Fiddles, Harmonicas, Cellos, and dancing feet

August 1, 2008
First full day of the Live On Stage conference--







We tried to get to the meeting room before the huge herd got there, so we parked outside the door. N decided he needed coffee, so he went around the corner, where all sorts of breakfast goodies were being offered. This was the hsopitality area for the ACADEMY FOR INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE. He felt enough at home w/ educators, that he just dived in and got what he wanted. Several of their "breakout sessions" were interesting---particularly the one concerned with "student persistence"
We got back to the meeting room as the door was opening and got settled. Way too many introductions of people in the Live On Stage company and their relatives. The new catalogue was unveiled with fanfare and the prices for each act were given. We saw video presentations for those groups who could not be here to preview.

Lunch was a quick sandwich, chips, a drink and a small gelato-- for 2 = $37.00 And we thought Ireland and Scotland were expensive.

Last year the previews were held very close to the Gaylord, where the Grand Ole Opry is held. We aren't there this year, because that is the theatre where Nashville Star is being filmed each week and it is not available to anyone else for use. So we traveled by bus to Vanderbilt University's performing arts center. A really lovely area w/ a good facility.


Last year when I blogged about this part of the conference, I mentioned some singers, some groups and a couple of piano players. I wasn't as impressed last year w/ the quality of the performances as I was today. We saw 12 acts this afternoon and I would heartily recommend 10 of them.

A couple of absolute highlights come to mind. The 9 young people who make up CELTIC CROSSROADS flew from Ireland yesterday to be here for a 15 minute presentation. They reminded me of a group we saw in Dublin called the Merry Plowboys At the break we have the opportunity to talk to the musicians and we talked to a young Irish lady in the group mentioning that we had been in Dublin and had enjoyed the Merry Plowboys at their Pub. Her face beamed and she said she lives around the corner from that Pub and one of her best friends is a dancer there. What a small world. I doubt if we will recommend the Celtic Crossroads because of their cost altho I loved their music and presentation.

In the category of wonderful music and presentation but too rich for our budget is the Hunt Family Fiddlers. A super show from a Mom and Dad and 7 kids-- all talented musicians and dancers. Their expenses are probably such touring the country that they HAVE to charge that much.

Generally I'm not a fan of classical piano, but the one we heard this afternoon was amazing and fun as well. And he is within our budget, soooo.....

The Nashville Ballet's presentation of Midsummer Night's Dream would take about half our yearly budget.

I loved BUFFALO ROME a country band that really rocked. I'm not sure this is exactly what Bwd needs, however ,since they have big name country artists for the Reunion every year.

Many of the audience stood in appreciation of the Canadian Tenors. They showed incredible voices and range, but I would have appreciated English.

One act that I thought was peculiar was a harpist who also danced the tango. Not at the same time, but it seemed that she was having trouble deciding whether to dance or play. Not my favorite. There was another act that was musically good, but had a rather unexciting presentation. I guess just being an impressive musician doesn't cut it any more, I need to be engaged.

And speaking of ENGAGED! Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band did just that! WOW! He had the audience singing and participating. This is a gentleman who BECOMES Neil Diamond. He looks like him, he sounds like him, this is the closest I'll ever get to Neil Diamond.

And of course, he isn't cheap. I do think Bwd would enjoy this concert, but......... we'll have to count our pennies.

After returning to the hotel by bus we found a supper place that coincidentally was front row for the fountain / light show. We watched dancing waters for about 15-20 minutes. We have video that we may put here.

Then a boat ride along the little 1/4 mile river in the hotel and to the room to begin writing about the day.


More tomorrow!