I would offer to host, except that I am a bit too remote. Any ideas?

I will consider having it at my place in York, Pa...if enough people want to come.

I'm sorry I missed this thread.
Ed and JML, I'm in Columbia, MD and wouldn't mind hosting it. Or as I posted in the other thread, I'll travel for 1-2 hours or longer depending on how many we can get. JML, my sister lives in Shrewsbury and I have a brother in New Freedom.

It would be nice to get some response from Philly or Virginia people.
Where in Southern Maryland are you, Ed?

I live in Alexandria, Virginia and wouldn't mind at all to drive to Baltimore or Columbia for a forum meeting depending on the date and time.

gtd,
If they decide to have it a little farther away, I'd be glad to meet on 95N and drive together. Or I wouldn't mind meeting in Virginia. I figure Columbia may be good because it's centrally located.
What about you Steve Cohen?

I'm all the way down in St. Mary's County (MD's southernmost county), but I would find Columbia doable on a weekend.

gtd and I share a common model of piano, so it would be interesting to exchange our thoughts.

johnmoonlight,

I overlooked that you were in PA. Would Columbia work for you?

justme,

Is this topic quickly becoming, ah, justus...? :rolleyes:

It may be time to cast out some bait in the Piano Forum.

I live in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, so York, PA would be quite feasible for me, depending, of course, on the date and time.
On the other hand, DC/NorthVa would not be possible. Even Baltimore would be a "stretch."

Regards,

Dear All,
If you wouldn't mind having a getogether in a store, I wouldn't mind hosting it. (I promise, no "sales pitches")
Harl Pianos is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Best regards,
Cathy Harl

Hi Cathy,

I met you when you were in Leesburg. Hope your new business is doing well. I promise to drop in next time I'm in the metro area.

Interesting idea having a party at a store. I know the NYC contingent has considered it, or at least broached the subject. Old Town would certainly be logistically feasible for many, though we have yet to hear from many NoVa members. Though the weight of the interest expressed thus far looks more like north and east of DC, it's still too early to get a good sense of the "interest demographics."

Initially, I was inspired to start this thread when justme (Columbia, MD) and johnmoonlight (York, PA) suggested a Baltimore meeting in the New York thread. In my mind, the Baltimore, Annapolis and DC (including NoVa) region comprises a "natural" cluster of communities from which to draw a piano party crowd. But a central location between these sites doesn't work so well for folks like BruceD (Philly) and johnmoonlight. My tendency to be all inclusive is perhaps too optimistic. No doubt it is unrealistic to expect to find a single party site to accommodate folks as widely distributed as the Va/DC metro area to York and Philly.

Unless it's a really, really good party site...

Well, enough rambling. Lets see how this all shakes out as more members respond.

Ed, I don't know about you but, I'm almost willing to go both North and South depending on when and where everyone can meet. There are people I look forward to meeting in both regions.

Cathy, I'd love to see your store and wouldn't mind in the least meeting everyone there. I'm surprised that more people from Virginia haven't responded.

But, let's not just talk. Let's definitely do this!

From my understanding of the Forum membership demographics, the only direction I can go, given my location, is... NORTH.

...or WAY south...

:D Ed, I just visited you website for the first time. Looks to me like you could fly in to just about anywhere!
My sister is married to a Naval pilot. Their wedding reception was held at your officer's club. You may know them...

edit:answered my own question. Yes, you definitely do like to read non-fiction.

If you're coming to see pianos, Cathy's in NOVA or Keith in Gaithersburg would be great.

If your coming for fun DC and Annapolis.

Count me in either way!!!

Maybe we can have a blindfolded piano comparison at $20,000!

What a coincidence! There are a lot of Navy pilots down here, as you know. I know many of them and fly with many of them, but there are just as many that I don't know. Who did your sister marry? Hmmm, for privacy sake, better to email me off line (off forum).

What was your question, now answered?

Steve,

Glad to see you're in!

I think, regarding the term "piano party," that the emphasis is definitely on the "party" part, "piano" merely being the common thing facilitating the party. I also think that that doesn't preclude having it at a member's store.

As long as everyone doesn't try to play at the same time.

justcurious where you went to school. Then after seeing the list of schools you've attended I figured, yes, you have done an awful lot of reading!

Back to topic: We probably are being too ambitious to think we can combine PA and VA people.

Steve,
Annapolis and Old Town both sound good to me. What do you think about going up to see BruceD and JML?

Well, at least I have a lot of books on my shelves...

I don't know. It could be a contest. I managed a very, very large bookstore for two years and am an avid reader. But, my books are mostly history books, classics and fiction! Their my pride posessions.

I can't wait til we all get together! I think it should be soon though, Steve Cohen, and Cathy Harl, because we're gonna start getting busy! I hope.

Here's an idea to toss into the mix.

I live about 8 minutes from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) airport, about 15 minutes from Annapolis, and 30 Minutes from downtown DC.

My house, because of my hobby, was designed to entertain upto 120 people. I have restored to like new condition, the following which are fully functional and displayed throughout the house:

5 - 1940's Antique Jukeboxes
15 - 1890's - 1930's Antique Slot Machines
4 - 1900's Victrolas
6 - 1800's Cylinder and Disk Music Boxes
A 1013 Mills Violano Virtuosa (player piano that also play the violin)
A 1923 Chickering Ampico A Reproducing Grand
Plus assorted pinballs, claw machines, soda machine, etc.

[BTW, I fully expect that the fact that I am just a big boy with lots of toys, will not be disclosed outside the Coffee Room!!!! ]

I need to check with Margie, but I think we would be willing to host a party here. I can guarantee you, you'll all have fun. It is a "party" house. Every Christmas I have the employees, contractors, teachers, etc. and their families for a big party. Usually 70-90 show up, so we know how to handle any size group. This year were having a Halloween Party and expect about 80.

Just something to think about....

Are you sure? You best talk to Margie. This is a busy time of year. But, it would be great for people who may want to fly in. We'd want to plan that. Tell Margie that I would be happy to help.

But, how about a smaller informal gathering until then?

Off topic: We were busier today. I hope you were too.

I'd sure like to show up where the mid Atlantic meeting takes place. I vote for Cathy Harl's store located in Old Town Va. Of course I happen to live in Arlington Va. about 7 miles away. However, in additon to a few nice Estonia grands she has a almost new Schimmel grand and a vintage Steinway M. All nice to play. Just let me know where and when.

Rich

Ed,
Off topic. I visited your website.

I'm impressed (and envious).
Recently took up flying, but the &#&$*@ FAA is
holding my medical hostage.

http://www.pianoworld.com/Flying/PIC_at_10000_feet.html

- Frank B.
Piano World

Frank,

I think it's great that you've taken up flying as another of your life's adventures! Great pictures of you at the controls.

What's the deal with your medical certification? I can probably provide some insight if you're wondering. Please contact me off forum if you wish.

Steve,

But do you have a standard piano?

I'm intrigued; I think it would be great to attend a party at your abode, heck, even if the party we are discussing here ends up somewhere else!

I think you have my vote for a big party.

And we can have a little one at Cathy's shop, or justme's house,

or...

I know where Rich D. lives...

Or all of the above.

I ditto the vote for a big party. Has anyone been reading the New York thread? Wish I lived a little closer to New York. That sounds like a lot of fun. Anyone interested in driving up together?

It's just a thought...

hey, if any of you want to come to new york and join us, please weigh in on our thread asap so that we can pick a date that will work for you. we want to be as inclusive as possible.

Do you mean, justathought?

pique,

Thank you for the invitation.

I certainly find the idea appealing, but don't expect to have that kind of time in the forseeable future. I have been monitoring your thread, however, and will not completely dismiss the concept.

Back to this thread: If I don't have a chance to post for the rest of the day, please be advised that I will be overseas for the coming week, and as far as I know right now, I will not be able to participate in the party decision process until I return (unless I discover an unexpected means of internet access). I hope to log on next weekend and see a plan in place.

Godspeed.

My boss Margie says it OK with her. The problem will be coming up with dates that work.

What did you all have in mind. The 1st three weeks in September are difficult, but not impossible for me. We rent about 1000 band and orchesral instruments during that time.

I do, however, have a big enough and competent enough staff to make it work.

OK...

Managed a quick break from the travel preparations...

How about the weekend of Oct. 4?

That would provide time to invite members from other parts of the country who would then have time to arrange travel.

Our calendar is clear for that weekend.

You come to ours, I'll come to yours...

Just kidding of course, but I've a good mind to come to yours anyway, especially if it's held at Steve's which is 7 min. from BWI airport. I could take the train down and grab a taxi (unless someone would like to swing by to pick me up on the way to Steve's ).

I'll poke in here once in a while to see what's happening. When I got back to the city earlier this month, I said to myself "I need to get out of the city more often."

Any of the plans mentioned work for me. Steve's idea sounds like fun. It would be no problem for me to travel to his place. I could even pick up Bernard if he comes down. October 4th would be fine for me.

Thanks for the kind offer, johnmoonlight. I'll keep checking in to see what's happening. It would be great to meet everyone.

Steve,

Thanks for posting this on the Forum. I haven't been to here yet. Can I come to Steve's??

Also, I would be happy to offer Cunningham as a spot for a MidAtlantic Piano party!!

I don't know Rich. Have you had all your shots? Do you like dogs?

Rich, I would certainly be able to make it to Cunningham's if we choose that as the spot. Would love to see the digs!

I support a party at Steve's on the weekend of Oct. 4 for the DC/NOVA/Annapolis/Baltimore crowd, as well as all others who wish to come.

I also think Cunningham Piano would be a great location for a separate event (being roughly halfway between DC and NYC makes it a nice place for some cross pollenation), though probably a bit too far for me.

[posted in error]

[posted in error]

OK, let me summarize what we have so far:

Members who have posted their interest in having a party in the DC/Baltimore area, and their locations, include:

Ed - Southern Maryland
justme - Columbia, Maryland
Steve Cohen - Annapolis/Baltimore, Maryland

johnmoonlight - York, PA
BruceD - suburbs of Philly, PA
Rich Galassini - Philly, PA

gtd - Alexandria, VA (NoVa)
Catlady - Alexandria, VA (NoVa)
Rich D - Arlington, VA (NoVa)

Bernard - NYC


Suggested locations for the party include, south to north:

Harl's Piano (Catlady's shop) - Alexandria, VA

justme's place - Columbia, MD
Steve's house - Balt, MD

johnmoonlight's place - York, PA
Cunningham Piano - Phil, PA


As I have already opined, I think Steve Cohen's place is the location that would best accommodate most of the members who have weighed in, thus far. And it sounds like it is tailor made for a party. johnmoonlight and Rich Galassini (I think) have both indicated that it would be reasonable for them to travel to Steve's. Maybe BruceD can reconsider.

Alexandria and Philly are at the opposite ends of the geographic swath defined by the members who have posted here. Each represents a lengthy travel time for those at the other end, though both would be great locations for some of the group.

Cunningham Piano would be a fabulous location for a future mix of the NYC group and this group, but I suggest not setting our sights that high, yet.

I think we should establish the time and location for our get together sooner, rather than later, to give everyone time to make necessary arrangements and facilitate maximum participation.

October 4 seems about right to me. If it be at Steve's, he has indicated he is pretty busy in September. Later means conflict with upcoming major holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving) no matter where the location.

What say all of you?

October 4th is fine with me. It's PARTYTIME!!

Roger that. Hearing no outright objections, or intense lobbying for another site, I think it's settled. Steve Cohen's place for the party on October 4.

I'll submit some suggestions for the party:

Consider whether an afternoon affair might be preferable to evening. Doesn't much matter to me except that my drive home will be about 1.5+ hours so I won't be staying too late. In any event, it's really your call, Steve.

Announce it in the Piano Forum, referring everyone to this thread for details. Encourage everyone coming to RSVP.

Plan on a potluck type of thing for food and beverages. Those coming in from out of town should be exempt.

Those imbibing alcoholic beverages, BRING YOUR DESIGNATED DRIVER, or have an alternate plan for getting home safely.

Several of us should commit to helping clean up afterwards.

Several, if not all, should plan to play a piece for the rest of us (you did say you have a piano, right Steve?). Thunderous applause is mandatory for all who dare.

Let's say 2PM-7PM. That way everybody can be home at a reasonable hour.

As far as food is concerned, I'll get some chicken and burgers and fire up the grill. It's easier than having you all bring stuff. If anyone wants to contribute, bring a desert or a salad.

I'll even tune the piano and the Violano. This is gonna be fun!

How does this sound to evertbody? Who's in?

Oh, I'm getting all excited about this upcoming adventure! I just checked Amtrak's schedules and they have a train leaving NYC, arriving at BWI Airport Rail Station at 12:53pm on the 4th. They have a train leaving the same platform at 7:52pm! Perfect!

johnmoonlight, I'll take you up on your offer. Do you know where the BWI Airport Rail Station is? As you see, if all goes according to plan, I'll be there an hour early and you can pick me up at your convenience; I'll have a good book with me and will be content to wait.

I'm sure there will be someone at the party willing to drop me off at the rail station afterwards? N'est-ce-pas?

Hey! Maybe there are some other NY'ers who'd like to come along!? Oh, come on! Keep me company on the train.

Bernard, you might want to copy you post on the Piano Forum. Others in NYC might see it there.

It's more fun to travel with company.

Bernard,

Glad you're coming. Not to worry about rides to/from the train station. We will find a way to get you where you need to go.

Sounds great Bernard! Look forward to meeting you. Steve the 4th is ok for me.

Cathy Harl of Harl's Piano in Northern Va just called me. As a retailer, she can't make it on a Saturday. I can make it work on Sunday, October 5th. (We might even get Rich and RJ from Cunninghams!)

What about the rest of you?

There seem to be 2 threads regarding this party, so I'll copy my posting from the other thread here, as well:

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Steve Cohen:
Cathy Harl of Harl's Piano in Northern Va just called me. As a retailer, she can't make it on a Saturday. I can make it work on Sunday. (We might even get Rich and RJ from Cunninghams!)

What about the rest of you?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Being the wonderfully consumer-oriented retailer that they are, Cunningham Piano is open every Sunday. But perhaps Rich and RJ can arrange to be off on that date?

If the party is held on 10/5, I might be able to attend if it would be OK to bring my father.

Thanks . . . Linda

I'm OK with the change if John and Bernard can still make it.

Linda,

You and your father and anybody else you wish to bring. I can't possibly imagine why anybody would object.

I'm OK with the 5th too. Amtrak's schedules are the same on Sunday but for some reason the round trip fare is an extra $10 !? Go figure.

Are foreign West Coasters also invited??

The ones who bring cookies........

norbert

Wow! How cool would it be if Norbert can come?

Very cool!

I'd even let Norbert use the guest room!

BTW, as the time approaches I will e-mail directions and my phone number to those coming. If you do not have your e-mail address in your Piano Forum Profile, e-mail me at jasonsmc@msn.com and I will reply with the info.

This is gonna be a lot of fun!!!

Yes, the 5th is ok for me as well.

Hi, all,

Steve wrote me off-list and invited me to check in here. I was a bit hesitant at first, but Steve assured me that I would not have to touch a piano in the presence of anyone else. That would have been a deal-killer. ;-) It sounds like a great time, so I'd love to join you.

Anyway, I'm in the DC suburbs, so anything in the DC metro area works for me. I must disclose, however, that I can't be sure I can make it. I have kids, so my schedule is often not my own.

Also, it might be easier for me to sell this idea to my spousal unit if it were in a public place like a store rather than a private home.

But like I said, please don't change any plans because of me because I won't know whether I can attend until the last minute.

Cindy

Have we decided to change to the 5th? If so, we should let Frank know for calendar purposes.

Yes, we are now officially on for October 5, 2-7PM. Know attendees are:

Linda in PA and her Pa
Johnnymoonlight
ED
Bernard
CatLady (Cathy Harl)
Steve and Margie Cohen
Cindysphinx and spousal unit (maybe)

OK, Who Else? Jim Lobs? Rich G.? RJ? ANYBODY?

How about Rich D., gtd, BruceD, fmelliot, Dappler50, Keith Kerman?

And Norbert???

And what has happened to justme?

(duplicate)

October 5 is a good day for me. Not sure, though, that I'll play the piano - performance anxiety. Looking forward to meeting some forum members.

If anyone in Northern Virginia would like to meet and ride together, please let me know.

Oct 5th actually works better for me. Am planning on being there.

Rich

It's getting closer. Any more coming?

Good Steve, time to beat the drums.

Starting the two week countdown.

Now, what about Norbert?

Hi, All:

Just confirming that dear old Dad and I will be there! Steve, thanks for the directions.

Look forward to meeting all of you . . . Linda

I am feeling so boondockey

apple, it sounds like Steve has lots of cool stuff at his house. Maybe he can arrange for you to join our party via videoconference??

All right guys, we’re getting close!!!

Would each person who is coming please email me at jasonsmc@msn.com . Tell me how many are coming and where you are coming from. I will reply with directions to the house.

I’m planning on grilled chicken, burgers and some sides. If any of you have dietary preferences, let me know. I done all the cooking in our house for 20+ years, so I can handel special requests.

I just had the Chickering tuned and the Violano as well (you’ll see!).

Also, I'm open to any suggestions you might have. Fell free to contact me.

Come ready for fun.

Well, unfortunately I found out yesterday that I may NOT be back in time from my fishing trip to make it to the gathering.
The trip was rescheduled after being cancelled when ol' Isabel blew through. We leave Saturday and MAY be back in time on Sunday.
Much to my dismay, you'll have to count me out unless I get back into town earlier than expected.
Steve, plan on one less mouth to feed and if I end up being able to make it, I certainly won't expect to be eating while I'm there.
Sorry to cancel. Sounds like it will be a blast.
Have a beer(or two) for me!

John, it will be disappointing if you don't make it, but if not, you better bring back at least one of those marlins.

Someone will need to substitute to pick up Bernard at the train station. I am happy to do it, but might be running a few minutes behind other folks and we don't want him sitting around the station when he could be enjoying the party.

Steve,
Thank you for the directions. I was so wanting to come but, I can't. I just found out that I'll be north of Philly that weekend and it's just too far for me. Probably, at least a 3 hour drive if not longer.

I'm disappointed but hope we all have the opportunity to meet again.

Hope everyone has a wonderful time!

Stay busy,
Peggy

Ed, don't worry about me waiting around the train station... I'm a New Yorker and we're used to waiting. As long as someone will eventually pick me up though, I'm still planning on coming.

John, if you can make it there will be plenty of food for you. I always make way too much.

We plan to be here until after 7PM. If you come straight from fishing, you can even use our shower. In fact, it might be required!!!

Ed, there is no need for you to pick me up after all. I do not know why I didn't think of it myself, but I'll grab a taxi. Thanks for the tip, Steve. This way no one will need to worry about schedule, etc., etc.

See you all at Steve's.

Looks like I'm not making the forum get together. Found out last week that I need surgery on my right knee which is scheduled for this Friday. Will be layed up for a few days and off work for nearly a week ( ). Bad timing for sure. Anyway, hope you all have a great time.

Rich

They're falling like flies. Well, even if there are only a handful of people, any get together will be fun.

I throw this out for consideration, though, any thoughts about rescheduling? Or should we just plan to have another party as well?

Rich, hope the surgery goes well. Meniscal tear?

I'll be OK with a postponement, but I'll need to know by the end of the day Friday whether it's on or not.

I say were still on for Sunday. I just heard from gtd and he's coming. So, we have Cathy (and maybe her boyfreind), Ed, Bernard, gtd, Linda and her dad, Margie and I, and maybe Cindysphinx and her husband. Not a big group, but we'll have fun.

Anybody else???

Another party, another time...sound good to me!!

I'm good to go for Sunday, as well.

Alright!

I just got home from food shopping for the party.

All I can say is COME HUNGRY!

See you all tomorrow at 2PM. (Except Bernard who may be here a little early.)