Aloha! I'm back from the RT Booklovers' Convention! I'll blog about the convention itself at SOS Aloha. We have a winner from last week's blog here at ALOHA ON MY MIND - Liz!
Last Tuesday, I joined the pre-convention tour of Chicago.
Kathryn Falk and Kenneth Rubin (above) arranged for us to visit the Place De La Musique - The Sanfilippo Collection. From its website (at this link),
The Sanfilippo "Place de la Musique" is known worldwide for its magnificent collections of beautifully restored antique music machines, phonographs, arcade and gambling machines, chandeliers, art glass, the world's largest restored theatre pipe organ, the most spectacular European salon carousel in existence, street and tower clocks, steam engines and other functional mechanical antiques, displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting.
Walking into the foyer, I was transported to an European castle!
The stain glass window was breathtaking!
Our guide played rare recordings on the phonographs. Despite their age, the sound was magnificent!
The vintage machine below played music from the piano and violin - it was literally music to my ears!
Each room offered a glimpse into our glorious past ...
... notice the music on the piano below. Mr. Sanfilippo includes many loving tributes to his wife, Marian!
The restored figureheads below decorated larger music machines.
The Tiffany lamps offer a kaleidoscope of colors!
Downstairs, we entered the world of antique arcades ...
... some are a bit naughty!
Who wouldn't want this vintage saloon in their house?
The editors from RT Bookreviews are ready to party!
Marian Sanfilippo (right) joined us on our tour!
Every machine is unique - I love the banjos!
The organ below spans two floors, leading up to the ballroom.
The Sanfilippos treated us to an organ concert - I felt as if I was royalty! If you live in the Chicago area, check out the concert schedule at this link.
The Place de la Musique was only the beginning. On Thursday, I'll post pictures from the Carousel House!
What is your favorite musical instrument? One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, April 21, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 22.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Yippie your back ! I love just love the pics this place looks so cool ! Favorite musical instrument is definitely the violin just love listening to it!
ReplyDeleteWhat magnificant pictures Kim. I had no idea that this place existed. Everything is just spectacular, and I'm really envious of you having seen all these wonder instruments, machines, gramophones etc. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite musical instrument is the piano. My Mum always played and we sang along with her. Such wonderful memories.!!
Had to ask hubby if he hearde of it. He grew up in Chicago and lived there until moving down my area.
ReplyDeleteGreat
ReplyDeletePics thanks ,
I would apsay guitar
Kimh
The Sanfilippo is beautiful. I like the cello.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit The Place de la Musique! There is so much to see! I especially like the stained glass. I love all the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy piano music.
OMG I want that Stain-Glass windows How Stunning.
ReplyDeleteHave a good one Ann/alba
Beautiful! There is a local museum that showcases vintage cars and various keyboard instruments including an organ that was for a stadium! My favorite instrument is the harpsichord.
ReplyDeleteThat is totally cool. If I get to Chicago, I'm stopping by that museum. I like the violin.
ReplyDeleteWow, quite a place! And they have phonographs that work, I would love to see/hear one in real life. Though if I have my choice I love to listen to acoustic guitar, accompanied by a sexy man with a great voice =)
ReplyDeleteI love the dulcimer. It is has a unique sound. Great pics!!
ReplyDeleteOMG! I'm definitely putting this place on my bucket list! These pictures are just wonderful. I love the sax. I think of Boots Randolph and Kenny G - they could/can make that instrument sing.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a nice place to visit. I like the piano.
ReplyDeletei love piano
ReplyDeletegreat pic, kim and welcome back :)
I don't play, but since I've always loved rock music, I'll vote for the guitar.
ReplyDeleteThe Tiffany lamps and that stained-glass window are so gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
For me the violin has the sweetest sound. And if you want something livelier there's always the fiddle - lol. Great pics.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Liz.
Kim these pictures are amazing. Everything looks brand new. I love Tiffany lamps and was thrilled to see that collection. My favorite is the Piano.
ReplyDeleteCarol L.
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Breath taking! I love your photos. You take such beautiful ones! Im always envious! You visit such pretty places! Id love to go here. Looks like a lot of fun! As for favorite instruments, i cant say that i have a favorite. I have a few! I like the piano, violin, guitar.
ReplyDelete