CFU Adult Tamburitza Festival, Columbus, Ohio — November 5–7, 2010

For the third year in a row, Hrvatski Običaj attended the CFU Adult Tamburitza Festival. We loaded up the bus on Thursday evening and headed towards Columbus, Ohio. Thanks to a rather efficient bus driver we made it there by 11:30 a.m. The hotel was very accommodating and had us in our rooms by noon. The alcohol was a whole other story! Nevertheless, we were very glad we made it safe and sound! Our fellow travelers who came with us from Kansas City enjoyed their time as well. The rest of our group members made it in on Saturday. In total, 28 of us made the trip from the center of the country.

It means so much to all of us to participate in this fun-filled weekend that our CFU puts on for us. To be among so many talented individuals and groups is fantastic. Even better is the love that we all share for our heritage and the fact that we are able to share it in such a large venue is beyond spectacular. Thank you to all of those involved in putting on this event. Who knows, maybe Kansas could host an event one year.

Hrvatski Običaj performed on Sunday afternoon with a couple of fast singing numbers: "Vesela Je Šokadija" and "Zdravica". We finished our program with "Večerni Zvon" ("Evening Bells") with guest conductor Don Lipovac in front of us as he had been for many years when we were children and teenagers. Thank you to Don Lipovac for all the years of dedication and for still being a mentor for many. As we wind down the year we wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. Sretan Božić i Vesela Nova Godina … možda se vidimu na veselo stupanje opet u 2011.

Photos by Joe Roper.