May 25,  2024

Today we (Jeff, Jeff, John and Nan) had the solemn task of bidding adieu to one of Luna Blu’s founding members, Don Beelow.

Don passed away suddenly on May 13th, leaving behind a loving family and SO very many friends. When Luna Blu booked its first gig back in 2006 we were in desperate need of a drummer. A dear friend, Lauretta Tagli, referred us to a drummer friend of hers, Don Beelow. Don was just a little older than us but always claimed the role of "The Voice of Wisdom”. Don was creative, funny, gentle, kind, and just the sort of person you’d want to make music with. In this band we’ve been so fortunate to have members that exhibit all of these wonderful qualities and so many more. So many rehearsals were spent bonding; quoting Monty Python, This is Spinal Tap, or Blazing Saddles. Somehow through all of the goofing around we still got the job done and created original music that I am truly proud of to this day. Don had disclosed one session, how he had recently been diagnosed with ADHD and would appreciate our occasionally helping him to remember how some of our cover songs started. “Middle of the Road” by the Pretenders with its drum solo intro was always a sticking point. We’d simplify it and say in an onomatopoeic prompt, “Don, you know how that goes – it’s 4 “blickems” and a “boom”!”

If you’re incredibly lucky, your band is your family - sometimes more than family because you *choose* to be members, and you tap into that wonderful, deep, vulnerable part of you to create something together. Like children, the songs that we created will exist long past when all of us are gone (hopefully someone in that future will still want to give us a listen).

Don left us about 2 years into Luna Blu’s journey due to some health issues but he always remained encouraging and supportive. We’ve had other drummers along the way and they all have left/leave their indelible mark on what we create together.

Don, we will miss your music, your smiling face, but most of all, we will miss your friendship. Rock on, Mr. Don!

“Blickem, blickem, blickem,blickem – BOOM!”