Gerloff Sendoff

  It was a hot August afternoon just west of the Boulevard when all Gary's people gathered to celebrate him in the manner by which he'd be most pleased...a sweaty club packed to the walls with good friends and disciples who came to properly fete the whiskered wonder with drink and song.  It couldn't have been a scene he'd have enjoyed more.  And it's a gross understatement to say that there was a lot of love in the room.  Proceeds from merch sales and the door went to an education fund for Gary & Mindy's  two great kids.  Richard Arthur's Cafe Diem was the room and all afternoon, one after the other thanks to typically spot-on stage management by Kevin "McMick" McGranahan, fourteen of Richmond's most enduring bands paid homage to the one who lasted not long enough.  We caught Little Ronnie & The Grand Dukes, The Charles Arthur Trio and  Billy Ray Hatley & The Showdogs....all doing their beer-soaked best to create the "pull out all the stops" atmosphere that echoed Mr. Gerloff's approach to life.  He leaves us in his wide and frothy wake and we'll surf it for as long as we can and try to be worthy.  RIP GG