We had a
tight schedule and next up was Barbour Elementary School. Over 300
students got to hear and visit with Ann. Her performance was also well
received; student, teacher and administrator alike were all getting into
Ann’s music. Principal what’s his name? was signing to the tune of
one of Ann’s songs as he dismissed the students from the performance. It
was a great event despite the small technical difficulty of having to use
a broom handle and tape to make a boom mike (see the photo below).
Wednesday evening we
planned a pre-concert dinner with Ann at Thunder Bay Grill. We enjoyed
some quiet conversation and relaxing time before the show. Puns and jokes
abounded at the dinner and throughout the two days; it was very
enjoyable.
The BITS Community concert
was held at the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center at 7:30 PM Wednesday
night. The opening act was Steve Ditzell and Bob Levis performing
together. They put on a great acoustic show for the blues lovers in
attendance. Steve’s attacking guitar style and soulful vocals mixed with
Bob’s “minimalistic” guitar style of less-is-more was superb. These men
worked with the likes of Jimmy Reed and Otis Rush and are true blues
legends right here in our backyard.
CBS member Harmonica Joe
joined Steve and Bob for a number on stage.
Ann Rabson began her part
of the evening with the crowd ready for some more great music after Steve
and Bob has given them their all. She did not disappoint anyone. She
began with her piano, switched to guitar and then back to piano. Ann has
been playing guitar since early high school, but she began playing piano
later in life at the age of 35. She plays as if she’s done so since early
childhood. She is at ease at the keys with a flowing style of play. Her
guitar work is smooth and assured.
Ann completed the evening
with an encore of what else- “One Meatball,” of course, requested by our
very own Mark Thompson. She met with fans after the show, signing
autographs and chatting with all who stopped by. The hard work of our
BITS Committee and the coordination with Charlotte’s Web made the evening
a smashing success!
Thursday morning began
with breakfast and then a program at Loves Park Elementary School. They
are always ready for a blues program at Loves Park and this day was no
exception. The school was rocking to Ann’s music, from the principal to
the custodian to the smallest child. Over 160 pupils came to see Ann. We
all relaxed for an hour after the performance with some soft drinks and
then headed to the final program for the Spring.
Harlem High School was
that last stop. Over 300 music students grooved to Ann’s beat. They were
very receptive and loved the opportunity to listen to and meet with Ann.
In all, over 1,500
students were touched by our first BITS program for 2005. Ann and her new
road manager Bill XXXX had a blast as did all the CBS members and anyone
who came into contact with them. We all hope to be able to work with them
again in a future BITS effort in the greater Rockford area!
