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by Anura Guruge
Related posts:
>> 20th JTG Memorial preview —
>> Mar. 12, 2014.
>> 19th JTG Memorial was A BLAST! —
>> Mar. 25, 2013.
>> Annual JTG Music Memorial Extravaganza
>> — Jan. 23, 2013.
++++ Check Category ‘Restaurants‘ for other related posts >>>>
Of course we went, even though Teischan had two performances of ‘Snow White‘ this weekend, the Sunday performance from 2 to 4:30 pm. But, we had it all sorted out. We left as soon as she got home for our 6:30 pm reservation — as ever kindly arranged by Julie Gnerre Bourgeois, the owner of Giuseppe’s (and a friend since c. 1997).
If this was the 20th JTG Music Memorial I have been to at least 10 of them I think. We try not to miss them unless we have a really major conflict. We took Teischan to the 2006 Memorial when she was but 2 weeks old. Her first major outing. Since then we have only missed a couple — I think, and one of them was because Deanna had had back surgery.
Last night was just memorable. Such a wonderful atmosphere. Convivial and Congenial. Wonderful vibes: musical and social. Yes, I knew a number of the people, performers and diners. But, even outside of that, everybody was just so happy to be there and be a part of this amazing Meredith occasion.
The food, as ever, was worth driving 100 miles for. I ordered the Spinach Rolls and Calamari, as soon as we were seated, even without looking at the menu. Deanna and I only got about five pieces of Calamari each. The kids took handfuls. I was going to order another plate but ended up ordering the buffalo chicken — which turned out to be too spicey for all but I. I, as ever, had the lion share of the Spinach Rolls. I can live on those.
Julie, kindness and class epitomized, had left a bottle of delightful red wine for us on the table. Thanks again, Julie. That was much appreciated and enjoyed. Yes, we had a great time.
So, here are some pictures to begin with. I will also include some videos that I am currently uploading to YouTube — plus a separate post for the incomparable, music maestro, Gilford’s own, Paul Warnick. We, as usual, had a long, entertaining chat with Paul about various topics. Though I offered, a number of times, I didn’t get a chance to buy him a drink this time. So, I owe him one or two the next time we see him (which is hopefully soon).
Julie had reserved the table for us from 6:30 to 8:30 — knowing the acts we like to see. So, yes, we got to see her family and Julie perform. That is always fun, and Michael Bourgeois, her husband, is such an accomplished, polished and versatile musician — always around to help others. We have a video of them playing this year. You will enjoy that. So that was Joey & Billy Gnerre, Michael, Paul Luff and Rick Page. We also got to listen to the later part of the ‘Wharf Rats‘. They were good. Very catchy beat. Then we had Paul, accompanied by Michael and Co. The five or six set Beatles tribute that they did was World Class! We have seen the specialist Beatles tribute band “All Together Now“. With no disrespect to them, Paul Warnick is much better. Then Paul told us that he only put that set together the night before and it was the first time he had performed it in public! Talent like that always comes across.
Oh. There was no belly dancing this year! Luckily I knew that beforehand. So unlike some, including one that went to the mike to complain about it, I wasn’t devastated. Julie had told me when I had talked to her abour our reservation. I like belly dancing. Have for decades. Having belly dancing at the last two Memorials was fun. The kids enjoyed it and I am sure it is the ONLY time there has been any public belly dancing in Meredith, N.H. Maybe I should talk to Julie about a monthly belly dancing night at Giuseppe’s.
Click to ENLARGE.
My low-carb dinner — after the Spinach rolls, calamari and spicy buffalo chicken. Italian Antipasto. It was good.
Julie watching and taking pictures of husband and other family members doing their thing on the stage.
My friend and fellow author (though he is much, much, much much more successful than I will ever be), Dr. Jack Polidoro (“The Good Dr. Jack”), of Laconia who performed earlier in the day.
Gilford’s music maestro, the amazingly talented, incredibly nice, Paul Warnick. I will do a separate post on Paul. Breaking news that even Paul doesn’t know as yet. There will be a Paul Warnick CD by the end of this year. His first.
Teischan who had a busy weekend with two performances on stage tucking into a hallmark Giuseppe’s dessert — ice cream cookie sandwich.
Cheers. How I want to be remembered. The books, publications, Websites and blogs, especially “Popes and the Tales of Their Names”, ensure that there will be a legacy — not to mention the kids. But, in the end, I would like to be remembered for what drove me most of my life — the sheer joie de vivre of just being alive.
Video on YouTube.
Click to access YouTube video.
Click here for the Paul Warnick videos (coming within minutes).