Sound Reinforcement

Things have been sounding fine at the ol' Minstrel and the special concerts with the new system. The ongoing training has us a full complement of operators who can make the show go on anytime we need one. Teething has been slight and errors few. Most of all and most importantly, the audience members seem to appreciate the improvements. The set up goes more quickly, as do the sound checks.

Mix-Master training sessions

These Open Stage training sessions are continuing. We hope the open stages never leave the meeting room. As long as there's a possibility of the Open Stage nights taking place in the terrace room, the old sound system will have to stay at MUF.

Swing 'n Tern

At the request of Leigh, I visited a couple of dances to evaluate the dance sound system and the room in which it performs. As a result, I gave them a pair of Minstrel-retired Electro-Voice speakers, speaker poles and speaker wires to help the existing system better fill the room. In addition, one of the speaker stands that 'Tern has been using had worn out needed replacing, so a brand new pair of poles was purchased by the Folk Project for them. One of the powered monitor speakers they had been using stopped working, so that will be dropped off at Dave's Sound for a looksee. Overall, I was impressed with the sound crew at the dances and how well they work together. It's a good bunch who love what they do.

Missing some action

I hate making this announcement without a firm schedule in place, but your humble Sound Dog may be out of sight for a few weeks in October. It seems my prostate has become a tumor coup and I'm trying to have it removed while I'm young and strong enough for an excellent prognosis. I've been going through many kinds of surgical clearance testing and waiting for results. If nothing goes wrong, the surgery should be September 20th followed by four-to-six weeks of recovery and rehab, meaning no heavy lifting and a list of other activities to avoid. Hoisting speakers and stage sections is on that list. I don't see this procedure as too serious, but as another project to manage and make successful. I've looked at every other option and decided that at my age surgery is best. All of the well wishes are appreciated as I think of all of you as family. Since we are a family, I do have a favor to ask, and hope I don't come off sounding like an ass for asking as I'm still groping for the right words as I tell the various groups in which I'm connected. I don't care who knows and no one has to whisper or worry about keeping my malady a secret. But I'm asking and hoping not to impose on anyone to feel like they have to say something or send something or, most of all, to call or visit. So, please, no gifts or cards or letters or calls. Your prayers and well-wishes are certainly appreciated and I'm grateful to have so many friends. And, please, don't be offended if I don't answer the door, the phones, e-mails, social media or even helicopters in the front yard. I'll be around again annoying people soon enough. Thanks in advance, all.

Getaway Sound

As a result of my October absence, John Mahon has agreed to lead the Sound Squad at the Fall Getaway, with Andrew Dunn, Becca Caian and Bill Henderson reprising their bi-annual roles, and possibly one other. John will be bringing his own wireless system and speakers, complementing that with whatever Minstrel equipment he needs. The Getaway chair-folks are aware of the change and will send the stage plots and tech info to John, copied above. I'll miss being among the Getaway Castaways, but I'll be there in spirit.

Mike Del Vecchio

Sound wrangler