Piano Fun in Hawaii

Imagine my delight when I found out my long-time Chico friends, Pam and Robert Laughlin, would be holding one of their PianoFun workshops in Waikiki during the time my mom and I would be there!  They had just completed workshops in Mexico (click here to read a fun blog about that), and this trip was taking them to Kona, Hilo, Honolulu and Kaneohe.

We had the pleasure of joining Pam and Robert to listen in ona gig they were invited to play with a local Gypsy jazz band at a little place called Cafe Che Pasta on Bishop St. in Honolulu. The food was wonderful, the service excellent, and the music was even better. (That's Pam on clairnet in the photo--a stellar performance!)  Afterward we were treated to a personal tour of some nearby historical buildings by a local attorney friend of Pam and Robert's, Michael Wong.  His family goes back many generations in the islands, and he shared some really interesting history.

My mom took Robert's one-day piano workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it.  She's been practicing every day since. Here is the schedule of upcoming classes, if you're interested (or know of someone who may be).  Or perhaps you'd like to plan your next vacation to coincide with a PianoFun workshop!

To view photos of our time in Hawaii, visit my Facebook photo album.  Or click on the arrow below to view a short video of the Gypsy Jazz gig.  Aloha!

California Rocks the Harris Poll!

For the sixth year in a row, California tops the list of states that Americans would choose to live in if they did not live in the states where they currently reside, according to the 2009 Harris Poll.  Florida, which was the most popular state in 2001, retains second place on the list.  Following California and Florida are Hawaii (#3), Texas (#4), and Colorado (#5).  Three states tied for 6th place: Arizona, North Carolina and Washington state.

New York City tops the list of cities that people would most like to live in or near, followed by Denver and San Francisco. 

I guess I'm a little surprised by Denver placing second for most desirable city (even before S.F.).  I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has visited or lived there as to its attributes.  Feel free to comment below!

Maui Sunset

Sunset from whale-watching boat in Maui! This was my first attempt at transmitting a photo from my Treo; very exciting!