Flo's memorial gathering was tonight. It was the most perfect event I have ever attended for a dearly departed. There was no funeral, no wake. We had a party! The party was held at Brenda's home (an extraordinary hostess) and it was the perfect setting for Flo's gathering. Flo always loved Brenda's parties because Brenda's parties are always filled with joy, dancing, food and laughter. And tonight's event was no exception. I just sat there looking around at the mix of people present: …
Anne Marie has left the stage.
She showed up at one of my gigs in the early years at Blue Chicago in the mid 90's. Always sitting alone, stage right with a note pad in hand - writing stories and songs. Shortly after our first meeting she told me she liked to sing & perform and I would call her up to do a number or two. She was good. And she was a true free spirit, artistic, smart, beautiful, fashionable, so positive and so very funny. I loved her immediately. I saw her through her restaurant years, various apartments, …