Behind the times, oh well. The weekend 23 -25 Nov, was of course Thanksgiving in the US, as I believe was noted--so for many it started Thursday. That day I went to my brother's place. After eating, I heard one of my nieces play the harp. Not a Celtic harp, nor a concert harp. Something between.

Then my brother played what I think he called a "xanphoon"--something like that. Cross between a clarinet and a saxophone. Sounds like it too. And very portable--he takes it on trips a lot. I bet it's a good conversation-starter. He played "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?", "Cheek to Cheek" and a few more. If I could play a reed instrument, I'd definitely be interested in this instrument.

Friday I sang 2 concerts of "Showboat" at the Kennedy Center, Marvin Hamlisch conducting. Not staged, just a concert version--some selections. Wonderful cast, picked by the conductor. In "Old Man River" we sang "Some of us work on the Mississippi." "Some of us"? Sounded weird. But that's what Marvin changed it to. Another "Showboat" concert Saturday night. Standing ovations all 3 times. The cast deserved them.

Sunday, Jan and I had a music party. Harp (David Scheim--so wonderfully versatile), also fiddle, viola, clarinet, guitar--but mostly singing. I love that sort of gathering--but missed you, Bill and Rita!