A Changing View

As I patiently waited for the concert to begin at Marine Stadium this evening, I realized that I had been sitting in a different chair there each week for the last 3 weeks.

3 weeks ago I was in the piccolo chair while Eileen worked somewhere else.

Last week I was in my normal "Flute 2" chair.

Tonight I was "Flute 1", filling in for Patti:

That can be confusing for my fan base.

Wait.

As the sound engineer, my husband always knows where I'm sitting.

Anyway, I've had a ton of solos to play this week. Who knew Cowboy music could be so flute friendly! I had a blast tonight because I can actually play all the music. That's always a plus!

One of the features unique to Marine Stadium are the "boat people." They pull right up next to the stage and enjoy the concert from the comfort of their sea going vessels:

They are also very generous with their donations to the band.

Next week for the first time in the 23 years that I've been playing with the band they will not be permitted to assume their usual positions in the water next to the band stand.

Marine Stadium will be closed.

We on the band stand were wondering about the stadium closure.

Did it need an acid wash?

Was it leaking?

Was the drain clogged?

Actually, the stadium will be closed while the course is being laid out for the Dragon Boat races the next day.

So while they could, the boat people were able to enjoy the band and the enchanting Carol Welsman:

The party continues at El Dorado Park tomorrow evening at 6:30pm.

It's your last chance to Yipee-Ki-Ya!

Bluff Park Season Debut

The Muni Band wagon train rolled into Bluff Park today for the first time this season.

Playing right next to the water has its issues, but on the whole the weather was warm with only occasional gusts of wind to play havoc with the music on our stands.

Sensational singer Carol Welsman joins us this week.

You won't want to miss your chance this week to get your cowboy on.

Tomorrow: Los Cerritos Park, 6:30pm. FREE!!!

Friday Adventures

We went from a sea of boats at our Thursday concert to a sea of people at El Dorado Park.

Dad, Beverly and Mom were back after last week's absence.

Beverly is feeling better and Mom & Dad had a wonderful vacation on Orcas Island.

Betty and Ed made it down from Glendora, while Charlo and Joe had a quick jaunt up from Seal Beach.

Charlo's knee is recovering nicely from the surgery. She walked into the park on her own power.

Go Charlo!

Dick and Dolores were also in attendance but missed the photo op.

We have been enjoying "High Adventure" week.

One high adventure that wasn't so fun was the power that went out repeatedly just minutes before the sound check.

Bob to the rescue!

Kurt conducted so fast his fingers disappeared!

Our lurking lenslinger was back.

Hey, who are you pointing that thing at?!?

Carol Welsman completed a wonderful week in style. I'm enjoying her "Swing Ladies, Swing!" CD.

Next week, "Toot, Whistle, and Boom!"

Family Night At The Park

Thursday was family night at Marine Stadium.

Flutist Patti was joined by "the boys".

John and James, on a 4 week home visit from Korea, attended their first Muni Band concert with Jonathan and Aaron.

They were looking forward to hearing the "Harry Potter" piece that Patti had been practicing all week.

Clarinetist Leah had her beautiful, thriving daughter in attendance.

Conductor Larry handed off the baton to his son Kurt for a guest conducting stint that kept it all in the family:

Several members of the Disneyland Band (sorry, no pictures of them) came by to watch their fearless assistant leader in front of a different cast of characters.

An unidentified shooter was slinging his lens throughout the concert.

Carol Welsman was in his sights.

We'll be at El Dorado Park tonight.

Please come join us!

Shorter Days

The days are getting shorter.

It's getting harder to grab a quick picture from the stand.

I did snap this one of Kurt doing his conducting thing:

Carol Welsman was back for another cool set.

She'll be with us through the end of the week.

See you in the park!

Mouse Guy

I last blogged about our friend Kurt in May.

Kurt is the assistant conductor of the Disneyland Band.

He usually sits behind me in the trumpet section.

Tonight, however, he made a big move forward.

As the marine layer moved in over Bluff Park, Kurt moved onto the podium:

He conducted music from Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean".

Go Kurt Go!!!

A chill wind whipped the band as the fog continued to roll in.

That didn't stop singer Carol Welsman from heating things up:

We'll be at it again tomorrow at Los Cerritos Park.

Come cheer us on!

Please?