THANK YOU to Keith Konopa and the Buffalo Banjo Band as well as all the volunteers, musicians, clinicians, vendors and, most importantly, attendees who made ALL FRETS 2018 BUFFALO a convention to remember.
The annual gala banquet is a long-standing tradition of sharing a meal in the fellowship of kindred musical spirits. Music to set the mood for the event was provided by a Buffalo favorite, Dr. Jazz and the Jazzbugs. After a bit of conversation and spontaneous swing dancing, meal service was efficiently handled by the hotel staff after which president Jeff Grosser presented Keith Konopa and the Buffalo Banjo Band with a recognition for their efforts in bringing together a fun and successful convention. Grosser then pulled a rabbit out of his hat in presenting yours truly with a plaque thanking me for service to ALL FRETS( a labor of love which, I might add, remains my honor …)
The performers and music which comprised the final concert of the weekend was as fresh and energetic as the early convention arrivals on Tuesday afternoon. The program began with the ALL FRETS orchestra under the direction of Karen Von Bernewitz. Carrying on the legacy of her father, Herman, Karen deftly guides a group of random musicians, forming them into a polished performance group in just a few days time. The diversity of music and instruments in this ensemble truly embrace our“ all frets” identity and is an effort which is sincerely appreciated. The following two plus hours were a blur of outstanding musicianship and entertainment value from varied performers such as Stephen DiBonaventura, Debbie Schreyer and Tom Owens, Dr. Jeff Grosser, Kurt Abell and Tyler Jackson. Musical family ties were well represented in performances by both the Quinn Family as well as the Northwest Reps( comprised of Carol and Kevin Johnston and Kim Johnston-Rapacz.
During intermission another favorite moment during any convention took place with the drawing of the winning names for the annual fundraising raffle. Organized by Andy Johnson, each year the raffle raises several thousand dollars to support ALL FRETS operations while making a number of lucky winners very happy. With the pre convention tickets gathered by Denny and Kathy Overstreet – and more tickets having been sold at the convention, excitement surrounding the drawing was high with well wishes going to all the winners.
Following intermission, another recent ALL FRETS favorite group, the FLASHMOB took the stage under the direction of John Alnwick. Initiated to give all members a chance to perform in public venues during the convention, the FLASHMOB has amassed an enviable performance resume years since it began at the Branson convention. With its performances at ALL FRETS 2018 in Buffalo, the FLASHMOB continued its tradition of sharing our music with those who may have never heard of ALL FRETS were it not for their performances … well done all.
To close the concert, Lance Dieckow, Paul Erickson and I( as The Banjo Summit) shared a few moments of our special banjo camaraderie prior to a true banjo summit taking place with an impromptu en masse reunion of many of the players who had been part of the weekend’ s concerts and jam sessions. Following the traditional singing of We’ ll Meet Again( led by Saturday’ s show emcee, Sandy Perrotta accompanied by Glenn Parks), the stage group sent the audience on its way with a rousing version of When The Saints Go Marching In.
Music continued in the lobby and lounge as the afterglow of a great evening and event sunk in. Although it was understood that ways would be parting in a few short hours, it was done with the knowledge that we would meet again at ALL FRETS 2019 to be held in Springfield, Illinois from July 9 th thru 13 th, 2019. Save the dates and plan to be part of another unforgettable ALL FRETS event!
THANK YOU to Keith Konopa and the Buffalo Banjo Band as well as all the volunteers, musicians, clinicians, vendors and, most importantly, attendees who made ALL FRETS 2018 BUFFALO a convention to remember.
16 ALL FRETS JULY / AUGUST 2018