Spirit Family Reunion Toasts Levon Helm

DIY-inspired Brooklyn band Spirit Family Reunion opened for Levon Helm before his last shows, at Tarrytown Music Hal in Tarrytown, NY in late March.

The group, inspired by church revivals, has drawn comparisons to The Band, and in honor of one of their heroes, the members put together this poem.

a band could be so
lucky to have a hit song
or album or do a tour through places
they always dreamed about…

but to be ushered into a few
unforgettable performances
in the twilight of Levon Helm’s life
was certainly an unsuspected dream
come true

for an apprentice to be anointed
by the master is an
overwhelming feeling of
accomplishment, responsibility,
and just plain happiness

this life has taught us to doubt our idols,
question the man behind each myth.
the fleeting images we caught of this man
confirmed that the legend he engendered
was every bit deserved.

meeting this man, playing with him
and sharing his stage, made real all of the legends
we have followed and learned from and loved.
Levon gave substance to our dreams,
and we will be forever thankful to him for that gift

Spirit Family Reunion “100 Greenback Dollar Bills” from Possum Den Productions on Vimeo.