
Is She Really Going Out With Him
Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Seven Bridges/Picture Book
Norwegian Wood
I Just Wanna Touch You
Find The Cost Of Freedom

The following article appeared in the Plantation News June issue:
ANOTHER MUSICAL INTERLUDE AT THE LOST SOCK
PICTURE BOOK's new bass player, Richard Bishop, made his debut with the band to a packed house at "The Lost Sock." There wasn't a dry eye in the place as the fans whooped and hollered in appreciation as Richard's awesome talent was showcased in the group's rendition of "Rain", originally by the Beatles. Richard just happens to be Billy Griffin's girlfriend's best friend's husband! With credentials such as these, the band can only reap major benefits in the future.
PICTURE BOOK, whose name was derived from an obscure song buried deep within a forgotten Kinks' album, has now made its namesake a local hit. It was quite obvious in the boisterous reception the band received when they broke into their themesong midway through their set. And finally as the evening drew to a close, a hush fell over the crowd as PICTURE BOOK performed the moving "Find The Cost Of Freedom." Even Jeff, who never gives compliments, was lavish in his praise of the band's performance.
Information has been leaked to the Plantation News that Ricky's band may be invited to open for the popular THIRD ESTATE at some future gig. A possible Williamsburg appearance and a major date at one of Richmond's hot spots, "Moondance", is in the works. We plan to keep PICTURE BOOK's rabid fans informed........


Saturday, May 18, 1996
Picture Book played tonight at the Woodsock Festival to a packed house, drawing a great response from the audience on every song. They went on immediately after The Krewe, a jazz/r&b aggregation not seen before at the Lost Sock, but hopefully to come back again soon. To live up the the standard set by the previous band, Picture Book put in one of their best sets in recent memory. The setlist was as follows:
Seven Bridges Intro/Picture Book
Norwegian Wood
Message In The Box
Cover Of The Rolling Stone
Helplessly Hoping
Ticket To Ride
Champaign Supernova
On And On
Dear Prudence
I Just Wanna Touch You
Is She Really Going Out With Him
Love The One You're With
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Find The Cost Of Freedom



Thursday, May 16, 1996
It's official! The newest member of Picture Book is Richard Bishop! He so impressed Picture Book with his bass playing at practice tonight that he has been asked to join the band, and has accepted. As soon as possible we will add his information to the lifelines page and post some photos. Although he is joining, he will not be playing at Picture Book's Woodsock Festival appearance, as he has a previous engagement. He will however be fully integrated into the band after that point.
Also in Woodsock News, Billy will be playing with Ryan as Liquid Chicken at the festival at 1:00 PM Sunday. It is not yet known if Ricky will be doing an Unabashed Pop set. Thus at this point the Picture Book lineup for Woodsock is as follows:

Saturday 4:45 PM - David Whitlow
Saturday 9:00 PM - Picture Book
Sunday 1:00 PM - Liquid Chicken


Thursday, April 18, 1996
The following article is appearing in the new (April) issue of The Plantation News, and is reprinted with permission of the editors:
A PICTURE BOOK-PERFECT EVENING
After several months of procrastination, Mom and Dad finally found the opportunity to check out Ricky's band, the notorious PICTURE BOOK. It had been awhile since we had heard them perform, but we had received glowing reports of the fantastic harmonies these three dulcet-voiced troubadors were creating with their musical repertoire. So on Thursday evening last, we hopped into the bambah-mobile and went in search of the LOST SOCK. This paragon of musical showcases epitomizes the depth to which Richmond's music and theater community reaches to aid new bands breaking into the limelight of stardom. Though it is unknown at this time exactly how many of Richmond's premier groups have received a boost up the ladder of success by playing the SOCK, we feel certain by the quality of the groups performing last week, that the list is getting longer all the time. For those wishing to soak up its rarified atmosphere, the LOST SOCK is appropriately located under a laundromat on the edge of the Fan in the heart of VCU's student district. You won't be disappointed!
Mom and Dad arrived in mid-evening and were immediately ushered to the head table where members of the group and their friends were imbibing and enjoying the bands scheduled that evening. Billy Griffin, a PICTURE BOOK member, and Ryan who were resurrecting their group, LIQUID CHICKEN for the evening's festivities, held center stage as we sat down and so we only caught the end of their set. Next up was the incredible THIRD ESTATE, whose adroit use of a diverse collection of rhythm instruments in addition to a dexterously commanding bass by Chris, a stirring yet soulful sax by Keith and lead vocals by Jason, easily revealed the reason this band is considered one of the best groups in the area.
These bands provided a fitting lead-in for the arrival of PICTURE BOOK, which was greeted by a resounding fanfare of applause by the audience. We all sat back, confident of a memorable set. The house quieted down. (one-ana-two-ana-three)......AND..........
"Seven Bridges Intro/Picture Book" broke through the sound barrier! As we picked ourselves off the floor, the beat was on!! Ricky, Billy Griffin and David Whitlow belted out an extraordinary variety of harmonies, doubly amazing since the group had not played together in 2 months! But talent and musical expertise will out! When the band launched into "Norwegian Wood", Mom groaned. But her groans turned into exhilaration for despite the fact that she had always loathed that song, she recognized that PICTURE BOOK's masterful rendition of the Beatle classic was incomparable. Other showstoppers included the tight harmonies of "Helplessly Hoping" and the ethereally beautiful "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" which had everyone humming or singing along. PICTURE BOOK ended their set with the mystical "Find The Cost Of Freedom", their signiture piece.
Pandemonium broke out at the LOST SOCK as PICTURE BOOK's multitude of fans surrounded their favorites. Hi-fives and love signs and pitchers of beer all around........
Our evening wound down as we enjoyed the strange rhythms and lyrics of THE FAIRY BROTHERS, another popular group at the SOCK. Our final treat was an impromptu appearance by Jessica who sang a heartwarming version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him" with Ricky as her backup musician. After congratulations to many of the outstanding performers, Mom and Dad again took to the streets and motored on home - still deeply moved by the talent and "joie de vivre" emanating from the bowels of the LOST SOCK.


Thursday, April 11, 1996
Picture Book played together for the first time in two months at The Lost Sock on April 11th. Plans are in the works for a major showing at the Woodsock Festival on May 18th. The set list was as follows:
Seven Bridges Intro/Picture Book
If I Fell
Is She Really Going Out With Him
I Just Wanna Touch You
Helplessly Hoping
You Don't Mess Around With Jim
Norwegian Wood
Ohio
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
Find The Cost Of Freedom
Word has it that a reporter from the Plantation News is currently writing a review of the show. When this is published, we will reprint it in this space. Of further interest, Billy and Ryan also resurrected Liquid Chicken for the evening.


Wednesday, March 13, 1996
Announcing the new release from former Picture Book bass player Rudy Faas & his wife Tammy......
A brand spanking new human being!
(currently available only in SMALL size)

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