People cycle in and out of our lives. Friends and relatives we were once close to drift away to go to new jobs, other places, or sometimes just different interests. I, too, was nomadic for some of the years of my life, so I know how easy it is to lose track. And I love it when one of these people slides back into frame and we can pick up where we left off.

Chris and his friends will always make me laugh and I’d do anything for them. Besides, they know way too much and I’m not sure the statute of limitations has expired.

My cousin Chris and I have been close since he was a young teenager. The difference in our ages seemed greater when he was very young, and I’m sure you’ve all experienced how that gap closes as the years go by. But Chris and his friends somehow will always be teenagers to me.

Chris moved to Florida and back, and we saw each other briefly every year or so, but hadn’t been in touch for some time. So when I saw The Ken Montigny Band was playing in nearby Marion I knew we had to go. Ken is one of Chris’s oldest friends and Chris had been part of his band years before, so there was a shot at reconnecting with Chris and seeing Ken for sure. I was right; Chris is Ken’s bass player and we had a happy reunion.

These teenagers (in my mind’s eye) are now in their forties and have grandchildren. When the hell did that happen? I got to see pictures and videos of beautiful kids and their babies. Chris’s wife, Sung, is Korean, and I was able to confirm her addiction to K-Drama. I am working to possibly get my K-Drama addicted cousin Jeanne and Sung together the next time Jeanne is in the area. But I digress.

The Ken Montigny Band does some original music and a wide range of covers from Van Morrison to Jethro Tull, and they make each song their own. Chris has the bass stylings of a young Ron Carter, and their drummer, Joe, I’m told is a jazz musician so there are some definite jazz leanings in their mix. Ken does a great job on arranging and has the vocals, keyboard and guitar handled nicely, thank you very much.

I’ve included a couple of clips and some photos for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Click on image to view full size

If you’re on Facebook go and give them a like at

https://www.facebook.com/KenMontignyBand

They are obviously having a great time, and quite frankly, their banter hasn’t changed much in 35 years. Chris and his friends will always make me laugh and I’d do anything for them. Besides, they know way too much and I’m not sure the statute of limitations has expired.

Chris will always be like a brother. He got the award for best sympathy note when my mom died and I will always remember his words. So will we cycle in and out of each other’s existence? Probably. But no matter what that time gap may be he will always have a place in my life and my heart, and we’ll pick right back up where we left off.

Deborah