Just when I think our reunions can't get any better, they do! This year's July in St. Louis weekend was about as good as it gets. Good friends, great music, fun venues, memorable parade with our fantastic new float, delicious food and drink, good weather (hot and steamy beats rainy any day!), good crowds...and did I mention great music??

Sixteen fine musicians gave our audiences a thrill at every event: Blind Willy Dineen, Jim Roller, Pat Stark and Tom Wilkes on trumpet; Jeff England, Andy Waynick and Tom Wilkes on trombone; Rich Howard, Pat Moylan and Rusty Pendleton on banjo; Larry Garrett on clarinet; Tom Gassaway and Mike Thaman on tuba, with MT doubling on bass; Paul Moylan and AJ Wilkes on drums; and yours truly at the keyboard. Thanks to each of you for your important contributions.

Special recognition and thanks go to Lori and Mike Thaman for their warm and genuine hospitality throughout the weekend. They have a talent for making everyone feel extra special. The two new venues, Beale on Broadway and Fleming's Steak House, were about as diverse as two places can get, but the difference was wonderful and rewarding. Imagine sweating it out in the earthiness of a French Quarter courtyard one moment and being coddled in the ambiance of mahogany, soft lights and a very attentive staff the next. It bodes well for next year that both venues have said that they want us to return.

The attached four photos (many thanks to Denise Fields) are just a taste of the good times we enjoyed this weekend. We missed everyone who couldn't make it, and sincerely hope that you'll plan to join us at as many future events as possible. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day.

Dan