The courthouse in Iowa City

 

A most justifiable decision (12 July)

Today we were REALLY not going to get sidetracked (after going West to Jacksonville to visit with Annemarie - very rewarding, and even further West to see Mark Twain's birthplace - also a good idea) and were determined to finally head North, when at breakfast we saw a number of young people with trombone cases. Hmmm? They readily informed us that the National Trombone Federation was holding a 4 day event with competitions, recitals, lectures and concerts. Well, 800 trombones in one place??? BUT the clincher was the free concert that evening: The U.S. Army Field Band and Johann de Meij conducting his own T-Bone concerto! Emil looked at me and said "wir bleiben".

We went into town to hear the Eastern Kentucky University Trombone Choir perform and it was well worth it! We had to concede that this instrument is impressive and versital, and can actually also play very softly. While waiting for the recital to begin, we had a coffee in a very special little restaurant run by a Mennonite church. The young ladies serving were all in traditional dress and the proceeds of the business go to charity. We were also pleased with the wall decoration.
Perhaps motivated by this object, we went for a ride in the afternoon. However, the paths were not contiguous and sometimes hard to find. And it was terribly hot. Our first action when we got back to the hotel was to go straight for a cold drink. Although it was then time to have some dinner before the evening's concert, I really had no appetite ... just thirst.

Emil and I actually wanted to go back to the same place as earlier, but it was closed. A real find turned out to be the Mondo's Saloon, where we each had a tankard of Hefeweizen, which finally took care of the dehydration. The food was also excellent, the decor pretty original and the owner, Jason Deppe, interested and interesting. We had a long chat about music, travels and his plans for obtaining citizenship in Luxemburg.

Then it was time for the concert and that was simply some of the best music performances we had ever heard. The precision of the band was absolutely astounding. The trombone soloists proved once again that we have been underestimating the musicality of this instrument. Johann de Meij's composition for trombone was amazing and he was a pleasure to watch directing. What a great event ... well worth staying for. We'll make up the miles tomorrow ... maybe.

Johann de Meij taking a bow.

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