SPECIAL CONCERTS

Well, Uke New Jersey! is now in the FP history books and the general consensus is that it was a rousing success.

I will give a more detailed assessment at the meeting but the basics are:

The Folk Project volunteers once again stepped up to the plate and got the job done! This might have been a total disaster in execution were it not for the dedication and hard work of:

Pam Robinson

Lois DeRitter

Barrett Wilson

Mike DelVecchio

Larry Flanigan

Mike Agranoff

Greg More

Jeff Saxton

Al & Carol

Vicki Lederman

Carol Titus

Wendy Keilin

Bill Dodds

Dave Pawloski

JoAnne Cronin

Mark Schaffer

Leslie Brown

Phyllis (?)

Mark Dutton

Jeff Lupinacci

Unknowm Female (Will find out her name)

I will sing some specific praises at the meeting but I want to point out here that without Pam Robinson as my co-Head Staff, all might have been lost. Her experience, organizational skills, attitude and dedication were spectacular. We simply could not have done this without her.

The performers were unbelievable!

Jim & Lis Beloff were an absolute delight! Their passion for music, the Ukulele and each other just beamed from the stage. I for one could listen to them all night long.

Victoria Vox knocked us out with great songs an amazing voice and a funny, sexy stage presence that had people talking about her all weekend.

Celtic Spirit woke the weary crowd up on Saturday with a rollicking, high energy set that got us all clapping and singing along.

James and Anne… everything I told you from the start and then some. Virtuosos doesn't even begin to describe it. If you weren't there you should beg or borrow a copy of Bill's video.

The workshops were unlike anything we've ever seen. 30-70 people (depending on the workshop) being collectively taught beginner through Intermediate Ukulele was really something to behold. In the case of Jim and James, it was clear we were witnessing master teachers at work.

The attendees were all that I expected them to be. Happy, passionate, dedicated Ukesters in their element and having the time of their lives! The initial feedback from them has been extremely positive and appreciative. They had particular praise for the staff and the venue.

The money (so far) isn't anywhere near as bad as I feared it would be at the last Board meeting. Pam and Bill and I are still sorting it out but I think we spent around $500 of AIS money. lots of people signed up in the last two weeks and we took in around $3000 at the door. If we do this again next year, I would expect a sell out.

There's more to discuss, of course, but I have to go make dinner and get to the meeting.

See you shortly,

Scooter