Tonight I had the pleasure of a long anticipated, oft delayed celebration of having received the master/apprentice awardwith my whistle teacher, James Conway, from the Illinois Arts Council–unbelievably four years ago now. The celebration had always been planned to be at a wonderful restaurant, La Donna, on Chicago’s north side, and there indeed we finally met tonight. Our regular whistle lessons stopped about three years ago and our meetings were few and far between in these last years, what with new children arriving for Jim and his wife–including little Lila, born just last month–and the usual host of life’s preoccupations and responsibilities.
But what a joy to finally get together! I know many of you have enjoyed Jim’s CD, Mouth Box as well as his occasional contributions to the board. Just wanted everyone to know he’s doing great, full of new music and great ideas, still playing with The Sprigs and forming new partnerships as well. He showed me, btw, the HB-40 harmonica that has had some discussion on the squeezebox forum…it’s big!
If you saw me this afternoon, stuck at my computer writing a lesson on reflective essays, weary and worn, you would not recognize me now after such a thoroughly uplifting evening. Whistles have been the foundation of our friendship, and I owe Jim so much for both his excellent teaching and his inspiration. I don’t know another whistler with a sweeter sound, nor another musician with a sweeter personality. Just wanted to share the joy!
Carol
