Another Bluegrass Friends Christmas Party In The Past

Another Bluegrass Friends potluck Christmas party has come and gone. It was a lot of work setting up for it, but definitely worth it. Thankfully, this year I had some help setting up the gear and preparing the building. Thank you Ed Betts and Kenny Innis for putting in several hours to help out.

I also had some help at the end of the show, tearing down the equipment. Thanks Murray Sheils, Tom Mason, Kenny Innis, Denise Arsenault and Camille Arsenault. Thanks also to Bea Arbo, Wanda Cyr, Becky Betts, Leola Brown and Louise for helping out with the potluck portion of the party.

Harvey Arbo was Master of Ceremonies for this year's event. Thanks Harvey. And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the biggest supporter of all my endeavours, the rose in my garden, my wife, Helen. Thank you Hunny for all the support you've shown over the years. My mother says she doesn't know how you put up with me, and you know what? I believe I can see where she's coming from.

The Party
I rented some curtains this year to see how much of an improvement could be realized with regard to the sound, and there was a noticeable improvement. The curtains also gave the room a nice ambience. Still speaking about the sound, I do regret not sticking to my plan of using the good condenser microphones we use every Monday night at the jam sessions. I think if I had, the sound could have been that much better.

From what I observed, it looked like everyone had a great time at the potluck party. There was enough food to feed a small army and the variety of dishes was considerable. A few people commented about how the Christmas parties make up for any frustrations they may experience throughout the year.

As far as musical performances were concerned, I'd have to say everyone did a fine job with all of their selections. At the end of the official concert, some informal jamming took place which ran until about 6:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, all of the rented curtains were packed away and the sound system was dismantled. It was a fun day, but also a long day. I know Helen and I were glad to get home.

A few people took pictures which I will try to obtain. When that happens, I'll post them on the Bluegrass Friends web site.

Merry Christmas everyone!

All Set for Bluegrass Friends Christmas Party

Well, almost, and it's only 1 day, 15 hours, 38 minutes away at the time of this writing. Unfortunately, I've caught a cold. I sure hope I'm feeling better by Sunday!

There are 15 acts lined up for the party, with what I would consider to be some pretty good talent. I'm really looking forward to each performer taking the stage in a controlled environment. Ah, yes, a controlled environment! I still remember last year's Christmas party; everyone was quiet and listened to each performer intently, and it was good. I didn't even have to remind people to be respectful of the performers - it happened on its own. I'm hoping for the same type of respect this year.

I rented 150 feet of burgundy backdrop curtains from Master Promotions with the hope of achieving the very best sound quality possible for the party. Helen is going to kill me when she finds out, but you're going to love (hopefully) the better sound quality. Yes, I agree, love is a powerful word. Perhaps I could use the word "appreciate" instead. Yes, perhaps you will appreciate the better sound quality.

Covering the windows should reduce the reflection of sound waves to the point where feedback problems will become negligible, thus reducing the dependency on the feedback eliminator, and ultimately giving us the fullest sound we could possibly expect. I hope it works out well, but hey, it's an experiment. If it does work out, I think we should consider a fundraiser event to purchase permanent curtains for the windows at the Saint John Marina.

The potluck dinner certainly seems to bring people around - I don't know why. Is it the food? The party will certainly make for good fellowship time with the new aquaintances and friends we've made while attending the Bluegrass Friends jam sessions. Do you realize I have met over 100 people as a result of the jam sessions? I suppose you probably have too.

Originally, I wanted to keep the concert to a 2 hour limit because people become fidgety when they have to sit still for too long. With 15 acts however, the concert will take approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes which includes a 10 minute break at the halfway mark. Hopefully the break will be enough to keep people happy.

I really do think the talent is going to be awesome this year, and I really do think everyone in attendance is going to have a great time. Helen Floyd will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

Helen will be raffling off a quilt and taking donations to help families who are much less fortunate than most of us. Although I think we should always be thinking of people who are worse off than ourselves, this time of the year always brings out the best in people, and we tend to think of others more than we normally might.

Well, I feel the Neo Citran kicking in so I'll sign off. I hope to see each and every Bluegrass Friends attendee at the party. Don't forget to bring your family along.

Merry Christmas everyone.