Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego Civic Organist for 15 years, in the middle of her final Sunday afternoon performance at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.
Thank you Dr. Carol Williams.
Thank you for 15 years of inspiration, dedication, and–most of all–unparalleled music. Thank you for making the Spreckels Organ come so alive. Thank you for your quirky good humor and your wonderful showmanship. Thank you for being such a great part of San Diego’s history, for being one of a long string of distinguished musicians, Civic Organists who first made the Spreckels Organ’s powerful lungs sing in 1915. Thank you for helping culture in Balboa Park to thrive. Thank you for bringing in some of the finest organists in the world for our absolutely incredible Summer Organ Festivals. Thanks for being a part of many Sunday afternoons, at two o’clock, when I could simply close my eyes and feel the music move through me. Just music. Each living note. Thank you!
In the years ahead, may you produce many fantastic compositions for the king of instruments!
A large crowd turned out to enjoy the music produced by Carol and the Spreckels Organ one last Sunday afternoon.Dr. Carol Williams wows the crowd with another amazing performance. She is one of the world’s finest concert organists. And her dog Dietrich up on stage seems quite proud!A special day in Balboa Park as our nation’s first woman Civic Organist plays the king of instruments one last Sunday.The Spreckels Organ Pavilion was filled with people who have enjoyed Carol’s concerts for many years.Carol and pal Dietrich between pieces. KUSI television videotaped the historic occasion.Dr. Carol Williams, a premiere concert organist, plays the Spreckels Organ, the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world.An artist at work.The beginning of a standing ovation, just as Carol asks everyone to stand for the National Anthem.Dr. Carol Williams greets organ lovers in the gift shop after her final Sunday concert in Balboa Park. She has long been a San Diego treasure, and now becomes a part of our city’s history.An organ student thanks Dr. Carol Williams. She worked hard to educate youth, to encourage aspiring musicians, and to build the Spreckels Organ Society into a powerful presence in the music world.
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Visitors and members of the Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoy a spring Sunday aboard HMS Surprise. The Star of India’s masts rise in the background.
A sunny spring Sunday. So I just walked along the Embarcadero. To no place in particular. I started late this morning at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where Earth Day on the Bay was taking place. I checked out the exhibits for a few minutes, talked to a few cool people, then walked around outside. And I just kept on walking. Life is good on San Diego Bay.
Today was Earth Day on the Bay at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Exhibitors on the passenger deck of the steam ferry Berkeley demonstrated the work they’re undertaking to protect the environment.It’s Sunday, which is volunteer work day at the Maritime Museum. If I heard correctly, these guys near the San Salvador were applying tar to some steel cables that will be used on the HMS Surprise.Two parrots on the Pearl Harbor memorial plaque near the USS Midway.
In the above photo you can see the rear of the Navy Bicentennial Commemorative Plaque. As you might recall, that plaque’s mysterious origin was revealed in detail by a few of its creators here!
Some folks out fishing on the Tuna Harbor pier were catching spotted seabass! This one was too small and was quickly returned to San Diego Bay.This sneaky gull perched atop a docked bait boat seemed to be watching those folks fishing nearby!Someone zooms by riding a bucking water scooter over the sparkling blue water.Close-up photo of a colorful float inside a lobster trap. I just walked along the pier, looking out at boats, water and the beautiful San Diego skyline.Skaters take a break in the sunshine near Tuna Harbor.Someone relaxes on a spring Sunday by maneuvering a remote control model sailboat in Tuna Harbor. Another cool sight along San Diego’s always lively Embarcadero.Fun marine artwork depicts a pod of dolphins in the ocean. A window of the Wyland Galleries in Seaport Village.Colorful banner fluttering in the sea breeze proclaims Life is Good. I always enjoy walking past Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.Just some bright yellow flowers.A street magician, cyclists, and the Californian tall ship out on San Diego Bay.Papa Alex is a very friendly, happy, soulful psychic. He often hangs out between Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Park North. His motto is: “Peace and love. No drama.” Sounds wise to me!Wow! Look at those massive bubbles flying through the air! This fun could be found on the grass at Embarcadero Marina Park North.And high above those bubbles was this kite. I love San Diego.Tourists rent some wheels near the Marriott Marquis and Marina.I rested for a bit on the fishing pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Here comes the Stars and Stripes racing yacht, carrying passengers enjoying a unique adventure on the Big Bay.And there goes the Silvergate, ferrying people over to Coronado Island. What a glorious spring day!
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Tourists are given a magic show by a busker near the reflecting pond in Balboa Park.
I took a Sunday stroll through Balboa Park. Here are some fun pics!
Duck enjoys the pool of water at the San Diego Museum of Art’s outdoor May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.Kid with painted face examines Man in White. This cool busker appears to be made of marble. He was entertaining surprised visitors on El Prado.Kid walks through a hula hoop on a stretch of grass.Guy shows some people his stuff in the Plaza de Panama.Folks wait on a bench for the free Balboa Park tram, which I call the green caterpillar.The San Diego Automotive Museum is having a food drive inside their front entrance. Stop on by!Happy dogs, walkers and a cool guitar-playing musician on a sunny Sunday in San Diego.Who doesn’t love colorful twisted balloons and soaring bubbles?
Getting ready for the Veteran’s Day Memorial Program at the House of USA Cottage in Balboa Park.
Today I enjoyed a special Veteran’s Day program in Balboa Park. It was held on the lawn at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. The City Guard Band of San Diego played some great music, including a composition titled San Diego Exposition March, written by Gunner Tolbert for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park. Some other pieces I heard were selections from South Pacific, Victory at Sea, and, of course, the Star Spangled Banner.
I took a number of photos, and ventured into the House of USA Cottage to absorb some of the atmosphere. I thought you’d might like to have a look. Please read the captions for some more interesting information.
The band is ready to play as people gather around the stage in the lawn area of the International Cottages. It’s a Sunday afternoon in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.City Guard Band of San Diego plays during a special Veteran’s Day program. The band originated in 1880, when members were part of a local volunteer militia.Old plaque at base of large tree near the center of the surrounding cottages. Dedicated in honor of Arthur E. Vest, Department Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.A relaxed Veteran’s Day gathering at Balboa Park’s peaceful House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.Folks at a table in front of the House of USA Cottage listen to the band play patriotic and other popular tunes.These fine ladies smiled for my camera! Those treats on the table are well known to this blogger!American flag and a Welcome at the front door of the USA cottage in Balboa Park.Inside the USA cottage. Welcome home all the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces.Famous portraits and memorabilia from American history cover walls and fill shelves in the House of USA Cottage.Playing the piano for anyone who wanders in on another perfect sunny San Diego day. Someone was whistling nearby.The Stars and Stripes and various books celebrating Americana.Playing sparkling music, from marches to musicals, celebrating those who’ve served to protect our freedom.
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House of Scotland Pipe Band performs at Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Today’s free Sunday organ concert at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion featured the amazing House of Scotland Pipe Band! The House of Scotland makes its home in the International Cottages just steps away from the pavilion.
I’ve always loved bagpipe music. It’s even better, if that’s possible, when accompanied by Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s famous Civic Organist, on the majestic Spreckels Organ. The large-lunged instruments combine their resonance, and with the addition of a booming drum, the melodies that are produced really stir the blood. I wish the concert had gone on all afternoon!
Songs included Highland Cathedral, Flower of Scotland, Blue Bells, Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave, and The Ballad of Glencoe.
Raising and twirling the baton in time with great bagpipe music.Dr. Carol Williams accompanies bagpipes on the Spreckels Organ.The big booming drum of the House of Scotland!Balboa Park visitors mingle with musicians after the stirring concert.
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I got a few pics of another Sunday afternoon lawn program at Balboa Park’s International Cottages. This weekend it was Austria’s turn!
Dancing, singing and food were abundant for the entertainment of anyone interested in Austrian culture. Many in the crowd wore traditional folk costumes. There was a beauty queen and opera performances and it all concluded with many participants singing the popular favorite Edelweiss.
Austrian beauty queen smiles for my camera!Folks watch lawn program of House of Austria.Food tent has sausage and other tasty Austrian food.Everyone applauds a fantastic operatic duet.
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Dogs and humans head toward the 2014 Bark in Balboa Park.
The Eighth Annual Bark in Balboa Park was a triumphant success this afternoon. Hundreds of furry, tail-wagging best friends got to join in the festivities, and nearly all become instantly famous. How does an ordinary, easy-going, everyday dog get 15 seconds of fame? You’re about to find out!
A few early arrivals at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.Friendly pooch near Spreckels Organ Society donation box.Some furry attendees await the free dog-themed organ concert.San Diego Humane Society has volunteers at the event.Lovable dogs await adoption at Bark in the Park.Great Dane takes a nap while a huge crowd gathers.People and pooches enjoy the organ concert from the colonnade.A baby stroller makes a prime seat for the big event.Activity is non-stop even during the fun concert.The unconditional love that dogs give.Spreckels Organ Society photographer hard at work.The eighth annual parade of dogs in front of the organ begins!Dr. Carol Williams plays a rousing Sousa march as pooches pass by.This funny beagle was a real crowd pleaser.A dainty dog in pink enjoys momentary fame on the big stage.
This Sunday afternoon’s free concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion featured two of this year’s Spreckels Organ Scholarship winners! The scholarship is provided by the Spreckels Organ Society to promising young organists. Both young ladies who played were terrific!
This photo was taken as I entered the pavilion. Lots of folks were out and about on this beautiful sunny day, and a fair number of people were enjoying the music on the benches.
Here’s a pic of Trinity Schulz speaking to the crowd. She then went on to play “How Firm a Foundation”.
This pic shows Suzy Webster. She played a fun “Chopsticks for Organ”, and then Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, by J.S. Bach.
Every weekend, folks dressed in white are out on the bowling green near the west end of Balboa Park. The San Diego Lawn Bowling Club must have a pretty good membership, because I’ve seen scores of players all out enjoying the sport at the same time.
I usually linger for a couple minutes to watch a game unfold. Excellent accuracy is required to win.
A game has ended and the scattered balls are collected.Keeping score on a lazy, sunny weekend day.Sign provides info about free lawn bowl lessons.
Cool San Diego Sights! 