Hi everyone! The 2023 International Musical Saw Festival was another great success this year. There was a potluck, contest, music, great company, and unbridled enthusiasm for the saw. This wonderful event has been going on for over 40 years. If you ever get the chance to attend, don’t miss it. You’ll see amazing performances.
So many performances
Contest winner
The grand prize winner of the contest this year was Pam Elder, who played a beautiful rendition of “Cirkus Finnemag” by Benny Andersson Orkester. For her winning encore, she played “Song to the Moon” by Dvořák. Both pieces were beautiful.
Pam playing her winning rendition of “Cirkus Finnemag.” Hooray, Pam!
And here are all the winners and judges
1st Place – Pamela Elder
2nd Place – Rowena Southard
3rd Place – Lou Mannick
Unique Presentation – Donnie Hodges and Dilly
Best Entertainer – Lou Mannick
Youth Champion – Mary Kato
Traveled the Farthest – Steve Whang
Judges – Thomas Spearance, Cyndy Webster, and Gerald Reynolds
Contestants show off their form
In addition to the contest every year, we all have the opportunity to hear great saw players from all over. Here is a marvelous rendition of “The Flower Duet” from Lakmé by judge Cyndy Webester and former saw champion Caroline McCaskey.
And here’s a fun set from judge and long-time Santa Cruz busker Thomas Spearance and his band Two Bar Three. You can usually see Thomas playing in downtown Santa Cruz. If you see him, say hello.
The Blacklocks are all talented musicians, and you can hear them play one of their songs in this video from the festival a few years ago.
Say, Darlin’ Say
The traditional “Chorus of Saws” and a fond farewell
Saw Players On The Lam Until Next Year
A musical saw traffic jam at the end of the day. So many musical saw fans!
Thanks again to the whole Blacklock family and the IMSA for putting the event on every year. It’s a great time and an opportunity for saw players to enjoy time together. See you next year!
