Features

Happy Holidays from Ryan Stasik, Matt Abts, Jon Guwillig, JJ Grey, Dave Malone, Keith Moseley and Johnny Winter

Artists reflect on their favorite holiday moments

With the holiday season once upon us again, we asked some of our favorite artists to ponder the most memorable gift that they’ve ever given or received, the gift they want most this year and a notable holiday performance that they’ve attended or played. From the literal to the metaphysical, and the old to the new, their responses elicited a range of emotions that got us thinking about our own holiday highlights.

This is our second installment, click here to read our first collection which features Mike Gordon, Mickey Hart, Al Schnier and Tom Blankenship and click here to read round two with picks from Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Ben Kaufmann, Karl Denson and Bill Payne

RYAN STASIK
Bass
Umphrey’s McGee

What is your favorite holiday gift that you’ve given or received?
I received a fart in a jar filled with cotton balls. I gagged, then I laughed. What a clever gift! I shall regift this year for one lucky band member most likely “Old Man Cummins.”

What gift do you want most this year?
A Steelers’ Super Bowl victory, a Penguins’ Stanley Cup and a Pirates season over .500 next year.

What is your favorite holiday show as a fan or performer?
Our New Year’s Eve 2000 gig at The Cubby Bear. Words cannot describe this classic performance nor can I remember a single note played!

MATT ABTS
Drummer
Gov’t Mule, Planet of the Abts

What is your favorite holiday gift that you’ve given or received?
A kiss

What gift do you want most this year?
Some love

What is your favorite holiday show as a fan or performer?
New Year’s Eve in New York City!