Wherever we go, we oughta notify the local press. A little publicity would help spread the word about whistling.
Additional instruments should definitely be included-- I would bring a flute and mandolin in addition to a selection of whistles of all sorts and makers.
Western Massachusetts works for me, too. My sister lives in Pittsfield, which is only about 2 hours or so from my house, so I could drive up the night before and stay there if I wanted.
I can’t believe I missed this thread. Near Boston is a bit too far for me at this point. If it happens in NY state (East Durham is doable, NYC is also doable, in between is even better), I’ll be able to come.
Well I’ll be at East Durham festival in july, if some of you could make it that would be great!
Okay, so we all want to get together.
The majority of folks who are showing interest seem to like Northampton.
The date will probably be determined on what is available. That area is two hours from me, but I’ve been there a few times and agree it is a great place to meet.
However, I don’t know the area enough to scout out places.
Is there someone from that area that is willing to grab the bull by the horns and take this thing and run with it?
Come up with a place and a date and we can decide what to do later.
Paul Busman and I have discussed some ideas and look forward to giving our input as well as hearing from others.
If no one is willing to do anything in western MA. Then maybe folks wouldn’t mind coming to the NY capital area. Paul and I could put this together. We really want to see it happen.
So…anyone?
Mike
I am willing to organize something. I suggest Look Park. Depending on how many people show up we may want to rent a shelter, but otherwise just reserve picknick tables.
I am going to be traveling and won’t be able to turn to this before June. I suggest a date in late June/early July.
It’s going to be a quite a cacophony with everyone swapping whistles and trying them out and people trying to find the 3 tunes we all know… so I do think we’d be better off outdoors than indoors.
I think I can make it to East Durham…that’ll be fun. I used to have a show in LA at that time, but we are cutting it out because it’s too much of a hassle.
Go for it Bloomie!
I think you’ve got the right ideas. Late June/early July would give us all enough time to iron out schedules and come up with events/things to do. Plus enough time to put together a press release.
Once you firm up a date, let everyone know…if they can make it, great, if not then maybe next time.
After announcing the date, find out who will attend and then you can get an idea of how much a sheltered area would run and what each person would have to chip in. Maybe even have some kind of 50/50 or an auction to offset the cost. If we even get a shelter.
There is/was a group in this area of Native American flute enthusiasts who had/have functions. They would reserve a pavilion and have an open mic for those who wanted to get up and play a tune, then give it over to someone else.
There were picnic tables with people’s entire collections. People trying out instruments. Folks swapping, buyng, trading, critiquing etc. It was fun.
And I suggest if this thing floats, some of the other locals could bring their non-whistle instruments for a big session to end the event. Either there or a local establishment. There are some pretty good places to eat drink and be merry in Northampton. Ain’t cheap though.
Just some ideas.
Everyone please feel free to add your ideas.
Mike
Last weekend in June is out for us. Char and I will be in Michigan for a wedding (daughter of Glenn Schultz!). Early July is fine.
Look Park would be great! 
-David
I know I know!! Lets hold a MILLION Whistlers March in DC. We can all protest the thought of Bush being Re-elected. We have a big desk, where you sign your name card, get your number, your ear muffs, and place to stand. Then when we get everyone together we whip out our High D’s and Play the second octave A in unison for hours. Until he never ever ever thinks about running for any office above frozen food section stocker again Yeah woo hoo. Three cheers for me…
Are those crickets I hear??
Cy,
I volunteer to man (woman) the earmuff table.
That makes 2 so far…only 999, 998 to go. We’re coming for you George!
Peace,
Fran
how about meeting at the Piper’s Gathering?
they do not mind, and would probably like it
our meeting could be friday night- nothing official scheduled then
www.pipersgathering.org
location is what most of you want
meeting already established
lots of whistle people already attend because of interest in pipes
lots of vendors attend, and a couple of whistle makers too
and last year there was already one whistle session
meir
I know I’m going to be in East Durham for Irish Arts Week .I can’t make it to anything else,though 
.
-Kelly
Early July works great for me, I’m trying to get some time off work around then too. Pipers gathering sounds like a good opportunity for a second meeting, especially for our more northern folks. I think another festival I’m interested in may even be going on that weekend in Vermont… 
Robin
Yes. I’m with Cy. You Nor’easters are just too…northern.
OK timing:
Let’s say June is out (wouldn’t want to miss Paul), so weekends in July:
3/4: July 4th weekend, probably not good
10/11: Irish Arts Week in E Durham
17/18: Irish Arts Week/Festival in E Durham
24/25: Northeast Whistle Gathering?!?
That’s not really early July anymore, but seems to be the best date unless we go for
June 19/20
Let’s here some views on what weekend suits. Thanks
Bloomy, you wouldnt want to have the gathering at the same time as the festival? I know a bunch of us from Montreal will be at the Catskills festival, is it the E Durham 17/18 july?
Yes, that’s the Catskills festival. My thinking is that people may want to attend in the Catskills and that both wouldn’t work. I won’t be able drive over to East Durham, but whatever works for people!
Ahhh sorry, I thought you were suggesting those weeks, but by reading carefully I realize you were actually talking about the last week-end of the month. That’s too bad you can’t make it to East Durham anyway, I mean, it can’t be further away from you than Montreal, can it?