After the Gala Dinner the dinner guests all went from the Intercontinental Ballroom to Constitution Hall (The main stage.)

It started with short announcements from the powers that be at IAJE (Bill McFarlin) and awards. We were then treated to a few pieces by a group of high school students. These were the best in the US and Canada at their respective instruments. A joy to see such skill at such an age.

Then a group called the New York Voices come on stage. They are four singers (2 guys - 2 gals) with Piano Sax drums and a short visit by Pacquito D'Rivera. They were utterly magical. (remember Stone Cold Picnic by the 5th Dimensions? - They did it one better). During the middle of their set the magic light went on. I was gently floated up by their remarkable vocals. Here the human voice became the prime instrument in this ensemble piece. As the dust and fatigue of the day cleared I marvelled at the art on the Stage and how it was integral to the presentation of this offering up to the Muse of Music. Just the right seasoning to make the meal complete.

This stage selection included two large panels on either side of the IAJE sign and two monumentals on either side of those. It was Just Right.

The day started out really early. At 7:00 am Freeman was moving the art to the Royal York Hotel. We had separated it out the previous evening. Bunny was on hand to see that move take place. Paul and Ed Drass went to the Royal York.

Linda left early to fly back to Montreal -- it was way windy. I went to the Royal York to work with Freeman on the hanging. Complex stages, good helpers from Freeman. That process took several hours.

I was issued a Walkie-Talkie by the IAJE production guys so they could find me. "Breaker Breaker_ what is your 20? This is David looking for Nathan. Yes, I copy that"

The Azure Lounge is a high end restaurant connected to the Intercontinental. The Restaurant has a huge vaulted ceiling, all in glass. There is a pipe structure to hold it all together. Hanging the art is an unusual challenge here. We were to have 6 pieces in the Lounge, however the pipe structure could only incorporate 4. They are placed high over the performance area -- overlooking all -- and they surround the IAJE signage.

While struggling through that work, I see Steve Baker for the first time. He was uber busy but wanted to make time to come over and say hello. He was so moved by the addition of this art at these performance venues. He expressed his delight several times. "Hey! Did you see how good the art looked at the Intercontinental? ... Oh, of course you did ... Isn't it great?" Thank you E.J. Thank you Bev ... I pass on.

Steve and Bryan and Nathan and Matt and Edythe and Victor Valentine all expressed how much they missed Bev. Me Too!

Beverly Korenwaser and David Franco, the captains of Team JazzArt ®

While setting up the booth -- we laid out the remarkable Jim Rodney photos so ably finished by Marvette and Jewel. A fellow walked up and was admiring the Nneena Freelon image (so was I). I asked if he was a Freeman guy and he said no, he was part of The Festival Network LLC. They are the ones that put on the Monterey Jazz Festival and many other productions around the country including Carnegie Hall. He did not understand the art music connection, so I took him on a tour of a few venues. I saw the light go on. He started peppering me with questions. Do you do stuff other than jazz -- Yes. Can you do other sizes -- Yes. Can I see more ... I was out of time, but we have a date for Thursday before the Exhibitors open. I will give him a copy of the Yanesh Developed Art Tour guide and work with him. Thank you Yanesh!

I was waiting for Mariette to arrive at the Gala dinner site next to the paintings. There were 3 pieces on easels in the Gala Dinner lobby. A little grandmother speaks up to me and asks where you can buy the art, only in the Booth? I said NO! You can buy it from me!. I have an appointment with her tomorrow as well. She gave me her phone number!

Bunny - the trooper - wow! Paul is Iron man! and Ken Ahrns has many skills and unlimited willingness. Neat crew Hey!

I shopped at a local store - I have a kitchen. Asparagus are $6 per pound and don't look great. Avocados are as hard as the concrete floor we were on all day.

I am not sure if I got everything. Probably not. Tomorrow is going to be great. The booth opens and we are going gang busters.