Doug Berch

Last night I returned from my trip to Colorado. The trip started with a retreat and then I played a concert and visit some old friends.

I had lived in Boulder for 12 years before moving to Michigan. I have now lived here as long as I had lived there.

Many local businesses have been replaced by corporate chains. Most of the musicians I knew moved away as rents skyrocketed.

Boulder is still beautiful but it felt more like a theme park based on what it once had been. So it goes.

A few dear friends still live there and it was delightful to visit with them. My friends Tom And Sally are great people. Tom is now off to Beijing to do sound for NBC at the Olympics. Sally is an herbalist, veterinarian and a director of farmers markets.

A few old Boulder haunts still remain such as The Trident Cafe and Nomad Design.

Mick and Jean Bolger of the band Colcannon are old friends and it was great to see them. I played with them in Colcannon for many years. Colcannon is pushing the 25 year mark of being a working band. Mick and Jean moved from Boulder to Denver around the time I moved to Michigan.  I gave a concert at Jean’s wonderful rug shop. It was fun playing while surrounded by old friends and beautiful tribal rugs.

Time was tight but I was able to have lunch with Ed Contreras and family. Ed is a friend and percussionist that I miss immensely. Playing with Ed is one of those rare meetings of music, friendship and spirit. I hope we get to play together again some time soon.

Now that I am home I am getting back to work in the shop and working with my friend Robin on the final CD covers designs. The CDs should be off to the manufacturor within a few weeks.