Boy, I would love to write a great blog tonight.  Like the one I wrote last night that disappeared into thin air when I was playing with the images of turkey, chili, soup, and "abundance of bowls" that I was trying to insert into the blog.  I have a lot to learn....

Tonight I am going to keep it really simple and talk about the Fiddlers ReStrung concert that is going to held at Saline, Michigan's state-of-the-art community theater in Saline High School on Sunday, December 2nd.  I spent about 7 hours there today doing stage setup while the musicians did sound check.  We yelled over each other, tiptoed among the wires, poinsettias in hand, and debated where the Saline Fire Department "Toys For Tots" donations should be placed.  There will be actual US Marines there to accept the donations; one of the mothers was hoping they would be handsome - no promises, but men in uniforms.....  I give her wish a good chance of success.

This is the first year the Saline High School fiddle group, Fiddlers ReStrung, both high school and community ed supported and sponsored, is holding this event.  Though the group has been a big part of the "Toys For Tots" campaign for a long time, this is grander and far warmer than performing at the firehouse with the garage doors wide open.  I remember the fiddlers with frozen fingers trying to play on weather-challenged untuned instruments in past years, red-nosed and clogging with semi-frost-bitten feet.  Whose idea was this?  It is brilliant!

The 2PM matinee performance was purposedly chosen since so many older fans opted to leave evening concerts early to avoid night driving.  As a "Toys For Tots" performance, there is great hope that families will also attend, given the performance time.  The show will feature not only Fiddlers ReStrung but their younger counterparts in the fiddle clubs, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, for short performances, and the Saline High School Choir.  The guest artists are Lonesome County, a diverse group of musical characters focusing on hard-driving traditional bluegrass.  This is an opportunity for a community to support its own community, both in the fiddle group and in the Saline Fire Department "Toys For Tots" campaign.  Tickets are $10 at the door: community ed tickets have sold out.  Bringing an unwrapped toy is strongly encouraged as well, but not necessary.  A great show is guaranteed!

I'd love to insert an image of the group now but I'm not willing to risk the blog in the effort.  Again, I have a lot to learn.  Please visit www.fiddlersrestrung.com for further information, and photos.  Please contact me at www.susanwalters.net.  I'd love to hear from you!