44 stringed instruments, 9 pianos, and three flutes

August 2, 2008

During our 2nd afternoon preview, we experienced 12 acts. During a lull in a program that I did not particularly appreciate, I looked back through the booklet and counted guitars, fiddles, cellos, bases and other stringed instruments. I didn't count pianos which should be in a category all their own. We had several stringed quartets, many guitar accompaniments and the family of fiddlers along w/ the Celtic group--Whoa! lots of strings and such talented folks. On Saturday, we also had 3 flute virtuosos. One in particular that was amazing.

I really enjoyed the "Black light" dance group, but I don't think we have the facilities for that particular performance. A couple in our group were thrilled with the jazz singer as well as the piano duo. Neither was my favorite today.

A special treat was to hear Daniel Rodriguez, the "singing policeman" who became well known after 9/11. I think he may be wasting his time w/ Live On Stage. WHAT A VOICE! AND AMAZING VOICE CONTROL. He should be doing leads at the Metropolitan Opera or on Broadway.

N won a CD from one of the groups- Project. the one w/ the FUNKY flute player. This group had so much fun. If you looked at them - bass, cello, and flute--what would come to mind? Well, they Rocked! I've never heard the sound that came from that flute before, and I've never seen anyone pluck and strum a cello like a guitar. (Not that I've had that much experience w/ cellos, but.............) It was fun. If you'd like to borrow the CD, let us know.

The Oriental string quartet (3 violins and a cello) were certainly talented, but I don't know that I could sit through 2 hours of their music. A matter of experience and personal taste.

Chapter 6 is an acapella group of 6 college friends (guys) who seem to be having as much fun as the audience. Their Wizard of Oz medley was priceless.

At this time, we've seen all 24 and viewed videos of other available groups who weren't able to perform for us live. Now each group must go back and make the difficult decisions of what would suit our community, and our theatre and the big question ---what can we afford. I sat next to a lady from California and they do not have to "market" their tickets at all because they are sold out for next year before the end of the current season. They sell about 1200 season tickets for an auditorium that seats 1180. Oh, ---to have their problem.

The end of the conference is generally marked by a dinner for all 485 delegates, all the entertainers and the Live On Stage staff. It was a well prepared meal and we were joined at our table by Njacko Backo and his ensemble. He is an African performer who plays instruments, sings and dances. Most of his group is from Canada.

We're packed and ready to get the shuttle, just need to go to the lobby to print boarding passes for the flight back to DFW.
A wrap-up when I get home.


We left the litle yellow Smart Car w/ B and N in Arlington and I might have a story for you later about that. E

I Love Chocolate dipped strawberries.

August 2, 2008


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Breakfast this morning was in 2 parts--early I had a cup of hot tea. Now how difficult is hot tea to make? A cup, hot water, a tea bag. Would you believe $3? Not even any lemon available. After awhile N and I had brunch and I had a really nice fruit plate for just a little more than the hot tea. After we finished eating, we ducked in to check out the "40% off" sale at Godiva Chocolate. Only certain items were on sale and I almost bought some til I remembered that when we get home tomorrow we are going back on the South Beach diet again. We did see a "vat" of warm milk chocolate for dipping strawberries. There were 4 prices and these prices are PER BERRY dipped in their special chocolate. $4 for a regular sized berry, $6 for a "large", $8 for an extra large and $10 for what they called a "premium". I can do that at home for the cost of the berries and it'll be dark chocolate (which is SO much better for me)

On the way to the theatre our driver pointed out the Tennessee Titan's stadium Taking pictures from a bus through a window which is covered w/ mesh doesn't produce a wonderful image, but this one is for Gail.


We also saw the Batman building. Not sure why they called it that the other day, but today when I saw it--Oh, Yeah, it looks like Batman's head gear. Strange shape for the top of a building. We heard all about the Wild Horse Saloon and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (which is 42 steps from the Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry used to be.) The driver also told us that performers made that trek more than once a night--people such as Ernest Tubb and Patsy Cline. That is also where Willie Nelson hawked his songs to other performers cuz he couldn't get anyone to hire him to sing.

I'll finish this tomorrow cuz it's WAY past my bedtime and I still have to pack for the ride back home tomorrow. Til then.....

Good Bye Gaylord!

Just an additional note to let those who might have attended the conference next year know, that it won't be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.







Nope, they are moving to the Downtown Hilton, which I'm sure is a LOVELY place, but without the ambiance and decor of this hotel/resort. At least N. and I had this opportunity.





No one has said WHY the move to another hotel, but my guess is that while the Gaylord gives us a really reasonable room rate, that the company has to pay a great deal for use of the convention facilities. (And there is that price of food, I have been mentioning--but it is available without going anywhere)

Oh, Well---nothing says we couldn't come back on our own.

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!

The "Vine Lady" strikes Again!

July 31, 2008



We're in Nashville again for the Brownwood Area Live On Stage National Conference and Preview.
The first "attraction" I saw on our first looking around tour of the enormous Gaylord Opryland Hotel was DEVINE, the vine lady. I was so enthralled with her last year, that I included several pictures. (July '07) I got more pics this afternoon.


So...I may put them side by side to see if the same person is portraying DEVINE this year. Cool! This year she had a guard or escort, that I don't remember from last July. Perhaps I was just oblivious to all but her, or perhaps something happened, so she needs an escort. No matter, she is unusual.

I know most of you have read about American Airlines charging for checking baggage. And I understand that they need to pay for the high price of fuel some way. N phoned AA on Tues night to check to see what and if the charges would be. We made our reservations in March for this trip and are therefore exempt from the additional charges. Anyone making reservations after the middle of May 08 will be assessed a $15 charge (each way) for the first bag checked and a $25 charge (each way) for each additional piece of luggage. Passengers are supposed to be limited to one carry-on per person of a particular size. As we were watching other passengers stowing their "carry-on bags", we commented that their carry-ons were larger than the one bag we checked. And as we were leaving the plane, the two folks just ahead of us were each pulling a large wheeled bag with a duffle bag of equal size attached to it. It seems to me that the same amount of weight is now in the cabin rather than in the luggage compartment. Maybe AA will see that their extra fees are not making planes much lighter. Oh, Well! Not my problem.

We registered for the conference and received a really nice tote bag---like I don't have enough bags. But this one has a nice pen,a calculator in a pocket, another pocket for a bottle of water and a third pocket with a book light in it. A really well equipped tote. But not a pad of paper anywhere to take notes. Last year, our gifty was an elegant leather portfolio with a yellow pad. I almost brought one of those this year, but thought why haul it if we're getting another one.

We ate a sandwich--I didn't but N did--at STAX and the hamburger w/ fries was $7.50. Expected--everything here is really expensive.

After supper tonite, we went to the opening reception and as we walked in Pianafiddle--our last concert for next year's season was performing. To let you know how exciting this duo is, the room full of conventioneers (who are not pushovers for just any ole music) gave them a standing ovation. I was so thrilled that we chose them to entertain Bwd this coming year. Sometime in the spring of 09- don't remember just when. But they are GOOOOOD!

Guess I'll sign off---more tomorrow

The New with the Old

This weekend (Fri and Sat) I drove to Lubbock for a reunion gathering. Driving through one of the largest "wind farms" in the country is a sobering experience. While some folks find the giant "windmills" ugly and a blot on the countryside, to me they seem majestic and serene (and such a good idea). Seeing the numbers of them in the area around Sweetwater is an awesome sight. I noticed on the way north that one field shared the giant turbines, a working oil pump jack and surrounding these power producers was a herd of black cattle. The land is truly being used.

The reunion was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lubbock-- a really big church with a wonderful gathering room. The second level of the room has around the edge -- a running track--what a great use of space. I arrived in time to be of some help in setting up the space for our meeting.




Ninety plus Presbyterians met together for a 10 year reunion of Palo Duro Presbyterian Cursillo, a 3 day weekend retreat for spiritual renewal, but it wasn't limited to folks from the PDPC as we call ourselves. We had visitors from Oklahoma and from the Metroplex. We also have regular members from another Presbytery (Tres Rios) who are not visitors, but an integral part of our group.



We sang and danced



We visited, and ate, and appreciated those who helped the organization begin, and we mourned those who have passed on. We enjoyed each other's company. We missed seeing those who have moved away and could not return for the celebration.



The music group was the largest gathered for any of our Cursillo events. At last count there were 15- which included guitarists, singers, a bass player, a drummer, and my favorite, the harmonica player Altho' the picture doesn't do them justice, this is how they looked.




Unique Photo by James King



I can't end this story without mentioning the young woman who organized and planned this gathering (all this while her mother is suffering a serious illness) Stacy (from Tres Rios) did an outstanding job, --doing much of the phone and legwork to see that this event happened. She also organized the committee who helped pull details together. (Presbyterians BELIEVE in committees) The even went off smoothly and was enjoyed by all. THANKS STACY from all of us. GET SOME REST!

The drive home (in the blue smart car) was a little eventful. Those who know me, know that at times I can be directionally challenged. I got off on a wrong road and added several miles to my already 4 hour trip, but I whipped out the old map and figured where I made a wrong turn and got home safely, if a little later than planned.

Fireworks

Living where we do, there were many opportunities to view Fourth of July fireworks displays this year (08). The weekend before the Fourth (it was still June), we took the convertible SmartCar to Bangs , sat in the car and just looked up for a rousing exhibition of color. It was fun to just sit back and enjoy from the comfort of our own vehicle--no hard bleacher seats, no trek w/ lawn chairs, just recline and enjoy. It was a good show.



The actual weekend of the 4th, we were invited to stay w/ relatives in Granbury to experience their celebration. We looked forward to a "fair around the square" in downtown, a carnival, fireworks on Friday over the lake, and a parade on Saturday. We loaded up veggies fresh from the garden, and stopped to get barbecue in Bwd and headed out. After arriving and appreciating the improvements to the "new" house in the outskirts of Granbury (I love the new sink and faucet in the kitchen) we had lunch. Naps enjoyed, we headed out to see what needed buying at the fair. Lots of folks beat us there and parking was at a minimum. It was a typical booths around the square sort of fair, with paintings, t shirts, hats, air gun toys that made an annoying noise (over and over and over), the newest cooking gadgets, and just generally sparkly stuff. After indulging in a banana slushy thing with accompanying brain freeze and some curly fries, we headed to the carnival to watch the relatives and grandchild ride the ferris wheel, and the Tilt-a-Whirl.



Went back home to get folding chairs and then drove to the Methodist Church parking lot to wait for the fireworks at "dark-30". We waited and waited, saw some low but impressive explosions in various directions and about the time we were getting antsy to go somewhere else--it began. Really nice! about 18 or so minutes of color and design. And it was over. When we go back, that is the perfect place to watch them. Far enough away that the initial sounds fade away and close enough to see perfectly. And we were the only ones in the huge parking lot.

I am not great taking fireworks pictures.


N and his sister stayed up late doing computer stuff and talking, but I crashed the minute we returned. Sat morning we were a little rushed getting everyone ready to go to the parade at 10. A sad note, during the night with all the extraneous neighborhood fireworks (noisy) one of the pet bulldogs ran away. Folks went out looking for him but he wasn't found while we were there. Hope he has been by now. Grandchild's parents met us at the parade and it was LONG, and REALLY HOT (and of course I hadn't thought to bring a hat). A highlight of the parade (for me) was a group of about 16 marching folks each carrying an aluminum folding lawn chair which they lifted to one side and then to the other side and generally used the chair as a dance prop. Not a great deal of talent was needed, but the precision shown was almost as good as a display of precision rifles or flags. Oh, Yeah I didn't mention each chair's back had a paper flag taped on it. CLEVER!
After leaving the parade when it wasn't quite over (did I mention it was LONG?) we snaked our way around downtown Granbury avoiding the traffic blockages to get to a favorite restaurant. Good food , good friendly atmosphere. We got back to the house, loaded Smartie up and headed back to Bwd. IT WAS A FUN BREAK!