Really good entries in the songwriting contest. Wish the contestants had been identified. I knew them all, but a lot of people there didn't. The judges were John Roberts and Gina Dunlap. Let's see, Emery Hutchins, Chris Vaughan, April Grant, Aaron Tornberg, Brian Dunn, Bonnie Milner, Sandy Haddon, and Carol Coronis. Who'd I forget? Paul Schurr... Aaron Tornberg won first place with his dystopian science fiction sea song, "Boston Common Harbor". Emery Hutchins was second, and April Grant third.

I was disappointed another friend didn't place -- Sandy Haddon with a great song, "Rum Runner", which I really need to learn. The judges had a difficult time; all the songs were really good. I don't think I could have singled out only three.

I went to lunch at The Rosa with a friend I seldom get to talk to, then tried to park closer to the John Paul Jones House for the music on the lawn, since the weather was fabulous. Missed Great Bay Sailor and it was well into the Vox Hunters's set, but no joy on parking. So I headed to the vicinity of the Gas Light for the open sing and got "princess parking" just round the corner on Penhallow. Inside, I found the elevator to the third floor space. I was the first person there, so got princess seating on a stool close to what would be the heart of things. The place filled up fast and the sing was loud and lively.

After the sing I had a pizza and another beer at the Gas Light's cellar pizzaria and then went for a beach drive to kill time until the concert. Got to the Methodist church hall early so got to listen to the sound checks and socialize with people I haven't seen for a couple years. Stunningly good concert: Vox Hunters, Pint and Dale (I've been waiting to hear them for YEARS), and Cindy Kallet.

I didn't go to the after party at Book & Bar...I was tired, it was already after 10:00, and it's a 35 minute drive home.

I'll be back again this afternoon by 1:00 -- I'll probably spend my listening time at the Athenaeum, Market Square, and Book & Bar -- then the shanty blast closer and home.

Linn