I went to a special benefit for Boston musician Charlie Chesterman yesterday. Chesterman is battling cancer and, true to form, was humble and appreciative of the crowd that turned out for the event. Over the course of the afternoon nine different artists and bands, most playing at least one Chesterman song, took the stage for a musical celebration.
A highlight of the day was a special reunion of Scruffy the Cat, Chesterman’s band from the late 1980’s. Despite having not performed together in over 20 years, the band took the stage for a short set (sans rehearsal) that was heavy on fun and camaraderie. Midway through the set keyboardist Burns Stanfield, an ordained minister who apparently came directly from church for the gig, bounded across the stage to give Chesterman a hug. It was that kind of day.
Chesterman also closed the show with a rousing set with the Legendary Motorbikes, his outfit from the 1990’s into the 2000’s.
Here are two classic Scruffy the Cat performances. First, two Scruffy originals (“Nova SS 1968” and “My Baby She’s Alright”) and their take on the Del Shannon classic “Runaway”.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.
[…] Dynamite Music Machine) I’ve written about Charlie a few times over the past few weeks (here and here). I’m happy to report that Charlie’s solo albums with the Motorbikes are now […]