[Dixielandjazz] Bohem Ragtime and Jazz Festival

[Judy Eames]

Just to add to the accolades from Bob and Elazar.  The English party of 28 
plus Adam Swanson and his parents had a great time on our last night 
(Monday).  A two hour trip on the Duna (we call it the Danube) gave us the 
opportunity to see some of the beautiful floodlit  buildings  while we 
consumed great food and  wine.  Bev Gunter will be jealous to know that 
"her" Hungarians led by another Tamas entertained us.  Tony and I heard the 
band for the first time many years ago in Sacramento and since then have had 
the pleasure of hearing them on 2 occasions in Hungary.  To be entertained 
by such accomplished musicians was a privilege.( I wish I could recall the 
band's name but I expect when Mr Gunter wakes up he'll remind us all).  It's 
indicative of the trouble that Tamas and his team take that a top class band 
was booked for our small party.

  I've been to many festivals in the Uk and elsewhere, sometimes as 
performer and sometimes as a "punter" and  know of no other where such a 
package is offered.  No matter how odd the travelling times, airport 
tranfers worked smoothly, we were looked after by volunteer guides and ours, 
Bogi was such a splendid hostess that I'd like to adopt her:-)

I find it odd that after saying our farewells to the Swanson family, almost 
exactly 24 hours ago, they're still travelling.  They were last seen hauling 
their bags from one terminal to another.  The first leg of their 4 flight 
trip to Texas had been cancelled!  Adam has strict instructions from his 
school to be back in class on Thursday, I hope he won't get detention if 
he's late!


Next year's festival is on the last w/e of March (after a very early 
Easter).  I don't think the bands have been booked yet but whoever they are, 
they're sure to be good.  Last year the UK party was 17 this year the total 
was 31.

UK LISTEES will have a chance to hear the Bohem Ragtime Jazz band at Bude 
Festival this year and they are at "Friends of Upton" Nr Upton on Severn  on 
Thurs 23rd August.  I'm hoping to fix a job for them on Wed 22nd.. any 
ideas?  and if anyone with a North Devon/NE Cornwall connection can suggest 
an early evening venue,  please let me know.

ALSO John Arpin is visiting the UK at least twice this year with his wife 
who is a big wheel in cancer research.  He hasn't got any jobs lined up for 
himself but it would be a great shame if we missed the chance of hearing 
him.  He didn't know his exact dates but they're in the Manchester area in 
May and "somewhere in the London area" in September.  He's going to email 
the exact dates when he gets home so if anyone has good contacts in those 
areas, please let me know.

Now I'd better unpack:-)

Jude


Judy Eames
Kaminsky Connection
Aston, Oxfordshire
UK
www.judyeames.co.uk