Beginning a 4-day continuous stretch of fun and excitement, half of the 2008 Alaska cruise ensemble reunioned for Triple Espresso at Theatre L’Homme Dieu on June 22.  This is a “play” that has been around for a while indicating some degree of success.  We went on the second night – those who went on the first were immediately lighting up the internet with e-mail and Facebook postings saying such things as “funniest play ever” or “I laughed till I cried.”  [OK, they never went to  early Woody Allen movies – with such as “after the accident, he was only able to communicate through the use of hand puppets!”]  I did laugh – so hard the supervisor had to give me a throat lozenge to quell my laughter induced hacking.  In fact, the play was so successful at TLHD, it will be making a return engagement August 9 – 14.

[TLHD board director, Al Grundei, is a blur of activity as he tries to herd the sell-out crowd into the theatre.]

Erik Schultz and Tom Mulder, 1/2 of the usual Salty Dogs, were at SAWA on Thursday:

On Friday, Oscar-nominee, John Hawkes, debuted his latest movie, Earthwork, before another packed house in Alex:

Thank you for the nice review in today’s Strib.  John Hawkes was “home” today and hosted the film’s debut in our local theatre – and then he stayed after and answered questions from the audience for close to an hour.  He did the same with “Winter’s Bone” last summer – so we locals are justly proud of his accomplishments.  He was part of the rather illustrious Alex graduation class of ’77 that also included Tom Lehman, a pro golfer of some repute; and John Hammergren, CEO of McKesson, Inc., the largest health care company in the world.

Tom Obert, Alexandria (though class of ’65)

 Dear Tom Obert,

Thanks for your nice note. Wasn’t that a fine movie? Alexandria’s pride in John Hawkes is well justified.

Best, Colin (Colin Covert, Film reviewer, Star Tribune)

[Apparenty this KSAX TV reporter had previously captured me – giving me brief air time on the 5:00 news that night.]

[Mr. Hawkes with the supervisor.]

[John took many questions from the audience at the end of Earthwork.]

Tommy Vee and Matt Veline did two versions of Bobby Vee’s Take Good Care of My Baby at Carlos Creek Winery 0n Saturday:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ruthobert#p/u/2/euFKjA07W6E

And Funky Gumbo was at SAWA last night – here performing Take a Load Off Annie:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ruthobert#p/a/u/0/A7szkAx8pHk

Finally, Cardinals are back – the blog namesake have been revived in the Trumm files.  Here is the note from the staff photographer family:

Hi…

Lauren’s travelling U-19 soccer team took first place in the Fargo soccer tourney last weekend!  Lauren is a “newbie” to soccer, so is very thankful to be a part of this team!  It was fun to watch…and we are learning a bit about soccer 🙂

Have a great 4^th… Greg and Val

I recognize Lauren Trumm and Joie Warnes and others look familiar – we’ll try to catch up on them all:

[Joie]

[Lauren]

[Lauren & Joie]