Hi again.
If only. If only you could endure an additional 90 minutes (I usually
have an 8 hour drive, sometimes 14, just to get to these gigs). For an
additional 90 minutes I could put you in Alexandria Bay, NY (although
24 hours too late since we just wrapped up the fall fest yesterday) for
the Grand International Ragtime/Jasstime Festival started by Bob Darch
and friends in 1990. Or in Frankenmuth, MI for one of the annual jazz
fests in March or Bob Milne's ragtime festival in April (including a
Silent Movie night) at Zehnder's downtown. Bob also plays from time to
time in the Detroit area, although he is out on the west coast for most
of the rest of the year, and down in Florida early next year.
I hear they may play a little in Buffalo from time to time - when they
can find it, that is. A GPS and a snow cat, and you'll be fine.
John Arpin does syncopated stuff in town from time to time, so watch
the entertainment news.
I'm not up there, but I have a CD being released in your area this
weekend to go along with a book on Muskoka around WWI - The Summer
Before the Storm. It will include a recently discovered Joe Lamb piece
- The Muskoka Rag - which was actually handed to me by Pat Conn this
last weekend. Not the same as being there performances, but something.
So extending to 3.5 hours - 3 if you press it a little - will give you
lots more variety to choose from since it includes a couple of fine
festivals.
Hope that is useful. SYNCerely, Bill E.