Hello fellow MMDers,  I just wanted to share a little review on the
Big E that has just past.  Some of you know about the fair.  It is
held in mid-September every year in West Springfield, MA.  This year's
Exposition introduced the New England Band Organ.  Built this summer
by Stinson Organ Co., this organ is yet another fine example of the
model 2000M concert organ.  The organ plays entirely by MIDI -- when
they decide to turn it on.  Also, Larry Kern returned to the fair for
the fourth year in a row with his Ambassador Stinson.  Both organs
sound very good; however, I've been told and I agree that Larry's organ
is the better of the two.  I spent 5 of the 17 days chatting with Larry
(and of course visiting his Yorkie, Pee Jay) and listening to the
organ.

The highlight, of course was, getting to listen to Wayne Holton's
hand-cut 165 roll.  The music was amazingly arranged, and the
arrangements were very orchestral sounding.  Both "The Thieving Magpie"
and the "Flight of the Bumblebee" stole the show, with many fairgoers
stopping to listen to the organ play music like you would never imagine
hearing on a band organ.  I will of course miss listening to this roll,
and spending the time chatting with Larry.  He has been invited back to
the fair for yet another year, so I look forward to hearing the organ
again next year.  Like he always says, "'Till We Meet at the
Merry-Go-Round."

Keep those band organs playing!

Musically,
Bill Griswold Jr.

 [ Bob Conant explained in 971027 MMD: "The Big E, Eastern States
 [ Exposition in West Springfield, MA, is the state fair for all six
 [ New England states.  The President of the Exposition, Mr. Wayne
 [ McCarey, is a band organ enthusiast and has arranged to have at
 [ least one nice fairground organ on display for many years of the
 [ Exposition."  -- Robbie