Head to the riverfront early

The City of Roses Music Festival continues tonight in Old Town Cape Girardeau with headliner Eddie Money performing on the Mississippi main stage barge. But no need to wait until he begins playing at 8 p.m. before heading to the riverfront. The music kicks off at 10 a.m. with talented local bands and classical ensembles at several venues, and a daylong arts show -- with 20 booths featuring jewelry, pottery and other crafts -- beginning at the same time.

Last night's bands, including the local favorite Papa Aborigine, served up a hot, loud and exciting fare. Harmonica legend Lee Oskar, who kicked off the festival Thursday night, did double duty, performing on the Main Stage at 8 p.m. and then again at the River City Yacht Club at midnight.

Oskar exudes a warm personality as he plays, rocking back and forth to the rollicking notes of his harmonica. His comments at the pre-event reception Thursday displayed he is a musician that understands that music needs people to have power, and people need music to live life to the fullest. He paid tribute to the organizers and supporters of the City of Roses Music Festival, and encouraged the musicians in the audience to continue to practice, learn and grow.

The pre-event reception did, indeed, feature a large contingent of local musicians, as well as dignitaries from Southeast Missouri State University, including Regent President Don Dickerson; representatives from the local media; and many strong supporters of music education and the arts. Brad Graham, president of the City of Roses Music Heritage Association, graciously welcomed Oskar to Cape Girardeau and thanked those in the crowd for helping make the four-day event possible. Special recognition was bestowed to local music hero Homer Gilbert, who, along with the late William Shivelbine and Eddie Keys Sr., have lent their names to new music scholarships at Southeast Missouri State University.

Oskar's contributions to the weekend event should not be diminished. Recognized internationally for his harmonica playing, he came to town because of a relationship developed about a year ago with Graham. Because the event raises money for music scholarships, he refused payment and only reluctantly allowed the festival to pay his travel expenses. But he donated five of his famous gold-plated harmonicas to be auctioned off tonight, all funds to benefit the scholarships. One of the harmonicas is signed by Blues Brother and "Saturday Night Live" alumnus Dan Akroyd, two by Oskar, and one by the legendary Charlie Musselwhite.

There's a special quality about the great musicians. They seem to relish new talent and aspiring artists as if they're part of the same family.

Central to the organization of the Festival is not only Brad Graham himself, but the company he works for: Rapco. The Jackson institution makes high quality sound equipment and boasts a great blues band as well, which accompanied Oskar on Thursday night with Graham on bass guitar.

The weather is supposed to be perfect today. Grab a light jacket and join the fun in downtown Cape if you have a chance. The music and the people-watching promise to be invigorating.

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It's been a couple of weeks since I wrote about my friend Roberto Bandelli, who worked in the World Trade Center. The good news is that he escaped from the attack and is OK. Tales I've heard from friends in New York City truly are inspirational, how so many at high floors survived because they began evacuating immediately, and because so many helped each other. Of course, there are the sad tales, too. A few of my classmates from business school remain missing, but I can't say that I knew them.

Waiting to hear word about Roberto made everyone who is missing more real, however. I thank all of you who prayed for Roberto. I continue my prayers for the families of all the others, as I know you do, as well.

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I stopped by the new Career Center last week before the grand opening. It's an exciting space, gleaming with polished floors and new equipment. A large crowd turned out on Sunday to officially open it, although classes have been taking place there for several weeks. I didn't make it to the special event, but I heard reports that several there gave tribute to the late Gene Huckstep, who helped champion the idea from the beginning. One of those honoring the former Cape Girardeau school board member was longtime vocational school director Gary Gilbert, now retired, who, by the way, happens to be one of the most patriotic Americans I know. Gilbert credited Huckstep and other school board members over the years for making the dream of the finest vocational school in the nation a reality.

The $11 million structure, which spans 120,000 square feet, promises to be a jewel in the educational firmament of the area and a proud legacy of Huckstep, whose gruff voice and unique humor are missed by all who knew him. It's also a proud legacy of the dedication of school leaders like Gilbert, current director Harold Tilley, school superintendent Dan Steska, too-often unheralded school board members, and the many teachers who pour their souls into technical, vocational and industrial education. Of course, none of it would be possible without taxpayers who understood and approved the vision.

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Remember, if you have a chance, head downtown today and tomorrow. It's a once-a-year opportunity. Who knows, you might find the handcrafted jewelry bracelet you always wanted or bid on a gold-plated harmonica and win!

Jon K. Rust is co-president of Rust Communications.