2012 Highlights

2012 Highlights

I think it's fairly common for people to bemoan this or that. I am no different. Did 2012 go exactly as I had planned? No. Did I complain about it from time to time. Yes. However, on this day, the 365th of 2012, I chose to reflect on the positive.

The year started on a sour note with the loss of my job of 10 years. I was totally bored and found myself with too much time on my hands. So what did I do? I turned to my love for music and began listening to Joe Bonamassa nearly all day, every day.  My husband understood. I had to do what I had to do.

I read every article I could find on Joe.  I watched countless Youtube videos until I had seen all that could take in. Then I focused my attention on promoting his music and career by targeting every blues music fan on Facebook who befriended me. Yes! I admit, the frequency of postings were over the top, often to the point of getting shut down for hours or days by the cyberpolice. However, this obsessive behavior led to many wonderful opportunities and friendships. 

For me, the following are just some of 2012 most memorable highlights: 

• The Week in Joe by Deb Hebert, a news/commentary blog on Joe Bonamassa, is launched by Bluebirdreviews as part of their expanding music coverage of all genres.

• Participated in three Bonamassa Street Team campaigns: Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine (5/23/12); Casino Ballroom, Hampton, New Hampshire (5/25/12) and Symphony Hall, Springfield, Massachusetts (11/20/12). All three venues were sell outs.

• Met Joe Bonamassa and members of the band: Rick Melick, keyboards, Carmine Rojas, bass, and Tal Bergman, drums, on multiple occasions.

Me and Joe Bonamassa, Meet n Greet, Merrill Auditorium.

Tal Bergman, my husband, Lee Hebert, and Carmine Rojas.

• Was Bona-banner bearer for two shows (Portland, ME and Hampton, NH). Below, the "Bonaholics Unanimous" (II) banner was displayed for fans to view and sign.

This act of fan-ship was started by Rick Beck in 2011 when he created "Bonaholics Unanimous" banner. It was unveiled during the show at House of Blues, Las Vegas, Nevada, February 2011. It traveled around the world, one fan at a time, and quickly filled up with fan signatures.    It is now retired and stored at J & R Adventures, Inc, in Florida. 

 

 

Fellow fan, Robert "The Joe Junkie" Carder, created banner II (above/below photos). This too traveled great distances and possesses over 800 signatures (I counted them). It was retired on May 25, 2012 and will be put up for auction at a later date. 

There is a third banner in circulation in Ohio, care of another fan. 

• Was part of Bluebirdreviews three-part series of reviews on Black Country Communion's third album "Afterglow." (I was fortunate to get one copy autographed by Joe at the Springfield, MA gig.)

• Interacted with hundreds of BonaManiacs (fans) from around the world. 

At this time I would like give special thank you to Bridgette (Bluebirdreviews) for taking a chance on me and giving me a safe haven where I can be myself and express my love for Joe's music.

And if I could, I would say "thank you" to Joe for bringing together like-minded individuals, where everyone is as BonaCrazed as the next, and where friendships are born out of passion for music. Much love to my fellow BonaBuddies at BonaNation (Facebook).

Goodbye and thank you 2012 for letting me be a small part of BonaHistory. I look forward to a (Bona) Happy New Year 2013.

Yours in music,

DebFromMaine