This post is a review of the 2008 NSS Campground Party, and opinions about it.
The Terminal Siphons put on a "great" show. It was probably one of the more intimate settings, as the Siphons were not on a stage and the dancers got up right next to the performers. I even got to dance with one of them. so The Siphons have a new member. She sounds a little like Linda Ronstadt and plays a variety of string instruments. Albert Ogden's voice was one of his best ever. However, other singers got to perform this year. Even the bass player, Michael, did a fine rendition of ZZ Tops, "La Grange." Michael should do that every year. The drummer Cass Kastning ( ? ) was probably the best drum performance in the history of the the Siphons. All the other performers Bill Stone and son ( ? ) and the guy who sang Billy Idol's "White Wedding," all played well. The concert also went past midnight and 2 or 3 anchors. Over 30 cavers were screaming "more!!!" The band was willing to do 2 or 3 more songs, but the sound technician had a lot of work to do to pack up and head home. The Siphons played some new songs. I think one was a very old Neil Young song. So they left out some of their usual stuff. I don't think they played anything from the Doors. ( Maybe one of them, can clarify all the songs they played ). I know at least one Texas caver who had a whole lot of fun dancing with an attractive Florida caver. As for a historical note, this was the first time that Cass Kastning's daughter got to see him perform in the Siphons. Not very many kids at the age of 4 get to find out that their daddy is a rock star. As for the missing sax player, That was why it was only a "great" show and not an "excellent" show. I am not a beer drinker, but I think the beer was good this year and there was plenty to go around, and it was very near the dancing area. Thanks to all the Siphons for coming and entertaining us. I have said this every year and I will say it again. "If the NSS wants to draw new young members to the convention, they have to put a priority on the campground party. The Terminal Siphons are one of the best features of the NSS Convention. It is cavers serving cavers and the social atmosphere helps break the ice among people that normally wouldn't socialize. In my opinion, the campground party has a greater potential that is not being recognized. I see no reason that the photos from the photo salon can not be showed at the campground party for those who don't want to attend the official Photo Salon. I see no reason that one of the vendors can't be set up at the campground party. I see no reason that food or at least cheeze on a toothpick can't be served at the campground party. The hot-tubbers should be able to hear the show and near enough to the beverages. ( I think what I am saying is it should be more like TCR. ) I am going to give this years Campground Party a grade of B-. The bad weather is partly to blame, but ironically it also gets credit for making the party great. Had the convention planners originally planned the party indoors at that location, I would have given it a B+. Had the Siphons played 2 or 3 more songs, I would have given it an A. Had there been more cavers there dancing, I would have given it a A-. And had the sax player showed up, I would have given it an A+. About 40 % of the reason I made the long solo drive from Texas, was to be at the Campground Party. It was worth the drive. On a related, note about 20 Texas cavers were at the campground party when it started. Ernie Garza took at least 2 group photos, so maybe someone can splice them all into one nice photo. David Locklear armchair caver in Fort Bend County, Texas
