The Hampton Inn dodges the eternal question.

Packing for the NMA Reunion

The plan.

The reality.

2022 Reunion Live-Blog

"Aye, 'twas in Olangapo in1979, that me
and Jim was on the beach, when the chief shows 
up and asks us what the hell we was doin', and Jim--
well, you know what a mouth that boy,xkdhkhgkslhfkdjfl"

Wow, it seems like years since I've posted one of these announcements. That's because it has been years; three of 'em, three long years since we've shared the joy of an NMA reunion.

So, I look forward to next week with excitement and a little sadness, knowing that some of you must stay home. But, as always, (fanfare, cut to the chase--finally!) you can still "be there" in spirit. During the reunion week I'll be live-blogging from the Virginia Beach Holiday Inn. This means you'll be able to keep abreast of the action here.

The reunion officially begins Tuesday morning, June 14, and finishes Saturday night, June 18, but the fun starts early, so I'll begin posting a few days early. Simply drop by any time of night and day for:

• highlights of each day's activities
• low-tech photos
• even lower-tech videos
• jam sessions
• bull sessions
• assorted reports, rumors and revelations, heavily censored in case your children or grandchildren use your computer

You can also access the Live Blog through Facebook's Navy Musicians Association group and Former Navy Musicians group.

Ahoy There, Navy Musician

Aye, matey, yer shipmates be waitin' fer ya in Virginia Beach.

Navy Musicians Association Reunion

June 14-19, 2022

http://www.navymusicians.org

 

What's it all About?

What makes NMA reunions so special? Why do we keep coming back?

Deb Holl, our volunteer coordinator, speaks of the countless times she's seen a first-timer nervously arrive in our Registration Room,  wondering if he'll know anybody in this big hotel. Within hours, Deb will tell you, that newcomer is joking around with old shipmates, meeting new friends, and having the time of his life. 

What's so special about our reunions? Well, the camaraderie is unique, a sense of belonging only Navy MUs can share. 

Sea stories told to MUs by MUs demonstrate a unique bond; the tale of Rocky Palumbo answering an admiral's complaint about the band's dance music at a Navy Ball by saying, "I've been watching you, sir, and the problem isn't the music; the problem is, you can't dance" isn't something a hull technician can appreciate.

And, the music unites us, of course. For a few days, we rehearse and jam, then finish the reunion with weekend performances. 

 

But the answer to those questions--What makes NMA reunions so special, and why do we keep coming back"--is simple:

We're just so damn glad to see each other.

In My Skull, with SSG Joe Jacob and MU1 Frank Mullen

In My Skull

starring

SSG Joe Jacob, USMC, as the Assistant School of Music Master-at-Arms

and

MU1 Frank Mullen, USN, as the Piano Instructor

Time: Early 1980s.

Setting: School of Music quarterdeck.

At rise: SSG Jacob is sitting in the Master-at-Arms's shack. He wears bulky headphones and is humming.

--------------

(Enter MU1 Mullen from the C-wing passageway. As he turns the corner, SSG Jacob sees him, takes off the headphones and steps out onto the quarterdeck. He is carrying the headphones in one hand and a little box in the other.)

JACOB

 Hey, Frank, check this out.

MULLEN

Check what out? A pair of headphones? What's that little thing they're plugged into?

JACOB

This? Don't worry; just put the headphones on.

MULLEN

Don't fuck with me.

JACOB

 Would I fuck with you?.

MULLEN

 Jesus H.

(He puts on the headphones.)

Yeah, okay, so what am I supposed to--

JACOB

Hang on a sec.

(He presses something on the little thing in his hand.)

Get ready. 

MULLEN 

Get ready for what? I--Whoa... How is...Oh, my God, it's Sinatra...

(He speaks louder.) 

He's singing "Under My Skin" in my head! Not through my ears; actually in my head!...No, my skull! 

(He's yelling now.) 

Frank Sinatra is singing in my skull! In! My! Skull!"

(He pulls the headphones off.)

Damn...How...What is this?

JACOB

It's called "Walkman."  

----- Curtain ---