From: HarpSP~ol.com Date: Sun, 7 Jan 1996 12:34:05 -0500 Subject: Trying again - spah 95 wrap up
On the copy of this report which I received there was nothing but the title so I'm posting it again. I appologize if you already got the whole article. It's identical. Thanks, Bob
SPAH 95 CONVENTION WRAP-UP AUG 29 - SEPT 2, 1995 by Bob Williams, SPAH Executive V.P. It's over, but certainly not forgotten. It was a great convention. We actually made it happen, five days of harmonica ecstasy concluding with a once in a life time show including both Jerry Adler and brother Larry Adler.
The week began with friends from around the world arriving as early as Sunday evening, though the Convention was not scheduled to begin until Tuesday. Tuesday came all too quickly, the SPAH registration desk was open, as well as the harmonica stores and people were playing everywhere. Before we knew it it was time for the official opening that evening and the stage performances began. On Wednesday the seminars got underway and continued throughout the week totalling more than 20 on topics from specific harmonicas to harmonica resources via computer. The most popular seminar was undoubtedly "A Life of Music", where Larry and Jerry Adler spoke of their experiences in the music business and answered questions for the audience. This year the seminars were supplemented with demonstrations and videos outside the ballroom every day. Another new feature this year was a group playing session led by Herb Eck. From the stage his trio would start to play a number and everyone in the audience would join in and play along. It turned out to be a very popular event and with Herb's help it will continue next year, perhaps everyday. One morning there was a "ladies only" continental breakfast at which Alan and Roz Pogson entertained, Carol Troestler spoke of Harmonica Wives, and Peg Davis told everyone about the wonders awaiting us all in St. Louis, the site of next year's SPAH Convention. At the Saturday Night Gala Banquet / Show the Harmonica Player of the Year Award recipient was announced: Jerry Murad. See the related article on the cover of this issue. The show Jerry Adler Show with his very special guest, Larry Adler, followed and was truly a once in a lifetime event, for both the brothers and for those of us who were lucky enough to just be there.
OTHERS COMMENT ON THE CONVENTION Rosina Peterson wrote "SPAH DETROIT was FABULOUS. Thank you for all your hard work. There was so much great harmonica playing that I thought I had died and gone to heaven."
Buzz Krantz says "The seminars were terrific! You would actually get instruction from some of your heros. Kim Field's seminar was like a harmonica music history lesson. It really opened some new horizons for me."
Timothy J. Schutte wrote "Madcat and Gary Primich jamming together at Gary's afternoon seminar -- downright explosive!!!"
Kim Field said "I ended up having a hell of a good time once again. It's always a great cast of characters."
From Phil Lloyd - "Thought SPAH 95 was the best yet due to the fantastic organization and talent available. How can SPAH ever hope to top Larry & Jerry? The people who coordinated the schedules, with all the charts -- the yellow sheets especially -- as well as the blue page with the general outline were well done. I don't know how things went in Memphis schedule wise but I don't think any SPAH convention has been better organized."
A LETTER FROM JERRY ADLER Dear SPAH Members, This is directed to those of you who were present at the 1995 SPAH Convention in Detroit and attended the final evening dinner and show. On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to express our sincere thanks for making my show with the added, special attraction of my brother Larry, a marvelous evening that will always be remembered with much happiness. I have always been amazed at the exuberant, unrestrained high spirits of all of you who attend these conventions. The dedication and unmistakable love that you have for the harmonica is apparent. Your response to our show was truly one of the high moments of my career. I knew that I was performing before my peers and that instilled in me that extra special desire to do my best. I know that I have made many new friends as a result of the SPAH Convention and hope that this friendship will continue in the future. I would also like to pay a special tribute to several people who rarely receive the recognition that they deserve. Bob Williams and his delightful wife, Sue, placed themselves on a backbreaking schedule to insure the success of the convention. Two others who gave their wholehearted effort in the same direction were Danny Wilson and Norm Dobson. To all of you who were on the Board of Directors who made our presence there a wonderful experience, we thank you. With Love, Jerry Adler
POSTED BY Bob Williams, V.P., SPAH The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica. Now in our 33rd year. Email: HarpSP~ol.com
