[Jon Tschiggfrie]

Hello, fellow river folks!

I am able to announce today that I've received a grant from the University of Saint Thomas in Saint Paul to pursue a research project entitled "A Comprehensive Technical, Historical, and Stylistic Analysis of the Steam Calliope on the Inland Waterways of the United States." The University has awarded me $4000 to conduct this research, which will involve interviews, archival digging, and travel plans to visit all remaining instruments. The end goal of this project will be to produce a paper and multimedia presentation, which will be the first of its kind: a summative reference on a musical instrument that is an overlooked part of the culturally significant American musical tradition.

I'm sure I'll be calling upon the many talents and stories of the steamboatin' community here on the dot-org boards and beyond. Receiving the grant would not have been possible without a bunch of people already: Travis, Doc, Dave Morecraft, Dad, and many others.

Stay tuned for more info, and a preemptive THANK YOU to all the assistance from everyone that I've come to appreciate to no end. We all really are a river family - what a terrific support network! I've never known better hospitality or more generous, kindhearted people.