By Danny Coleman
originally published: 10/27/2017

"It's just another day in the global office, just variations of where," said a resolute Ian Anderson as he discussed Jethro Tull's upcoming appearance at Red Bank, New Jersey's Count Basie Theatre, different aspects of the Tull theme, and nearly 50 years of the band itself. "Whether I'm jumping on a plane to Germany or a show in New Jersey I'm very fortunate to still be doing the job I love for nearly 50 years." 

Formed in Lancanshire in the U.K. in 1967, the group has gone through multiple personnel changes over the years (more than 30 different musicians have made up the band) with Anderson being the one constant and the face of Jethro Tull. Once quoted as saying,"A band to me is whoever is in the room at the time," Anderson has a steady compliment of players on the roster at the moment. "I've been playing with the same bunch for the last 12 years," he said as if he found it difficult to believe himself. "Now that I think about it, this is one of the longest continuous lineups that the band has had. I've had 33 different musicians and many different versions of Jethro Tull, some are dead and gone, others have moved on in different directions; it's all part of the history of the band." 

Anderson loves doing what he's doing for his life's vocation and therefore is constantly finding ways to re-invent new versions of the old material. Various guest musicians, a new album called, "String Quartets," a holiday song and even a mesmerizing, technically spectacular rock opera to go along with multiple tours are all methods which Anderson has used to allow Tull to remain a force in music. "We've been on tour without a break it seems. This is our third recent tour of the U.S. so we haven't really slowed down. The rock opera was a different way of looking at Jethro Tull by telling and re-imagining the story of Jethro Tull had he been alive today. I wanted it to be a playful look at a contemporary Jethro Tull and I think it came off nicely. Working with the string quartet was a planned collaboration. I had two or three projects going on, so in between tours I took a look at some Jethro Tull songs and allowed the strings to interpret them and then threw my vocals and some flute over top and they made good or even mediocre songs sound spectacular. What a difference strings make, in hindsight; I wish that I had a full orchestra (laughs). John O'Hara worked on it with me, we recorded it in churches which gave it a spiritual ambiance. Actually, the first time that I ever worked with strings was in October or November of 1968 when I recorded, "Ring Out These Bells," a Christmas song which is now, "Pass The Bottle" and it was just me and them and they made their presence felt. They were extrapolating on original ideas and it was a whole fresh way of looking at things." 

After this tour comes to its completion, there's no rest for the weary as Anderson has his sights on a milestone in 2018. "I'm beginning work on a 2018 tour that will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Jethro Tull which will be February 2, 2018 and then in 2019 between tours we'll be going into the studio to make a new record. I am still very lucky to have my job and that I am still physically fit to do so."

So what can one expect when heading to the Count Basie on November 1 and from the upcoming anniversary tour? Will he and the band go the route of playing just their most recognizable material like many of the classic rock bands now present to their audiences or will they mix it up? According to Anderson it will be the usual high quality presentation that fans of the band have come to expect. "Will it be a greatest hits tour? Every tour I've done since 1969 is a greatest hits tour," he said somewhat stoically. "So in that respect it's very much a greatest hits tour. Our fans will recognize the songs, in most cases it's our best known material. There are many artists who don't like to perform their hits and I've got a couple that I'd rather not but I understand that they are what the people want so I don't mind doing them. Hey, if Robert Plant doesn't like singing, "Stairway to Heaven," but he gives it a go; that's good enough for me, so can I."

 

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

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To discover more about Ian, Jethro Tull and/or the purchase of tickets, please visit www.jethrotull.com. 

That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!

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This week's event listings

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Bill's Olde Tavern
2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes) 
Ages 21+ 

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Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33 Hamilton 
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia  Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen

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Bowman's Tavern
1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. David Dales Trio
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 8 p.m. Patrick & Debra
Sun. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Michael Long
Wed. 6 p.m. Lorenzo

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Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room
19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Sara M
Sat. 10 p.m. Retroglyphs

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Candlelight Lounge 
24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
 Sat. 3 p.m. (TBA) $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet) 
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)

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Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia 

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City Streets 
510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie & Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval

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COARadio.com 
Main Street Hightstown 
(609) 241-7103
Sun. 7 p.m. "Rock On Radio" feat. Milan

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Dadz Bar & Grill
744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 9 p.m. DJ Jason Byrd / "Beer Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. "Halloween Party " w/ Out Of The Red
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Dubbs
Sun. 4 p.m. Camille Peruto Duo
Tues. 8 p.m. "Game Night"
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment

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Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Mark Macmanus
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Keli Vale & Nick Bucci (9 p.m.) Brian Bortnick
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Harry Walther Band
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (4 p.m.) Streets of Rome

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Fran's Pub
116 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. Full Grown Men
Sun. 3 p.m. Peter V. Blues Train (CD Release Party)

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Freddies Tavern
12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. Rich Scanella group
Sat. 8 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues band
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala

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Grover's Mill Coffee House
Princeton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker

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Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA. 
(215) 862-9897
Fri. (8:30 p.m.) Bigg Romeo (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (6 p.m.) "An Autumn Twilight" w/ Anna Nalick. Doors at 4 p.m., $40 (9 p.m.) Jumper  (12 a.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sun. 6 p.m. JB Kline Blues Band
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. "Scaraoke" Costume Contest. (Cash Prizes)
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music" Hosted by Pat Foran

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Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn
15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night

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Hurricane Jacks Bar and Grill
7759 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(267) 914-4517
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paul Kircher
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Paula & Sam

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Iron Plow Vineyards
26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Thurs. - Sun. 11 a.m. "Food Truck Frenzy"
Fri. 6 p.m. John & Maggs
Sat. 1 p.m. Terry Rivel
Sun. 1 p.m. Ronnie Brandt

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Ivy Tavern 
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Sweetie Pie
Sat. 9 p.m. Tom Trovas Group
All shows 21+

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John & Peter's 
96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Peak
Fri. 9 p.m. Chris Aguayo & Friends
Sat. (3 p.m.) Ryan Cleary (9 p.m.) Red Rover Burlesque
Sun. (3 p.m.) "Drag Show" (9:30 p.m.) Naughty Clouds / Jonah Lloyd
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Tues. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party"
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+

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Killarney's Publick House
1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Sat. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party"

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Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Laurita Fall Singing Showcase"  Junior Idol Tryouts
Fri. 7 p.m. "Movie Night Under The Stars"
Sat. 11 a.m. Pound and Pour On The Lawn/"All Ghouls Food Trucks" feat. (12 p.m.) Blue Jersey Band
Sun.  11 a.m. "All Ghouls Food Trucks" feat. (1 p.m.) Living The Dream
Wed. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Yoga and Wine"

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Legends Pizza
318 High Street Burlington
(609) 386-3001
Sat. 7 p.m. Kim Yarson, Dori and Joey

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Mamma Rosa's 
572 Klockner Road Hamilton 
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider 

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McGuinn's Place
1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+

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McStews Irish Sports Pub
5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" w/ DJ Favs. & MC Fredo Ages 21+
Sat. 10 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. Last Call
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike

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Mill Hill Amphitheater
Mill Hill Park (Corner of East Front & South Broad Streets) Trenton
Thurs. 6 p.m. Cellist, Dan Kassel

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Millhill Basement
300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. Doc Rotten, The carousers, Cryptkeeper Five, Hot Blood
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase 

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New Hope Winery
6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Fri. 8 p.m. "Echos" the Pink Floyd Tribute. Doors at 7 p.m., $30
Sat. 8 p.m. Edwin McCain. Doors at 7 p.m., $45

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Nook's PourHouse
2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Thurs. 8 p.m. Joe and Matt Radio Fiction Duo
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics

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Nottingham Tavern
9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Fri. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party" w/ DJ, Prizes and Giveaways
Sat. 9 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+

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Olde Liberty Tavern
2114 Liberty Street Trenton
(609) 396-2262
Sat. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. DJ John Rossi. Costume contest w/ cash prizes, complimentary buffet, Ages 21+

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Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. El Ka Bong
All shows 21 +

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Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Drunk Monkeys
Sat. 9:30 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. The Polish Nannies

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Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. (7:30)Tommy Conwell (Acoustic) w/ Scott Evans. $15 (9:45 p.m.) Tommy Conwell (Acoustic) w/ Todd "The Mod" Ellis. $15

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Salt Creek Grille
1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Party Of 3
Sat. 8 p.m. Timothy Brent

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Small World Coffee
14 Witherspoon Street Princeton 
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Superfive

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1867 Sanctuary 
101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 7 p.m. Open Mic Night
Sat. 8 p.m. Mike Herz and Carolan Solebello. $20
Sun. 3 p.m. Wenonah Brooks. $20

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Tara's Tavern 
1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Sat. 10 p.m. Mike & Karly

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Tavern On The Lake
101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 8 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. Sleeping Dogs Lie 
Sat. 9 p.m. Hybrid
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night

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The Cool Cricket
216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. Baked Trouser Trout

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The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m.

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The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. The Ruckus
Sat. 10 p.m. DJ Darius
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron

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The Pines Tavern
6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sat. 9 p.m. The Mix
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.

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The Raven 
385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (9 p.m.) Wild Animal Kingdom Halloween Event (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Tues. 8 p.m. "Bearlesque In The Oak Room"
Wed. 7 p.m. (TBA)

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The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Fri. 8 p.m. The Billy Hector Experience. All ages, Doors at 7:30 p.m., $15 (Advance)

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The Roost 
181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050 
Fri. 9 p.m. Ernie White & John Bushnell

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The Sticky Wicket 
2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Fri. 9 p.m. Running With Scissors
Sat. 9 p.m. Branded Ink Society
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke

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The Sun National Bank Center 
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events

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Tir Na Nog 
1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. Williamsboy
Sat. 9 p.m. Seamus Kelleher
Sun. 3 p.m. Williamsboy
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia
All shows  21+

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Trenton Buzz
702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic. 

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Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Audio History of Funk and Soul" w/ Professor DJ Tangency
Sat. 7 p.m. "Zen That Beat" Yoga w/ Cheryl Young scored to live music
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny
Wed. 6 p.m. Dick Gratton

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Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. James Calleo. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. Tigerman. 
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+ 

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Triumph Brewing Company
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 9 p.m. Challenged Accepted
Sat. 9 p.m. "Halloween Party" feat. Essie & The Big Chill
All shows 21+

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Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock Night
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ages 21+

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Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.

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Summer of Love

Friday, April 26, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
category: music

Click here for full description

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Metamorphosis: Portraits of Song

Friday, April 26, 2024 @ 8:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
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Kansas

Friday, April 26, 2024 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

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