INTERNAL AFFAIRS

December HMMPs

This years holiday party will be at the home of Steve and Christine Humphreys on Dec. 13th, 7 PM start Details in Newsletter

December 27th at the Eddie and Robin Roffmans 8 PM start

Details in newsletter

Year review

Name change from Evening of Music to Homemade Music Party

Change to a 7 PM start time for the First HMMP of the month

I would recommend this start time continue.

8 PM start time for the second HMMP at the Roffmans.

At the beginning of the year I thought it would be a great idea to add paid entertainment to the parties as a way of spicing things up and adding new members. I did that for four months. We had four well received excellent performances. 1. Spook Handy doing a Remembering Pete Seeger show 2. Bob Cannon doing a great solo set of original tunes 3. Betsy Rose with Dave Kleiner and Mark Shaffer doing a wonderful blues set 4. Hank and Frank doing a very tasty Jazz flavored set.

After four months I decided to discontinue the paid portion of the evening for the following reasons. Although artistically successful, I felt it was not adding new members or increasing attendance as was the stated goal. Also, I felt that the transition from music party to concert performance was awkward and disruptive to the flow of the evening, as attendees would rather be playing music. After all ,playing music ourselves is what we're there for. I thank the board in their support of this initiative !!!!!

I think the energy for the HMMPs is high as they are well attended. I thank all the hosts whom have opened their homes to the hordes of folk music enthusiasts.

We hosted another great Valentines day show this year as the tradition continues with our own Loving Hearts Club Boogie Band, Jazz band and our many great individual performers and host couples.

We added an outstanding Halloween show this year with our cavalcade of costumed crooners. Special thanks to Mark Shaffer for his boundless enthusiasm in making it happen. An event I believe should continue next year.

I especially thank Eddie and Robin Roffman who host the bonus HMMP the 4th Saturday of each month for giving everyone another opportunity to get together in the spirit of like minded good community. You will not meet nicer and more encouraging folks than the Roffmans. We should also mention they were the gracious hosts of our 4 th of July Party too !!!!!!!!

A very good year. To be continued ...................... !!!!!!!

Dave Sherman