“My 1950's Candido Requena project”

[Jerry Bembe]

As usual Ernesto you call it like you see it. Thanks for your honesty and insight. This is greatly appreciated. Tough to take at times but SO WHAT. Keep it coming.

[sielbo]

KING CONGA

It's May 2011... Do you have any pictures of the exhibition?

Congratulations on the Requeña beauty!

[KING CONGA]

KING CONGA

It's May 2011... Do you have any pictures of the exhibition?

Congratulations on the Requeña beauty!

UPDATE ON THE "CUBA" EXHIBITION.

On April 14 I got an email from Manuel Jordan, Ph.D., current curator for the "Cuba" exhibition. He told me that, due to resent Staff transitions, that the "Cuba" exhibition will not begin until after Summer
you know, by that time they would have had my drum for over seven months, that only leaves them with five more months before the loan agreement is due.
At this point I’m not sure if I will decide to extend my loan.

Attached is an excerpt from that email:


"You may know that we’ve currently been through some Staff transitions in the Latin America (and other) sections, also that we are in a process of re-defining displays and working on a reinstallation of parts of the Latin American gallery. That includes Cuba which will have more space allotted to it, given the importance of its musical traditions and influence throughout the Caribbean and beyond (US, etc.). As it stands, the galleries will probably be reinstalled sometime after this summer at which time I intend to include your loan in the display. I enjoy the quality of the instrument and plan to present it properly. In the meantime, as the gallery is in such a transitional mode, the conga will need to remain secured in our storage. Once on display I would hope you’d be willing to extend the loan if possible. Other than sharing the status of your loan I also intend this as an introduction and hope you feel free to contact me in the future if you have any questions or plan to visit MIM at some point. Thank you for your support of MIM and hope to meet sometime soon. Best regards, Manuel"

Manuel Jordán, Ph.D. | Chief Curator and Director of Collections
MIM—Musical Instrument Museum
4725 East Mayo Boulevard | Phoenix, AZ 85050 | 480.478.6000 main |
480.471.8690 fax | manuel.jordan@themim.org | http://www.themim.org

[KING CONGA]

I’m proud to announce that I’ve just extended my loan to Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix Arizona for one more year.
I had a chance to visit The MIM a few months back and must say that the place is wonderful, everyone was very professional and courteous.
My Family and I got a special behind the scenes tour and wow what an experience that was.
In terms of how they handle and care for their instruments I was very impressed and satisfied, I felt a total peace about loaning them my Conga.
I encourage anyone who might ever be in the Phoenix area to visit this wonderful Museum but plan on being there the whole day as there is an abundance of Exhibitions to see.

[burke]

I missed this thread first time around and just took a look at the website:

http://themim.org/about/photo-video-gallery

especially interesting to me. I've been a museum worker/admin type for about 20 years. This looks like a fantastic museum.

Nice place to have a valuable artifact.

Well done.

Darrell

[KING CONGA]

I just extended the loan contract to the MIM on my Requena, they wanted to borrow it for at least 2 more years, did it for one more year, then I might decide again to extend it.
I feel a total peace that MIM has my drum, let me tell you, it's well taken care of and being appreciated by many folks, that brings me great satisfaction.
It is now going to be exhibited in a new and upcoming "LATIN JAZZ" exhibit.
Looking forward to visiting my drum once again at Musical Instrument Museum of Phoenix Arizona.
Thanks again to the great Matthew Smith for his wonderful and talented workmanship.

If anyone is ever in that area I highly recommend this awesome Museum, it's got something for everyone.
Cheers.

[KING CONGA]

Ok all you Conga Junkies. I was stoaked when I received these .
Here are some pictures of my Requena in Exhibition at the MIM .
This particular exhibit is called "LATIN JAZZ", which by the way is my favorite genre .
Hope you all enjoy

Click on Image for better resolution.

[RitmoBoricua]

Kidding aside but that Requena quinto makes the other
instruments in that room look real good. That drum is
not out of place in a museum at all.

[KING CONGA]

Thank you for the complement Ritmo.
It gives me great satisfaction in the fact that many more people will get to enjoy this wonderful drum.
Iam planning on visiting the Museum on November.
The last time I went to the Museum the drum was in their storage, I was excited to see it then but now...dang! Cant wait.
To the Conga bretheren, once again thank all of you for being part of this project and for your wonderful support.
Cheers.

K.C.

[MisterLatinJazz]

Stunning!

[pcastag]

Dang! That thing belongs in the smithsonian!

[ABAKUA]

Dang! That thing belongs in the smithsonian!

Personally I think it belongs in my living room with its awaiting adoptive family....

But each to their own.

[pcastag]

I'll second that!

[Omelenko1]

It looks better than the day Requena made it, thanks to the "complete make over surgeon" Matt Smith.

Dario

[KING CONGA]

Personally I think it belongs in my living room with its awaiting adoptive family.... But each to their own.

LOL! youre too much ABAKUA.

Keep waiting bro. you just never know.
Here are some pictures from yesterday's visit to the MIM, hope you enjoy.