The World Equestrian Games are being held here in Lexington; the first time they've been held here in the United States. This is a major international equestrian competition, held at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The City and State have been preparing for this for years. There are currently over 300,000 visitors in town.
Every competent musician available is working (as are some "so so" ones). There are concerts downtown for the next 16 nights featuring national acts.
I have played 7 jobs as of 5:00 PM tonight, all related to WEG activities.
The ruler of Dubai is a major player in the local horse business. I frequently work for divisions of his operations. His beautiful wife is president of the WEG organization. He finished 2nd in an awesome 100 mile endurance event, and his two sons finished in the top 10.
By the time the event is over, I will have played an additional 31 jobs...all at TOP Dollars!
The culmination of all this for me will be the day of the closing ceremonies...three jobs at one of the most prestigious horse farms in the area...a piano job for a luncheon, followed by a trio job (with my son and grandson) for a patio cocktail hour, followed by a three hour outside event for 5,000 guests...the trio with added guitar, 4 horns and an extra keyboard. I'll get to play vibes on that one. These events will have guests, including the Governor, world leaders, entertainers, including Wynona, who sang "My old Kentucky Home" at the opening ceremonies (Hope her sister Ashley shows up. She is a MAJOR Kentucky fan and a former student of mine at UK) and other guests and participants from 60 countries.
All in all, a GREAT time to be a Kentuckian. This is a truly beautiful state.
Take a minute to Google World Equestrian Games, if you're interested.
Russ
[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 09-27-2010).]
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