Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs

Yescapade 2002 - Return to Konocti

Where to start? Well how about at the very beginning? We were surprised one morning in late April by a call from Konocti Harbor management, saying they had just secured a Yes concert for the venue and asking if we'd be interested in having another big Yescapade? Well, since we wanted to have an event anyway, and were already being asked by others, such as the Lancasters from Scotland to do one there, we couldn't very well say no!!!

© 2002 Bob Zorich	© 2002 Bob Zorich
The final touches are put up as the Yescapade begins. Each table is adorned with a sun/sky mat, yellow and blue fabric flowers, and Yescapade art with a butterfly or hummingbird floating above. Meanwhile, Tom warms up his Stick in 100° heat. The setup for Yes is behind him, including our symbols of the band members: a Sun for Jon, a Ram for Steve, a Fish for Chris, two Drumsticks for Alan, and a Wizard's Hat for Rick. Inside, Wendy waits for the attendees to arrive at the merchandise table.
© 2002 Bob Zorich

We got the team together, and almost immediately things started to fall into place. We sent an email to Paul and Kristie Rogers, knowing that they wanted to provide more art to Yes-type events, and sure enough, they were off and running, soon to produced some of the coolest emblems for the event ever! They went through a fairly long process of invention and discovery, and the hummingbird and poster images were the result. When we saw these images, we knew people would love them and we had to get them out on shirts, posters and everywhere else. The hummingbird, a combination of tropical coloration on a temperate bird, was very compelling and just draws the eye to it.

Then, Jim worked a deal with the San Francisco Art Exchange to have an exclusive Roger Dean originals exhibit, and soon after that, we had purchased a large Classic Yes logo (as created for the Tales from Topographic Oceans album) silkscreen for raffling off at the event. We always thought that getting the Tales Yes logo signed by Roger and the band members that created Tales would make a very unique gift for someone. Everyone on the team was bummed that we couldn't justify entering the contest ourselves! :-(

Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance		Courtesy of Judy Bambrick, © 2002 Judy Bambrick
The day starts and happy Yes fans are finding their seats. As they arrive, we announce that Yes will be joining us! You can also see some of Tiffany's work on display.
Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance

Soon after, we contacted Tom Griesgraber, a new friend we had met while watching various bands he was opening for. Tom is one of the best Chapman Stick players we've ever seen so we knew that the Yescapade audience would appreciate his style, and talked him into coming up. Which, as it turns out, wasn't that hard, since his father coincidentally lives about one mile from Konocti Harbor Resort! Talk about great coincidences. ;-)

© 2002 Anne Corbin	© 2002 Kristie Rogers, Paul Rogers, Bob Zorich
As the fans entered the clubhouse, they were greeted with an exhibit on Paul and Kristie's collaborations on the Yescapade artwork, as well as a touching memorial to the talents of Kathy South, a dear friend and devoted Yes fan who left us this past year.

So now we were prepared with plans for classic Yes-style visuals with the Roger Dean exhibit and Paul's world class original art, some fantastic original music from Tom and a big pile of giveaways and lotsd of things to see and do. The one thing that was missing as we approached the Yescapade date was the band! We knew their schedules were full and they were not able to commit to coming. We planned as if they might come by for a short time, but really had given up on the appearance being a full Q&A and meet-and-greet like last year. But finally, during the last week, the band decided they wanted to be with their fans and decided to change their schedule and show up for the full appearance. We were shocked, we were stunned, but most of all, we were thrilled!!!! But even we didn't know until we were almost to Konocti ourselves and got a call from the bands tour manager the morning before the event!.

We arrived on Thursday, the day before and did the set up. Everyone was so excited to be getting everything together, even filling the envelopes and setting up the venue was fun. Finally, the morning of the event dawned and we were off. Except for Bob, who had eaten something *bad* during the setup on Thursday. Cherokee wasn't feeling too much better herself. But demonstrating the true strength of the Yescapade team, the show went on!!

© 2002 Bob Zorich

The San Francisco Art Exchange put on a great exhibit of Roger Dean originals, comprising original works touching on many of the albums made by Yes over the years. A Special Thanks to Jim Hartley for this fine assortment of artwork.

Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan

As everyone came in they received their registration packets, which included Jon Anderson/Opio 2002 calendars, 13 Moon Calendars and information, a Yes logo postcard and Tales bookmark, Packets of material and bookmarks from Stu Chambers about his insightful new YES book , and information on Peter Banks' fascinating new book. There were a number of other flyers included, and some of the packets contained "bugs and birds", small paper and feather creatures, some of whom were destined to be designators of prizes. As the guests entered the lobby, they saw our first new addition, the merchandise table, with Sandy and Darrel manning the main table, while Wendy presented the Roger Dean silkscreen and her beautiful poetry book Fountains of Gold Illustrated by Jon Anderson and our friend Robert Fuller sold his Opio tee-shirts.

As the folks wound their way through the hall to the main room, they first passed a display detailing how Paul and Kristie's beautiful artwork came to life. A few feet after that, they were presented with Anne's beautiful memorial to Kathy South, a longtime Yes fan who passed away from cancer on Easter Sunday this year. Kathy's stunning art also graces the front of Alan White's web page.

But it was as they entered the main room of the clubhouse that they got the full impact. Taking up the bulk of the room stood the Roger Dean exhibit. Jim Hartley and the San Francisco Art Exchange brought a large number of Rober Dean originals, including "Relayer", "Tales from Topographic Oceans", and "Yesterdays". Other prints and paintings included all four Dragonflies, and several of the Yes logo silkscreens. The lighting was great, and everybody got a good look at the work and had all their questions answered. Jim commented later that it was great to meet so many people who were truly respectful and appreciative of the art.

Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Judy Bambrick, © 2002 Judy Bambrick	Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance
Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance		Tom Greisgraber played an awesome set on Chapman Stick. The instrument is incredibly complex and versatile, yet Tom makes it look so effortless and sound so good. Tom is currently in the studio working on a number of projects, including a new Agent 22 CD.

Entering the main outside patio, they were greeted with typical summer heat amidst the shade of the many trees in the "lanai" area. We had wanted to have a more interactive event this year, so there were a variety of things to do. For instance, we had five large "greeting cards" for each band member for the fans to send personalized messages to the band. We also had Tiffany painting fantastic images on the arms, faces, even ankles of happy partiers. The most common image? Surprise, Yes logos!!!

Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs
The audience mills about in anticipation of Yes' arrival, while Rick and his daughter Megan enjoy all the days activities!

As lunch began, we got to make the big announcement. We had confirmed the plans for a Yes appearance We had not even had time to update the website to announce that Yes would attend, so the first announcement after the welcome was that Yes would indeed be there at about 2:30 PM. Needless to say, everyone cheered and had a smile on their face from that point on!

After that, it was on to music. Tom started his set and immediately captivated the audience, as we knew he would. We've seen many good reviews of the perfomance, people commenting on the complexity of the music and his ability to perform all the main parts of a three piece band - at once. Tom adds lots of interesting percussive effects to his playing also, and that caught the ear of a number of folks. He played for well over an hour, playing some of his standards, as well as some new pieces and finally closed with his haunting rendition of All Along the Watchtower.

Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs	Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs
As the day continues and the audience grows, Jamison takes the stage to set up the raffles. We ended up with a larger than expected 250 people on this Friday afternoon. Anne takes a moment to demonstrate that she's definitely "Got YES"!	Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan

As Cherokee and Jamison prepared for the raffle, they put on the newest recordings of SAXLIFE by Jamison. We've received alot of requests from folks to hear them again, so we had a chance to hear some of his newest arrangements. Turn of the Century sounded particularly good, IMO!

Then it was on to the raffle. Supported by Bridget, Cherokee and Jamison made a pretty good comedy team as they tried to make sense of Bob's notes to try to give everything away. We had so many items it was incredible, and many had significant personal and sentimental value, as well as collector value. Everybody was getting into the act, and the excitement grew as the time for the giveaway of the art approached. In all the confusion the name of the new happy owner of The Dragonfly print escaped us. (Please write to us and let us know who you are!?!) By the time everything had been given away it totalled 35 items!

Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs
"and the winner is ... " Don Rogers of Atlanta, and an avowed Dean fan already. Congratulations, Don!!
Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs

We finally got to the grand prize of the day, the Roger Dean Tales Logo silkscreen. We had announced that as part of the prize, we would make sure the entire band signed the silkscreen as a priority when they arrived, which made the painting even more special. After some buildup, the winner was finally announced: Don Rogers of Atlanta, Georgia. He was quite elated, to say the least!! All Don could It turns out he already owns some Dean work and had really wanted to purchase the Yes logo earlier. Good thing he didn't. So, congratulations Don!!!!

A great addition to the festivities occurred next while we were waiting for the band. Jamison asked if there was anyone in the audience who wanted to share any stories and we soon had the unique opportunity for various folks sharing their stories about special events in their lives related to Yes. We heard some very moving and humourous stories, and these stories brought a lot of knowing smiles to the faces of the audience.

Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan	Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan
YES arrives !! Steve leads the way in, and Jon, Alan, Chris and Rick follow in their on-stage order. Soon, the question and answer session begins with Jamison plunging right in.
Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance

Then, suddenly, there was Yes. With little fanfare, the gates opened, and in streamed the guys, happy and confident. This year, they knew more of what to expect (with the exception of the sudden change in MC) and were "On" and ready to go. They settled into their chairs and acknowledged everyone graciously. Jamison introduced them and started in on the questions. These generated a number of rather humorous episodes, such as Rick and Chris' repartee about Chris' relationship with his bass, or Rick's comments about his golf handicap: "My three ex-wives". Very funny stuff. Steve was also in a great mood, and Jon was, as always, entertaining and endearing. Alan dropped a hint as to future plans by suggesting there will be a second US leg of their tour in the fall. When asked the most frequently asked question, whether they would record or not, they just demurely answered, "We're very busy with our tour right now." At the end of the Q&A, Bob came up and once again thanksed the band for their support and for coming to the Yescapade. We will have more on the interview in time, please keep watching the site.

Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance
Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance
The band members were at their peak, answering questions both seriously and with great humor. Chris and Rick shared this intime moment during an one exhange about Chris' favorite bass guitar!

After the question and answer session was over, the band consented to yet another go at the autograph line. Some folks had jumped in line before the Q&A period had ended, and everyone was enthusiastic about getting their items signed. First, we had Don go through the line with the silkscreen, along with folks with special needs, and then the herd was let loose. People managed to get all types of items signed from LPs to tee-shirts to posters. We even know of a bootleg CD getting autographed. Now there's a rarity!! There was a run on the souvenir stand and on the Roger Dean materials during this time, too.

Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Judy Bambrick, © 2002 Judy Bambrick		Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance
	The band members were in great spirits and it showed. And just what is the deal with the hat?
	Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance

One of the more amusing and interesting incidents occurred when Chris recieved a call on his cell phone apparently from home asking him how to program the DVD player. Chris is just a marvel when it comes to multi-tasking as we noted last year at a post show autograph session in San Diego as well. There was Chris with the cell phone in one hand up to his ear and carrying on one conversation with the folks at home while similtaneously signing autographs with the other hand and taking a moment here and there to chat and answer questions from the fans and get a photo taken, still with the cell phone glued to his ear. ;-)

Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs	Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs	Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs
Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs		Courtesy of Rick Childs, © 2002 Rick Childs

So, at the autograph table: Steve, Alan, Chris, Rick, and Jon at the end. People would pile up at Alan, Chris, and Rick leaving Jon without someone to autograph. Left to his own devices he started doodling on the table cloth so Cherokee yelled out "Yo! Jon's bored. What am I bid for this Jon Anderson original doodle? Bids starting at $5000, Going once, twice, mine!" At which Jon giggled and kept doodling. Every time he got open he would glance up at her like he was thinking what would Cherokee like in her doodle and then sketch away until a new person stepped in front of him. At the end of the session he framed off a nicely finished piece of art about 14" Wide x 17"High. Jon put his hands on his heart then held them out to Cher and then held them up to his lips to blow a kiss and a smile before he left. Of course several people asked if she was going to keep it.... Wa Do! Thank You! Jon

Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan
Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan	Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan
Courtesy of Sarah Bronson, © 2002 Sarah Bronson	Courtesy of Jim Allan, © 2002 Jim Allan
Courtesy of Greg Chance, © 2002 Greg Chance	Courtesy of Judy Bambrick, © 2002 Judy Bambrick
The band enjoyed meeting the fans, who lined up to get autographs from the start of the Q&A session. They especially liked talking to the children. Everybody left with somthing special.
Jon Anderson original "Doodle" Medium : Sharpee on Tablecloth

Finally, the band had to go, as they had graciously stayed quite a bit longer than expected to give as many autographs as possible. They had planned their sound check for 4:00 and knew their time with us had run out. They bid their adieus, and took off to prepare for the concert. Soon thereafter, the Yescapade ended, and everyone went on to the next event, the *main* event, the Yes concert, which was spectacular. You can find all the concert reviews up at YESWorld. Speaking of YESWorld, we'd also like to say how nice it was to have Mike Tiano and his wonderful wife Cindy come by for a visit

We want to express our sincere thanks to all the great folks who made Yescapade happen. Everyone on the team had a key role to play and when the day for the event came, everybody put in that extra 10% to make sure that it was a great day for all of our guests and for the band. Jim and Laura deserve a special thanks for their efforts in working with SFAE and Konocti Harbor Resort, and Tom also deserves an extra standing ovation for making a journey to Konocti, despite being in the middle of other major projects. Wendy, Sandy, Darrel, Anne, Dave,

And our biggest thanks of all to all the YESFans who attended YESCapade 2002!!! You're the reason we did it. YESFans are the coolest people in the world! Thanks again!
Peace! Walk in Beauty Blessed Be!
Bob & Cherokee & the Whole YESCapade Team