Since I arrived in San Francisco early on Monday morning, I can honestly say that I haven’t stopped moving except to catch a few winks before getting up early and doing it all over again. For example, yesterday after Joey Fala’s concert, I boarded the bus to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley to hear Douglas Cleveland play the Flentrop organ. You may remember that this is where I played an all-Bach recital in November 2016 and then I returned in 2019 to do a “Marie Kondo” on music director George Emblom’s office.

I and two friends went out to a Japanese restaurant for lunch, then I went to two more improvisation workshops, followed by the Regional Meeting at which I gave a short Dean’s report on the Hawaii Chapter’s activities. After the meeting I was so happy to catch up with Hyunju Hwang, who you may remember came to Hawaii in 2015 for our Annual Organ Recital — that was the organ and jazz percussion concert. She is serving her fourth term as Dean of the Long Beach chapter.

I next went to a Major Donor reception — this was to honor people who become members of Clarence Dickinson Society: those who pledge part of their estates to the AGO. Wow — what fancy food! Sliced beef sliders, potato gratin, broccolini, chinese dumplings, veggies, panna cotta for dessert, etc. At that reception, I was introduced to legendary organ teacher and performer, Wilma Hoyle Jensen, age 94, who wanted to hear all about Joey Fala’s concert since he is in the process of moving to Nashville, Tennessee, which is her hometown. I understand she still drives!

I had eaten so much at the major donor reception that I didn’t need dinner before boarding the buses to St. Mary’s Cathedral, also referred to as “Our Lady of Maytag”. because the exterior design resembles a washing machine agitator! (according to my friend Clay Logue). This is where we heard organist Janette Fishell in a two-hour concert.

And after THAT concert, there was another reception in the basement. This is one of the few venue which accommodated the entire convention. We saw Joey Fala at the reception … only to say goodbye.

But … my day wasn’t over yet! Upon getting back to the hotel, I had my Duolingo obligation (my streak is now at 1807 days!) and to write my post about Joey’s recital. I didn’t turn off the light until 12:45 am, only to awaken at 5:30 am to start all over again: wall-to-wall activities from early morning to late night.

I guess you can call this AGO convention a marathon!