| As I said in the previous entry, everyone meets
in a large conference room where managers and artists set up booths displaying
their "wares", so to speak, and presenters walk around viewing and sampling
what is being offered for the next season. Jim and I arrived at the
room about 1/2 and hour into the three hour session, and proceeded directly
to Andrew's table, where he had a large poster, copies of his roster, various
flyers (including ours), and copies of our CDs. As soon as we settled
in, people started coming over to talk to us about what had happened last
night, and we were delighted to find out that virtually everyone was
in complete sympathy with us, and were angry with the organizers for cutting
us off! One person said that, at the general meeting this morning,
delegate after delegate berated the organizers for what was characterized
as their rudeness and lack of judgment. I have to say again, however,
that Jim and I do sympathize with the plight of those organizing this event,
since if the showcases get out of hand, they can drag on and on.
In any case, Jim and I seem to have come out OK. We even had one
person ask whether or not we had planned the whole thing!
As to how we did in terms of getting concerts,
it's too early to say, but it looks very good for next year. Many
of the presenters said they want us on their series, especially when it
became clear that we take care of the pianos, so Jim and I are optimistic
about the overall outcome. I have to say that every time we do one
of these events, we are always heartened by the passion and dedication
of those who organize the various concert series around the country; few
(if any) are paid for their work, and all they get for the long hours and
endless meetings is the knowledge that they are doing something which makes
their community a better place to live. Jim and I have both served
on the boards of various arts festivals, so we know how difficult and ungrateful
a job it can be at times. Anyway, a big "thank you" to anyone reading
this who is involved in such work.
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