A 50-Year Friendship, a ’70s Band, and One Final Night: Ethan Carey Tells the Story

SUNUP BASH: 50 Years of Music & Friendship

In 1972, I graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Communications and every intention of launching a radio career. Before I could even touch a microphone, my lifelong friend and songwriter Garry Manuel made me an offer I couldn’t refuse: “Let’s start a duo.” He called it Sunup, and I dove in headfirst.

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We added bassist Charlie Castilano, tightened our harmonies, and built a setlist loaded with originals, Neil Young, The Eagles, and (naturally) a healthy dose of Seals & Crofts. For seven years, we chased the dream across bars, coffeehouses, and Upstate stages. It was raw, it was loud, it was beautiful, and in my mind, we were one lucky break away from being the next big thing.

In 1979, though, I pivoted back to radio, landing at the Home of Rock & Roll — I-95 — where I’ve been ever since. Sunup quietly faded into a memory… but the friendships never did.

Fast-forward to 2024. Garry and I reunited in a basement studio, dusted off the old magic, and recorded a brand-new album called The Key Is Love, produced by Garry's son, Marshall Manuel. That reunion lit a spark none of us expected.

Which brings me to November 13th, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, inside a cozy little spot called Kraverie. That night, the original Sunup spirit returned for “Sunup Bash – 50 Years of Music & Friendship.” The place was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with family, friends, and folks who’d followed us since the days of long hair, railroad-track photos, and questionable shirts.

We played the songs that built our friendship half a century ago. The band Garry assembled for the Sunup Bash was made up of friends who were top-notch musicians. And hearing those harmonies again — after all these years — reminded me of something simple:

Music fades. Friendships don’t.

And Sunup? Well… turns out the sun never really set after all.

Want to hear more Sunup tunes, peek behind the curtain at our story, or check out Garry Manuel’s solo projects? Head to sunflaresongs.com and enjoy the ride.