Twice, I have attended a hootenanny in Kenosha. My access to this event came from my girlfriend, Jeanne Kornkven. While she is no longer active, her mother, Marialyce, was a founding member and organizer of this group for over 30+ years. Jeanne and I attended for my first time this last spring.
As it turns out, It is similar to my association with The Expansion Band in the Fox Valley. While The Expansion Band meets in members' homes every week on Wednesdays, this group meets once a month in a public museum on the Lakefront in Kenosha.
The format is similar. In each case, They use a huge book of songs built over the years, almost like the fabled songbook of the participant's lives. In the case of Kenosha, the songs are scripted on a theme by the leaders. Later it's open to suggestions from the members. The selection in The Expansion Band is made by going around the room and asking each member what they would like to play.
In both cases, talent and experience are appreciated but not necessary for participation. Well, you have to know that otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to join, would I?
On the first trip to Hootenanny, I tapped my foot in time to the music and sang along as best I could. On my most recent trip, I brought my harmonicas. Even though I was out of the shadow of my friend and first chair harmonica with The Expansion Band, Lee Nimmer, I tried to contribute without embarrassing myself. I'm not ashamed to say I did pretty well.
The Hootenanny draws from a wide area around Kenosha. However, two of us were surprised during the go-around introductions. Dan Geddes introduced himself as a former resident of The Fox Valley, currently living in Milwaukee. After a brief discussion during a break, we discovered we knew a few people in common. Dan told me that while Lee Nimmer might not remember him, Dan is an admirer of Lee. Dan was also familiar with Greg Forton.
Dan and I discussed trying to find like-minded musicians in the Milwaukee area.
The story that just keeps on growing.
Put this in the category of, if you don't laugh, you'll cry.
Last week I reported on the theft of my ladyfriends car. I mentioned that the joy riders removed a cover from a windshield instrument array. We guessed they thought there was a camera with a recording device that might lead to them being identified.
They were wrong. Yes, they removed a sensing device, but it doesn't function as a dash cam. It tracks the 'fog line' on the side of the road and sends a warning if you drift over it. It also tracks the center line and warns if you drift over that area. Finally, it senses when you are closing too fast on the car in front of you. In other words, it is safety equipment.
They took the camera out. It would be mounted on the left-hand side of the array in the photo.
The part to replace it is $150.00. The charge to install it is $1000.00. Total repair for both instruments: $1600.00
Pass the facial tissue, please.
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