Janice Baluka
Diane (Janice's sister), Gerry, and Janice after a concert in 1991.
Janice Baluka
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Meet Janice Baluka from Malibu, California. I have been following America (my boys as I call them) since 1972. I have seen them at least 30 times in concert. The first time was in St. Louis in 1974, and several times afterward. I moved to California in 1982 and all my sister could say was "Maybe you will meet America there?" (Like they lived next door or something.) Anyway after seeing them many times here, I saw them at the Wild Animal Park and was standing next to them but couldn't even talk!! I figured I missed a golden opportunity. The next year I was in St. Louis and saw them again. Afterwards we went to a club and happened to meet one of the roadies. He told me where they were staying so we went to the Sheraton Hotel and who was sitting in the bar but Gerry. I introduced myself to him, told him I just had just come back from his concert and he asked me how it was. I told him it sucked and he said "Sit down, I want to talk to you." He bought me a margarita and I told him I was unhappy because they never play any songs of their newer releases. He said because no one heard of them. I told them no one would unless they start playing them. We sat there and talked for about 4 hours and actually sang some songs. I have since then moved back to San Diego and have met Gerry several more times and met Dewey and Willie once. They are the nicest guys ever. I flew my sister out for her 30th birthday and they dedicated a song to her. I finally got my picture taken with Gerry the last time I saw him since no one ever believed that I have really met him. Their music is the greatest. I feel very fortunate to have had these experiences. Update: 29 January 2005
After the story above (written when I lived in San Diego), I was lucky enough to meet someone who has "connections" at a local club near Malibu where I now live. I got to see America on New Years Eve 2003 at a dinner club, got great seats, but also got to go backstage before AND after the concert. It was great to meet Gerry and Dewey again after so many years since our last meeting. I also met Gerry's brother, his son Joe, and I met his older son Matthew (again... I once met him when he was 6). Matthew has his own band also. The whole night was a great experience, the concert was amazing as always. I just recently saw them again Jan 28th and took my fiancee who has never seen them live... and loved them. We were extremely lucky to get dinner ticket seats right next to the stage, that is the closest i have ever sat, I could actually touch the stage. I got a lot of pics and got to meet with Gerry and Dewey for autographs after the concert, and we are considering having them for a private party for our upcoming wedding. These guys just prove that the older you get... the BETTER you get. Update: 30 December 2009
I would like to say since the last update, I have had the chance to see and meet Gerry and Dewey on several occasions at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills CA. I am friends with the lawyer of the club so needless to say I get front row table every time with my table right next to the stage that I actually have my hand on it. We always get backstage to say a quick Hi..and get an autograph or pic or two. But I have to say, in all the 35 yrs that I have been going to their concerts, I have never experienced such a great time as the last time I went which was in Oct 2009 at Wildwood Springs Resort in Missouri. I had just been at the Canyon Club a few weeks prior and had talked to Gerry and Dewey backstage about the concert venue at Wildwood. I told them I was flying back to St.Louis to meet up with my sister and my 16 yr. old niece to drive down to Steeleville for the concert. The place itself was so quaint and beautiful..and a perfect place for an all acoustic concert. The previous time they had performed there they made a live CD..and my sister had been there the same night. So it was so awesome to be there. We chatted with Rich Campbell who was setting up the stage area, and after having an awesome dinner at the resort..we saw Gerry and Dewey waiting in the dining room, so we walked back there and chatted with them and got some pics taken before the concert. The concert itself was the best I ever heard especially since they played songs they dont normally play which are usually the songs I WANT to hear. We had asked them to dedicate a song to my niece since it was her birthday and her first concert , so they did which was great. Then afterward they signed autographs for everyone and took more pics, but I felt fortunate that we had pics taken "with "them , beforehand where others were just standing in front of the counter where they were signing. My niece had found a baseball style t shirt that I had purchased at a concert in 1982 at my mom 's house and asked me if she could have it. She wore it that night...even Gerry remarked.."Where the hell did u find that haha?" And they both autographed it for her. He even told her afterwards that she needs to convert her young friends to their music. All I can really say is..If anyone gets a chance to see them at this resort..it is well worth it. Great Music..Great Food..a pleasant overnight stay at a very relaxing little old fashioned resort. And it seems the band was a lot more relaxed there also afterwards spending a LOT of time talking with all their fans. We love you guys...as I have always said..your music is timeless. The only other timeless music for me is The Beatles..and I also love it when you DO play a couple Beatles tunes. Looking forward to seeing you again at The Canyon Club in the future..and of course ..the next time you decide to play at Wildwood Springs 11. Feel free to send your comments or questions to Janice. |
Written: 14 February 2000
Last Revised 30 December 2009
