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2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Mon Mar 29, 2010 10:26 pm
by Joe Way
Hello everyone!

Jarkko tells me that our Polish friends are putting the finishing touches on the booklet for the 2010 event and would like to include promotion and the location for the 2012 event. Since we have a tradition of moving back and forth between Europe and North America, it would be North America's turn to be the host. I have been considering the possibility for some time now and informally we have had discussions about holding an event in Nashville. While in Nashville we had some discussions and it is a great musical city, but most of their convention/conference facilities are located near Opryland and away from the central city. It became apparent that while I would be most happy to serve on the committee, I would not be a good chairperson for Nashville.

We, then, considered Chicago, and it is also a great city, but my knowledge of venues etc. is not strong enough to be the chairperson for a Chicago event. I would be willing to be on the committee. However, it started me thinking that the one city which I have great knowledge and contacts is Madison. There are terrific venues here and it is a beautiful city with much to offer visitors. It is quite easy to access from Chicago-either one more short flight or a bus which goes directly from O'Hare Airport to Memorial Union on the campus here. We have the beautiful Memorial Union theater, the Orpheum Theater, the Barrymore Theater, Monona Terrace, the Overture Center for the Arts, Memorial Union itself, and an abundance of restaurants, museums and notable summer events such as the weekly farmer's market on the Capitol Square and the Concerts on the Square.

Here is an image of downtown Madison:

http://photos.news.wisc.edu/photos/aeri ... us_H02.jpg

We also have the beautiful Memorial Union terrace that overlooks Lake Mendota:

http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/econ/grad/bulle ... ay1_96.jpg

We would be able to provide reasonable lodging costs including the Lowell Center where I would personally be your host.

So as I've mentioned to Jarkko, I would be willing to be the chairperson if it were Madison. There may be others who have considered a site and would be willing to be the chairperson so we are starting this thread to give any interested people a chance. We are also looking for people who would be willing to help on the committee. And, again, as I have said, if it is not in Madison, I am still willing to be on the event committee.

There is also the possibility of going out of order and having a European city be the host in 2012 and a North American city in 2014. I had hoped to be retired by 2012, but that is not going to happen now. I am hoping to retire in 2014 so it would be easier for me to be the chairperson at that time. I am still willing to do it 2012.

Please, let's have your feedback.

Joe

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 12:16 am
by jarkko
Joe, thanks for opening the discussion! Now we are waiting for comments from our members about Madison and other potential locations in US. Also, if somebody would be interested in working in the organizing committee, don't hesitate to let us know!

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:06 am
by Dan K.
If the event is held in Chicago or Madison I will be more than happy to help out in any aspect.

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:34 am
by Henning
Hi Joe

that would be great, either Madison or Chicago. Please go for it. It'll be a great success. It's out of question that you can count on the moderators of this forum. I am already excited about it.

Henning

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:41 pm
by wondercookie
Hi joe! Madison works for me....or Chicago....I've not attended a Leonard Cohen event, so am excited to think that it might be in the US in 2012. Whatever help I could give down here in Florida is hereby offered.

A

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:36 pm
by John K.
I selfishly add my voice to the support of Madison. Chicago is an easy (and cheap) flight from Buffalo, and is drivable if need be. I would also be happy to help in any way possible.

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 7:09 pm
by phillip
And how about England UK the last one here was Lincoln 1998!

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:00 pm
by dick
Glad to see the early offers of support Joe

Great that you have agreed to chair as well. Much appreciated.

Dick

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:12 pm
by Maarten
Hi,
Great to read about the 2012 meetup! I'm looking forward to it already...
Any place would be fine for me, but I think we should stick to switching from Europe to North America and back, unless we don't have any volunteers for North America.
Joe, I'm sure you'd make an excellent chairman, especially with Anne by your side: you seem like a good team.

Take care,
Maarten

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:40 pm
by Joe Way
Hello everyone!

I really appreciate the kind offers of help and support. We'll leave this open for comments for a while in case anyone has other ideas.

Thanks,

Joe

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:23 am
by ladydi
Hi Joe,

I certainly don't mean any disrespect, as I've never yet attended an "Event", but I can't help but think of previous events. New York, Montreal, Zagreb (recently), Krakow (in August), Hydra. All very exotic or full of life, culture, music. But Madison....Wisconsin? Not exactly the centre of the music world. However, maybe the heartland is the way to go. It should be quiet...except for LC fans...and hotels should be reasonable. Okay..."first we take Madison!". I'll be there!

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:26 am
by friscogrl
Is Chicago in the running? I have never been there and I hear it is a great city. But I never been to Madison either and would definitely go if the event is there. Thanks for getting this up and running Joe and Anne.

Marsha

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 4:58 am
by lizzytysh
EXCELLENT idea, Joe Way!! Not only centrally located 8) ~ but easily accessible, both to and from neighbouring areas, as well. With Chicago one of the MAIN hubs, it's not just EASY airline connections from anywhere in the U.S., but from/to Europe, as well... and I love the bus idea, with its going straight into Madison. Going to Chicago before or after wouldn't be a problem for anyone wanting to do that. For Europeans [I remember Willy and Wijbe taking the opportunity to travel far and wide in the U.S., when they came here], they can just as easily get to San Francisco or L.A. as they can get to NYC. I love how accessible it is to so much. Michigan is so nearby, as well. I can go see my Mom with ease.

YOU ~ the PERFECT host!!! Yeeeeeeeeeeeears of experience at that very thing. You're le host supreme... and Anne is la hostess des dreams [yeah, yeah, I know... not really French :) ]. You're knowledgeable, you're known, you're reliable, you're caring and kind, you're vintage Cohen. I love it!

I've always wanted to go to Madison, and now it will be so easy to do. Your sharing Wisconsin is something you will do with panache. Cheese and other local specialties. I love the idea of having an area with culture, where our first dilemma will not be "Who's going to scout around and then go in person to check out this, that, and the other, to see if it'll work, like will it accommodate the numbers, etc. ad infinitum!" You're steeped in knowledge of the area and the accommodations we'll need, as well as the know-how to make it all happen, since you're steeped in decades of experience with the travel business, too.

The committee will love working with you. If there's anything I can do from afar, I'll definitely do my part. [I WILL be retired by then, but maybe I'll be able to find someone to watch over the earthworms I want to grow for extra income :lol: . Fishing or organic gardening, anyone ;-) ?]

Who knows... you may not be able to retire in 2014, either ;-) ; so go for the gusto now, and think how you'll be able to just relax and enjoy yourself in Europe with no return-to-work thoughts in 2014. With you at the helm, we will have a great Event in 2012, where we can move about with ease, enjoy the lakeside [I guess this means Linda will be joining us ;-) ], and simply enjoy our time together. I'm all for it!

YOU ~ dear, kind sir ~ will know exactly how to organize this. There's no substitute for experience. Well, goodwill goes a long way, too... however, since you already have both 8) ... Madison, you, and Anne have my vote :D !!! We bring the Cohen spirit with us 8) . Show us your CITY :D !!!


Love,
Lizzy

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:24 am
by sue7
I've not attended an Event before, and don't live in Madison, but would be happy to help out in any way I can.
Sue

Re: 2012 Leonard Cohen Event

Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 1:28 pm
by lizzytysh
From what I understand, you'll be a GREAT help, too, Sue 8) .

Joe ~ Maybe you can also tell us one of your wonderful stories at some point during the Event.


~ Lizzy :D