Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 50th

[Mike Wilbur <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

2013 was my first SPAH Convention......it was mostly a brilliant experience.
The hotel and staff were wonderful....fell in love 4 times with hotel staff women.

While a downtown hotel would have been fun and closer to pubs, it may not have been a better idea all things considered.
All the SPAH staff and volunteers worked hard to keep things flowing.
Winslow was super on and off stage.

Warren Harp 360 sounds like a great idea, good luck with that and please keep us 
In that loop !
 
Mike Wilbur


On Aug 24, 2013, at 11:39 AM, Warren Bee <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I have heard many rave reviews of this years convention. I am very happy
> for all that attended and of course for the team(s) that put the event
> together.
> 
> Many friends have asked me if I am "sour grapes" over the election last
> year and if this is why I did not attend these last two years after ten in
> a row. This is very far from the truth. Financial issues have made me happy
> to just be a stay at home harp player for now. No gigging as of late
> either. Another major factor was that I enjoyed being a part of the "team"
> whose mission is to preserve and advance the harmonica. I much prefer to
> work at an event than to just be a spectator. That is just my nature.
> 
> I understand that the larger crowd at the convention this year made some a
> little uncomfortable. Fear of growth is not productive. The adjusting to
> the growth to fulfill "the mission" is what matters. Sounds like the
> team(s) adjusted well this year with the "swollen crowd". When Bob and I
> ran for office last year our main platform was to focus on growing the
> organization as a whole not just grow the convention. Obviously this met
> with deaf ears from the members. They have spoken and I respect that. My
> thoughts and opinions have not wavered since Winslows landslide victory. I
> still believe that an organization whose mission statement is to preserve
> and advance the harmonica should do more than just a 5 day party. An
> incredible party for those that can afford it leaves 360 days and many
> "outsiders" out in the cold. This is the way it has been and looks to
> continue. I think this is just fine and wonderful, honestly. What it does
> do is make me work on my plan to possibly create an international 365 day a
> year entity that is inclusive in a number of ways to all lovers of the
> harmonica. My working title for this concept has evolved into: Harmonica
> 360. The last thing I would ever want to do is "compete" with or affect
> SPAH negatively in any way. I just want to see what I can do with the 360
> days left on the table before and after the convention. I just want to see
> people from all over the world be able to invest what they can afford to be
> a part the of the advancing and preserving. The internet makes this
> possible. If this dream ever comes to fruition I envision not a big annual
> event in one place but home grown harmonica celebrations taking place in
> many places around the globe. No politics...just passion :-)
> 
> Peace and congratulations again to Winslow, the SPAH team and the St. Louis
> club. You done good and from what I can tell nobody went home without a
> smile.
> 
> Warren Bee ( past publicity director for SPAH)