Ruben Betancourt

If  there is a muse, a playful spirit behind The Fibes, it's Ruben.
His depth of musical knowledge as well as his balls defined character of the band.
If  it won't kill ya, it will make you stronger, he says. He once ate cat food on a dare to prove that belief and then
convinced Alan to chew on a doggie treat.
To Fibes-aholics, Ruben was known as the first bass player of the band, a distinction that lasted  until the other
members realized he knew nothing about the instrument.
He once tracked down George Harrision on a South Florida beach to garner an autograph.
Ruben also led bandmembers on a Magical Mystery Tour of their own --  a trek to Palm Beach to knock on the door
of John Lennon. Unfortunately, Lennon was not home.
He also dared Alan to eat a dog biscuit if he ate cat food. Which both did.
Lynn once saved Ruben's life with the Heimlich manuever, or was it the other way around.
Ruben provides a magic  that should never be put on the internet.
It's been said, never turn over the mic to
an audience member.
Well, it's hard to find a  more frequent
audience member than Ruben, afterall he
was the band's first bass player.
The result of not obeying the mic rule is
this version of the 1962 Lesley Gore hit
It's My Party.
It was the first song produced by Quincy
Jones, the Gore version, that is.
The Fibes version features Ruben and
Alan.
It's My Party
Ruben at his best
Sh#t from the Garage -- The Fibes -- By Alan Cherry Music
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Like a slab of meat wrapped in bacon cooked over a campfire, ain't nuthin' better than a
garage band.
High hopes, high times, loud noise and good fun. Time takes  away  youth and distance kicks
the crap out of camaraderie. Gone the days of guy flicks and beer in the woods.
Thus is the story of the 1980s and The Fibes --  Randy Cherry, Lynn Demarest, Jim Thompson,
Ruben Betancourt, Alan Cherry and Fred (I forget his last name.)
Randy still dabbles in music as an instructor and occasional gigs as a guitarist.
Lynn mostly works as a web designer and has tackled the piano, joining his skills  at guitar
and bass.
Jim is a mystery of sorts. No one has heard from him in years. Drummers are flaky, I guess..
Ruben is a political mouthpiece, PR consultant and music enthusiast. He joined the band
saying he could play the bass, which he couldn't.
Alan never mastered an instrument and pursues songwriting with the use of software and
digital devices.
Fred, what was his last name again? Very fine guitarist.

Praise god, allah and jebus for the Internet.
Where we goin' lads? To the top.
Which top? The big top.
stashng this here for now