Philosofy
552 posts
Jun 04, 2014
3:45 PM
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The wife gave permission, and I'm staying at the Marriott on points. I'm really looking forward to it. What can I expect, and who here will I meet?
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Michael Rubin
881 posts
Jun 04, 2014
3:51 PM
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Yes.
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Gnarly
1022 posts
Jun 04, 2014
4:14 PM
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I will be there manning the Suzuki booth along with Daron Stinton, and some folks from Suzuki Japan.
Expect to have a great time in a total harmonica environment.
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WinslowYerxa
602 posts
Jun 04, 2014
5:34 PM
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I'll be there (I'd *better* be!).
The 2014 SPAH convention runs from Tuesday, August 5th through Saturday, August 9th. More info at http://spah.org/content.asp?pl=75&contentid=75
You can expect:
--wall-to-wall jamming all day (and late into the night) in various musical styles
--an open mic
--seminars and workshops all day
--the Filisko teach-in with a roomful of teaching circles that let you wander freely and sit in on whatever appeals
--afternoon and evening concerts
--a vendor room with Hohner, Suzuki, and Seydel represented along with folks in the industry of small-shop specialists who serve harmonica players, which in recent years have included mic builder Greg Heumann, X-Reed designer Brendan Power, comb maker Tom Halchak, Greg Jones of 16:23, Harmonica Widow, Danny G, repair expert George Miklas, and others I'm forgetting and hope not to be slighting.
A special feature this 51st anniversary year of SPAH is the deployment of bass and chord harmonicas to accompany any player who wants to try out playing in a harmonica trio.
Previously heard mainly in the traditional harmonica band context (and the occasional Beatles or Beach Boys record), bass and chord harmonica are a lot of fun to play along with no matter what style of music you play.
As the traditional harmonica bands fade into the sunset, there's no reason the bass or chord should fade with them, so we're on a mission to expose all harmonica players to the fun and the possibilities of playing with an all-harmonica ensemble.
There's also a kids' program on Saturday, a daytime gospel concert, local guided tours, youth cameos during the evening concerts, and on the night before SPAH gets underway, a blues blowoff at a downtown venue featuring both local and national blues harmonica players. (There's also a blues program during the Friday night convert featuring Dennis Gruenling and RJ Mischo.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 8:55 AM
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Philosofy
553 posts
Jun 04, 2014
6:23 PM
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I have so many questions:
What time does it start on Tuesday?
Will I be able to get peace and quiet in my room at night? :)
How is the food?
I'll think of others!
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WinslowYerxa
605 posts
Jun 04, 2014
6:27 PM
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Things get in full swing on Wednesday, even though some attendees are in the hotel as early as Sunday, hanging out and jamming.
We have a brief opening ceremony on Tuesday night, with some folks staying around to jam while others go downtown for the Blues Blowoff.
On Wednesday the vendors are setup, and we have the first seminars and evening concerts, and hallway jams run all day, with blues and bluegrass/country jams (and maybe others) at night after the concerts are done.
The Filisko Teach-in runs Thursday through Saturday.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 8:56 AM
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WinslowYerxa
606 posts
Jun 04, 2014
6:28 PM
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Jamming generally happens away fro the sleeping rooms, and we insist that late jammers not disturb other guests. If you can't tear yourself away, or if peace and quiet aren't happening inside your room (for whatever reason :)), that's another matter.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 8:56 AM
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GMaj7
433 posts
Jun 04, 2014
9:21 PM
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I'll be there with Seydel.
Looking forward to it.
Winslow and the group do a great job.
The hotel is ideally suited for this type of event with a nice center bar
foyer area that has a stage. Good stuff.
The jazz jam is amazing and the chrom/diatonic players that get up there are true masters. There's something for everyone that plays harp.
It is possible you may hear All of Me, Georgia, and the opening lick to One Way Out.. somewhere around 2,000 times. If you don't like these songs.. wayull..
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Greg Jones
16:23 Custom Harmonicas
greg@1623customharmonicas.com
1623customharmonicas.com
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groyster1
2615 posts
Jun 04, 2014
9:42 PM
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enjoyed last year...returning again this year on Friday&saturday
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dougharps
633 posts
Jun 04, 2014
10:42 PM
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I plan to be there. I guess I had better sign up and reserve a room, soon!
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Doug S.
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JInx
794 posts
Jun 05, 2014
12:59 AM
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as much as i think it probably sucks, i do really want to attend the blow out
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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Kyzer Sosa
1088 posts
Jun 05, 2014
1:18 AM
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I would LOVE to but no, not yet….
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tzu
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timeistight
1571 posts
Jun 05, 2014
8:02 AM
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"Will I be able to get peace and quiet in my room at night?"
My room was quiet. People don't get a lot of sleep, but that's by choice, not by necessity.
"How is the food?"
The food in the hotel was okay. There's a breakfast buffet and coffee/sandwich tables throughout the day. The bar menu is okay, too.
Some people went out to local restaurants, but I never felt the need.
"as much as i think it probably sucks, i do really want to attend the blow out"
The blow-out is great, but it pales in comparison to the rest of SPAH.
I've been to a lot of harmonica events and the two SPAHs were the best by far.
Last Edited by timeistight on Jun 05, 2014 8:03 AM
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groyster1
2616 posts
Jun 05, 2014
11:24 AM
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the event last year was great but not staying at the renaissance....the only thing they gave you was a green apple....staying only a block away this time
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Ted Burke
8 posts
Jun 05, 2014
12:38 PM
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I wish I could, but finances will not allow
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Michael Rubin
883 posts
Jun 05, 2014
6:03 PM
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Ted, it definitely can be expensive. But consider megabus as your travel, getting a roommate at the SPAH rate, only going 2 to 3 days at day rates (suggest Thursday, Friday and Wed in that order)and buying your food at a supermarket and keeping it in the room fridge.
Also, consider calling your favorite harp company and seeing if you can be a rep for them. You will have to volunteer some of your time, but it may be worth it.
Believe me, I know money is money so I understand, but there are hopefully ways to do it.
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walterharp
1399 posts
Jun 05, 2014
6:38 PM
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I went last year and it is great for harmonica... go to all the shows and see all the vendors and workshops.
The location is easy to fly in but it is a desert as far as restaurants etc.
If you want good food you will need to find a way to get to a grocery, and good booze to a liquor store, the liquor is about 4-5 blocks away but not a fantastic selection. Getting anywhere will take a friend with a car. There also is a bus stop a couple blocks away which takes bit more.
Last year the blow out was near downtown in a somewhat seedy neighborhood. Nice bar, no parking anywhere to be found. Should maybe consider doing your downtown sightseeing (arch etc) in conjunction with the blow out.
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Philosofy
555 posts
Jun 05, 2014
7:10 PM
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I'll have to make a stop at Binny's Liquor on the way down. Do the rooms have refrigerators?
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eharp
2174 posts
Jun 05, 2014
8:17 PM
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The couple of times I went, Phil, I took a cooler.
Bought some sandwich stuff, snacks and beverages to try to save money.
They had a breakfast bar which was a good value, too.
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dougharps
634 posts
Jun 05, 2014
8:31 PM
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I took sandwich supplies and a cooler last year and only bought one meal at the hotel, other than the included Saturday night banquet. The ice machine supplied the ice to keep the food cool. I did buy a meal at BBs at the blowout Tuesday.
At SPAH I found that between the music, the workshops, conversing with other harp fanatics, and the jams there was little time for long meals, and the sandwiches saved money. There was little time for sleep, either.
Sleep deprivation is cumulative. After a day or two I used the dinner break to catch a few Zs after a quick sandwich, so I could stay up late for the jams. The older I get, the harder it is live the night life, especially if you don't want to miss morning activities.
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Doug S.
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OzarkRich
510 posts
Jun 05, 2014
8:54 PM
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I was hoping to attend on Saturday but my employer is probably going to make me work Saturday and take off Thursday instead. Their website says that Saturday tickets are $80 but that "Other single day tickets may be purchased at the convention." Would Thursday alone be worth a three hour drive?
(edited; I found the price for weekday tickets - $55)
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Ozark Rich
__________
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Ozark Rich's YouTube
Ozark Rich's Facebook
Last Edited by OzarkRich on Jun 06, 2014 10:22 AM
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WinslowYerxa
614 posts
Jun 05, 2014
9:03 PM
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Thursday will feature daytime seminars, the Filisko Teach-in, where the entire ballroom is set up with teaching circles and you can walk around and listen to whatever interests you. There's an open mic in the bar and various impromptu jams in the hallways. Vendors and manufacturers will be there (Hohner, Suzuki and Seydel all come). Night will be concerts (this year, Thursday night will feature country/bluegrass artist Mike Caldwell), and then blues and bluegrass jams into the wee hours.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 8:56 AM
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OzarkRich
511 posts
Jun 06, 2014
8:49 AM
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Thanks Winslow.
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Ozark Rich
__________
##########
Ozark Rich's YouTube
Ozark Rich's Facebook
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Gnarly
1024 posts
Jun 06, 2014
8:56 AM
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Any day (except Tuesday) is worth the drive.
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SmokeJS
254 posts
Jun 06, 2014
3:15 PM
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My harmonica budget is now officially busted for 2014 as I saw Winslow et al at the April San Jose event. But it's not too early to start thinking about next year. One question. Is SPAH always held in St. Louis?
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dougharps
637 posts
Jun 07, 2014
2:56 PM
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I just signed up for hotel and the convention for Tuesday until Sunday! I am really looking forward to attending.
@SmokeJS
It moves around usually, but SPAH negotiated a two year deal for St.Louis. SPAH has been held in Texas, Minneapolis, California, Virginia, etc. I have just gone to St. Louis in 2008, Minneapolis in 2010, and St. Louis in 2013. They need a town with a strong harmonica club to sponsor the event and offer support, so there are a limited number of possibilities.
@WinslowYerxa
Did the two year deal include free parking this year, as it was last year? Once again the hotel website quoted parking prices...
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Doug S.
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OzarkRich
515 posts
Jun 07, 2014
6:06 PM
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Looks like I'll be attending on Saturday after all.
Do activities start at 8:00am?
Any MBHer's want to meet up that day?
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Ozark Rich
__________
##########
Ozark Rich's YouTube
Ozark Rich's Facebook
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Philosofy
556 posts
Jun 08, 2014
10:27 AM
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I'll be there Rich.
Another question: how many people attend SPAH? What % are blues players?
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dougharps
639 posts
Jun 08, 2014
11:52 AM
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@ Ozark Rich
I will definitely be around, too. We all have name tags, and I write "dougharps" on mine.
@Philosophy
I believe that last year there were over 500 people who attended. It is harmonica overload. There are players of all kinds of music, and harmonica collectors, too. Jams spring up everywhere.
My guess would be that probably 2/5 play blues with some seriousness, and more than that dabble in some blues. The blues jams and blues acts are pretty popular and have players at many levels of ability. I really enjoy hearing what different ideas people play to the same chords. Joe Filisko's crowd are pretty heavily into blues. There are jazz players that come to blues jams, too, and vise-versa.
There are people playing all kinds of music, and many players that cross genre lines. I attend country, bluegrass, blues, and jazz oriented events as the spirit moves me. Usually I spend the most time with blues. There are more workshop choices and jams than you can attend, so you just have to pick.
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Doug S.
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WinslowYerxa
615 posts
Jun 08, 2014
5:11 PM
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The 2015 SPAH convention will be in Denver.
We usually move every year, but for for the first time in a very long time we did stay put for two years running in St. Louis.
You don't have to worry about there being not enough blues players. It's not an all-blues event, it's an all-harmonica event. However, blues is a huge chunk of harmonica playing nowadays and is amply represented.
By the way, this year the main evening blues show will be on Friday night instead of Thursday, where it's been for the last several years. Main blues artists this year are Dennis Gruenling and RJ Mischo.
Harmonica players show up with their full array of harps. You got to bring your best game to the big tent. No slouching or half-stepping.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 8:55 AM
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dougharps
640 posts
Jun 08, 2014
5:52 PM
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@WinslowYerxa
Is the parking free as it was last year, or do we have to pay this year? When I reserved my room there was text about $10/day for parking.
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Doug S.
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Philosofy
557 posts
Jun 08, 2014
6:21 PM
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I'm bringing every harp I own, even the blown out ones. Probably about a hundred. But I'm driving down so I can do that.
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WinslowYerxa
616 posts
Jun 08, 2014
10:17 PM
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Per the terms of our contract with the Renaissance, parking is free to SPAH guests staying in the hotel.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 8:57 AM
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Greg Heumann
2736 posts
Jun 09, 2014
9:16 AM
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Just registered, made my hotel and airline reservations. I'm locked and loaded.
OK I'm not loaded yet. But I'm locked. So I've got that going for me...
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
Bluestate on iTunes
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WinslowYerxa
617 posts
Jun 09, 2014
10:02 AM
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That's great, Greg!
Greg, as you probably know, makes both custom wood-bodied bullet mics and the chopped-down versions of the Shure SM-57 and SM-58 mics with volume controls. His clients include Charlie Musselwhite, Mark Ford, Toots Thielemans, Jason Ricci, and Hermine Deurloo, among many others.
Greg is also a great supporter of he harmonica community, having been a sponsor and/or vendor at the Harmonica Collective, Harmonica Masterclass, Midwest Harmonica Workshop, and the SPAH Convention.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
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HawkeyeKane
2535 posts
Jun 09, 2014
2:01 PM
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I intend to come down from Springfield for a day. I'm on a two week vacation from my day job, but my band's touring schedule (such as it is) limits me to one day I can go. Starting to think it'll probably be Thursday at this point....
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Hawkeye Kane - Hipbone Sam
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rbeetsme
1541 posts
Jun 09, 2014
4:08 PM
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I missed it last year, so close too. Not sure I have the dough for this year either, but...I just learned about the SPAH store consignment. I have some harps to sell, maybe I can earn my way!
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SmokeJS
256 posts
Jun 09, 2014
4:10 PM
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Winslow, this event next year in Denver is now on my radar. Noticed that this year the convention is labelled as being August 5 to 9, that's a Tuesday through Saturday. But I don't see individual day tickets for Tuesday. Would it be fair to assume that arriving on Tuesday would work and then the next 4 days are the heart of the convention? Wish I could swing this year but Rocky Mountain High sounds great too. And our now mostly absent friend Rick Davis might be around too!
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WinslowYerxa
618 posts
Jun 09, 2014
5:32 PM
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Tuesday isn't an official event day, aside from the brief opening ceremony early on Tuesday evening. Day tickets (and the convention proper) start Wednesday with scheduled seminars, open mic, evening concerts, and vendor exhibits.
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Winslow
Plunge into the SPAH Experience, August 5-9, 2014
Last Edited by WinslowYerxa on Jun 09, 2014 5:33 PM
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