Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2013

[The Iceman <icemanle@xxxxxxx>]

Randy spoke with Bob Williams and I regarding having a jazz jam.


At that time, Bob and I were upgrading the convention, so it was a natural addition.


I convinced the BOD to bring in an acoustic grand piano (which I tuned) as well as a PA system. 


Since I was very well connected with the Detroit jazz community, I was able to bring in a first class jazz trio as well. It went so well that we kept it as a core idea and expanded upon it. In St. Louis, I discovered Carol Beth True - pianist - and she also became part of the convention as accompanist for a few years.


It wasn't long before we discovered that the money we invested in this upgrade (and others) came back to SPAH in the form of increased attendance and revenue, also drawing in a lot of non-members from the outside community who paid admission to enjoy some of these "concerts". In fact, our CPA told us we'd have to spend more of the money coming in or risk losing our non-profit status.


I'm glad to see that the idea lives on today.



-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph Leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Randy Singer <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Harp L Harp L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Fri, Aug 30, 2013 10:38 pm
Subject: Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2013



<<Randy had talked Williams into the jazz jam. (Originally 1 night).

So...Randy is the one who deserves the congratulations. He took the first step 
in the 1000 mile journey. >>