Virginia Street Brewhouse Presents
Memorial For Susan Kramer (Rockbar)
Featuring The Greg Golden Band and Very Special Guests
*Expect performances by some huge names in the industry
About Susan:
Susan Lynn Cramer was born on 10-28-1957 in Amarillo Texas, and her story is something many wish for. She grew up playing viola in the symphony, painting, and grasping all things art.
A caring heart that helped people all her life and touched so many with her love during her travels to many states. She lived in San Francisco, then, to San Jose, where she graduated with a degree as an Historic Art Major, and decided to learn drums, and she was good. Every morning listening to music which could be anything from symphony to Slayer and everything in between. Wanting to share more music, she opened a music venue like none before, Rockbar Theater, one where all music could be played, and in formats suiting each. She touched music fans and musicians alike with what she created, and many became personal friends and family throughout her life. There are thousands upon thousands of pictures of laughing with so many. So many stories I can tell of her serendipitous life.
A private serenade at 2 a.m. on the rooftop garden from Bobby Kimball of Toto singing Africa. Having to remind Kirk Hammet he is supposed to be on stage, to smoking inside an L.A. restaurant with red wine discussing putting his wedding together. Or telling Snoop Dog she couldn’t make it to a warrior’s game as she was enjoying an evening with her love. Or sitting down with Jake E. Lee and his wife, Amy (whom she adored more than words) with a 50-year-old bottle of whiskey over Jake’s new album release. Or, getting a private tour of the Iffusi Museum in Florence, unknowingly at the time, finding out she stayed in the suite of the John Wicke 2 movie, “Continental Hotel” when flying home. Baking muffins for George Lynch when he stayed at the house when playing in town. Or, having Greg Golden and Joe Retta (The Greg Golden Band) for dinner parties to laugh and sing songs. And, her Sunday morning calls with Tawana Turner just to talk. Or, Bjorn Englen and West Bound flying in to play her birthday party, and let’s not forget Gary Hoey writing and releasing her own song, “For The Love Of Susie,” which speaks of her life so eloquently. So many more stories…So many.
She lived everyday trying to be happy and even more, trying to make others happy with music, love, and with a spark that lit up a room. I can say she is missed and missing from here, but still with all who knew her, and the hearts she touched. She will be remembered “Flutter By My little Susie” Robert Farrell
About The Greg Golden Band:
This band has opened for literally scores of top rock bands including Tesla, Frank Hannon, Gary Hoey, Eddie Money, Sebastion Bach, Y&T, L.A. Guns, 38 Special, Great White, and many more. All their music including 2 albums, EP’s and Dvd’s are mastered and produced by Frank Hannon of Tesla. All of the band members also have many years of experience under their belts. Joe Retta, their singer, performed many years with the band Sweet, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Dio Disciples, Greg Rollie from Journey and many others. Joe is known in many circles as one of the best lead singers in the industry today. Jeff Martin, their drummer has performed and recorded with Racer X, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan, UFO, Michael Schenker, Bad Lands and others. Greg played for years with Chuck Ruff, the famed drummer from Edgar Winter, Bud Gaugh (founding member/drummer of Sublime), Mike Japp, most noted for writing dozens of songs for Kiss, Bryan Adams, The Babies, and others. Greg was also a mainstay guitarist for The Ronnie Montrose Remembered concerts in LA with former Montrose singer Keith St. John who fronted the Greg Golden Band for a time. Both Jeff Montgomery and Dave Strelz played with Chuck Ruff, as well.
Greg Golden – guitar,vocals
Joe Retta lead vocals
Jeff Montgomery guitar, vocals
Dave Strelz bass, vocals
Jeff Martin, drums, vocals
Doors 7:00pm / Admission $10 Advance / $15 Doors / 21+