For those that can’t attend I have uploaded the program here, so that you can see what you are missing. I am particularly interested in seeing Bill Irwin, who I am told is an excellent teacher. (He also writes for the magazine) http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=300CCA2F0394F0B5
Enjoy

Bill

Bill. Very thoughtful. Thanks...just what I wanted....See you there.

Hey Bill,

Thanks or the info. I unfortunately cannot attend but it was a great nostalgic read.

I can't believe how many of the demonstrators and artists are still going strong especially Howard Beaumont.

I thought I would share an experience with you so that if you got to speak to him it could be an ice breaker (haha).

About 27 years ago I worked as a salesman and demonstrator for Chingford Organs and Chingford Group Gear and we opened a new shop here in Brighton.

We arranged a number of concerts with various prominent artistes, Tony Pegler demonstrated Technics, Brian Sharpe on Rhia, Harry Stoneham played Lowrey (but really loved Hammmonds), Brian Rodwell demoed the Hammond range and Howard demonstrated his skill on the Farfisa for us.

For Howard's show he used the Farfisa Coronet which was at that time a recently replaced top of the range model that we were selling at the special offer price of £3000 reduced from £4000 which was a lot of dosh in those days. This had full radiating pedalboard and three manuals

As usual we would set up up the equipment at the venue first (this one was at Hove Town Hall) and then meet the artist and take him for a drink or a meal first. In Howards case this was both a drink and a meal, in a fish restaurant.

Howard started off with a blinding first half and the crowd loved it - boy can he play.

However, just after he started his second set he unfortunatly lost his meal - all over the lower manual. As he had his back to the audience they weren't aware especially as he continued to play on the upper manual and the small monophonic top keyboard.

He finished the song to rousing applause while we announced that we had a "small technical hitch" and got a mop, sponge and bucket. After a quick wipe down of the Coronet Howard was soon in fine form again and I don't think most of the audience even realised what had occured.

So, just remind him of the good old days, I'm sure he'll remember unless he made a habit of it.

Regards - KF

[This message has been edited by KFingers (edited 09-01-2006).]