yes, I went. I'll not crab too much about the horrendous music I heard played, the even worse digital I heard it played through this year, and some not very good turntables as well, and the even crabbier attendees and exhibitors I encountered. There, was that too much?
Okay, it was actually fun, always something good comes from a show, the people you meet, the old friends you get to chat with, a few good systems you get to spend a little time with, some new records to rush out to buy after hearing them at Highwater Sound's room, courtesy of Jeff Catalano. And the food! Axpona wouldn't be complete without a trip over to Gibson's Steakhouse- this time two trips!. And there was the Friday night downtown sneak-away to the Green Mill Lounge, the old Al Capone bar where Chris Foreman plays that wonderful Hammond B-3 organ from 5-8. If you ever go, don't forget to make reservations across the street at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, a 5 star restaurant in my book. Your tastebuds will thank me later....
One take away from this year's not so good show is that I'm extremely happy, giddy even, over the gear that I've been showing here. The lines I've chosen for the Haven are some of the best in the country, and my setup knowledge is commensurate. There are even more good things coming to the Haven soon, so be on the lookout....