Middlebrook Returns with Friends

MAY 2014
LAID BACK ATTACK NEWSLETTER
Friday Night Headliner …
Host Hotel of
LAID BACK ATTACK 2014
Middlebrook Returns with Friends
Don Middlebrook returns to perform at LBA for the first
time since 2005 and this time he is bringing his great band
of musicians known as “The Pearl Divers”. Chris Cory,
Hank Mowery and Rush Clement will be joining Don on
stage headlining a great Friday night line-up at the 12th
Annual Laid Back Attack.
Starting in 1991, Don began a musical quest up and down
the west coast of Michigan with little idea of where it
might lead. Always directed by a new song, a new
adventure, and an occasional cold beer, what began as fun
and frolic has turned into thirteen years of travel and
musical bliss.
Don Middlebrook
Looking back over those last thirteen years, eight CDs have been recorded and over 150 dates
played each year. Airplay has become common place, like that found at WCSX FM in
Detroit, and internet web play has had international activity.
While performing at Sloppy Joe's in Key West, Don and a friend thought that they would take
a moped ride around the island. What started out as an innocent joy ride soon became a hunt
to find Jimmy Buffett's house. Based on local information they had gathered, they thought
they were close, but were not convinced. That's when Don peeked into the mailbox and
spotted Jimmy Buffett's TV Guide. Don wrote a song to apologize, claiming he found the TV
Guide on the ground. Witnesses say that he stole it out of the mailbox.
Years later Don recorded and toured with Coral Reefer Greg "Fingers" Taylor. Greg claimed
that Jimmy was aware of the theft and wanted his TV Guide back. Don's song of apology
claimed that he did not have it. Friends say it is in his house. No charges against Don were
ever filed and the existence and/or the whereabouts of the TV Guide that inspired this song
have never been validated. As the song goes, you can always steal from a pirate.
LBA is Proud to be an:
Don’s most recent CD is titled “The Key West Connection”. It is partly a fundraiser for the
Key West High School music department (the band and the choir are featured on the song
“Gypsy Wisdom”). Don collaborated with a few famous characters on “The Key West
Connection”. The cover art is by Wyland, one of the world’s most famous marine life artists.
Don’s quest to help the local high school caught the ear of Lorain Hemingway (Ernest
Hemingway’s granddaughter) and she offered to work with him in capturing the true spirit of
Key West on “Gypsy Wisdom”.
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CORPORATE SPONSORS
MAY 2014
PAGE 2
LBA Venue Undergoes Spectacular
Remodel for Crowne Plaza Rebranding
Seattle Sightseeing
At Its Best!!
Like a caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly
… the Seattle Airport Holiday Inn has undergone a
spectacular transformation since hosting Laid Back
Attack last year as it completes its top-to-bottom
remodel and its rebranding as the Crowne Plaza.
For those of you coming to Seattle to
attend Laid Back Attack and do some
sightseeing while in town, here is a great
app that you can use to plan your
itinerary …
The stylish and sophisticated transformation
includes both the ground floor amenities as well as
all of the guestrooms. The new lobby boasts
contemporary, yet elegant furnishings and offers a
variety of space to work or relax. The open concept
restaurant and lounge have the flexibility to allow
guests to enjoy a full fine dining experience or
unwind with a beverage.
http://2daysinseattle.com/?utm_source=GOO
GLE&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Chihuly
&utm_campaign=Winter+2014%257CLA
Special thanks to Lynne Michaels of the
Los Angeles Parrot Head Club for
bringing this to our attention.
The complete overhaul of the property includes the entire 12 th floor where LBA will be staged.
The Summit and Queen Anne ballrooms have been remodeled as have the 12th floor restrooms,
including the addition of a new handicap accessible restroom.
What hasn’t changed is the Crowne Plaza’s renowned commitment to customer service. From the
moment you enter the property until the time you check out, the Crowne Plaza staff is at your
service to ensure your experience will be second to none.
LBA NEEDS YOU!!! VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED TO HELP WITH GOODY BAG
STUFFING, REGISTRATION, SECURITY, MERCHANDISE SALES AND AUCTIONS. PLEASE
CONTACT PHIL POMPEO @ [email protected] IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER.
Shelly’s Bags
Custom Embroidery
& Crochet
MAY 2014
PAGE 3
Laid Back Attack
Music Schedule
LBA Activity Schedule
Thursday, July 10
Early Arrivers Welcoming Party
6:30-7:55 - DAN HOWER
8:00-11:00 - MARK
MULLIGAN
Friday, July 11
12:30-1:55 – DAVE CALHOUN
2:00-3:25 – SAM RAINWATER
Wednesday, July 9th
In the words of Jimmy Buffett … it’s “Just a throwback shell beach party, nothing really
asinine.” The fun starts at 7:30 pm in the Seven Hills Lounge at the Crowne Plaza hotel.
Come join the fun as we say hello to old friends, make some new ones and kick off the LBA
weekend in grand style!!!
Thursday, July 10th
“Back to Laid Back” Tacky Tourist Theme Night
In honor of Mark Mulligan's latest CD, appropriately enough called "Back to Laid Back", we
are making Thursday evening a special "Back to Laid Back Tacky Tourist Theme Night".
Prizes will be awarded in several categories for the best (tackiest) outfits including Tackiest
Male, Tackiest Female, and Tackiest Couple. So dig out those tacky Hawaiian shirts, shorts,
dresses, etc. and get "Back to Laid Back"!!!
3:30-5:00 – DANI HOY
Friday, July 11th
7:00-9:00 – BRITTANY
KINGERY & GAME SIX
“CD Release Party”
Pike Place Market/Underground Seattle Walking Tour
9:30-12:30 – DON
MIDDLEBROOK & THE
PEARL DIVERS
Saturday, July 12
11:00-12:55 – JIMI PAPPAS &
JOHN PATTI
1:00-2:55 – THOM SHEPHERD
Taking place of Friday morning is a walking tour of two of Seattle’s most famous landmarks
… the Pike Place Market and the Seattle Underground. Your guide will lead you from the
Crowne Plaza hotel to Downtown Seattle and back via the Link Light Rail, returning in time
for all of the great afternoon Trop-Rock entertainment. The cost of the Underground Tour is
$17 per person, $14 for seniors (60+ years) and the fee to ride the Link Light Rail is less than
$6 round-trip. If you are interested in signing-up for this tour, or for more information, please
contact Les Parrett at [email protected].
Seattle Brewery Tour
Seattle is home to some of the best craft breweries and micro beers in the world. Whether
you are visiting Seattle for the first time or live in the Puget Sound area, you will want to
book this fun Brewery Tour to add to your Laid Back Attack experience. The tour will
consist of stops at three of Seattle’s most popular breweries for tours and tastings. The cost is
$42 per person. If you are interested in signing up for the tour or if you would like more
information, please contact Pierangela Davisson at [email protected].
Saturday, July 12th
3:00-5:00 – GENE MITCHELL
6:30-8:30 – SCOTT KIRBY &
DAVE EDMISTEN
9:00-12:30 – JIM MORRIS &
THE BIG BAMBOO BAND
“FRUITCAKES” Theme Night
As Jimmy Buffett sings … “There’s a little bit of fruitcake left in every one of us.” Join in
the fun by taking part in Laid Back Attack’s Saturday theme night … “FRUITCAKES”!!!
On Saturday night dress up and release that inner “Fruitcake” “We need more Fruitcakes in
this world … less bakers.” “Television preachers with bad hair and dimples.” Need more
ideas??? Visit www.margaritaville.com and click on the Jimmy Buffett link to find the lyrics
to the song “Fruitcakes”. Then, put on your “Bob Marley tape” ... “get ja lost in the reggae
mon” … and get those creative juices flowing!!!
Donations of raffle/auction items are needed.
If you have something you would like to donate to our LBA raffle or auctions please
contact Kathy Pompeo at [email protected].
Navigate Photography
& Travel
James Clark Design
MAY 2014
PAGE 4
We would like to thank our individual
sponsors for their support of Laid Back Attack
LBA Collecting Supplies for the USO
The Parrot Heads of Puget Sound are calling out to everyone attending Laid Back Attack in 2014
to help us with our ongoing collection of items needed on a daily bases at the USO Northwest
Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
GUY & JEANNIE
SPARKS
RON & CINDY VERHEI
Top Ten Items Needed: Disposable razors, travel size deodorant, travel size toothpaste, toothbrushes,
MIKE & ELAINE
THOULD
gasoline gift cards (for their mobile canteen), bananas, applesauce, sandwich meat (turkey, ham), bottled
water, baby food.
LES & JET PARRETT
Food Items Needed: Granola bars, crackers, large cans of tuna, Pop-tarts, Cliff Bars, NutriGrain Bars,
tortilla chips, nacho cheese, peanut butter and jelly, bread (any kind), all beef hot dogs, buns, condiments,
snack size bags of chips, beef jerky, fruit leathers, fruit cups, hot chocolate mix, juice boxes, soda, Crystal
Light mix, lemonade mix, tea bags, coffee creamers, coffee sugar bags.
Paper Items Needed: Napkins, paper plates, paper cups, plastic forks spoons & knives.
Office Supplies Needed: Crayons, colored pencils, markers, kids coloring books, staples, tape
(packing/scotch, etc), computer/lens wipes, pens (black and blue), Sharpies, “Forever” USPS mailing stamps,
computer paper, notepads.
Bath Supplies Needed: Travel size mouth wash, shaving cream, wash clothes, towels, tissues, and shower
shoes. Baby Items Needed: Baby formula, diapers/pull-ups.
Bins will be located throughout the venue at Laid Back Attack for collecting your donations. To
learn more about the USO Northwest, please visit www.usonw.org.
RICK SPARKS &
SHANNON NEERSPARKS
YVONNE KNUDSON
JIM & KAREN
JOHNSTON
JIM & BELINDA DAVIS
SEAN CASTLE
ALICIA SMITH &
KIM BURRIS
Laid Back Attack registration closes on June 20, 2014 or at 250 registered guests … whichever comes first!!
Don’t miss the Northwest’s biggest Parrot Head party. Register today at www.laidbackattack.com.
Laid Back Attack Live and Silent Auctions to Benefit USO
Laid Back Attack is proud to be a “Party with a Purpose”
with all proceeds from this years’ event going to our
charity partner the USO NORTHWEST.
In addition to the proceeds from the sale of registrations
and sponsorships, the USO will benefit from the proceeds
of our live and silent auctions.
For the third year in a row, the Laid Back Attack Live
Auction will be held on Friday evening at 9:00 pm. The
bidding promises to fast and furious as we auction off
some great items.
The LBA Silent Auction will be held Friday and Saturday
in the Queen Anne Room on the 12th Floor of the Crowne
Plaza hotel. Last year more than 80 items were up for
grabs and this year promises more of the same.
If you have an item you would like to donate to either of
the auctions, please contact Kathy Pompeo at
[email protected].
“Parrot Fan” … One of dozens of
silent auction items!!!
“Monday I went fishin’ with an old friend. Tuesday we went sailing, we
found some great wind. Wednesday I met her, so Thursday’s just a blur. I
had a “Laid Back Attack” don’t think I’ll ever go back.” Jim Morris