Behind the Scenes January, 2002 - by Rose Allen   Behind the Scenes Index

   Jannette & Dann Buck

    One of the advantages of being involved with this Association is meeting other Blues lovers. It has been a real treat to get to know Dann and Jannette through the monthly BluesNotes mailing.  Each member on the CBA roster receives a copy in the mail each month and each staple was more than likely put there by Jannette.  That's a lot of staples in the nearly eight years she estimates having helped out.

    As a real giving, caretaker-type, Jannette has made fans of her own through her abilities in the kitchen while working at The Cascade Bar & Grill. She has taken care of many a musicians' stomach, even going so far as to make a special batch of potato salad for Henry Cooper.  Jannette mentions having heard a number of stories confidentially shared while cooking.  She feels that as individuals and human beings the musicians are absolutely wonderful people and she respects them.

    She described to me how she and Dann met 22 years ago through a friend.  She was a mere 16 years old, Dann was 23.  When her parents found out, they forbid them to date; Jannette now understands why, having two daughters of their own, Jennifer and Lacy. They did not see each other again for nearly two years, but have been together ever since - pretty impressive.

    Dann helps to keep the airwaves pretty full during our monthly mailings.  From a man with boyish good looks and an attitude to match, here's a guy with stories!  One that particularly comes to mind is the extra "n" on his name. Dann initially made the addition when signing a piece of work for a drafting class.  Seems the reaction from his teacher was enough for him to continue doing so to this day.  The instructor said he couldn't do it and Dann was determined to show otherwise.  When having a CD signed by Delbert McClinton recently, Delbert asked whether his mother stuttered, and placed not two, but three "n"s on the name.

    Dann has worked the door at some local clubs and proudly states that he charges everybody.  At one point they both worked at The Cascade, he at the door and Jannette in the kitchen.  She currently is employed at a sandwich shop in Vancouver.  Dann was also employed by Burnside Records for a time in the area of radio promo and musician tour support and he currently works in the construction industry and still freelances at the door for some bands.

    They credit Errol & Bobbie Shervey and Shelly Garrett for their interest and involvement with the Association and appreciate the sense of friendship and acceptance of their daughters over the years.  Lacy was even invited onstage with Duffy Bishop to sing and also sang at a CBA Holiday Party. Jannette expressed her love of the family feeling with the CBA; people who are always there to help.  She looks forward to seeing those friends when attending Blues events and claims to have met some of the best friends they have had.

    As true "Blues supporters", I run into this couple at a number of local Blues events. They classify themselves as "Professional Listeners" of the Blues. With granddaughter, Cora Lynn, they have recently achieved the status of Grandparents and are proud of their three generations of Blues participants. It is a pleasure to have two such great people involved with this organization.  Many thanks to Dann & Jannette for their many years of time and energy; its not difficult to see why they have developed such great friendships.

© 2002 Cascade Blues Association