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?