Donald's Vacation 2011 - Day 15

Once again we all bussed into the middle of nowhere at Groton Mass., where the Shanklin Music Hall is situated for a morning concert given by Chris Gorsuch and Jelani Eddington alternating between the organ and the grand piano for solos and duets.

As usual with both these artists we were treated to some fine organ playing with Chris going for the more jazzy style of playing.

Among the treats were selections from "Me and My Girl" and "Stop the World I want to get Off", plus that old favourite of duets "Warsaw Concerto".

The bus nearly broke down on the way back. The engine had overheated and we had to stop for a little while for it to cool down.

For a very late lunch I sampled the wares at the local shopping mall and had spaghetti and meatballs with a side serve of potatoes and a Pepsi. I handed the girl the money - but of course I forgot the sales tax which is added in after you see the price. All very confusing. I also had a soft ice and the girl serving me thought I was very amusing with my 'funny accent'. Oh well, life's a performance ain't it!

In the evening we went local again to the grand cinema palace now know as the Providence Performing Arts Centre. The mighty 5/36 Wurlitzer was put through its paces by David Peckham who was another wizard of the keyboards. Do you know I have heard so much music over the last week, I just for the life of me cannot get it into order and let you know actually what each individual played? No doubt when I get a copy of the CD of artists' repertoire it will all be clearer! Anyway, whatever it was that David did play was very enjoyable.

Now in the second half of the programme we had the American band who were very versatile in their repertoire. They started off with a medley of - now I can't remember his name anyway that blind, black man who sits and sings at the piano - a medley of his hits. Surprisingly for American Independence Day they played "Crown Imperial" march by Walton, joined by David at the organ. Then I had to sit through "Londonderry Air" - one occasionally strikes it in a programme, (it's not one of my favourites). Included also was a jazzed up version of "Amazing Grace" - oh well, this is America. To conclude we had a nice bit of Americana including the good old "Stars and Stripes Forever" march by Sousa. A nice night's entertainment.