My goal for future JAM's and other parties at The Sand Bar:
At this point, my dream seems a bit unlikely. {Almost like me going to the moon}. I can easily see there being NO parties at The Sand Bar. It's kind of like that song, "Don't you always seem to know that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone."
The barge used for both Lake Bash's is a working barge. The barge I borrowed from Ron Breeland for THE JAM is also a working barge. All these barges are tied up for at least four days for a party (building and tearing down the stage) pushing out there and back, etc. If any of these guys get out of the bulkhead business (or sell their barges), quite simply 'The Party is OVER.'
I'd like to come up with a barge prepared specifically for parties at the Sand Bar. Wired electrically, generators, cover, stage, etc. I'd like to have a push boat to get it out there. (or have it's own engine).
I'd like to have an insurance policy where the liability factor is greatly reduced (in this sue-happy society we live in).
I'd like to get some sponsors to advertise and help cover the expenses.
I'd like for The JAM to keep going on, long after I am gone.
I'd like to form a non-profit or not for profit organization for
The JAM and do some good things, like my friend "Crazy Charlie" does.
For example, after this year's Krewe
of Wrecks Mardi Bras Boat Parade, Crazy Charlie wrote out a check to District 2
Springfield Fire Department for $10,000. How cool is that? Last
year, the First Responders for The Springfield Fire Department were out of much
needed medical supplies (the volunteers were even buying bandages with their own
money). Crazy Charlie cut them a huge check last year, too.
If everybody that attended The JAM kicked in $2.00, I think it would about cover the entire event. Can't even get that. So, to think, hope, or expect everyone to kick in $5.00, $10.00, or $20.00 to buy a barge seems totally impossible.
Someday, I'd like to get everything we need and not have to borrow it all. I'd like to have everything and have The JAM and only worry about putting on the best and biggest show possible. I'd like to use the barge for other parties and fundraisers at The Sand bar. To help District 4 get their Dive Boat for Search, Rescue, and Recovery. I'd like to help get another Fire Boat (currently we do NOT have one). The closest is at Manchac. I'd like all our law enforcement / river patrols / 911 centers / first responders have the best equipment available. Great parties at The Sand bar (clean and safe) means more customers for ALL our local businesses and that's a good thing.
Champagne kind of dreams on a Natural Light kind of budget.
The thing is I am up against human nature. It's human nature to want something for nothing. It's human nature to assume someone else will take up the slack. It's human nature to expect someone else pay the bill or leave the tip.
Weather I am able to do this or doesn't matter in the big scheme of things. I don't have to host The JAM. It is for Jonathan that I do it. He would not want me stressed and worried, trying to do something I am not capable of. I can just listen to his music and think about all the good times. However, I can't explain it very well, but, there is something very special and magical when all those people get together. (A little like church for the religious). The power of the human spirit, good will, being alive, having fun, and being with so many other good people. A lot of the people that attended last year (and stayed the entire day) know what I am talking about.
Last year, it rained and looked like a monsoon all around us. Jay Grymes (Channel 9 weather guy) called my buddy Joe Kelley who was at The JAM. They came and told me on stage that there was really bad weather, but that it looked like it would miss us. Rain, thunder, and lightning and we could see it everywhere. We got a drizzle, cooled things down, and had a great day. Very special. My dream is have many more special days like that.
