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Convention Review... 1997 "JOY"liet "JAM"boreeby Bo and Betty Bahret If you can't be in Hawai'i, where else could you find great music and fellowship than at an HSGA Joliet Jamboree? And so it was from Thursday through Saturday, this past October 2-4. Thanks to Don Weber's advance work, everything was in order and ready to go. Both private cars and limos were arriving on Wednesday, the day before. Barbara Kuhns, Doug Smith and Floyd Alexander drove in with their carload of electrics, and it wasn't long before things were looking and feeling like an HSGA Convention. There was lots of hugging and everywhere familiar faces were saying, "So happy to see you again, aloha mai". Last year this time, construction was underway in the hotel, so it was great to see the newly renovated lobby -- with a big-screen TV, many tables and chairs and comfy couches for relaxing and talking with friends. This was also where we all enjoyed our complimentary continental breakfasts each morning from 6-9 am. Showtime Everyone! Friday morning's schedule had its downside with the absence of Ian Ufton and Neal Cosand. Both were last minute cancellations due to bad backs. However, the show went on in typical Hawaiian style as others stepped in and offered their talents. Both Don Weber and Frank Miller acted as "ringmasters" and kept the show on schedule. Oh, there were a few here and there who had to get in "just one more piece", but everyone did a good job of keeping one eye on the strings and the other on the clock. The Tipka'S Gift Vivian Bangs added excitement to each day by selling raffle tickets for items which were donated, to benefit the association. Chow Time Thanks to Wally Pfeifer's and Don Weber's maps of the restaurants in the area, everyone had plenty of choices of where to eat. That worked out quite well because by going our own ways, in singles, groups or packs, we were able to have a selection of both food and ambiance; it was also much less expensive than the planned meals of previous years. Of course we didn't have music during the dinner hour, but with so much good music during the morning and afternoon, who needs more for dinner? This way, where was no lugging of instruments all over town and the musicians had a chance to relax and enjoy their dinner hour, too. The Music Goes Round And Round And... Then It Was Lu'au Time... And on stage they came, dressed in their best Hawaiian duds: Duke Ching, Alan Akaka, Bernie Endaya, Bob and Julie Waters and, of course, our Guest Star for convention, Al Greene, Jr. (how about that jacket!) In addition to all of the great music, singing and hulas for two hours, we had an unexpected surprise, when Junior and his father, Alfred Greene, Sr., treated us to some great slack key duets. The convention wouldn't be complete without its hula girls and boys. For gracing our programs, a big mahalo to Mike Beeks, Greg Wong, Julie Waters, Gloria Murawski, and Floris, Elena and Muriel (whose last names we regret not knowing), and to Makalina Gallagher for your traditional and often humorous contributions. The formal show ended shortly after 10 pm with all singing in the traditional circle of friendship. This was followed by much hugging and aloha, smiles and tears, and greetings of "til we meet again". Until The Dawn! And so ends another great three days of music, foods and fellowship, all captured by the professional camcording and photography of the diligent Paul Weaver. It may be over, but the melody lingers on of the Duke's sensationally sweet 'n swingy music, and the breath-taking "12th Street Rag" of our own Mr. President, Alan Akaka. Already, plans are in the works for more of the same next year ( plus some "can we top this" additions, we hear). So we'll see you ALL next October -- same time, same place, same glorious Hawaiian steel guitar music. Can't wait. Til then, malama pono -- aloha pumehana. 
HSGA * HAWAIIAN
STEEL GUITAR ASSOCIATION Homepage URL: www.hsga.org (hsga@lava.net) Last updated: 07/22/02 by Gerald Ross (gbross@umich.edu) |