Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 50th

[Warren Bee <wbharptime2@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thank you Bob! It is folks like you that fuel my desire. You are a perfect
example of why I am envisioning the possibility of creating something
special. Who knows where it will go but I appreciate your positive note.

WB


On Sat, Aug 24, 2013 at 1:30 PM, Bob Harty <bharty@xxxxxx> wrote:

> Warren,
> I would love to see you get your concept up and running. As someone out on
> the fringe literally and figuratively here in Anchorage, Alaska living on a
> private school teacher's salary attending what I'm sure is a great event
> (SPAH) is only a dream.
> Best of luck,
> Bob
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Aug 24, 2013, at 7:39 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)
>