Each year, Tim and I have looked forward to appearances by our favorite band, Bonnie and the Clydes. Last evening, we were there at the newly reopened Reunion Restaurant to cheer on their farewell gig for at least the 2019 season.

For the past twenty-three years, Bonnie Jean Flom, Scott McMillan, and Bill McGrath have been delighting Northfielders with their renditions of some of the best–and most beloved–music of the 1960s and 1970s.

This iconic local cover band began small (legend has it that they first played in the living room of Bart and Sue DiMalignon, and that they considered naming themselves “The Low Ego Trio.”) Despite their disinterest in recording and stardom, Bonnie and the Clydes have gathered their share of press clippings and fans over the past twenty-three years. The band has been a regular feature in local venues each summer and fall, as well as at the capstone event for the Sidewalk Poetry program for the past decade, and Tim and I were thrilled when they agreed to perform in 2016 for Julia’s high school graduation party.

Last evening was a bittersweet occasion because the future of the band is currently uncertain. Nonetheless, the energy of the crowd (which pulled family, friends, and fans from the East Coast and the Rocky Mountains) was high, and the band’s musicianship soared last night. Bonnie Jean’s son, Scott Norman, and a friend crafted special t-shirts to mark the occasion.

Opening with Bob Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman” and playing for three sets, the band treated the crowd to classics by the Grateful Dead, Townes Van Zandt, Little Feat, Van Morrison, the Beatles, the Band, and many others.

For me–though it is so hard to name a favorite–the gospel song, “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize,” brought tears to my eyes, even as we all joined in the chorus singing “Hold on!”

I think it is fair to say that we are all hoping for another reunion. Meanwhile, we are all grateful for the memories, the rhythms and harmonies, the sheer joy of sharing music. Thank you, Bonnie Jean, Scott, and Bill!