10.Hand out presents stolen from jackets in the coat room.

9. Test out your new reed by blowing bubbles in the egg nog.

8. Stuff the mistletoe into a bong.

7. “Knock yourself out” interpretive dance.

6. Ask people if they want to see your fish trap.

5. Yell OAKLAND WHAT! Every few minutes for no apparent reason.

4. Try to out drink a Canadian hockey fan.

3. Put on SoulRadioOnline.com and crank it.

2. A line of CPA’s doing air sax with umbrellas.

1. Call everybody “Broham”.

Now that I have had some time to think about the Tower Of Power 40th anniversary performance I thought I would list some thoughts and observations.

**I wish a couple of friends were still with us to see the show. First of all Bruce Steinberg, we all know Bruce had a long association with the band and his presence was surely missed. Secondly, Ray Berzins a loyal TOP fan, who would not have missed this event. Both of these men were great friends and I personally miss them.

**It was amazing to see how well organized this event was from a performance level. The changes in personnel moved effortlessly. To think that 30 plus songs were performed, in about a three and one half hour time frame, with all the personnel changes, wow what a feat.

**A special tribute to Bill Graham, very nicely done.

**Emilio Castillo in a Tux, classy.

**Doc’s voice on Funk the Dumb Stuff, don’t hear that very often

**Herman Matthews running around with a camera, as much a fan taking it all in, as a performer.

**The fan participation was something to witness, everyone was involved, there was no need for the band to get the crowd moving they were ready.

**The power that comes from any instrument Mic Gillette plays. A few people mentioned to me that up close you could not only hear, but feel his playing.

**The sound and lighting was spot on.

I wish more of my internet friends who I have met over the years could have attended this event, you know who you are. I wish you could have been beside me, although I know a number of you caught the event via live streaming. Thanks Monster Cable for that one.

Lastly, I would like to say to the band and everyone else involved with this event. To the average viewer like me, the event came off flawlessly. I know that this was no small task, and a logistics nightmare I am sure, but you could not detect it. Well done Tower of Power.

Raoul

10.Always check your restraining orders before knocking on a door.

9. Keep a firm grasp of your candy bag, folks will open the door snatch the bag, slam the door then, deny you where there.

8. A “Trick” means something completely different to some people.

7. If you hear a shotgun rack, hit the ground. Let them cap guy dressed like Star Wars behind you.

6. Do not take a BBQ rib if it’s wrapped in a napkin.

5. Don’t ask folks what they are dressed as, some people look really scary and don’t wear costumes.

4. Newport cigarettes can be considered a treat.

3. Dressing like a cop is never funny.

2. No matter what they tell you, they are supposed to give YOU the treat.

1. Do not let anyone pack your goodie bag, or hold someones bag during a shakedown.

Ok, here is what we are hoping will the the first of many…Al Carlos Hernandez’ top ten lists will be appearing here at SoulRadioOnline.com. So here we go…

TOP Ten reasons TOP has been on the road for 40 Years:

10.William Morris agency always forgets where they played last.

9. Fans are scattered though out the globe in witness protection programs.

8. The Hebrews wandered in the desert for 40 years, Emilio is a huge Moses fan.

7. Since they don’t get the radio airplay they deserve they have to serve it up live.

6. If band members stay home for more than a week they start messing with the neighbors.

5. They will soon have enough frequent flier miles to take their families to Pluto.

4. They keep getting new fans who want to see them live, while the older fans go back to prison where they belong.

3. Every time they are introduced being from Oakland the hotel evicts them.

2. People plan and look forward to seeing them once a year like in-laws.

1. They are relentless in their quest to find a cure for Honky pox.

(Congratulations Fellas on your 40th you have enriched my life)- Al Carlos