Some highlights:
Each night’s always inspiring, always unpredictable lobby jam sessions anchored by Duke Ching, Bobby Ingano and Isaac Akuna. All styles of steel guitar music, Hawaiian, Blues, Pop, Latin, Country etc., each style of course, flavored with an island touch. These sessions were open to whoever wanted to sit in and give it a try, and of course many people did. I especially enjoyed Thursday night’s jam session, an all-acoustic event, featuring National TriCones, ukes and quiet guitars. It was a real treat to hear a TriCone played in the “traditional” 1920’s style as well as the more “modern” chordal style.

Stellar stage performances by Mike Scott, Art Ruymar, Lorene Ruymar, Ron Simpson, Bobby Ingano, Doug Smith, Sharon Denny, John Tipka, Kay Koster, Duke Ching, Frank Della-Penna, Isaac Akuna, Mae Lang, Bernice Honold, Dick Lloyd, Leonard Zinn etc. etc. Everyone’s playing improves each year, in technique, expression and soulfullness.

Saturday evening’s colorful two-hour Luau show featuring a nine piece Hawaiian band, singers solo and duet, hula dancers both male and female and a Western style rope twirling performance by Doug Smith.

Jam session buffets. Where did the cornucopia of food come from? Each night from 8PM until 5AM there was food everywhere. There were five pounds of Ahi Poke (Yellowfin Tuna) flown in from Honolulu, home-made sausage, take-out Chinese food, roasted chicken, fried rice, various cheeses, cookies, candy, Hawaiian marinated beef, French Croissants. Eat a little, drink a little, play a tune, eat some more. A Midwest luau at it’s finest. Everyone sharing and enjoying.

A two-night Hawaiian language workshop taught by Julie and Bob Waters. A screening of rare vintage Hawaii Calls television programs (which I missed… bummer).

Acoustic Steel Heaven. More Vintage Nationals and Dobros then I’ve seen at previous conventions (a trend perhaps?). TriCones in all flavors, Style One, Two, Two ½, beautiful Style Three (for sale, $5k). A vintage Dobro once owned by a famous Rock musician who played it on a hit song… something about looking out his back door.

Instruments/Items for sale:
National Tricone Style Three($5K)
National three neck console w/legs (mint)
1978 Gibson ES-175 (mint)
1950’s? Double Neck all metal Trotmore 8 string ($2700)
National Triplex six string chord changer (mint)
Homemade six string lap
Vintage Hawaiian guitar instructional material
Vintage Hawaiian LP’s and 78's
Two new CD’s featuring Bobby Ingano
Isaac Akuna’s new cassette
Sharon Denny’s new CD
LT Zinn’s entire catalog of CD’s, tapes, songbooks, bolo ties, yoyo’s etc.

This convention is always very special for musicians, enthusiasts, listeners and lovers of Hawaiian music. The feeling of Ohana (family) is extended and embraced by all in attendance. I encourage you all to attend next year’s convention. It is like no other musical gathering.

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Gerald Ross
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website

[This message was edited by Gerald Ross on 09 October 2001 at 09:48 AM.]

There were at least 5 Stringmasters of various neck configurations. Two or three original Rick Frypans. A bunch of Bakelite Ricks. A Sierra 8 string lap. A few 1940's Gibson 6 stringers. A National 2 neck console and probably many many more colorful wooden planks with strings tucked away in people's hotel rooms.