All a parent ever wants for his or her children is to give them a good time, then watch them enjoy the experience. Kim and I are no different. I present to you a brief photo-documentary, (all photographed by one Mr. Mike Ossola, associate photographer and post production manager, and on this particular evening part-time shooter and also guest of Buddy), of one Mr. Buddy Thompson’s 16th Birthday Bash, held at the Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach over the August 15th weekend. Huge thanks to Cindy, GM at the Palm, and long time friend of mine (I’ve been playing there since ‘95) who really made us feel welcome and took great care of us (round of drinks on arrival, preferred Bud-seating, open arms, etc), and to Debby at the hotel who took great care of us as well. Kim and I couldn’t be more proud of our miracle boy, and what a blast it was to watch him just have a blast. Enjoy!!

“A Man Boy on is 16th Birthday” or “The Calm Before the Storm” (Note the slight presence of a Matt Garza-like beard on the southern tip of his chin) Great portrait Mikey!!

I mean really, who doesn’t want to see their name in lights? This was one of Cindy’s surprises. Nice touch.
A moment between sets. Bud has been talking about this day and this gig for at least 2 months. This is one excited dude.

This is where Bud spends most of his time during our gigs. He truly has been one of the band for years now. We added the electric guitar this particular day for the first time, and it was a smashing success!! He knows the words, and he sings his little heart out! (Cable, what cable?)

Bud’s backup vocals come complete with personal gestures. What a dude. This boy has got the moves. (-:

A piece of Mike Ossola beach art. Nice shot and nice edit Mikey!! (I told you guys he was good…)

Buddy goes Hendrix crazy among the crowd in a spontaneous explosion of rock and roll fury during a John Mellencamp tune. That’s from the right, Ricky P (rickyps.com), Victoria, Kevin, Bud, the Boys in the Band, Kathryn, Noah, Ken and Kim’s clapping hands.

One of the finest bass players in the universe today, (because as you can see, he’s not from this planet) Mr. Chris Ryals. It is my distinct privilege to play with this guy, and we’ve been doing it since ‘96. Bud, the man, the legend, singing his way through his 16th. Rock on…

This is Mr. Mike Massaro, a craftsman of a percussionist, and very cool dude. A tad on the serious side, but only while he’s playing. He’s a teddy bear inside… Mike and I met 20 minutes before I did a TV appearance on Ybor Live at the Columbia Restaurant back in the early 90’s, and we’ve been friends and playing together ever since. He’s scary good at what he does too. His hands hurt a lot.

Haaappy Biirrrtthddaaayy Toooooo Yooouuuuuuu!!!