Music Show in a hot spring

[whooper]

Dear all,

It is our great pleasure to introduce a part of our activities. We planned, prepared, and staged a music
show on April 25 in a remote Japanese styled hot spring "Ryokan" or inn approx. 450 km northward from
Tokyo.

Our female member, Karen-san, lives in that hot spring village. She asked a neighbor of a chance, if she
could play for local people. The good neighbor relayed the issue to a close female owner of an inn.
Instantly "Yes". Her husband always follows "Yes, ma'am" way.

Karen-san called up volunteers among forum members. I and Conna-san accepted the offer. Though we
had been old Delcampers, we didn't meet before. One week before the D-day, I and Conna-san did a
rehearsal and set a program.

We drove down in my car. It took approx. 5.5 hours through higways. It was not an isolated place but in
a small basin short of mountains. Quiet and pastoral place, indeed



First of all, we visited Karen-san's house and greeted an alpha cat. He leads a stray but quite easy life.
When hungry he calls on Karen-san and asks of meals. He paid a return salute for us.



He laid down and relaxed urging us to follow suit. He lives with friends, ticks, so can' be invited home.



Karen-san keeps another house cat. She looks graceful and gentle. While I try a vintage Lacote model,
she stays on my knees.



The Inn is here. Check please: East Naruko Onsen

The owner set up the stage and hall.



Approx. 30 seats. We saw fully seated that night




Part-I: solos and ensembles

Karen-san: Fantasia, J. Dowland, Green Sleeves, Irish traditional, Magic Flute variations, F. Sor
Whooper: Canon, J. Pachelbel, Largo, A. Dvorak, Prelude, F. Calluri, Torna a Surriento, R. Curtis
Conna-san: Green Sleeves variations, his own flamenco improvisation, Barcalore in black, sing self-
accompanying

These were recorded during rehearsals. Unfotunately, we didn't record real performances. You might
feel a glimpse of that exciting night.

Gymnopedies No. 1, E. Satie, melody Karen-san and Conna-san, rhythm Whooper



Serenade, F. Schubert, melody Karen-san, rhythm Whooper



Two mandolin concert, 2nd movement, A. Vivaldi, 1st Karen-san, 2nd Conna-san, continuo Whooper
We follow the Delcamp edition. Merci beaucoup Maestro J.F. Delcamp



Some more, Adagio, T. Albinoni and Two guitars, Russian traditional



Part-II: let's sing together

Guitar; Conna-san, Karen-san, and Whooper
Accordion; Whooper
Bongo drum; Karen-san or Whooper

I played my father's hand-me-down, a small diatonic accordion. My father was an amateur musician.
This instrument was prodouced in 1935. He bought this in his youth. Father and I used to play with
this in my childhood.





We played Japanese and world nursely songs, Japanese oldies and pops in 70'-80'. The audience was
mostly in middle and senior ages so they were quite happy and excited to sing together. We prepard
a one-and-half hour stage. Quite surprisingly or mixed blessing, we were requested one more hour go.
We may say great success. Everybody looked happy and in high spirits.

After the show, we tasted various local foods, mostly healthy wild vegetables.



We thank local supporters heartily for their sincere cooperation and heart-warming hospitality.



We are requested to stage again in this autumn. We would ask you of your help. Please join in and
enjoy "Onsen" and music!

Thank you for your attention.

Whooper
In honor of the guitar trio.

[Vesuvio]

Dear Whooper-san,

Bravo!

It is wonderful to see the photographs and to hear some of the music!

What a wonderful idea from Karen-san and an excellent reason for you all to get together—congratulations to everyone involved,

Best wishes, V

[whooper]

Dear Vesuvio-san,

Thank you so much for your words. Karen-san is quite forward-looking and tries to contribute to her
local people. In February, she took an audition, passed and allowed in a large hall in Niigata. Her
neighbors held a send-off party. From our forum I and Conna-san went to see and cheer her up on
the stage.

Here is my report, sorry Japanese only

http://cgs-net.forummotion.com/forum-f8/topic-t276.htm

She played Pavana and dances by G. Sanz. She is a brillant virtuoso. You can hear her Sanz

http://cgs-net.forummotion.com/forum-f21/topic-t319.htm?sid=2f530128a8c6cbf9913929b6807eb7a5

We men have only to follow ladies, replying "Yes, ma'am"

With very best regards
Whooper
P.S. Thanks in Decamp net too

[Vesuvio]

Hello Whooper-san,

...We men have only to follow ladies, replying "Yes, ma'am" ...

Such is life but usually we are happy to folllow.

Thank you very much for the link to Karen-san's Sanz—I enjoyed that very much,

Best wishes, V