Blue Band Update, Letter From Patrick Hazel,

Bob has sent out an email with both gig information, and a very heartfelt letter from Patrick Hazel who's bandmate was Rick Cicalo. I highlighted Patrick's letter.

My internet connection was down for the last hour, I'm behind in making all the radio shows for the week, and set-up time at Porky's (44th & Douglas in Des Moines) is only 12 hours away, so this will have to be part one of the note for this week. We're still trying to figure out some way to squeeze in one more Porky's show before they close, but it's not lookin' real good at the moment. Tonight (Wed.) could be the last time. See ya there, we play 6-9pm...

Sincere condolences go out to the Cicalo family over Rick's passing early Sunday morning.

Patrick Hazell sent this email: Dear Friends

A little over three weeks ago, Rick Cicalo and his wife, Robbie, rode their bikes by my house and stopped for a short visit. A few days after that, as Mayor of Washington, Iowa, he was participating in a downtown sidewalk cleaning event when coughing spells became a big concern. He went to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, was tested, and on Tuesday Aug. 26, was told he had acute liver and lung cancer and had only days to live. He deteriorated quickly, and by Thursday, Aug. 28, was barely able to talk or move from bed.

Rick Cicalo held on to his life until early yesterday morning--passing on around 4AM Sunday, Sept. 7.The visitation is at Jones Funeral Home, Wed. evening from 5-7PM, and the funeral is Thursday morning, Sept. 11, 10:30AM, in Washington at the First Presbyterian Church--Main and N.2nd St. A somewhat private (for close friends-musicians, and family) burial will happen at 9AM preceding the funeral.

Robbie Cicalo and the two daughters, Jennica, and Mikala, live at 725 E. Main, Washington, IA, 52353. A memorial fund has been set up with check or money order donations made out to the Cicalo Memorial Fund. Any contributions will be deeply appreciated.

Here is my best thoughts and feelings for a wonderful and thoughtful person who achieved great success. As the bass player in my band since 1975, we travelled a lot of miles together--made lots of "momentous" music and lived what are now story book memories. He is and will be missed.

Patrick Hazell

Bryce Loshman posted a link to a picture he took of Rico at the IA Rock n Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies: www.ddbphoto.com/rickcicalo.jpg I always called Rick, The Mayor of The Blues. Nobody could play bass on those old traditional sounding blues songs like Rico. RIP Mr. Mayor...

I'll have more on the weekend gigs (Fri. at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake-FREE SHOW! and Sat. at FB & Co. in Waubeek-fundraising show!) in a couple of days, right now, it's time to dream of CAKE!

Let's do it in the parking lot one more time! See ya at Porky's in a few hours. Bob Dorr & The Blue Band