The First BRONX ORGAN FESTIVAL held last Saturday April 17th was a formidable event! As Master of Ceremonies, I was able to see many old friends and also meet new ones. Thanks go out to Rick Gilbert, Matt Rodgers, Producer Sal Pignone and the New York Blues and Jazz Society...as well as the many wonderful people at Lehman High (esp Diane Hamilton) who worked so hard on this event. I counted at least a dozen organists in the house. Besides those on the bill: Nathan Lucas, David Braham, Mike Torsone, Seleno Clarke, Jimmy McGriff and Joey DeFrancesco, I saw the elusive Richard McCrae, the exciting Gerard Gibbs from Detroit, the crowd-favorite Papa John DeFrancesco, Atlantic City's Dan Fogel, and the young sensation, Jeremy Baum from up-State New York.

The show ran long but I'm sure those that came, felt they got their money's worth. Jimmy McGriff was particularly strong. For those who don't already know, Jimmy has been dealing with MS. That night, however, he was as exciting as ever! He knew exactly what that crowd wanted and needed and he delivered the goods.

I thank Sal and all those involved in putting that event together. It was an honor to emcee that night... AND, special thanks go out to Michael Torsone from Peekeepsie, New York for driving down with two magnificent B-3 specimens and three gorgeous Leslie speakers. Mike even brought the sound system! Look for this event next year as well!

Pete Fallico