Tom Haig Loses His Tail

I think it's been since my visit to the hot rod show that I published very many of my own snaps here, that being not really the point of T.O.P., but maybe now is another good time to make an exception. My friend Tom Haig, in from Oregon, staged a benefit concert last night at the Miramar Theater in Milwaukee, at which he got his freak flag chopped for charity—Locks of Love, I think it was, which uses donated human hair to make wigs for chemotherapy patients. Tom's brother Bagus, after banging on the 'boards for a while and getting the boogie out, was a good sport too, allowing himself to be recruited for a clipping by the chanting crowd.

In between the more serious grownup bands, the brothers allowed various of the braver kids from the tribe to get on stage and strut their musical chops—including Zander, who had his stage debut playing bass. I was a proud papa!

Impressario Tom H. gazes mistily into the future and sees...himself, clipped, cut, and bereft of ponytail and beard!

And the band plays on...last known sighting of long-haired Bagus.

Almost done! Le look nouveau.

Egged on by the chanting crowd, brother Bagus is enticed into the ranks of the non-hirsute.

Emma played a song she wrote herself. Newly-shorn Tom looks on.

It takes guts to fiddle on a real stage. William played an encore, too.

Meg gets ready to sing a Dylan tune, accompanied by dad Mark.

Kelly had her own formerly extravagant tresses clipped a few weeks ago...so maybe she started the trend!

Zander on bass with his lefty friend Matt on guitar.

After the kids had their turns, a real band took over.

By the end of the evening, the Miramar had sold some drinks, a handful of budding musicians had gotten some stage time, and the bucket had been passed several times and a goodly chunk of change raised for charity. And a good time was had by all.

A tip of the hat to Tom for a fun idea.

__________________

Mike

Comments

[John]

Enjoyed these Mike - you should make the exception more often

[Guy Batey]

Nice bass.

[Darin]

That looks like a New Glarus Brewery "Spotted Cow" he's drinking. Pretty good taste. Though I prefer the Uff-da Bock, or new Organic Revolution! I got married in New Glarus and just passed through there on the way to the Christmas party for my wife's family. Great little town.

[RobinP]

Looks like a good night out and the "old" camera came up trumps, especially for web posting the quality is nice. Pixel peepers would probably complain about noise etc. but think how much better these look than if they'd been done with ISO 1600 film - a case of digital being the right tool for the job methinks.
Best pic I've ever seen of that Zander, he looks happier with a tool in his hands......

Cheers, Robin

[Nicole]

Great idea and good cause!
Looks like everyone had a good time :)!

[Max Dominic]

This subject reminds me of some photos I took earlier in the year, in Australia there is a day where a lot of people shave their heads for the cancer charity 'shave for a cause'. It's a brilliant gesture that is a great example of how far people are willing to put themselves out for others. And a brilliant cause.

My dad had a close call with cancer this year, although neither he nor I had any idea what was coming when I took this picture:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s154/aWorldOfMine/Shaveforacure1of1.jpg

-max

[Bill Pierce]

Mike -

And you thought cameras were expensive. Welcome to that select group of parents who have discovered the expensive musical instrument. Can you say Strat? - Strativarious? - for years and years and years.

[Carl]

What a great idea! My son is learning drums I play the guitar and my daughter sometimes sings and I will mention this to a few mates and get them to check you out. It looks like every one had a great time....now you have really given me an idea. Thanks very much.

Keep rocking,
Carl