API threw a party worthy of its 40 years on Saturday night October 10 at the famed Roseland Ballroom in NYC. An abundance of gourmet food, excellent music and lots of free API stuff made the Roseland the place to be for the 1000 plus who were able to score a laminated invite. In addition to The Rev. Billy C. Wirtz on piano, and slide guitar whiz Sonny Landreth, the crowd was treated to a special appearance by Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead for 3 songs with Sonny and his band. Saul Walker, original co-founder of API in 1969, received special recognition as did all the current employees of API.
The house sound was mixed on an API 1608 by veteran live engineer Dave Natale, who most recently handled FOH duties on the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and Fleetwood Mac tours. Stage monitor duties were aptly cared for by Rob Bull, who took a day off from Martina McBride to ride the faders of a Paragon II monitor console, which was manufactured by API's former parent company.
Several pieces of API gear were given away to lucky winners and everyone left with a commemorative API t-shirt.
Great party – great attendees – great memories. Our thanks to everyone who joined us for our 40th anniversary party.