Since hosting the Spirit Of Love Memorial Gathering this past weekend and giving our fan guests our utmost attention during it, please allow us to go back now to where we left off on our postings on Saturday, August 23, to give everyone a further glimpse into what occurred at the event. On Saturday evening we were once again joined by Tommy Bayiokos, Lauras percussionist and special friend, as well as our close friend. Once Tommy so cordially greeted everyone, we began to prepare for our Candlelight Memorial time. We began by showing the I Know You By Heart memorial video, an Other Half Entertainment production, produced by Rob Machado. Next we stood and formed a circle, and the only light in the room was that of the candles we were holding. Kathy held an additional candle representing all of Lauras fans around the world. Then, whoever wished to speak forth about Laura was given the opportunity, with the instrumental version of I Know You By Heart playing softly in the background. The Candlelight Memorial is one of the most poignant and beautiful parts of the entire weekend. The heartfelt words expressed, the memories recalled, the smiles, the tears...just a most genuine release of feelings and emotions, all within the comfortable confines of a group of people who truly understand. We ended by raising our candles in honor and memory of Laura. Next, we set up for our annual event group photo, followed by a time of photo-taking with each other - what a fun time! After that we all enjoyed some very delicious Greek pastries that Tommy brought for our group while we presented a 25-minute Other Half Entertainment produced ( by Kathy and Vince Golik) special video feature marking 10 years of the carrying forth of Lauras legacy after her passing and also the 10th anniversary of the Spirit Of Love Memorial Gathering. The video was very well-received and at a future time it will be made available for all to see. Next up was our Fan Forum - a time where fans may speak at the podium or ask questions. This year, Jen, took the podium and spoke from her heart in regards to Laura and how Laura has touched her life, and continues to, in such profound ways, and she also spoke about the development of her friendship with Laura. Thanks so much for sharing with our group, Jen - it was beautiful!! After Jen, Tommy spoke to our group, as he has each and every year we have held the event. Again, such poignant words spoken from the heart in regards to being a member of Lauras band, developing a friendship with her, and eventually a love relationship. Tommy also gave a glimpse into everyday life with Laura. His commitment to Lauras memory is faithful and unwavering and that clearly came through in the words that he expressed. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart, Tommy! Thanks also, Tommy, for the special gifts you presented to us and others! Kathy Golik then took the podium and recounted various ways in which Laura touched and impacted her life, both professionally and personally. She further spoke about both tangible and intangible ways that Lauras legacy these past 10 years has not been a stagnant one, but one that is vibrant and in motion. In addition she spoke about Spirit Of Love - from what started as a concept to the marking of the events 10th anniversary this year - including thanking all of those past and present who have attended or have otherwise been a part of making this a very special weekend every year honoring and remembering Laura, not only as an artist, but as a person. Vince Golik then read a poem that he had written and was published in the event program for the very first Spirit Of Love held in August 2005. Kathy then closed by reading part of the lyrics of the the traditional Irish parting song, The Parting Glass, which was a song that Laura sang a cappella at the last show she performed in East Boston in July 2004. Kathy and Vince also presented Tommy with a special gift in remembrance of Laura. We finished the evening enjoying Lauras Atlantic City SRO Concert from 1990. ~ Kathy and Vince Golik, Other Half Entertainment
Posted on: Tue, 26 Aug 2014 03:43:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015