However, we have also received suggestions about the 2016 Event, and before doing any decisions, we need to discuss the future Event policy.
First of all, we have to remember that the Events are possible only if we have some members who are willing to organize the Event in their home city. Before the 2014 Event in Ireland, we have met in Lincoln UK (1998), Montreal (2000), Hydra (2002), New York (2004), Berlin (2006), Edmonton (2008), Krakow (2010), and Madison WI (2012).
The first one to write me about the 2016 happening was Vicky Hynes, who has organized The Leonard Cohen Feast in St John’s, Newfoundland, annually for 14 times. She has suggested that the 2016 Feast could be moved to summertime and become one of The Events:
This week I have received an email from Kim Solez in Edmonton. He organized the Event in 2008, and is the founder of the annual Leonard Cohen Nights. He says:Maybe we get to host an International Cohen Event right here in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada.
St. John's Newfoundland is the most easterly location in Canada, to Europe. There are direct flights from St. John's to Dublin and London England now. It is one of the most popular locations to travel for tourists in all of North America and the capital city's airport is only a 10 minute drive.
Really, it would be quite attractive to Europeans as we host to thousands from France,Germany, Japan, Iceland, Norway, Australians, every summer.
There is a great deal to experience here in Newfoundland at that time of the year! Culturally and geographically and historically just here on the Avalon Penninsula!
We are the oldest British colony in North America (since 1497) and only became a part of Canada in 1949.
I just know we could give this all the push it would need to make it a fantastic experience in 2016, for all involved.
So far we have not had any Events twice in the same city. Since the beginning of our Events, Europe and North America have alternated.Ken Chapman and I met recently to discuss the 2016 Leonard Cohen event. We decided to make our event the 2016 International Leonard Cohen event
I am aware of the concerns about international audiences in North America but with the help of our people we can generate substantial local audience to supplement the international one so we will be OK. In addition the images from 2008 make it obvious that we can put on quite a good show and many of the same people will be involved including Tori Sheldon and Karen Slevinsky.
We have learned that the Event activity is higher among the Europeans although not so many want to travel overseas. Only a handful of European members participated in the Events in Edmonton and Madison, and therefore missed so many memorable moments and unique programs. At the same time, it also looks like the Americans and Canadians are not active Event goers even though the get-together happened to be in North America. That’s why many European old-timers have suggested that the future Events should be organized in Europe only.
I know that our European members have discussed the 2016 Event, and we are aware that Henning has volunteered to do one of the next Events in Hamburg, Germany.
I think we have to handle the general policy of our future Events now, before any decisions can be made. What do you think about the North America/Europe issue? Or having an Event twice in the same city? Where would you like to have the 2016 Event?
We seem to have three realistic alternatives (maybe even more?) for 2016. What do you guys think? It would be important to get comments especially from those of you who might participate in the 2016 Event.
Also note that we will continue with our biennial Hydra meet-ups between the bigger Events. Our next Hydra gathering will be in summer 2015 (let’s discuss the exact timing later!). It is also possible that a number of members will meet somewhere at the 4th Walking Weekend in the fall of 2015.
Now over to you friends!