superadmin | - Part 5

Scott was a class act (both as a musician and as a person…

Posted on March 19, 2016March 31, 2016 Andrew Maines

Scott was a class act (both as a musician and as a person) and he was taken from this world too soon. He was always kind to me and he supported my music.. We spent many Saturday mornings in Randy’s studio talking about music and working on the graphics for my band’s cd – if you have a Feeder Mice cd you will see there is button that says “Scott Gast – Graphic Design” and another one that says “Cd Layout: A.R.S.” (that stands for Andy, Randy, and Scott) in the cd booklet .. I remember asking Scott what I owed him for the work he did and he never would let me give him $.. it meant a lot to me that he supported my music.

My Memories of Scott live back when…

Posted on March 10, 2016March 31, 2016 Kathleen Wheeler

Most of my memories of Scott live back when we were both much younger. His Dad and my Dad own Musician’s Alley, a music store in downtown Sandusky, and we grew up running around their shop. I remember playing in the back storage rooms where the customers were not allowed (I’m not quite sure we were allowed either to be honest) and I even remember sitting in on some of his first guitar lessons with Fred. I would often go into Fred’s studio and listen to his students play and even as a young boy you could see Scott’s love of music.

Scott and I also went to the same school, Margaretta, until my family moved while I was in high school. Scott was a year older than I was, but we would pass each other in the hallway and he always had a smile and kind word! After our move, Scott and I lost touch, but we stayed relevant in each other’s lives through stories our Dads would share. As everyone knows, Scott’s musical talent grew and the last I heard he was “living the dream,” surrounded by those who shared his love of music. I often wonder where your life would have led you, Scott, but in all my wondering I know exactly where it did: your talent (and that smile of yours) was used to lift the spirits of those who needed it the most.

– Kathleen

Former Drummer of CocoaBeanOs

Posted on March 8, 2016March 31, 2016 Jeremy Miller

INITIAL INTRO
I first heard of the CoCoBeano’s when I returned to Ohio from my stint in the music Biz in Los Angeles. I learned that my former band Mate Brian Runkle was at the helm. Since the group was popular in Sandusky and it was one of my first holidays home, I thought I would surprise the crew. I went to Cabana Jacks for a packed house. I remember the night starting off with a different lead singer and Scott finishing up the night on lead vocals. I later learned that that was indeed the last gig for the original lead vocalist. I witnessed the crossover and remember being encouraged with Scott’s stage presence and overall performance for such a young kid! Brian, and I talked at the set break and he informed me that he indeed let Scott know that HE COULD LEAD THIS BAND!

NEXT RUN IN
I learned that the CocoBeano’s were playing near my house on the east side of Cleveland and stopped out. I meet all the members of the band and hung out backstage. I remember thinking that the crew seemed to be having fun and it looked like a great venue to play in. I talked with the crew briefly and since then kept in touch. Later that year, the band needed a sub drummer for 3 weekend shows. Even though we spoke earlier it took Scott’s girlfriend and mutual friend Brook to remind them of my drumming as they searched. Once she recommended me, i received an email from Scott (then Scottland Gast) The propositions was to do 3 shows in 1 weekend with 1 rehearsal. It was on! We played that weekend and all shows went very well. It had been nearly 15 years since I played cover songs like these and it was quite an escape ! I was then part of a full time original group that did regional touring so my schedule was pretty tight. Brian returned to the croup after his weekend and we went our separate ways again for another year.

WILL YOU JOIN THE BAND?
As stated, another year had past and I was out of town at a DC area wedding. George Gast called and simply stated, “we need you, can you join the band?” I of corse wanted some details and was unable to make the show happening the following day but agreed to “a big one” 2 nights at Beer Barrel Saloon at Put IN Bay Island. Not just any nights, it was Christmas in July in the Island busiest and most professional music environment. We had a Friday-Saturdaystint. After playing in LosAngeles for large events and the touring under my belt, I felt that 1 rehearsal would do. We rehearsed the previous Tuesday at Scott and Brian’s House in Castallia. After 3 hours the band all said, We feel Good! I arrived by boat and was greeted by the Beano’s guitar Player Josh. Scott later rounded up the crew Dylan, Brotha B and Josh and we loaded in our gear. Set time started at 5 pm with a 4pmload in. By the end of the set we had 2,800 people rocking while Scott sang center stage. That evening we all went out to celebrate ‘island Style” while watching the entertainment following us. “The Menus!” It was the following day, This was day 2 of my return after the brief stint over a year previous. The Venue was mobbed! Over 4,800 people crammed in to escape the rain. We played 3 hrs straight through with NO set breaks! Still one of my favorite performances I have ever had. I recall, Scott running out to great the crowd while Brotha B and I laid down the groove to Rebel Yell. I vividly remember the silhouette of green lighting cast on Scott., He spun around with one of the greatest smiles I have ever seen. I knew we nailed it!

THE RUN
The Following 2 years were filled with nearly 180 per year (while all holding down full time jobs) and playing everywhere that would have us. Some of the stand out shows include a few surprisingly fun Moose Lodge events, More PIB shows and several famous Halloween celebrations. Over all, I will never forget how hard Scott worked. He was fully invested and LOVED everything about it. Scott and I did have a few meetings about another project which unfortunately will never come to fruition.Thinking back on the friends we made, the lives we touched and the people we influenced I can say, these were some of the greatest moments of my life. for that Scott, I thank you entirely. You were one of a kind and an awesome friend.

With Love and Remembrance,
Jeremy Miller
(Former Drummer for CoCoBeanos 2009 then 2011-2013)

Sent from my iPhone

Message 9 of 77

Knew My Generation of Music

Posted on March 7, 2016April 11, 2016 Kimberly Staiger

My next roadtrip to see the amazing CoCoBeanos was in the making shortly after seeing them perform for the first time. I was so excited and planned it down to T. I was so excited. Music is and has always been my passion. I had my two oldest sons go with me. I decided to have a drink, as I was nervous. At my age, I hardly went anywhere besides work and my children’s sporting functions. As I am not accustomed to drinking, I ended up getting deathly sick. I still managed to hear one song and meet Scott. He even posed while singing, so I could snap picture. I was hooked. I planned another trip to go see the band. Hoping this time I could catch more than one song. My husband, myself and another couple went to Put-in-Bay to see them. I got to see/hear their entire show. I was over the top excited. My husband even complimented them. (Which is rare) I told Scott about planning forever to get to come hear the band, and missing all but one song. He laughed and enjoyed the story. I was amazed that a young man knew “my generation” of music as well as Scott did.

Within one month, I had planned another roadtrip to see the “Beanos”. This time I took along 2 friends. One of my friends had lost her 26 year old son recently in a motorcycle accident. I thought taking her to hear the band and spending the night away from home might brighten her spirits up a little. She is a music lover, as well as I am. She absolutely loved the Beanos. I had told Scott about the loss of my friends son, and that I was trying to cheer her up. Scott and Dylan Kendrick were so sweet to my friend. They both treated her as though they had known her forever. Both, she and I were absolutely amazed with their talent. However equally important was the warmth and compassion that was shown to my friend in her darkest hours.

I took a large crowd of friends and co-workers to The Pump in Sandusky to see the CoCoBeanos on the eve of Thanksgiving 2010. I wanted them all to see how talented the band was. I remember so vividly walking into the pump. It was wall to wall people. All my friends were already there, and waiting for me, as I always run late. The band was scheduled to start, however when I walked in, Scott came right up to me. Hugged me, and thanked me for coming. He insisted on getting me something to drink before they started. I looked around, and could see all my co-workers looking at Scott and I in awe. I was on top of the world. I, in my 49 years of living had never felt so special. My knees were literally shaking. I felt Scott was truly a star. My friends, needless to say, were quite impressed with his talent, good looks and warm magnetic personality.

On many occasions, Scott would talk to the management at the establishments where he played so our young adults could be admitted to the venues. We had 20 year olds who wanted to listen to the band. On this particular night, I noticed a little young lady who looked no older than 14 years old. When the band took their first break, I voiced to Scott that I was confused. I couldn’t figure out why my young men had a problem getting in to listen to band, yet they would allow a little girl in. About that time, the young lady walked up to Scott. They hugged and talked for awhile. Scott introduced her. You could see the sparkle in her eyes when she looked at Scott. Scott was so warm and kind to her. It melted my heart. Scott later told me that this young lady was much older than she looked. She had a disorder that stunted her growth. He was so kind and sincere to people. He always made time for everybody. He went that extra mile to make you feel that you were special. He was truly a blessing.

Promo kit. I took this all over central Ohio. Not because Scott asked me to do it, but because I truly believed in his talent. I was always shy and did not like crowds. Meeting Scott pulled me out of that backward insecure individual. I remember telling him that it was time for a new promo kit. This one did not do him justice! He snickered, and said he was thinking the same thing. We clicked from day one. I don’t know if it was our mutual love for music or the warm caring person he was. I loved him as if he were my own son. I feel so blessed to have had him in my life. I miss him terribly.

Remembering Scott

Posted on March 5, 2016April 11, 2016 Helen Marketti

I first met Scott Gast in November of 2009. I had a close friend who mentioned seeing The CoCoBeanOs and suggested I might be interested in writing an article about them because she thought they were “cool”. I suggested the idea to my editor for Lifestyles Magazine. (Fremont, OH).

Scott and I met at Starbucks in Sandusky for the interview. His love of music was obvious; his enthusiasm for the world around him was contagious. He was someone whose company you enjoyed. The professional interview from that evening grew into a friendship. We would often meet at Starbucks to catch up on life, music and our mutual love of The Beatles. Sharing conversation about many different topics and yet still knowing so many people knew him in their own way. That is what made him special because he connected with everyone. He had the ability to make people feel important.

In July of 2010, a group of us went to see Ringo Starr in Cleveland. There is nothing better than attending a concert with a fellow Beatle-enthusiast. Crammed in his Mini Cooper at the time, it was Beatle songs all the way there and back.

Scott always enjoyed reading my articles and showed support for my music journalism career even though like him, I have a “day” job, too.

There would be times where I would text him the name of an artist I had just interviewed on a particular afternoon with no further explanation because he knew what that meant. He would text back right away with words of encouragement and support.

Scott was a genuine soul and someone who cared about people around him. Family, friends, coworkers, band members, fans…you name it, Scott made everyone feel special. You do not come across many like him and that’s why his loss is significant. I will always carry fond memories with me and try to be a better person because he had that kind of impact.

~Helen Marketti Sandusky, OH