Greetings from the Midwest

The good:

• BEEEYOOOOTIFUL weather
• pleasant colleagues
• enthusiastic conductor
• despite having been to something like 35 of the lower 48 states, I had never before seen the Mississippi river, something I have now remedied. The hotel is practically IN the river, and I am completely seduced! I'm very sad that I didn't bring the big camera (oh, how sad!), but I'm having fun with the little point-and-shoot:

The not-so-good:

• the hotel is comfortable, and in an area which is extremely convenient for the venue (literally yards away), but there's nothing ELSE around except some pricey restaurants. Nice for holiday-ers, but tricky when you need safety pins or a quick snack!
• Said hotel also does a "Sunday Jazz Brunch". In the atrium around which all rooms are situated. Which started at 10am..... Not so good for those of us who stayed up late after the concert...

Still, beautiful weather, beautiful landscape to photograph and the opportunity to make good music are a lovely way to spend the weekend, and this little town is a really pleasant surprise! It's almost the picture-postcard "small midwestern town/city" as one imagines such things to be. Last night's opening concert was enthusiastically received, and now it's time to get ready for this afternoon's repeat performance across the river. More please!