LLANDUDNO

2009-05-23T00:00:00-07:00

BABS CONVENTION

Old School was honored to be invited to the BABS convention in Wales. We found the little seaside town of Llandudno (pronounced SO differently than it is spelled!) to be quite charming!

(Llandudno Wales)

On Friday afternoon we had an interview with the BABS President Alan Goldsmith. It was in front of a live audience and we answered questions and sang a few songs. After referring to our bass as the Beast, a little old lady in a very proper British accent said in a timid little voice, "yes...I have a question for THE BEAST!" It was a classic moment!

(a question for The Beast)

(singing at the interview)

On Saturday OS did 3 master classes where we sang a few songs, gave examples of our style, how we rehearse, how we sing and took questions from the audience. The sessions seemed to go very well and we had a great time!

(singing MA at the master class)

While we were doing the classes, the ladies went shopping and visited a castle.

(Kim and Olga in "derby hats")

(Gayle and Olga locked up in the castle dungeon)

On Saturday night we all went for an excellent meal at a wonderful Italian place called Romeo's! Very good food and excellent service!
Sunday morning arrived and OS was to sing one song at the church service and then the two big shows to close the convention at 3:30 and 4:30pm. At 6am Kipp awoke with very bad chest pains. After 2 hours of non-stop pain he showered and went downstairs for some tea and breakfast before the church service. When entering the lobby several BABS members made him sit as he was pale (more than usual) and sweating clutching his chest. An ambulance was called and then, straight to the hospital for some tests. Meanwhile, the other guys having no idea what had happened were headed to the service. When they found out the situation, they asked Rasmus Krigström (lead from the Ringmasters) if he could sight read and fill in for Kipp. He did a great job and we thank him for all his help.

After many tests they determined that it was not a heart issue but they felt it was either an ulcer or a gall bladder situation. Given the fact that Kipp had been taken Advil like candy for weeks and the most pain was just after eating lunch, we agreed. They wanted further tests but against the advisement of the doctors, Kipp checked himself out of the hospital at 3:10pm to arrive backstage 1 song prior to OS hitting the stage! No time for going to the hotel for the nice show suit, besides, the other guys were still in suits from church after visiting Kipp in the hospital and not knowing what they were going to do. Both shows went VERY well and we were blessed that it was nothing serious!

(Kipp in hospital)

(BABS Sunday show)

It was a wonderful convention we were blessed to have our ladies with us on the journey.....except for Beast.....sorry Beast....but we DID find you a date!

(Joe and Gayle)

(Jack and Olga)

(Kipp and Kim)

(Beast and his date the Number One Pig in Wales)

THANKS to BABS for the invite and we hope to join you in the future for another "mighty awesome" convention!

(Beast, Kipp and our friend John Grant enjoying a nice pint!)

Old School Quartet Blog

LLANDUDNO