Mo Bufton

Jeff and Mo Bufton

Meet Mo Bufton from Macedon, New York.

Hey y'ans guys. That's Pittsburghese, which I know you've heard me say on the chat folder before. So we'll start with that. I grew up in Mt. Pleasant, PA about 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Nice place to grow up, I guess -- definitely farm country.

When I was a sophomore in high school I met a guy who became my first real boyfriend—real boyfriend being defined by actually going out on a date, I suppose. Anyway, he loved to ski so we did a lot of that. On the way to the ski resort, (Seven Springs—which will be significant later on in this bio) we would always listen to his favorite music. There were lots of favorite songs such as "Doctor My Eyes" (J. Browne), Marrakesh Express (CSN), and several Cheap Trick tunes. But there were only two favorite bands—The Beatles and America. Well, as you may have guessed, I got hooked on both and soon started my own collection of America records.

This would have been in late ’78. So, I guess I was a little late to the America party. No problem, I had no trouble catching up. I bought as many records as I could and played them endlessly. Just ask my sister! (Which will be significant later on in this bio.)

As soon as Silent Letter came out, I snatched it up. I loved it. I was a bit shocked and a bit miffed (replace this G rated word with the R rated word that I’d probably say in person) that America was now a duo. It spooked me because I was afraid that soon Gerry and Dewey would follow the trend and go their separate ways. Fortunately and obviously, I was wrong. I was so pleased to find that the music was just as good without Dan Peek. That is why I’ve never missed him or hoped he would return. Later, dude. Don’t let the screen door hit you on the way out.

When I went off to college (in Boston, MA) in the fall of ’80, I took along my growing collection of albums dominated by America. And, of course, the America posters went up on the dorm room walls. (I surely wish now that I hadn’t done that!! I wish I had taken better care of them.) But from that time until last February, even though I continued to love listening to America—sort of the soundtrack of my life as I’ve heard other fans say—I never was aware enough to realize that America had made more albums. I hate to admit that but I must.

So, fast forward to February, 2002. I now live in Macedon, NY, which is just outside of Rochester, with my husband and three kids. (The husband is NOT the same guy from sophomore year just in case you were wondering.) Anyway, my sister, Kelly calls and mentions that Seven Springs (ski resort from above) where she works is having America play for Winterfest. WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING? CAN I GO?

Well at this point, she is convinced that I’m nuts ‘cause Seven Springs is now a six-hour drive from where I live. But then again, she grew up with me so I suppose she already knew I wasn’t exactly sane. So, long story short, she gets me a ticket for the front row with her and two of her friends. See photo below.

From left to right the four of us: Deb, Madonna, me, and Kelly. Yes Kelly is younger but taller—and prettier. There’s always a shallow end of the gene pool, right? Would it sound like sour grapes if I said I was smarter? It would? Okay, so I won’t say it.

It was a great night. We had a blast. Kelly knew almost all of the songs from the passive absorption of having to listen to them played over and over when we were young. I was just a tad disappointed when I heard the band had come into town the night before and had talked with the townsfolk at the Matterhorn Lounge at the resort. Unfortunately, they said they would not be hanging out there that night since they had a very early flight in the morning. Oh well. I bought my America cap, thanked my sister profusely and drove home the next day for six hours. Six hours. Did I mention it was a six-hour drive? Oh, I did. Well it was worth it.

Shortly after returning from the concert, with my love for America rekindled, I found this website and the Ventura Highway website. Well that was all I needed to see. I was into it all over again. Once I found the concert schedule, LOOK OUT, I started making plans for my next America concert. That was in July at Holiday Valley, NY—another ski resort which I find funny. That one was only 2 and ½ hours away. My hubby and kids went with me. They were grumbling all the way there because they are now the ones who are the passive absorbers. But, they had to admit it was fun.

After that concert, Pete took my America cap backstage for me and Gerry and Dewey signed it. That was great. I would have preferred to do that in person but this was the next best thing. I also got 3 guitar picks—two of Dewey’s and one of Gerry’s. COOL.

I wasn’t done. I checked the schedule for more nearby concerts. Well the boys were at the New York State Fair in Syracuse on September 1^st. That’s only an hour away. REALLY COOL. They were going to play two shows. I was hoping to see both but I only got to the second one since my kids had to cheer for football that day. But the best part was, we got to meet the band and Erin Edwards, get autographs, and sit in the wings of the stage for the concert. WAY COOL. Each concert has gotten better and better. I don’t think I should go to any more concerts ‘cause I don’t think it could get better than that. Well it can’t but NOT!!!! You know I’ll be at every one I can—maybe even Vegas if we get this fan gathering going.

Yes, that's me, the hub, the kids, and my good buds Dewey and GERRY, GERRY, GERRY!!!

As far as the OTHER things in my life:

The hub is Jeff. He’s great. We’re equally insane which is always good for a marriage.

The kids are Kaity age 13, 8^th grader, all around great kid.

Molly age 9, 4^th grader, also a great kid, the most outgoing of the three.

Riley age 8, 3^rd grader, obviously following the trend of being a great kid, really funny.

The hobbies are biking, canoeing, reading, needlework, coaching cheerleading, and some rollerblading (now that’s a sight!!). Newest hobby is getting America albums on CD. Love the Human Nature album.

The job is office manager for Home Performance, a systems integration company. We design and install home theatre and sound systems using mostly Bose products. We are also the national technical support provider for all of the Bose Factory Stores. This is a new job for me since March, 2003. So far, I love it. It's good to be back in the work force after doing the full time Mommy gig for quite a while. Now that the kids are older, I might as well get out of the house and earn some money since, as my husband says, "You're no Martha Stewart!!" Fortunately, he loves me in spite of that.

Well I’ve enjoyed sharing my America obsession with you.

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Mo.