Live Music: The Tony Furtado Trio were as fantastic as I was expecting. The last time I saw John Reischman play his mandolin was at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle (a fun old-time rural vibe), where he wowed the crowd with his virtuoso playing on his Gibson Lloyd Loar mandolin - the Stradivari of mandolins. Tony, John, and Eric were amazing! A tasty dinner and snacks were also provided to concert attendees! A really nice time for all.
Alas, I wasn't able to attend the concert by the Frank Irwin quintet, but I was told it was awesome!
Seminars: There were lots of good seminars from industry pros to attend at no cost.
That's Positive Feedback's own, Editor Doc David, at the podium in the photo below, discussing the 2024 issues in audio. It was good to see you, Doc!
Wine/craft beer/spirits tasting events: I missed the wine & craft beer tasting events, but I can tell you the Templeton Distillery rye whiskey tasting event was the best rye whisky I've ever tried - excellent.
This young lady makes a living traveling all around the Pacific Northwest doing tasting events, and she really knows her stuff when it comes to wine, craft beers, and spirits.
A huge "Thank you!" to Fest organizers Lou Hinkley and Gary Gill, all the exhibiters who supported the Fest, the volunteers who helped make everything work smoothly, the musicians who put on the concerts, the enthusiastic attendees, and the press who came to cover the show.
You all did good, and we in the Pacific Northwest appreciate you making the Fest possible!
Oh, the show swag was great too - I've bought the PAF t-shirts every year for a complete collection!
Tons of hard work - and money - go into putting on the Pacific Audio Fest, so thanks to all involved for making this event possible!
From a practical standpoint, I really appreciate how close the Pacific Audio Fest venue - the Doubletree Hilton Sea-Tac - was to the Seattle Sea-Tac airport, a short 5-10 minute ride on the courtesy shuttle.
There was food available at the Fest venue, and some great dining located within walking distance of the venue, and close-by transit to downtown Seattle for those interested in experiencing the sights & sounds of "The Emerald City".
For an authentic Seattle dining tradition you can't beat 13 Coins with its vintage Seattle vibe, live music, excellent food & cocktails - in continuous operation since 1968 - that is a short 2 block walk from the Doubletree Hilton.
I always stop in once or twice at 13 Coins during my Fest visits for a fun-filled dining experience.
Photo courtesy of Erik Owen, owner of Gig Harbor Audio in Gig Harbor, Washington.
A number (above) of us met for dinner at 13 Coins, had a nice evening of eating & drinking, and chatting about everything audio & wine.
In the group photo above you can see Erik Owen (lower left), owner of Gig Harbor Audio. Erik brought a splendid bottle of Napa Valley 2015 axo Cabernet Sauvignon for us to try (below) from the Cuvée Wine + Vinyl Bar, which is owned by Jake Snider, Chris Johanson, and Ian Carr. You can stop in at the Cuvée Wine + Vinyl Bar and enjoy a fine glass of wine while enjoying listening to a little vinyl - cheers!
That's yours truly in the lower right, Marc Phillips the Editor of Part-Time Audiophile (left middle), Rafe Arnott the Editor of Resistor Magazine (left back), and Adrian Ford-Crush & Susannah Appleyard of Audio Note (UK) fame (middle back).
I enjoyed meeting with you all at dinner - it was a blast!
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