[Michael.SF.]

Scott,

Did you see Sam Butera in SF when he opened for Van? This was probably 8 years ago, or more maybe.

It was a great show, sorry to see him go.

[EggsAckley]

When I was growing up I had the wonderful opportunity to see Prima, et.al. many times. Keely was one of my idols when I later became a pro singer. What a gal!

I saw her about 30 years ago with Butera in Reno. She wasn’t skinny anymore but she was still just as beautiful and elegant on stage. When she and Sam did one of Prima’s big hits, they both had tears in their eyes. They loved him so much.

Prima used to say she was American Indian and would ask her what tribe she was from. Her answer was always “we’re the Fuqauee”. Totally deadpan.

[scott says]

Yeah—they played 3 nights at the Bimbos 365 Club and 3 nights at the Masonic Auditorium. It was Jan of 1999 believe it or not, I went to one show each at the venues.
The last time I saw Sam was Feb 2004 at 19 Broadway in Fairfax, CA—a TINY bar.
I sat first row dead center, literally 5 feet in front of Sam— he was awesome! He retired shortly after that show and kept to himself. This is a very sad day-Sam was one of the greatest EVER—