Upcoming Festivals

Dear members of BQPA/Pioneers:

As I said in my last correspondence, we have been looking forward to meeting and singing with you all.  With the arrival of the Covid-19 virus, this event no longer appears to be in the best interest of you, our loyal members.

Until a few days ago, your leadership team was somewhat divided on whether we should cancel or proceed with caution.  With uncertainties as to the nature of the epidemic, some optimism was possible.  That is no longer the case.  It is no secret that our organization is comprised of a mature demographic.  Many of these folks are reluctant to board airplanes or other confined transport, where the risks are simply not known.  If our gathering led to even one person getting sick, we could never live with the decision to move forward.

Accordingly, the spring gathering of BQPA/Pioneers is hereby canceled.  

Though postponement to later date in the spring is being considered, with no foundation of data, it is not possible to propose a date that is any more secure at this time.  Thus, a rousing Chicago festival is most likely our next opportunity to gather, and I'll be chomping at the bit.

It's ironic that the very nature of our fellowship, the pursuit of close harmony, is now working against us.  For many of us who are active in BHS or other Barbershop groups, we're seeing a general hunkering down of local and regional meetings; lots of cancelations nationwide.  Your BQPA leadership evaluated these decisions, but we arrived at our conclusion independently.  

I understand that the cancellation of the Tempe festival will result in personal hardships, with plane tickets purchased and other obligations made.  I encourage you all to cancel your hotel reservations immediately.  Some of members have been able to get credit for future flights with tickets they have converted.  Please do that if you can.

I know our country will get through this crisis, and I hope and pray that BQPA/Pioneers will do likewise.  

Best regards and keep safe,

Lee Taylor

President,

BQPA/Pioneers

We will be back at Tempe Inn & Suites in 2020.

Tempe Inn and Suites, 1651 W. Baseline Rd, Tempe.

Dates are Wednesday, April 1 through Saturday, April 4, 2020. 

Room rates are $85 (+17% tax). 2 Bed & sofa bed suites $95 +tax.  1 Bed & sofa bed suites $90 +tax Call for reservations at 480-897-7900.  Identify "BQPA/Pioneers". Reservations should be made by Feb 28, 2020.  Cancellations can be made 24 hours prior to scheduled arrival. Please get your reservations in early!

You may want to request a room/suite that is not directly adjacent to the parking lot. A couple folks had some noise issues in 2019. Non-perimeter rooms should reduce or eliminate this issue. Don't forget to remind the desk clerk your room location request upon checking in as well!

Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. Free shuttle from/to airport.  Call hotel (480-897-7900) for pickup. Free hot breakfast buffet, Host Happy Hour, including free beer, wine and soda. Big pool, Hot tub, and numerous options for Lunch available within walking distance (1/2 block).  Joe's Crab Shack and Mall across street. Dinner available in hotel snack bar area or choose a nearby restaurant. Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker in room.

Tentative schedule of events:

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Golf: Contact Barney Griffin at 480-430-9162 or email barng1@yahoo.com after January to get into a foursome and tell him your preferred voice part so he can make up a quartet to sing on each tee box.

3:00pm Board meeting

 
Friday, April 3, 2020

Golf information above. 

8:00pm Pick-up quartet contest

Saturday, April 4, 2020

5:00pm Thanks to Charlie Nardin, we will once again be having dinner at The Four Peaks Brewery.  Our group we start being seated at 5:00pm. Our space will be reserved until 6:30 and that has been plenty of time for us to have a drink, something to eat and sing a few songs.   As in the past, we need to be gone by 6:30.  We have estimated 30+\- to attend dinner.

8:00pm The Parade of Quartets show. This show just keeps getting better each and every year! 2019 brought the 2016 International Senior Champs, High Priority plus six other terrific quartets! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT!

And there will always be three other singers available to bust a chord just about any time you desire!

The final schedule of events will be posted as we firm up golf information.