Hello everyone, I just joined this Group, and I have been a didge player/collector for almost 6 years now. I attended my first JT didgefest in 2004 when the JT stood for Joshua Tree, and I believe that 2004 was the last year that it was held in Joshua Tree. I live in the Phoenix (Ahwatukee) AZ area, so when the location was moved to California, my drivetime went from 4 hours to 11 hours, so I found it more difficult to attend. But this year I decided to just make it happen. Part of the reason that I wanted to attend was to be there to support Rob and Tanya as I have become friends with them over the past several years. I was so glad that I came this year and I found myself energized and inspired to attend future years. Unfortunately, I see that Next year will be the last year. I am experiencing a similar sense of sadness as I did when the Didgeridoo and Co magazine ceased to exist, but I can understand that the planning of such an event must require an incredible amount of energy, and I am grateful to everyone who has been involved in the planning and execution of the Fest over the past 9 years.

I am also acquainted with Svargo from the Didjshop.com in Kuranda Australia. He has started a Worldwide Didgeridoo Meditation. The next one will be Sept 23rd. How to participate is simple. Play your didge for 45 min at sundown on the 23rd and then observe 15 min of silence. It is a way to be a part of a worldwide didgeridoo community. He had asked me to pass out flyers at JT, and sent it to me via E mail, but unfortunately, it didn't arrive before I left, so I am trying to still spread the word. He started this to send positive didgeridoo sound/energy around the world

You can see more information here:

www.didjshop.com/shop1/did..._next.html

I can also say that Svargo is a great guy who runs a great didgeridoo business and gives top notch customer service. Additionally, 5 of my 18 didges are from the Didjshop.com, and a highend didjshop didge is among the best that I have played. Also, I have no business connection with the Didjshop, so have no financial interst in saying this.

Anyway, have a look at the Worldwide Didgeridoo meditaion, and I will be happy to get to know people in this group. I am also interested in meeting up with Advanced Didge players in the Phoenix Area.

Bernard