Alright,  I know I just pop in here once in a great while anymore, but I've got to tell you all about this.  The last three nights, I was at the Think Swing festival in Spokane, Washington.  It was absolutely incredible.  They had three nights of music with three Spokane bands: 6' Swing, The Sharecroppers, and the Hot Club of Spokane plus they brought in headliners for each night from Portland and Seattle: The Sassparilla Jug Band, The Midnight Serenaders, The Pete Krebs Trio, The Stolen Sweets, and Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio. 
     It was the most incredible weekend of music I have ever seen in my life.  I went to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival for about eight years, and this topped every one.  Think Swing is the music festival we used to discuss starting here at Port Halcyon, and it's in my backyard.  It really took me by surprise.  I don't know what is planned for next year, but if it is anything like this weekend was, it will be well worth a trip to attend.  As of now, TMBC is the only Halcyonite I've met in person (excepting my lovely wife, Swingin' Sarah).  It would be great to have a mini-Halcyon reunion at the next one.  Although Spokane is not the most central city in the country, the prices once you get to town are very reasonable.  This year a three day, four concert pass was $95, premium hotels near the festival are around $160/night, budget hotels within walking distance are about $50/night and there are many dining options near the festival.  I always expected I would have to travel to a large, expensive city for a festival like this.
     Please keep an eye on the websites for the festival to get more information about this year&#39;s festivities and see what is going on for next year.  <a href="http://www.thinkswingspokane.com" target="_blank">Think Swing Spokane</a> or <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thinkswing" target="_blank">Think Swing on MySpace</a>  I don&#39;t know if they can top this year&#39;s show, but if it is anywhere near the quality of this weekend&#39;s music, it is not to be missed.

(By the way, I am not affiliated with Think Swing other than being a very pleased attendee.  That being said, if the festival is ever looking for help, I would definitely volunteer)