Chicago, early fall 08 or 09.

Chicago is mucho closer to Canada.

2009 would be better for me since I will be retired and free to go :p

I vote for Lebanon Kansas - the purported center of the 48 states.

I vote for Lebanon Kansas - the purported center of the 48 states.

It's even too expensive for most of us Brits to live in the UK.

Most of you have hopefully noticed the gathering that took place on 12/1 at Larry Buck's shop in Lowell, MA.

I spoke with Larry today and mentioned the ABF group was seeking a destination spot to gather. Larry would like for you to all know he would welcome the idea of hosting an event at his shop.

May would appear to be an active month for piano related events with the M&H factory tour that is offered the first week of May. The Fredericks would be hosting their spring concert series on weekends in May along with tours of the study center, which are open most of the year with the exception of the frigid winter months.


Besides flying into Boston, better rates can sometimes be found at the airport in Manchester, NH which is a short distance to the Lowell area.

I thought I'd just offer this info and if there is any interest I'd be more than delighted to assist with further details.

Put a couple of musical days aside for yourself and come visit the MA PW group.

Maybe we could talk Mak into making some of her famous award winning chili! And I'll buy the shrimp!!

Hmmm, sounds tempting. I've never been to san Francisco and it could be a much classier location than Vegas. Then again,..well forget it.

Terrytunes, are we talking Jumbo shrimp or kroger 61-70 count stuff?

Yep, Jumbo shrimps in Boston sound great

Unfortunately, the Bruins will be out playing golf

Daniel

Just found this thread.
I would love to attend an event such as this. It would thrill me.

I live in Salt Lake. I can make anywhere to the west, ie, San Francisco, Vegas, Phoenix, etc. I can also make a number of locations to the East, such as Denver. It would be tough to go as far East as NYC, or DC, though I would love to. I used to live out there.

Just one comment about Vegas. IMHO not the best location. Some will feel very uncomfortable, with all the imagery of inappropriately dressed models all over.

Vegas it is then!

Hunky.. I can't promise colossal jumbo like this:



I usually purchase the 41-50 shelled. Their tender,juicy & sweet! For an added bonus, I'll make a cocktail sauce with a few good dashes of horseradish, which is always a crowd pleaser!!



Sound tempting??!!!

I'd prefer the northeast or mid-Atlantic region, or else a place like Chicago (central and easy for most to get to). Time of year -- it all depends on what else is going on.

OK, well after 10 days here my summary. Lowell, MA is surprisingly strong.


Debussy20 DC Spring Break
playadom DC, NYC SC October 2008
YD San Fran, West Coast, NYC
Epf West Coast, Phoenix, Fall before school
Rosanna San Fran, Fall before school
Funburger ca, az, nv, fall 2008
-Frycek SF, NYC, London, Boston Spring/Fall 2009
Astra England, Europe 1st half of year
Gmm1 Vegas, AC
Theowne Toronto
Mr Super Hunky Las Vegas, So Cal late summer/early fall '08 just before Labor day
RhondaLynne Chicago
Jotur Vegas
Rocky Vegas
Rustyfingers Lowell, MA
Triryche Milwaukee
IrishMak San Fran, Vegas, Boston
Silla San Fran, Vegas
Ragnhild Spring/summer 09
Cruiser San Fran, not Daytona
Ddh Chicago early fall 08 or 09
Schubertian Lebanon Kansas
Terrytunes Lowell, MA
Vayapues San Fran, Vegas, Phoenix
Piano Again mid-Atlantic, Chicago

To further Copper's public service tally, here is another look at the numbers. I did a straight tally. E.g. SF was mentioned 7 times, CA mentioned once. I show SF as 7, CA as 1 (and not 8.)

(from W. to E., USA then Canada then Europe)

San Fran 7
So. CA 1
CA 1
Vegas 7
NV 1
Phoenix 1
AZ 1
Lebanon, KS 1
Milwaukee 1
Chicago 3
SC 1
DC 1
NYC 2
Lowell, MA 2
Boston 2
Daytona -1

Toronto 1

London 1
England 1
Europe 1


If I assume a vote for San Fran counts as a vote for CA as well, then the numbers changes as follows. (Hope this makes sense.) To avoid confusion, we should just stick with one system on another for the time being. Your choice!

San Fran 7
So. CA 1
CA 9
Vegas 7
NV 8
Phoenix 1
AZ 2
Lebanon, KS 1
Milwaukee 1
Chicago 3
SC 1
DC 1
NYC 2
Lowell, MA 2
Boston 2
Daytona -1

Toronto 1

London 1
England 2
Europe 3

So am I am bean counter or what? (I don't know how to do a TAB to align things.)

Thanks Copper/Rosanna.

Either method, it looks like Las Vegas and san Fransico are the strong front runners.

If we actually do this, once a location is determined, we could possibly have the use of a grand piano and a perormance hall donated to our group like Terrytunes had mentioned.

It would also be nice if some way was devised to help out members with travel expenses such as people donating unused frequent flyer miles.

I'm not at all familiar with San Fransico but would certainly love to go there. Vegas has lots to do (shows etc) as well as having the grand canyon very near by as well as Sedona and Mexico.

In any event, Terrytunes has agreed to donate 41-50 count shrimp w/ home made sauce. Now I'm wondering if we should scrap the whole live recital idea and just have a giant pot luck dinner somewhere but then again I have'nt eaten yet and all I can do is think of food!.

I don't see myself being able to travel out to CA anytime soon, so I will be waiting for the "ABF Celebration" DVD to hit the stores instead!

How about...erm...Blackpool

Its the tacky Vegas of the UK


Lee

After Terrytunes post, I'm thinking that Larry Buck's shop in Lowell, MA. sounds like a good idea. Then you have the place and the piano's and apparently great hosts!

I would be happy with Blackpool - bit closer than CA!

How about a simultaneous cross-Atlantic gathering - one in Europe and one in the USA with a live video feed?

We could have it in Seaside's gym and all take turns playing his Casio.

I wonder how expensive a decent live video feed is, though (i.e. not just a webcam with Skype).

I did a quick google search, but I'm not really computer-savvy enough to work it all out

I don't have the nerve for a recital, but I could definitely do a giant pot luck in the Boston area . (Anyone for curried chicken pasta salad?) At the moment our air fare budget has to go on trips to see elderly parents.

that'd be kool dunno about the video feed though?

Yeah!! you'd just love the casio and you could train for free too (that's if we are still here )


Lee

My suggestion of Boston would go just as well for Lowell.

Updated count here based on the last 4-6 posts. Looks like MA may catch up to the 2 W. Coast locations. I have also added one count for Boston/Lowell myself as I have friends I would love to visit in that area.

Edit: Based on the Terrytune (next post)'s suggestion, I have combined Boston and Lowell. So now it's really caught up with San Fran and Vegas!
(from W. to E., USA then Canada then Europe)

San Fran 7
So. CA 1
CA 1
Vegas 7
NV 1
Phoenix 1
AZ 1
Lebanon, KS 1
Milwaukee 1
Chicago 3
SC 1
DC 1
NYC 2
Boston/Lowell, MA 8
Daytona -1

Toronto 1

London 1
Blackpool 2
England 1
Europe 1


[Alternate counting - cumulative]

San Fran 7
So. CA 1
CA 9
Vegas 7
NV 8
Phoenix 1
AZ 2
Lebanon, KS 1
Milwaukee 1
Chicago 3
SC 1
DC 1
NYC 2
Boston/Lowell, MA 8
Daytona -1

Toronto 1

London 1
Blackpool 2
England 4
Europe 5

actually, Lowell and Boston should be combined into one tally since there is approximately 25 mi distance driving.


So, Hunky... how many lbs of shrimp can you eat at one sitting!!

Actually, a late summer trip to new england would work out well come to think of it as we are planning a trip at that time to Block Island RI. (That's where I had spent my summers growing up as a kid and mid-life crisis is starting to kick in!).

If we can combine that trip with a Mass recital location, count me in!. Then again, vegas is only a few hour drive for us here in northern AZ.

Terrytunes, when it comes to shrimp, lobster, crap legs or prime rib, I leave my manners at the door and absolutely pig out!. If its an "all-you-can-eat" or better yet, FREE spread, I tend to cut off all food intake a day or two in advance to make more room in my tummy!.

When it comes to shell fish or prime rib, I get weak!! :p

And Vegas has the Liberace Museum!!

Thanks, Rocky!

I just wanted everyone on ABF to know that Larry's shop is available, should you decide on an East coast gathering destination. I would assist in any way possible prior to your arrival and once you're all here.

I do believe it would be an absolute blast to hang out with you all of you for a few days of piano related events and whatever else is decided upon!

Say, Terrytunes, do you know if the HVDC converter substation of Sandy Pond is near Lowel. I speak with the dispatchers out there every day for work. I'd really like to visit and put faces on their names ?

Of course, putting faces on ABF members names would be terrific (Not to drool on the shrimps).

Daniel