The AMICA Convention got underway this morning with a Monkey Organ
Rally at Union Station.  Awesome setting, flawless weather,
mid-70's, gentle breeze, clear skies, lots of people.

Some 15 organs were present, most fairly new (mid-80's) and 1
vintage.  All played their little hearts out, to a huge
appreciative crowd, local television news coverage appeared 3 times
(likely 3 different channels).  Most of the organs played outdoors
on the entrance to Union Station.

Union Station is a huge turn-of-the-century railway station where the
car barns and track area have been turned into a giant store filled
with boutique shops.  The original public area, the Grand Hall, is
now the foyer of the Hyatt Hotel.  This Grand Hall is something
very special, a magnificent restoration, with marquetry, mosaics,
stained glass, and absolutely stunning showpiece.  It was in the
shop area that a number of the monkey organs were playing indoors.

The Hospitality Room opened up at 7:00 pm this evening, and was an
immediate success, with some 200+ registrants filling the place up
nicely.  Highlight of the evening was a Barber Shop Quartet group
that put on a smashing show of lovable old tunes accompanied only by
themselves.

The St. Louis folks have done themselves proud, and should be
commended.  They've done a fine job in pulling together a great
display.

Tomorrow - workshops, a Ragtime special presentation, and a Ragtime
Banquet.  Details still secret.

Stay tuned..............         :-)

Regards from beautiful downtown St. Louis.

Terry

•Terry Smythe                    (204) 832-3982 (voice/fax)
55 Rowand Avenue                smythe@mts.net
Winnipeg, MB, Canada   R3J 2n6  smythe@freenet.mb.ca
Home page: http://www.mts.net/~smythe