Re: WhoFest 1999

["Mark R. Leaman" <mleaman@sccoast.net>]

Hi all. Sorry to have been so absent, but between the Fest and running the
store I've had very little time. I do think Derick summed it up quite well.
When it comes down to it, there were two main joys in the Fest: meeting the
other list members, which we were a bit shortchanged on but on the other
hand this allowed us to get to know each other better (so it's a fair
trade-off, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't like more attendees next
year), and the Baba Trip which was wonderful. We were able to see the
Lantern Cabin, for instance...of which Pete wrote the bonus track on WHO
CAME FIRST. And many places where Virginia (our guide) has seen Pete just
sit down and play. Places where his children played. The place where he
lead a sing-along of Pinball Wizard with other Baba followers. Virginia
also was able to provide a wealth of previously unknown information (at
least for me; I won't say Brian didn't already know) and tie-ins we were
unaware of. For instance, I didn't know that Billy Nichols recorded Without
Your Love long before Daltrey did it for McVICAR, or that Peter Hope-Evans
is also a Baba follower, and Richard Barnes ("Barney") as well...all of
whom have been to the Center, only about 15 miles North of me!
I can only be grateful for the amount of time Virginia (and Jeff)
selflessly gave us; we were there a good 3 hours longer than any guest is
supposed to be. 
The Center is a beautiful place, which I already knew but it's still
something to be seen for itself. Being in an area which is growing as fast
as this one is, it's nice to see some land yet untamed. There is also art
everywhere one goes. The Center attracts a very artistic sort, it seems.
We were also fortunate enough to meet with the person who has been the
groundskeeper/caretaker  (Jeff) since the 70's. A musician himself, soon
after he met us he was telling us stories of Pete and singing Townshend
songs, speaking of the Baba connections. He took us to the library, where
we saw a copy of the third Baba album (I can't recall the name, but it's
not I Am or Happy Birthday. With Love, perhaps?) which is filled with
wonderful artwork. We also viewed some videos of Pete; one playing Drowned
for 7 people in India and the other a film he put together of Meher Baba,
with Pavardigar live in the background. All of us were overwhelmed by
intense, personal feelings as we watched. As for myself, I felt it to be
the highlight of the tour.
We returned to my store after the tour, somewhat dazed but wishing to
discuss The Who and the tour.
My feelings at the end were that we were given something quite
special...not only the opportunity to mingle with other Who fans, which is
always great be it a pre-show or a Fest. The tour was a gift, plain and
simple, and it might be that any who are coming to MB at any time of the
year may want to look into it. I can't promise you the tour we had, but I
can't imagine you'll be disappointed. And I hope you'll come by Generations
while you're here.
And while I'm at it, I'd like to thank Virginia and Jeff again for their
kindness and giving up their time, and the other Fest attendees. I really
enjoyed meeting you all, and for those who ran into problems along the way
(that would be everyone, at one time or another), thanks for seeing it
through. I'm glad it was so well worth it for you. And here's to next year!