Hi Fans!

Back again. PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased postal charges, we regret newsletters (two sides) will, in future be mailed at two month intervals. Some keepsake items will also be affected by these increases.

Leaving beautiful California weather behind, the group were greeted with violent thunderstorms And tornadoes in Detroit, Michigan. This did not deter the concert-goers who loyally braved the bad weather.

In Bowling Green, Ohio, misfortune struck Rick the equipment manager who sustained a broken wrist while trying to save Curt's luggage from falling off the stage. Friend Dave Connelly, a roadie who has helped them on pest tours, was flown in to help out. Rick's cast is a duplicate or the one Richard had to wear so many months last year.

In Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh audiences had the first chance to see the group's new act, which turned out well in spite of a sick piano. The next day in Philadelphia. a Wurlitzer man was called in to 'doctor' the ailing ivories, but it gave out completely, ironically in the middle of HELP! This was the first time Richard had to change the piano in the middle of the act.

Dinner in Philadelphia was a return visit to the BOOKBINDERS, where they had met Jim Croce a couple of years earlier.

In Utica, New York, the new act had shaped up nicely, but a slight mistake put Tony's guitar out of commission momentarily, and when they left Utica, the equipment truck broke down, and it was doubtful if they would reach the opening concert in Westbury on time. Pete and Sill extended their opening a 15 minutes, by which time the truck had arrived. The stage was set up during a prolonged intermission, and the concert proceeded without a soundcheck.

The changeable weather produced sore throats and fevers among the group but no show was canceled.

A new grand piano was placed in Richard's room at the Holiday Inn to enable him to practice for his upcoming Boston concert. Richard and Karen treated the group to Easter dinner at Burt Bacharach's restaurant, located next to the Holiday Inn. They were joined by cousin Joan and husband Hank.

It was very hot in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the American Cancer Society promoted the concert and arranged dining facilities for the group.

Sherwin (their manager) had to leave them in Richmond, Virginia to fly back to Tahoe to help Herb Alpert who was opening there.

In Beckley they were hassled by a union representative who wanted proof of their membership, and demanded to see their union cards. Beckley is a small mining town in the hills of West Virginia. The town slogan "Beckley-the town with a mine of it's own". They had hoped to stay in Hershey Inn during their stay in the area, but conventioneers had filled the place to overflowing, so they guested the Host Inn instead. Richard referred to Hershey as a dream town with street lights that resemble Hershey kisses, an a main street named CHOCOLATE AVENUE. For Sherwin's birthday, they presented him with a 10 pound Hershey bar with HAPPY BIRTHDAY stamped on it.

In Boston, Richard played his first professional classical concert under the baton of Arthur Feidler with the Boston Pops. His flawless rendition of the Warsaw Concerto delighted the audience, as did Karen's unique vocals. Mom and Dad were very proud to be in the audience who responded with a standing ovation.

Homeward bound, they flew over Niagara Falls to view the dazzling spectacle of one of nature's wonders. They headed for a few days rest in sunny California, before leaving for a three week's engagement in Las Vegas.

We extend congratulations to all students graduating this semester, and hope you all enjoy happy and safe vacations.

Rap again in 2 months. Ev.

Last changed: Sun Jun 12 23:31:33 EDT 2005