AMICA Convention - St. Louis - Day 4
By Terry Smythe
Today, Day 4, the big event was the Band Organ Rally at Laclede's Landing, started at 9:00 am through to 5:00 pm. On 3 city blocks in the Landing area, there were 5 large organs, a couple of medium sized organs, and about a dozen monkey organs.
To my ear, the most impressive large organ was Ken Smith's 86(?) key Gavioli, attracting a consistently appreciative audience. His musical arrangements were outstanding, characterized by no cut-outs. His most impressive selections were classical, while most humorous was winter music in opposition to yet another day of flawless weather.
Large numbers of tourists flowed through the area, and soaked up the organs as a special treat. Many expressed delighted surprise.
Upon our return, conversations with others suggested that many others would have cast their vote in favor of Leonard Railsback and his huge new Stinson fairground organ. Sorry, I don't have details.
The annual "Footsie" award for best player piano performance was won this year, under slightly modified rules, by Shawn Fox, playing a Welte performance by Vee Lawnhurst with tracker bar taped. All other contestants received a Certificate of Achievement.
The Fox Orchestra Dance was a 15 piece Big Band concert with female vocalist, providing 2 hours of all the favorites, particularly those of the Glenn Miller Band. An adequate dance floor was provided, and a good time was had by all. Yousuf Wilson's beautiful art case Fisher Ampico A privided additional dance music as did Dick Merchant at the keyboard.
A very special award was made to Dorothy Bromage in recognition of her outstanding effort in planning and administering last year's Convention in London, England.
With some sadness we migrated over to the Hospitality Room to reminise as the room was slowly dismanted. The Convention is coming to an end.
My next report of the final day will come from my home.
Regards to all from beautiful downtown St. Louis.
Terry
Terry Smythe (204) 832-3982 (voice/fax)
55 Rowand Avenue smythe@mts.net
Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3J 2n6 smythe@freenet.mb.ca
Home page: http://www.mts.net/~smythe |
(Message sent Sun 30 Jun 1996, 06:01:12 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.) |
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