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70's Nassoons Gather in Music City (Dave Dieck '78)

Writer's picture: John Whelchel '15John Whelchel '15

At a previous 70's Nassoon mini-Reunion in 2012, hosted at Buzz and Betsy Schmidt's home in Vermont, Bancroft O'Quinn suggested we might consider gathering for a reunion in his hometown of Nashville. Seven years later, twenty-six Nassoons spanning the classes of 1974-1982, plus spouses and FOCs (Friends of "Croft"), took him up on the generous invitation. We descended on Music City last August for a magical long weekend filled with song, stories, and indelible memories. Croft and his partner Max Bariess thought of everything as they planned a ne plus ultra weekend packed with unforgettable events.

For many of us, a trip to Nashville is a long way. Flying in or making a long drive, we gathered at our base camp at the downtown Hyatt Thursday night to test our superannuated vocal cords before the heavy-duty weekend. Friday afternoon, we visited and sang at the historic Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson. Croft and Max then hosted us at a dinner party at their beautiful lakeside home where we sang for family and friends.

We took some time before the party to remember the six Nassoons in our cohort who have left us too soon: Bill Kehlenbeck '75; Rip Taggart '76; Travis Emery and Scott Reynolds '78; Reed Wilbur '81 and Barry MacRae '82. Amid the backdrop of a slideshow and in the company of Rip's sister, Leesy, and Bill's widow, Vicky, we shared stories, laughs, tears, and prayers in a healing tribute to our fallen brothers. It indeed made us "cherish all the more the friends who still remain."


Saturday brought a whirlwind of activities beginning at oh-nine-hundred sharp: a photo-op and al-fresco performance at the Barbershop Quartet Hall of Fame, followed by a brisk walk to the Musicians' Hall of Fame, where we performed after having seen some of the iconic gear used on the records we remember. After fueling up on Tennessee barbecue and hot chicken, we spent the afternoon at the historic Ryman Auditorium, the temple of country music and the original home of the Grand Old Opry. What a thrill to be able to sing on the proscenium steps of that hallowed space!


Saturday evening, we were guests of Croft's friends, RJ Stilwell and William Smithson, at their gorgeous penthouse, where we experienced Nashville at Skyline level. We sang two sets and shared the spotlight with the talented pianist and singer Jody Nardone. His virtuosity was matched by a genuine connection with an appreciative audience. We all sang together long into the night connected by our mutual love for song.




Sunday came, and with it came the end of the planned activities. Goodbyes were accompanied with a shared sense of good fortune to have enjoyed one another's company for so many decades, along with a resolve to stage another 70's mini in the near future. Some of us lingered for a quiet Sunday, visiting museums or getting a second crack at the local hot chicken. A small group of us stayed through Monday night, where Croft's friend RJ had arranged for us to have the ultimate Nashville music experience—front-row balcony seats at 3rd and Lindsley, where every Monday night the Time Jumpers play. The Time Jumpers are Nashville's very best studio musicians, and this standing Monday night gig is an opportunity for these legends to play out for an enthusiastic crowd. What an incredible capstone to a musical weekend in Music City!


There you have it. 70's 'Soons crash Nashville. Songs, fun and camaraderie of the highest degree.

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