Music Reviews

Apr 2, 2010 - Everything's Coming Up Roses for Jack Neal

By By Jack Neal, in retrospect.

First and foremost, as you all know, I have always loved a good party. Despite what some may have assumed I said and contrary to what I may have expressed to some, make no mistake, I love a good party. Today I had the joy of returning to my roots. And thanks to so many of you I had the joy of having a really great party.

To the many dear friends who were present, thank you for giving me such a wonderful send off at the Eldorado Showroom. As a long time theater critic, I thought it most appropriate to be remembered in such a beautiful venue, a showroom that I loved ever since it was built. To the Carano family, the property’s fine management and all of its wonderful employees for accommodating me in the place I enjoyed reviewing so many great productions, my deepest thanks and gratitude.

Music as you know was always and will always be such a large part of my life. I truly enjoyed the fine contributions of CeCe Gable, Peter Supersano, Corky Bennett, Reno’s only jazz accordionist, Jackie Ford and the RCO Quartet for playing. How fabulous that you all would honor me with your amazing talents.

One of my greatest and dearest friends, Nevada’s finest first lady Dawn Gibbons, you were so very gracious in summing up my life by saying I was unequivocally devoted to my students, their education, this fabulous community and the arts that form the cornerstones for this community. One always hopes that they make a difference. One never knows if they do. I was more than humbled to learn today that I did make a difference in so many young people’s lives and, hopefully, have set an example that they will set for their progeny and many generations to come. It’s all about the future and without education there is no future.

There are so many of you who have touched my life and whom I am privileged to know. To you my friend Senator Bill Raggio, I honestly don’t know what we are going to do without you in Carson City. Thank you for all the wonderful conversations and for your insights. We may not have always agreed but I do believe we always taught each other. We must always stress that civil conversation between opposite sides is what moves the dialog forward. Anger and irrationality does nothing but summon the drums of war and tears at the very fabric of our great nation.

To you my friend Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, thanks for remembering that I used to sit next to you at the Reno’s Pops on the River stage with my cooler. Bob you may not have seen me sitting next to you today but I was there. And you really would like what I have in that cooler now. It’s a whole new insight on what we talked about. Please tune in.

There are so many that have touched my life so many that have supported me on my journey that there is not room to name them all. Special thanks go out to Diane Kennedy and Gregg Koechlein for helping me start this web site. Every one of my students, every artist that I have ever had the privilege of seeing and hearing, every friend, every family member, everyone who I have loved and every one who has loved me. I have had an amazing life and it was amazing because of each and every one of you.

Last but not least, to my dear dear friend Nancy Eklof. What can I say darling except thank you Coco for all you did to make this great show possible? Without you, tonight could never have come to fruition and I will never stop loving you.

Not gone. Just gone before. Thanks again for the great party.

Exit Stage Right,
Jack.