On Saturday November 08, 2008, The Rainmakers performed the final PASIC showcase concert at 1 p.m. in Ballroom D of the Austin Convention Centre. This is a huge space, with sound acoustics, seating nearly 2000 patrons. PA reinforcement was via a pair of self-powered line array loudspeakers, symmetrical over the stage. Engineers routed ancillary electronics through a 64-channel digital mixing board. Ambience miking was used to capture the event, which was also filmed for archival purposes.

Unfortunately I was unable to witness the spectacle, since someone had to remain downstairs at booth 130. However from the adrenalin that had been flowing since their initial rendition at McCallum's High School, there was little doubt that my primed caste was determined to give a final night performance. I was told that they received a sustained, tumultuous standing ovation from the near capacity audience.

After presenting a commemorative plaque, Professor Gary Cook, President of the Percussive Arts Society came to the Sanch booth to continue showering accolades. "Simeon, The Rainmakers has been a highlight of our convention and my personal witnessing of this amazing production was both moving and inspiring&rdquo".

The Rainmakers returned home last Monday while I took the opportunity to visit friend and colleague, Jeffrey W. Fritz in North Carolina. Jeff is editor of the online magazine www.ultraaudio.com. My next feature will appear on December 01. The remainder of the week was spent essentially in a horizontal position of minimum potential energy at my daughter's flat in Miami.

The Rainmakers are scheduled to perform in Trinidad at Naparima Bowl on March 08, 2009 and on Sunday 22 at Queen's Hall. By then, our fund raising revenue should have covered all expenses. Tickets will be available from mid December.

Please visit http://photobucket.com/Sanch for a chronicle of photographs. You will have to navigate the Albums hyperlink on the URL to access all six days of history, courtesy Bertrand De Peaza, official photographer of The Rainmakers.

Our committee and patron, His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, appreciate your ongoing support.

Sincerely
Simeon L. Sandiford
Executive Producer of The Rainmakers