This is an official invite to all that would like to attend my Piano Party planned for April 12th, 2008 out here on Long Island, New York. Many of you came last year when I was celebrating the installation of the Wapin Bridge in my Mason CC2 Concert Grand, and the acquisition of my Bubinga 190 Estonia from Ori. We had a terrific time, with some incredible players enjoying my pianos and Indian Food to boot!! This year I have done additional MAJOR work on the keyset and action of the CC2. I had a whole new keyset custom built for it by Roseland Piano in Oregon. Then I had it shipped to Roy Peters, in Cincinnati, for installation of all of David Stanwood's latest, most cutting edge action modifications, including magnetic balanced action, copper (instead of lead) frontweights, anodized aluminum capstans (highly polished and never pit or oxidize), and a really terrific modification that can be made to any existent jack that can make the repetition speed and control noticeably improved. Combine all these innovations into a full Stanwood Precision Touch Design, and my CC2 has become a one of a kind instrument....David Stanwood has assured me that this is the first instrument on the planet to incorporate all of his latest innovations!! Roy drove out last month to deliver the end product and I am completely amazed at the result. I want as many people as possible to come down and enjoy both the CC2 and the Estonia 190. David Stanwood will be here and is arranging to have reporters from a major keyboard magazine come as well to do a feature article on the CC2. Roy Peters will be trying to get here as well. Please PM me if you'd like to come and I will send out directions and more info. I am about 60 miles east of NYC on Long Island, for those of you unfamiliar with this part of NY. Hope to see/meet many of you in April!!

CC2&CL... what an amazing evening you are presenting to your guests!

Maybe I can band togther a few local members for a PW excursion. (???)

I was actually looking at a map of LI the other day and wondering if it might be worth taking the car ferry over from Bridgeport, CT but not sure if it would be worth going that route. Frank has always wanted to have a PW cruise setup. A ferry boat might be good for a starter!!!

Terrytunes,
Hi. Actually, the Bridgeport to Port Jefferson Ferry is the best route, since it lets you off in Port Jeff about four miles from my home. I think that's the way Frank is going to come. Lilylady might also be someone to hook up with from your neck of the woods, as far as carpooling, if she is free to come. I would welcome a New England contingent.

Just what I need: an excursion out of the city! I'll try very hard to make it CC2, I had a great time last year.

Bernard,
Sure hope you can make it. It won't be the same without your presence. I promise you'll enjoy both pianos even more than last year....in fact, as I recall, you never even got to play the Estonia 190. We'll definitely make sure that you get some good playing time in on both this time around. I'm starting the party earlier this year and it will go on until whenever. Having David Stanwood and the reporter from the magazine there will be an added treat. Looking forward to seeing you, and hearing you play, Bernard!

Hey Bernard, havent seen you in awhile. See you there! BTW, Dan what magazine ?

Not sure Lee. David didn't say.

Just a reminder, party is coming up soon.

I will be taking the 1:30 ferry from Bridgeport, CT to Port Jefferson.

If anyone would like to join me, let me know.

I'm definitely coming out to the party. Looking forward to it.

I would very much like to attend if there is still room available for additional guests. I sent you a PM by way of introduction.

Regards,

Eddie

Hi Frank
I would like to try and come to Sat's party. I am working during the day and am wondering when people start coming and going? I live in Manhatten and if anyone is driving or taking the train from here...... Thanks
Debra feiger

Hi Debra,

I believe the festivities begin at 3:00.

It looks like Bernard will be coming down from Manhattan, you might try sending him a PM.

Best,

- Frank B.

Hi Bernard
I'm in NYC for two weeks and would like to try and go to the party Sat if I can finish work early enough. What time are you leaving and from where in Manhatten?
thanks
Debra

Hi Debra, I'm going by LIRR (and I think RealPlayer may also be taking the train). I'm thinking about catching a 2pm -ish train but I haven't checked the schedules yet. Let me see what's available and I'll post back here tomorrow. Perhaps the three of us can meet up at Grand Central and ride out together. That would be cool.

Debra, I'll be OK leaving a little later if that makes it easier for you. Let me know what time is best for you. I'm going to go check schedules now. ...

...

There's a train leaving Grand Central at 1:37pm arriving PJ at 3:38,

and another leaving Grand Central at 3:06pm arriving PJ at 5:06pm,

The next train after that leaves GC at 4:37pm and arrives in PJ at 6:38.


Do you think you could make the 1:37 or 3:06?

Hey Bernard,

I think you meant Penn Station. There is no LIRR service to Grand Central Station at this time, though it will be coming in the future.

- Mark

Ha! Of course. Force of habit... whenever I take a commuter train it's almost always Metro North! Thanks, hotkeys.

Looks like Terrytunes, John Citron and Lilylady will be renting a car and catching the 1:30 ferry as well. Should be there by 3!

Looking forward to the pianos and the party!

Hi Bernard
I don't think I can make a train until AFTER the 3:06 tomorrow so I'll probably have to take a pass since the next train will get it too late. Enjoy for me!
Debra

What's your plan for getting there from the Port Jefferson Station? Will you take a taxi?

I'm planning on driving from Brooklyn, but it's possible the car is already spoken for.

If I do end up with the car, I'd be glad to give someone a ride, but it would have to be from Brooklyn (close to the 2 and Q trains).

feigede, gee I'm sorry about that. If you think you might get out earlier phone me. I'll PM you my cell phone number.

Zeno, I'm cabbing it from the train to Dan's house. It's not too far.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm probably closer to Penn Sta. since I'm in Greenpoint. I love trains too.

I'm glad to see you're going to be there, a fellow Brooklynite! Yeah!

I live in NYC and would like to come. I don't know anyone on here but am interested in meeting. I just PMed CC2 at the last minute because I thought I had something else to do tomorrow and couldn't make it---turns out it was cancelled.

But in case he/(she?) doesn't sign on and get the message, can someone else who is going PM me with the address and time? I would be driving from Queens right across the LI border. I don't think it's too bad of a schlep.

Doogs: Hope to see you there if you can make it. I will be in Setauket early in the day, but I figured out a way to get there from the Emma Clark Library.

- Mark

I'm coming! The 1:37 train out of Penn looks like the most reasonable option.

I'm going to try reaching Bernard via phone or PM just to try to meet up...those trains have many cars. Then we could share a cab, along with anyone who's with us.

Looking forward.

Great,

See you there RealPlayer.

For those who are taking the 1:30 ferry from Bridgeport, look for a chubby guy with a tan sport coat, and probably a pipe (that's me) :-)

Thanks for the directions, folks, looks like I'll make it.

Now, does anyone have a book of Schubert impromptus to bring? One of the few things I can play without embarrassing myself, but I don't have my music with me and can't play from memory.

I came very close to coming, but I just couldn't get away this weekend - drats! I hope you all have (are having) a wonderful time and that you post a gazillion pictures.

What, no pics or reports yet??? Of course, some resumed festivities today at LJC's place with his Hamburg D, so that could be one reason...

I'll offer my own report when I've had a chance to gather my thoughts. Still, uh, recovering from a late night. (Left CC2's at 9:30ish, then a long train/subway/ferry ride home).