How about a live show - get together, open mic, jam session, bring your friends and family, have a party and celebrate?

Venue: Somewhere in/near Vancouver  (I have a couple of places in mind but they are in Crescent Beach/White Rock)
Invited: Larrivée owners and friends - and the people at Larrivée
Format: Lightly organized open mic / jam session format. (I can do that part)
Sound Equipment: I can provide complete setup for up to 4-6 simultaneous performers

Background:
I was inspired and delighted to have met so many local Larrivée owners yesterday at the Forum III factory tour. It was also nice to meet the folks who travelled up and down the highway.  (As well as those who had to fly). It was a joy to share some tunes at the jam session at Mike's place. (Thanks again Mike!)

So I'm thinking...
How about having a get together - someplace where we can have 30-100 people and do a show. Open mic / jam session format would work for me. I can bring all the sound gear and do the organizational stuff.

So what do we need

• Players and their instruments (instruments with pickups are easiest to amplify) but if need be I can use microphones.
• Audience: Bring family, friends, friends of friends, other players
• Venue: This is the big one - I'm mainly playing out in White Rock these days and I have access to a really beautiful private room in Crescent Beach (that will seat up to about 120 people). But that's a good 45 minutes drive from downtown Vancouver.
• Recording Gear: I don't have anything easy for that
• Refreshments - or depending on the venue - maybe we can work out something
• Help with some of the details.
• Of course - we would invite everyone from Larrivée.

What do you think folks? I'm hoping this would be a no-brainer for Dermot and Eva and Mike (on Grant St), and the other local locals.

Matt? DaveG? would you consider driving up again for an event like this?
Mike (who drove down from ...?) well it felt like a 2-4 hour drive.
How about the other folks who drove in?

I'm open to all your thoughts on this... wherever they may lead.

No brainer for me!


;-)

d.

Hey dermot,

Thanks for letting play your Guitar(s) yesterday. Maybe next time I can try the one that as the "W" on the headstock.

Any ideas for a venue?

I was concerned that Crescent Beach / White Rock would seem too far away.

I just checked with a buddy in North Van, and the last time he came down to one of my shows there took him 45 minutes.  How does that seem to you?

Interestingly, I know another five Larrivée players who consider that territory as home turf.

Matt, DaveG - if you are reading this, White Rock / Crescent Beach is at most, 10 minutes from the border crossing at Peach Arch. 

The two different locations I'm considering are marked
A: Crescent Beach
B: Marine Drive in White Rock

Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=crescent+beach,+bc&daddr=marine+drive,+white+rock,+bc&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=49.023011,-122.811356&sspn=0.195868,0.342979&ie=UTF8&ll=49.038575,-122.844985&spn=0.783227,1.371918&z=10)

ST, I'd be in!!  I'm in Langley, so White Rock is easy stuff for me.  Had a great time meeting you at the Larrivee plant and playing ove r at Mike's.  Pleas keep us posted here, that sounds like a fantastic idea.  If you need anything, let me know and I'll see what I can do too.
   John

Quote from: ST on March 17, 2009, 04:26:04 PM

Matt, DaveG - if you are reading this, White Rock / Crescent Beach is at most, 10 minutes from the border crossing at Peach Arch. 

ST, that would be great.  My wife's grandparents lived in White Rock for many years before moving to Abbotsford.

If you ever make it to a gig down here, let me know.

Matt

I've said this many times, I still wish I lived in Langley :(

Quote from: es-335 on March 18, 2009, 12:08:14 AM
I've said this many times, I still wish I lived in Langley :(

Yeah, but in your heart you know you REALLY wish that you were back on the island.  :cheers

John

No sweat driving to White Rock, i'd do it in heart beat...

The OM & the W will be there, and if i can save a bit of gas, and car pool with anyone? loads of room in the Pathfinder for me + 3 (& 6 guitars)

Ta, and thanks for sparking us all!

d.

  Just tell me where and when :whistling:
danny

Sounds like a great idea, ST. I'd be up for it.

Dave

Okay - here's what I've got so far:

dermot (Dermot, North Van)
johnny37 (John, Langley)
photomat (Matt, Washington State)
DaveG (Dave, 45 minutes beyond Matt)
es-335 (Jeffery - wishing he lived in Langley, - where are you?)
dependan (Danny, Texas?)

I didn't mean to exclude anyone. If you want to fly or drive, of course we'd roll out the welcome mat.

I can think of at least 5 local Larrivée players who would probably make a point of being there if they didn't have a gig. 

And of course - all are welcome and encouraged to bring guests and family and friends and... I'll admit it. I like playing for an audience. And I expect that this would be an especially appreciative audience.

Can we talk about preferences for time of day, day of the week?

If we do it in the evening, this feels pretty natural for  a little concert. However this might conflict with gigs.

If we do it on a Sunday afternoon that might give people some time to travel and relax and get home again. But for folks with kids in organized sports, I understand that Sunday afternoons can be a real challenge.

How about timing with respect to the calendar?

I don't want to wait until July, but if we chose to do that, I might be able to set this up as a warmup event for a fundraiser I'm doing with friends. That means the venue will be set already. AND one Canada's favourite Larrivée playing troubadours might join us. Too early to drop a name here. But this is a fellow who has been doing 200-300 shows a year for going on 30 years.

Please, let's keep talking. I'm getting excited - how about you?

 ST I was kidding, but I think you just changed my mind, if I can really swing it. I'd love to see you and d. and others again. I could work on "shadows in the sky" and if you would help we can do that one.
                Everyone needs to hear ST play and sing, he is very good.
danny

I am in Winnipeg right now.
But my wife and I are hoping to move back to the Island this summer..

Hi Jeffrey

Quote from: es-335 on March 18, 2009, 12:21:48 PM
I am in Winnipeg right now.
But my wife and I are hoping to move back to the Island this summer..

Do you have any idea about dates? It would a shame to miss you by a week or a couple of days.  Or who knows, we might be working on the second one by then. But dates, dates...?

Well, If you make it in July don't do the weekend of the 10th thru the 12th. I have another gathering I'm going to that weekend.

Dave

Hey Danny,

Quote from: dependan on March 18, 2009, 12:18:29 PM
ST I was kidding, but I think you just changed my mind, if I can really swing it. I'd love to see you and d. and others again. I could work on "shadows in the sky" and if you would help we can do that one.
                Everyone needs to hear ST play and sing, he is very good.
danny

I didn't want to assume that you were kidding. But instead - just took it optimistically.

I really enjoyed sharing some music with you (just playin' along) and I'd be glad to be able to do that again.

ST
I applaud your effort to get this going.   I would be thrilled to participate if it was at all possible.  Sadly, I don't think it would be easy for me to make a return trip from Sacramento so soon after this last one.
I would give anything to be able to bring my wife with me and show her around a bit and let her meet you and the rest of the group.  I won't say "no" but I'm afraid I will have to probably say "not this time".
Maybe Dermot could get someone he knows to film this ?  Maybe make a dvd available ?    I'm sure most of us would love to see and hear the show. 

Hi Lynn,  (tuffy)

Being the infernal optimist I'll keep the door propped open for all of you just in case.

Thanks for that thought about video.



To all:
Even if you don't think you could make it, toss in your ideas anyway.

One venue I had in mind is Uli's Restaurant: 15021 Marine Drive in White Rock. Right on the main drag - it's almost directly across from the Pier.


The owner (Tyson - a great guy) would be happy to have us on a Tuesday evening, and we could certainly take over either the top level or the bottom depending on how many folks we were expecting.  I think they can comfortably handle 30-40 people downstairs. Maybe 20 up.

We might be able to squeeze in on a Sunday afternoon, but they can get busy during that time slot.

To be fair to the establishment, we should plan on eating and drinking a bit while we are there. They are fully licenced and have a full menu with appetizers and soups starting at about $8.00.  Factor in metered parking at $2.00 /hour.


The other venue is a buddy's house where we can seat up to 120 and many more if the weather is good.   We do house concerts and fundraisers there several times a year.  We might have more flexibility around times - Saturday day/night might be viable.

There - we usually invite people to bring pot-luck appetizers (Think Costco party platters).  BYO beverages.

Parking is limited but you can park in Crescent Beach Park about a short city block away.


Any thoughts?

ST,

As much as I LOVE this idea, if it's anytime soon, I'm gonna have to pass. However, I would love to be there.

Does anyone know if anyone at Larrivée monitors the forum?

I guess somewhere on the short list of things to do is to make contact with some people there.

I met John Jr.
Jeremy
Edwin

Is there anyone else who I should include in the planning?

Hey ST
I would think that a word to John Jr. should suffice.  He could make an announcement and put up a few bulletins to get the word out.

ST, this sounds great.  Weekends are always better for me, ( time of day really not important).  Weekdays though could work too.  Give me some notice, and a weekday would probably be fine.  I'm assuming that we don't have to play "our own" material, but covers would be fine??  I'm no songwriter, but I sure do like to play others' music. :bgrin:

ST, this is the 3rd time I'm trying to post in your thread. First, my cellphone hung. Second, I timed out. Hope this one makes it.

I frequently visit Vancouver and I hope during one of my visits, there's a jam session going on - I sure would love to join.

If I know 3-4 weeks ahead of time, I might even be able to adjust my work schedule so I can intentionally make a trip to Vancouver.

The 12-hour drive from Edmonton is therapeutic for me - looking forward to jamming with you guys would make the trek seem like a trip across town.

Like I said in the Tour thread - too many nice guitars, too much information, too many nice people, too much to all drink in - for one day.

I wish there was more time to interact - you're one of the neat folks I would have loved to interact with and get to know more!

It was a thrill and a pleasure to watch and hear you make Danny's and any guitar you hold - sing!   I also wish I would have held your Braz guitar.

I only saw the sides and I was in awe!!!

ricky

No dates yet.... but I'll let you guys know as soon as I find out :)

Hi Lynda,

Quote from: lyric_girl on March 18, 2009, 06:14:41 PM
ST,

As much as I LOVE this idea, if it's anytime soon, I'm gonna have to pass. However, I would love to be there.

If it all goes well, maybe this can become a recurring event. So you can watch from afar this time and plan to make it to one down the road a ways.

Hi Ricky,

Glad your message got through this time.

Quote from: rpm60912 on March 19, 2009, 03:11:04 AM
ST, this is the 3rd time I'm trying to post in your thread. First, my cellphone hung. Second, I timed out. Hope this one makes it.

I frequently visit Vancouver and I hope during one of my visits, there's a jam session going on - I sure would love to join.

If I know 3-4 weeks ahead of time, I might even be able to adjust my work schedule so I can intentionally make a trip to Vancouver.

The 12-hour drive from Edmonton is therapeutic for me - looking forward to jamming with you guys would make the trek seem like a trip across town.

Like I said in the Tour thread - too many nice guitars, too much information, too many nice people, too much to all drink in - for one day.

I wish there was more time to interact - you're one of the neat folks I would have loved to interact with and get to know more!

It was a thrill and a pleasure to watch and hear you make Danny's and any guitar you hold - sing!   I also wish I would have held your Braz guitar.

I only saw the sides and I was in awe!!!

ricky

Here's the head stock.

(http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/6221049125/Headstock.jpg)


I enjoyed your playing and singing.  I would have liked to have heard more.

I'll try and nail down dates well in advance.

You can do 1200 km in 12 hours - through the mountains????

Whoa.

Quote from: tuffythepug on March 18, 2009, 06:47:51 PM
Hey ST
I would think that a word to John Jr. should suffice.  He could make an announcement and put up a few bulletins to get the word out.

Thanks Lynn,

I'll talk to John Jr. over the next couple of days.

Quote from: ST on March 19, 2009, 05:05:31 AM
Hi Lynda,

If it all goes well, maybe this can become a recurring event. So you can watch from afar this time and plan to make it to one down the road a ways.

ST,

I would absolutely love to be there with you guys again. However, I'm not sure Bella will be coming.

Hi Lynda,

Quote from: lyric_girl on March 19, 2009, 09:26:07 AM
ST,

I would absolutely love to be there with you guys again. However, I'm not sure Bella will be coming.

I'm sure we could find something for you to play when your time to hit the stage comes around. I've got a nice Larrivée Jumbo for instance, or a Classical that's probably about the same size as Bella.

(http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/8621072125/LarriveeClassical04.jpg)

ST--

This sounds like alot of fun.  I don't know if I could make it, but I'm not ruling it out either.  Once you have a date set, and there's ample lead time, chances af a good turn out might improve.  If you piggy-backed it with the benefit event, is there a date set for that, and what does that benefit?

      DAVE

Agenda Item - Mini Workshop
At the Monday night Jam, Jim Holler gave us a rundown on how he tunes his guitars - basically working of the A string as the reference for all the others. I had read his description of this here in the forum, but it didn't really hit home for me until I saw him do it and describe what he was doing as he went along.

Can anyone suggest a topic for a mini workshop? — Just a little knowledge nugget to pass on to other players? I'm thinking that this could be something that could be done "show & tell" style in under 5-10 minutes.

Hi DAVE,

Quote from: ncognito on March 19, 2009, 09:45:46 AM
ST--

This sounds like alot of fun.  I don't know if I could make it, but I'm not ruling it out either.  Once you have a date set, and there's ample lead time, chances af a good turn out might improve.  If you piggy-backed it with the benefit event, is there a date set for that, and what does that benefit?

      DAVE

for no more reason than curiosity - where are you? Long trip to get to Vancouver?

I don't have a hard date for the benefit. The general plan was to do it on a Saturday in July. At least we have always done them on Saturday nights in the past. The proceeds go to The Terry Fox Foundation (http://www.terryfoxrun.org/english/home/default.asp?s=1) -- Cancer Research.  We typically see 130-150 people.

The fellow I need to talk to about this is travelling right now, but I should be able sort out dates (and whether or not we could do the piggy back deal), by sometime next week.

The format for the benefit has been to start the evening early - typically, doors open at 6:00 - 6:30 pm, and have several acoustic oriented openers, then the main performer, winding up around 10:30 - 11:00 then teardown the acoustic stage and jam out the night with a rowdier (but civilized) electric dance.  If you hang in 'til the very end, there's usually something that feels like a campfire gathering (all acoustic) that finally winds down between 2:00-3:00 am. That's how these things have gone for years and years. Too much fun.

Almost everyone who hits the acoustic stage plays a Larrivée. It's an interesting coincidence.


So the piggy-back part would be to start early afternoon for our Larrivée oriented event.  Good grief, I'd probably need to catch a nap in between somewhere.

ST--

I live in Connecticut (New England) so yeah it's a haul, but July might be good timing for me because I work as a gardener, and the physical push of my work finally slows down in July.  If you were to tie it in to the benefit, it might be a good incentive for more forum folk to show.  Cancer research and cramming too much fun into too little time sounds like a good combo to me.  Like I said, it's very questionable as to whether I can make it, but I'll look into it once you have a date set; should this turn into an annual extravaganza scheduled for approximately the same date every year, it would be a wonderful adventure to look forward to.  This is a really nice  event you're planning.  I applaud your efforts.

         DAVE

Hi DAVE

I can't promise to do the tie-in with benefit. There are a lot of moving pieces that would have to be fine tuned. (volunteers, stage setup, site setup).

But there's no reason we can't do our event separately and accept donations for something like the local food bank.

I do shows for local charities all the time. It just feels right.

Quote from: ST on March 19, 2009, 11:32:06 AM
Hi DAVE

I can't promise to do the tie-in with benefit. There are a lot of moving pieces that would have to be fine tuned. (volunteers, stage setup, site setup).

But there's no reason we can't do our event separately and accept donations for something like the local food bank.

I do shows for local charities all the time. It just feels right.

ST,

If I can't make it this summer, I will be happy to donate to any charity event you might set up.

Hey ST (and all):

Of course I'd be happy to participate - please keep me posted.

And John and I have briefly discussed the idea of a more informal jam sometime soon. I think common musical interests are more important than whatever kind of guitars (or other instruments) we bring to it, but it's nice to have met this way...

Mike

I'd love to join in and jam with you guys.  I'd need to know the date ahead of time (maybe a few weeks notice) to schedule it in.  I really wish I could have gone over on Monday, but it's March break this week and the kids are home.  I'll definitely try and make it!

John

If there is a July jam session, I'm so looking forward to it and would do all I can to clear my schedule and join.

The fact that it's a fund raiser for cancer makes me even more motivated.

ST - you've got a nice collection of guitars. I really like your taste. Beautiful headstock of your Braz - 30th Anniversary Git.  Like WOW !!!

ricky

Man you guys are killin' me here.    I would dearly love to be a part of something like this.  I'll share a little secret with you folks.........   Until last Monday evening I'd never, ever played in a group jam at all.   Never been to an open mic nite anywhere and was pretty much a solo living room and garage player.
I guess there was something about the warm and friendly environment at Mike's place with you guys that let me come of of my shell a bit.  I realized that nobody was going to laugh or be critical and I genuinely had a great time.  Now, with just a bit of confidence gained from that experience I find myself craving more.   I'm sure that I won't be able to make this event coming up but please let me know if and when others may be planned.  I might like to give it another shot.   :tongue:

Tuffy -

Lets plan a bay area jam - once I get my Forum 3 -

Tad

You guys are killing me. Little does David know, I'm attempting to figure out a way to get back to Vancouver in July. :whistling:

Quote from: tadol on March 20, 2009, 10:22:33 AM
Tuffy -

Lets plan a bay area jam - once I get my Forum 3 -

Tad

Tad

That would be great !  I'm sure I could attend something in your area.   I'm in Woodland so I'm not that far away.  This time we've got to record the thing.   I'll bring my Zoom H2 so with that and your Edirol we should be able to capture some tunes.    Keep me posted on your thoughts re: date and time.
Lynn

Bay area jam?  How about a Piedmont jam?

Bluesman67

Hey, come on out West Joseph.   I'd love to sit and play with you for a while.   Have any trips planned out this way ?

Hi Mike,

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on March 20, 2009, 01:13:32 AM
Hey ST (and all):

Of course I'd be happy to participate - please keep me posted.

And John and I have briefly discussed the idea of a more informal jam sometime soon. I think common musical interests are more important than whatever kind of guitars (or other instruments) we bring to it, but it's nice to have met this way...

Mike

It totally agree - common interests are more important than the kinds of guitars we play. It *was* nice to have met this way.  So here are some of the common interests I detected.

Love of acoustic oriented music.
The sound of great Guitars.
Sharing both with others.
An open appreciation of what each of us brought to the room.

Quote from: ST on March 20, 2009, 12:00:07 PM
Hi Mike,

It totally agree - common interests are more important than the kinds of guitars we play. It *was* nice to have met this way.  So here are some of the common interests I detected.

Love of acoustic oriented music.
The sound of great Guitars.
Sharing both with others.
An open appreciation of what each of us brought to the room.

Nicely said ST
danny

Yo Tuff-Guy,

Okay just kidding...

Quote from: tuffythepug on March 20, 2009, 03:21:03 AM
Man you guys are killin' me here.    I would dearly love to be a part of something like this.  I'll share a little secret with you folks.........   Until last Monday evening I'd never, ever played in a group jam at all.   Never been to an open mic nite anywhere and was pretty much a solo living room and garage player.
I guess there was something about the warm and friendly environment at Mike's place with you guys that let me come of of my shell a bit.  I realized that nobody was going to laugh or be critical and I genuinely had a great time.  Now, with just a bit of confidence gained from that experience I find myself craving more.   I'm sure that I won't be able to make this event coming up but please let me know if and when others may be planned.  I might like to give it another shot.   :tongue:

I can't remember how you put it (early in the evening at Mike's) but it was something like "who here is a pro?"

DaveG was beside me and he said, "nobody ever raises their hand for that one". (That's what I remember anyway).

So after a bunch of general disclaimers it turned out that most folks in the room did not make a habit of playing out. This was before everyone had arrived so I don't know about everybody.

A little history
A few years ago I was down at the Yale* talking with a fellow about organizing an event there.  It was daytime, and early; no patrons just yet.  As we walked around the place seemed tiny. My memories from years before, were that it was huge. Like so many other people in town, I've played that stage more than a few times. The walk from the audience to the stage seemed like a mile.

Decades ago in Toronto there was an after hours coffee house event. It happened at a big pizza joint on Bloor near Bedford. It seems to me that the doors closed for regular business, and quietly reopened for the music a few minutes later. Lots of working musicians would drop by there after their regular gigs. Again, the place seemed gigantic. It felt as though it took an eternity to walk from one's place in the audience up to one's place on the stage. There was never a more appreciative audience though.

Back to the Future
Lynn, after your question in Mike's livingroom, I got the germ of an idea. The idea to create a warm supportive atmosphere full up with friends and family and other players (friends too) with a stage, good gear and all that - and just do a show where everyone who wanted could make that leap to the stage.

I know it's a long way to Vancouver - but know this - you'd be welcome.


* The Yale is a fixture in town - Blues, R&B. You'd never believe who's played there.

Quote
Lets plan a bay area jam - once I get my Forum 3 -

Quote
Bay area jam?  How about a Piedmont jam?

Bay area? Piedmont? Winnipeg is the closest city to a geographical center of the North American Continent -- Winnipeg Jam !
:beer
cheers,
andrew

     Yea, but everyone knows that Austin is the "live music capital" of the world :whistling:
danny

Hear here for Austin!

Norman

Quote from: dependan on March 20, 2009, 01:36:19 PM
     Yea, but everyone knows that Austin is the "live music capital" of the world :whistling:
danny

:bowdown:

But Oxnard is the center of the universe (JCL is here).

:humour:

Quote from: PortHueneme on March 20, 2009, 06:18:03 PM
:bowdown:

But Oxnard is the center of the universe (JCL is here).

:humour:

I thought Toronto was the centre of thew universe... right lyric girl?   :whistling: :whistling: :tongue: :tongue: :bgrin:

Quote from: johnny37 on March 20, 2009, 07:38:40 PM
I thought Toronto was the centre of thew universe... right lyric girl?   :whistling: :whistling: :tongue: :tongue: :bgrin:

John,

I never said that! I only work there...remember???  :humour:

Joseph, I'm in for a jam in the Piedmont, or the Sandhills. I can probably get MEP2, who's a regular on the lefty forum (and with whom I recently traded Larrivees). Do you have the forum guitar?

As a preliminary to the real jam(s) being discussed, I'm wondering if a virtual jam is feasible these days. Can Skype or some other program support a "conference call jam" or would there be to much transmission delay to allow folks to play along together?
Just a thought.
Al

Quote from: ARK on March 21, 2009, 12:48:19 AM
As a preliminary to the real jam(s) being discussed, I'm wondering if a virtual jam is feasible these days. Can Skype or some other program support a "conference call jam" or would there be to much transmission delay to allow folks to play along together?
Just a thought.
Al

I tried the beta of this

http://www.ejamming.com/

and it was interesting.

Haven't signed on for the full product though. Been too busy with local music.

The EJamming looks like a cool idea.  Of course I am always ready to travel a bit (by car anyway) for a jam.

I will have to try the beta and see how it works.

Matt

Now that i have a few min ( i have been sucked into the black hole that is work this week) i'll weigh in on the jam... after the tour disolved i went to North Van to pick up a guitar or two for righties.... when i arrived there was more leftie guitars than righties in the room.. but i helped balance that out a bit....

Mike was a wonderful host, i had to pass on Chongquing takeaway tho <sob>

It was a very supportive vibe, fostered by the expereinced players open and supportive attuide, allowing the rest of us duffers to be in a safe place.. they all rok!

Lynn, Ricky and Danny were in the spotlight with their brand new f3's, ST providing tasty fills, and smiles everywhere ;-)

I played Ricky's (his is pretty much what i would have ordered), and loved the set-up, it felt open, alive.. sweet as can be.. i could not overdrive the top - going as hard as i would ever play a guitar.. still clear, but for me the best was played quietly.. this guitar likes a light touch, and responds with sweetness.

And i played Danny's as well... i took his to a small room in Mike's house by myself and although i am "rosewood ears" guy this one has some real strengths.. esp in the high end.. and again this guitar would not buzz, played like butter, headroom beyond anywhere i would be taking it too... i would have ordered this one second ( after i had a rosewood one with a cutaway in hand)

Sorry to have missed Jim & Megan, was still on a guitar run then....

good fun! good times!

and thanks for the invite!

d.

Us righties really appreciated the reiforcments, Dermot. I'm not used to sitting in a room surrounded by guitars that I can't play. Now I know how the lefties feel  :smile:. Thanks a lot for letting me use your Webber. It's great to see someone who is so generous with such nice guitars to a total stranger. It was a pleasure meeting you.

Dave

Quote from: dermot on March 22, 2009, 01:21:48 PM
Now that i have a few min ( i have been sucked into the black hole that is work this week) i'll weigh in on the jam... after the tour disolved i went to North Van to pick up a guitar or two for righties.... when i arrived there was more leftie guitars than righties in the room.. but i helped balance that out a bit....

Mike was a wonderful host, i had to pass on Chongquing takeaway tho <sob>

It was a very supportive vibe, fostered by the expereinced players open and supportive attuide, allowing the rest of us duffers to be in a safe place.. they all rok!

Lynn, Ricky and Danny were in the spotlight with their brand new f3's, ST providing tasty fills, and smiles everywhere ;-)

I played Ricky's (his is pretty much what i would have ordered), and loved the set-up, it felt open, alive.. sweet as can be.. i could not overdrive the top - going as hard as i would ever play a guitar.. still clear, but for me the best was played quietly.. this guitar likes a light touch, and responds with sweetness.

And i played Danny's as well... i took his to a small room in Mike's house by myself and although i am "rosewood ears" guy this one has some real strengths.. esp in the high end.. and again this guitar would not buzz, played like butter, headroom beyond anywhere i would be taking it too... i would have ordered this one second ( after i had a rosewood one with a cutaway in hand)

Sorry to have missed Jim & Megan, was still on a guitar run then....

good fun! good times!

and thanks for the invite!

d.

d.   Thanks for your comments about my LSV-03R. I was wondering what your impression was - I am very poor in describing sound.

I was telling Lynda (lyric_girl) tonight that for the first time, I heard what the mahogany sound was like - when I tried your Martin dread hog. I could hear the note separation and it wasn't as ringy & no overlapping of tones like I hear in rosewood - is that an accurate description? I also played a slope dread and your Weber.  You have a fine collection of guitars!

After hearing Danny's IS/hog, I sure want one now.   But then, I wouldn't know what to do with two FG IIIs - play the snot out of both of them, I guess.

Then sell the rest of my guitars.

ricky

QuoteI heard what the mahogany sound was like - when I tried your Martin dread hog. I could hear the note separation and it wasn't as ringy & no overlapping of tones like I hear in rosewood

yea... a great discription

It's hard to beat an old Martin D18 for seperation & clairity... if that guitar was human it would be getting it's old age pension, and after putting up with me for the last thirty five years and a banjo picking grasser for it's first twenty five, it would truly deserve it...

Your FIII is on the far end of that scale ;-)

And i love them both!

d.

Hi Everybody,

Here's the latest.

Two Events - May and July
I am thinking of two events. One would probably be in May and the other in late July. I understand the several of the people who have chimed in so far may not be able to get back here so soon (May) but may be able to get here for July. The May event would be smaller, perhaps more casual, maybe even a warm-up for some to prepare for July.


Venue
Location: White Rock - near Crescent Beach

Day of the Week:  Friday or Saturday
- My preference here would likely be a Saturday so that I have more time to set up the room and to give people who are driving a little more time to get there.

Refreshments: Bring your own - it would be nice if you brought an appetizer tray or pot luck dish to share.

Provided
Sound System, microphones, stage, lighting, chairs, kitchen area for food preparation.

Needed
Instrument: Bring your own instrument. If you have an instrument with a built-in pickup that makes things a lot simpler.

Audience: This is a big part of making this work. Bring some family, friends, fans, supporters. If everybody does this then we can make this into a really nice house concert.


Let's talk May

Okay folks - Let's talk availability for May. Anybody have any preferences with respect to Friday or Saturday?

Any dates that will NOT work for you?

Any other details that or thoughts?

I'm planning on calling John Jr. at Larrivée on Monday.

So cool ST.  For me, I'd love to do it.  The only dates that do not work for me are the 2nd and 30th.  The rest are open. Bring it on!

work for me is totaly up in the air... so any day sounds good.... caveat is that i may be working far away by them... or at home... just don't know ;-)

d.

I have a regular gig Saturday nights starting next week and continuing indefinitely, so my preference would be for a Friday, although there's no guarantee that would work either.

Victoria Day weekend and the following, May 22-24 are out for me as I'll be out of town.

Thanks for your efforts in trying to organize this, ST.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on March 28, 2009, 11:46:26 PM
I have a regular gig Saturday nights starting next week and continuing indefinitely, ..
✂ ✂ ✂

Playing someplace I could come by and see you? Just to be supportive is all...

Just picked up my C10 at Larrivée  - Ed did a wonderful job undoing the effects of my poor concept of humidification on the frets.

Spoke with John Jr. He can post a notice for everyone there. So as soon as we have a date (he had no preference) we can invite them.

So let's see: So we  have
NO to May 2 (Johnny)
NO to Victoria Day weekend May 16 - 18 (Mike)
NO to May 22-24 (Mike)
NO to May 30 (Johnny)

So how about Friday May 29th?

7:00-8:00 - Arrive, visit, munchies
8:15 'til whenever - Music:  We can probably easily accommodate half a dozen sets and still head home lookin' human.

Quote from: ST on March 29, 2009, 12:06:17 AM
Hi Mike,

Playing someplace I could come by and see you? Just to be supportive is all...

The regular Saturday night gig is with a salsa band called BC Salsa, it's at the Blue Reef in Surrey, 9526 120th St.(Scott Road)& 96th Ave., the place is located right in the corner of Scott Town Plaza mall next to Buy Rite Foods. There's lots of free parking. Not sure what the cover charge is as we're just starting this weekend!

I'm playing alto sax in that band, I play tenor and soprano in others and if you want to send me your email address by p.m. I can put you on my list for occasional gig announcements. And if you do anything similiar I'd be happy to know where and when you're playing.

Cheers, Mike

How does May 29th look people for the first event?

Quote

Two Events - May and July
I am thinking of two events. One would probably be in May and the other in late July. I understand the several of the people who have chimed in so far may not be able to get back here so soon (May) but may be able to get here for July. The May event would be smaller, perhaps more casual, maybe even a warm-up for some to prepare for July.


Venue
Location: White Rock - near Crescent Beach

Day of the Week:  Friday or Saturday
- My preference here would likely be a Saturday so that I have more time to set up the room and to give people who are driving a little more time to get there.

Refreshments: Bring your own - it would be nice if you brought an appetizer tray or pot luck dish to share.

Provided
Sound System, microphones, stage, lighting, chairs, kitchen area for food preparation.

Needed
Instrument: Bring your own instrument. If you have an instrument with a built-in pickup that makes things a lot simpler.

Audience: This is a big part of making this work. Bring some family, friends, fans, supporters. If everybody does this then we can make this into a really nice house concert.

I think that would probably work fine for me.  Keep us posted ST, and great job getting this together.

May 29 should be fine for me - I'll mark it on my calendar.

Meanwhile, there's a good chance John and I will get together much sooner than that for something a little less formalized, and others are welcome too of course.

Cheers, Mike

Friends in Vancouver,

I hope I can find a "business excuse" to be in Vancouver on May 29.  My wife, Beth can always call a business meeting; and I'm her driver - so maybe.

Please keep us posted.  Are people from Seattle coming Matt & Dave?

ricky

Quote from: rpm60912 on April 06, 2009, 02:01:56 AMAre people from Seattle coming Matt & Dave?

I can't speak for Matt, but I'm not sure yet if I can make this or not. Since this is happening in the evening it makes it tough to drive up and back in one day, so I would probably have to stay over night which is more of a commitment. I will have to see how things go closer to the time.

Dave

I'll be hosting a casual jam this Friday, April 17 - any Vancouver-area forum members are welcome, 7:30 pm onwards, please p.m. for further details...

Mike

I'll be there.  ST, can you make it?  Had  blast last time, and you really added to the room.  Dermot?  See you all Friday.

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on April 14, 2009, 01:41:50 AM
I'll be hosting a casual jam this Friday, April 17 - any Vancouver-area forum members are welcome, 7:30 pm onwards, please p.m. for further details...

Mike

Hey Mike !    I'll be there in spirit.   Have a great time.  Wish I could join you and get the three lefties together again.     :cheers

T

Quote from: tuffythepug on April 14, 2009, 10:45:58 AM

Hey Mike !    I'll be there in spirit.   Have a great time.  Wish I could join you and get the three lefties together again.     :cheers

T

I'm sure it will happen sometime. We'll miss you, as well as having to face the potential danger of being outnumbered by righties.

Mike

yup, i think i can, i think i can.... work is a bit crazy this week, but but but....


d.

Gees, this is the lost thread for me, I kind of forgot about it, such cool ideas here.

I would be up for a Piedmont area jam, I could host a Saturday afternoon at my house if there's interest.  Leftync you can ask mep2.  There's a couple other Forumites in the area.  Dotneck lives a couple miles from me!  We could actually have 4 lefties here for that!  Figuring out a day that works will be the hardest part.  My weekends are booked until sometime in June at best, but a Friday evening could also work and there's more of those available between now and June.  I would love to have a Piedmont jam that's more regional and make it a destination for the weekend but the timing for something like that would work better later in the year for me.  I'm thinking Asheville or Memphis would be fun.   I will copy this message to the start of another thread so anyone that's interested can respond there and this thread intended for Vancouver won't get sidetracked!

Working on getting there.

Just clearing the decks.

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on April 14, 2009, 01:41:50 AM
I'll be hosting a casual jam this Friday, April 17 - any Vancouver-area forum members are welcome, 7:30 pm onwards, please p.m. for further details...

Mike

It's 7:26 on Friday evening, and i am still working.... no end in sight..... kinda frustrating... but beats not working....

d.

Well Dermot, I just got home from Southpaw's place.  Great time, and I arrived back home at 2:30 AM.  Yes, in the morning.  What a blast.

Dermot,

I am happy and sorry to say...

You missed a great time at Mike's (Vancouver Southpaw) place tonight.

Met some great people, caught up with old acquaintances, lots of great tunes. Got to play some really neat instruments. 

Hey Mike!

Thank you so much for inviting me.

5:10 am and i'm shutting down for what remains of the night.....  there's a saying in the film biz.. "sleep is for beginers".... kinda true some days....

Glad someone was having a great time..... i do enjoy what i do for the most part, but once in a while when deadlines and producer's expactations conflict i end up in the middle of it all....

this city is very pretty at 5 am.....

d.

Mike, John, and ST,

Glad you had a good time last night.  Sure wish I could have been there.   Don't know when I'll be able to make it back to your fair city but I hope to do so some day.   I'm sure there were at least two Forum IIIs getting a workout.   How did they sound in the mix with all the other great guitars on hand ?
ST, I'd love to hear you play again.   Did anyone record some of the tunes ?  I was sittin' at home playin' by myself but my mind was in Vancouver at Mike's place.

Once again - Thanks go out to Mike (Vancouver Southpaw) for opening his home for this great evening.

Lynn (Tuffy),

I didn't see that anyone was recording, although there were a few comments that we may not have actually sounded 'at our best' last time a recorder was running in that room.

My hands are in rough shape today. I guess I got there about 7:45 and left about five hours later. That's a lot of play-time for me - especially without an amplifier to do the heavy lifting. Because I all my playing out is done amplified, I rehearse that way too. It is pretty rare that I play straight acoustic (unplugged) and that's when just sittin' at home entertaining the cats. Playing solos with  two, sometimes three or four people strumming is a real workout for the hands. But it's not as though I was playing all night that way. I try to pick my parts. But my hands don't completely get that after a certain point, working harder doesn't get any louder when playing acoustic.

I'd say the Forum III's more than held their own in the room last night. I was pleasantly surprised out how much volume was coming out of them. Mike's (Vancouver Southpaw) mahogany is a real beauty.

Dermot, I know the rigours or work, hurry up and wait, and the occasional bout of hours of boredom followed by moments of sheer terror. Missed you last night. But I get it. Work is work and you gotta make hay while the sun shines - even if it's while burning the midnight oil.

Quote from: dermot on April 18, 2009, 08:13:57 AM
5:10 am and i'm shutting down for what remains of the night.....  there's a saying in the film biz.. "sleep is for beginers".... kinda true some days....

Glad someone was having a great time..... i do enjoy what i do for the most part, but once in a while when deadlines and producer's expactations conflict i end up in the middle of it all....

this city is very pretty at 5 am.....

d.

Quote from: ST on April 18, 2009, 06:12:36 AM
Dermot,

I am happy and sorry to say...

You missed a great time at Mike's (Vancouver Southpaw) place tonight.

Met some great people, caught up with old acquaintances, lots of great tunes. Got to play some really neat instruments. 

Hey Mike!

Thank you so much for inviting me.

You're quite welcome....any time. I'd been fighting a vicious cold the last coupla days but was determined not to cancel, so glad it worked out for everyone. Feeling the effects of the late night today, but as the saying goes, ya gotta seize the fish.

Nice mix of people and playing styles in the room, and it was great to hear my F-III played by John, first time someone else has had a go on it.

Looking forward to the next one...Mike

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on April 18, 2009, 04:06:02 PM

Looking forward to the next one...Mike

:+1:  And next time I'll give the mahogany F3 a little more time in my lap.  That's one real nice sounding guitar, and it is quite noticeably different sounding than my IS/RW.  Great mix of people there, nice to meet some new people, and introduce someone new to the crowd too.  We really enjoyed ourselves, thanks again mike for opening your home to us all.  ST, great to see you again.  I really enjoy hearing you play, and hearing what you are working on now.  Who knew, sax is pretty cool with a room full of guitars. :bgrin:   

Quote from: johnny37 on April 19, 2009, 02:51:18 AM
:+1:  And next time I'll give the mahogany F3 a little more time in my lap.  That's one real nice sounding guitar, and it is quite noticeably different sounding than my IS/RW.  Great mix of people there, nice to meet some new people, and introduce someone new to the crowd too.  We really enjoyed ourselves, thanks again mike for opening your home to us all.  ST, great to see you again.  I really enjoy hearing you play, and hearing what you are working on now.  Who knew, sax is pretty cool with a room full of guitars. :bgrin:   

I enjoy playing the sax but prefer to avoid the violins.  :laughin:

Mike

Quote from: tuffythepug on April 18, 2009, 11:45:20 AM
Mike, John, and ST,

Glad you had a good time last night.  Sure wish I could have been there.   Don't know when I'll be able to make it back to your fair city but I hope to do so some day.   I'm sure there were at least two Forum IIIs getting a workout.   How did they sound in the mix with all the other great guitars on hand ?
ST, I'd love to hear you play again.   Did anyone record some of the tunes ?  I was sittin' at home playin' by myself but my mind was in Vancouver at Mike's place.

What? A get together just this past Saturday and I missed it? Serves me right for having been away for too long.

I sure hope I get to be there for the next git-together --- if only, to listen... okay, to ham it up with the rest.

Mike, thanks for hosting - you're a fine one!   BTW, I lost track of when you'll be in Edmonton.  I know you already gave me some info - that it's such a short window of time.  We gotta do the Satay Soup at Thanh Thanh Noodle House by The Brick.

Okay... ST and friends --- please keep organizing these!  Hope Lynn and others and I will be in Vancouver for one.

ricky

Just reminder about the house concert  event on Friday May 29th.

Date: Friday May 29th
Location: Crescent Beach (White Rock/Surrey)

Meet and Greet:  Soft start 7:00
Event Start: 8:00

Food and Drink
Refreshments: Bring your own - it would be nice if you brought an appetizer tray or pot luck dish to share.

Provided
Sound System, microphones, stage, lighting, chairs, kitchen area for light food preparation.

Needed
Instrument: Bring your own instrument. If you have an instrument with a built-in pickup that makes things a lot simpler.
Microphone: If you have a preferred vocal microphone - please bring it.

Audience
This is a big part of making this work. Bring some family, friends, fans, supporters. If everybody does this then we can make this into a really nice house concert.


Can we talk?
Do you want to do some workshop topics? Do you have anything you'd like to bring to the table?
e.g. Preparing to play live / Working Solo / Working in an Ensemble / Vocal Techniques / Guitar Techniques / anything interest you here? / any suggestions?



Recording
Do you have any thoughts on recording? Do you have an easy way to do that?


Please post here if you are planning to come and please send me a private message with contact info so we can work out logistics for who is on stage as the night progresses.

   ST, I'm not going to make it. We are going out of town for a week right before this. Thanks for the PM last week.

Hey!, what about us Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans?   :nana_guitar :nana_guitar
cheers
fongie

ST, it looks like I'll be there.  I'm kind of nervous about it, never having really "played out"in front of an audience of people I don't know.  Or an audience, period.  I think I'm looking forward to it though.  PM on its way to you.

Quote from: johnny37 on May 03, 2009, 10:52:38 PM
ST, it looks like I'll be there.  I'm kind of nervous about it, never having really "played out"in front of an audience of people I don't know.  Or an audience, period.  I think I'm looking forward to it though.  PM on its way to you.

Johny, you were so relaxed and playing your heart out at Mike's place. I would think this will be something that you will have a lot of fun with. I really would like to be there too. But I'm heading too many places in the next two months as is.

Hi John.

Quote from: johnny37 on May 03, 2009, 10:52:38 PM
ST, it looks like I'll be there.  I'm kind of nervous about it, never having really "played out"in front of an audience of people I don't know.  Or an audience, period.  I think I'm looking forward to it though.  PM on its way to you.

Great news.

I'll reply in detail to your questions-probably in the morning.  Out having too much fun tonight!

John, I'm shocked. From the way you played at Mike's place, I thought you were a seasoned pro. I'm sure you will thrill the audiece. :smile:

Hi Johnny37,

Thanks for your great questions. With your permission I am quoting your message to me with responses below for everyone's sake. 

Quote from: johnny37 on May 03, 2009, 11:05:58 PM
Hi ST
Looks like I'll be there.  None of my instruments are electric, they're all straight acoustic, so I guess they'll need to be mic'd. 

Okay John, I can work with that.

Quote

A couple of points I'm curious about...

Great Questions.

Quote

1. How long of a set is expected/usual for a performer?  For me, I'm thinking maybe 15 to 25 minutes at the outside. (3 to 5 songs, max).  Too short/ too long?

Sounds about right.
Depending on how many people are performing, we may have to tweak this a bit. I hoping we can give everyone at least 15 minutes. That translates into about 3 acts per hour including turnover time and breaks.

Quote

2.  Are "cheat sheets" acceptable?  Not because I don't know the song, but more as a "backup", maybe off to the side.

Completely okay. I'm hoping that whatever  performers do in this regard will allow their audience an unobstructed view.

Quote

    3.  Never really having played to an audience I don't know, do you have any advice or anything that I could work on, other than the material I'm going to play, that can make things better for not only myself, but also the audience? 

This is a wonderful question and I'll probably start a new discussion for this (link coming). That way we can all get involved in this extremely valuable thinking.

Edit: New discussion Prep for Vancouver House Concert - tips for performers? (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26764.0)

Quote

Your workshop topics such as solo prep, live play prep, and guitar techniques definitely pique my interest.

Are there any topics on which you would like to lead a discussion?

Quote
[...]

I've got audience members coming too, so I think I can do my part to help this come along nicely. 

Thanks John. I'm sure that you're going to be a big part of the success for the evening.

this is great.. i have not played out since the early 80's, have never played out even close to sober, have never played out solo, have never played out with an acoustic....  so my comfort level is being challanged with this.. and that is really good.. it's how i grow...

i have maybe 15 min max of stuff that is presentable.. maybe 12 min....

I'm the one listening and learning....

Thanks ST!

d.

Quote from: dermot on May 04, 2009, 11:38:55 PM
this is great.. i have not played out since the early 80's, have never played out even close to sober, have never played out solo, have never played out with an acoustic....  so my comfort level is being challanged with this.. and that is really good.. it's how i grow...

d.

Ditto for me. I've played out lots as a saxophonist, sometimes sober, sometimes not heh heh, but only once ever which involved attempting to sing and play the guitar. (Dermot: That was a gig at Beans on Lonsdale in North Van when the guitar player from my tango duo called in sick! I actually made it through two sets without driving out the few customers. Some quote about naivete must be applicable here.)

See you all on the 29th....

Mike

On the previous page John asked...

QuoteOriginally posted by Johnny37:
Never really having played to an audience I don't know, do you have any advice or anything that I could work on, other than the material I'm going to play, that can make things better for not only myself, but also the audience? 

I've started a new discussion for this:

Prep for Vancouver House Concert - tips for performers? (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26764.0)

Hey ST thanks for the PM,

I am still seeing how my schedule will look on the 29th, and also figuring out how to get there, so I can't commit yet but it does sound it will be a blast. 

Hi thectrain,

If getting there (transportation) is an issue, please let us know where you are. Maybe we can find room for you in a car.

Quote from: thectrain on May 05, 2009, 12:42:36 PM
Hey ST thanks for the PM,

I am still seeing how my schedule will look on the 29th, and also figuring out how to get there, so I can't commit yet but it does sound it will be a blast. 

Wish I could join y'all.  I visited Vancouver a few years ago, great city (toured the Larrivee plant, too).  Unfortunately on the wrong coast now

Dave

Hey Dave,

Sorry you can't join us. How much notice would you need to get here for another occasion?

And at least from this standpoint - there are no wrong coasts, just 'other one.

Quote from: RoundLakeDT on May 05, 2009, 01:57:18 PM
Wish I could join y'all.  I visited Vancouver a few years ago, great city (toured the Larrivee plant, too).  Unfortunately on the wrong coast now

Dave

Camera, Video, Audio

Just a thought...

Anybody got an easy way to catch some pictures, video or audio?

Quote from: fongie on April 28, 2009, 08:12:44 PM
Hey!, what about us Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans?   :nana_guitar :nana_guitar
cheers
fongie

Guys & Gals, your ignorin' this post.....
cheers
fongie

Fongie, all you kiwis, aussies and South Africans are no doubt more than  :welcome:
As for the audio/video still pics, I think that some of the "audience " that is accompanying me to the get together will be taking at least some pics.  I will then link to them on Photobucket here.

Quote from: johnny37 on May 07, 2009, 01:18:43 AM
Fongie, all you kiwis, aussies and South Africans are no doubt more than  :welcome:
As for the audio/video still pics, I think that some of the "audience " that is accompanying me to the get together will be taking at least some pics.  I will then link to them on Photobucket here.

That will be awesome, thanks johnny
cheers
fongie

EDIT - Here is the Latest list of Attendees (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26061.msg246228#msg246228)
and
The current run-down on all the details (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26061.msg244947#msg244947)





Just FYI

We are expecting a few folks from off-forum.  Local Larrivée players all.

• One of my best buds who does the coolest acoustic version of Sunshine of Love you will ever hear (if I can talk him into it)
  Will be accompanied by Simone on some songs
• One of my regular duo partners - Lawrence
• A super clean picker who is a regular at several venues in White Rock / South Surrey - Dennis
• A great singer/songwriter with a voice that will blow you away - Gord

This is what I've got so far - did I miss anybody?


planning to be there

dermot
johnny37 (John)
Alice (John's co-worker)
Vancouver Southpaw (Mike)


working on it

photomat (Matt) (maybe DaveG will come too? - regrets below)

rpm60912 (Ricky) - regrets by pm

thectrain (local - working on logistics)


Donations for the Food Bank
There is NO cost for admission, but I will have a big box by the door for donations to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (http://www.foodbank.bc.ca).

dermot is handling this: If I get my act together I'll head down to their office and pick up some donation envelopes (if you donate more than $20 they'll send you a receipt).

The Food Bank office is at 1150 Raymur in Vancouver (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1150+raymur+vancouver+bc&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=47.167389,59.501953&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=A). (not far from Larrivée). Anybody fly by there on a regular basis? If you do, you could save me a trip and see Susan there. She can give you a bunch of envelopes.

I'm past there just about every day, i'll stop in on my way home this aft.

Sorry to say that I'm going to have to miss this one. I just can't get away from work right now. Hope you all have a great time.  Post lots of pictures.

Dave

Thanks Dermot!

Quote from: dermot on May 07, 2009, 03:37:16 PM
I'm past there just about every day, i'll stop in on my way home this aft.

Really appreciate this!

ST;

and even better - it looks like i will be in a studio in White Rock on Tuesday afternoon... hand off then perhaps?

Sounds good so far ST.  Missing from the lineup is a co worker for mine who wants to play also.  Female, been in bands and singing for years.  Would there be room?

Quote from: ST on May 06, 2009, 05:04:58 PM
Hey Dave, Sorry you can't join us. How much notice would you need to get here for another occasion?

Depends how things go... I'm not traveling much these days due to, oh I dunno maybe the economy   :arrow
Too bad, but if it looks like I'm getting over that way, I'll let you guys know.  Great to hear about "Larry clusters" around the world!

Dave

Sounds great John,

Quote from: johnny37 on May 07, 2009, 07:32:27 PM
Sounds good so far ST.  Missing from the lineup is a co worker for mine who wants to play also.  Female, been in bands and singing for years.  Would there be room?

She'll be playing with a Larrivée right? (that's okay either way) there's room on the dance card.

With all that experience do you think she'd be open to talking about stage experience?

Thanks again dermot.

I sent you a Personal Message with details.

Quote from: dermot on May 07, 2009, 05:22:02 PM
ST;

and even better - it looks like i will be in a studio in White Rock on Tuesday afternoon... hand off then perhaps?

Hey John,

Quote from: johnny37 on May 07, 2009, 07:32:27 PM
Sounds good so far ST.  Missing from the lineup is a co worker for mine who wants to play also.  Female, been in bands and singing for years.  Would there be room?

What is your co-worker's first name?
I'll add her to the list.

Quote from: ST on May 08, 2009, 12:47:17 PM
Sounds great John,

She'll be playing with a Larrivée right? (that's okay either way) there's room on the dance card.

With all that experience do you think she'd be open to talking about stage experience?

My co workers first name is Alice, and I don't think she'd have any problem talking about stage experience.  She's got a fair bit of it.  Playing a Larrivee??  Well, she hasn't got one (not that she wouldn't happily take one, thats for sure).  Not that it matters, I think.  The music is the important part.  Thanks again, ST.
     John

Hi John,

Alice is on the list now.

Anybody else out there?

I can't remember who else is in the local Larrivée  clan.

Here's the latest summary for the May 29th event (Friday).

Just reminder about the house concert  event on Friday May 29th.

Date: Friday May 29th
Location: Crescent Beach (White Rock/Surrey) - Please send me a Private Message with your contact info - I'll send you the details

Meet and Greet:  Soft start 7:00
Event Start: 8:00

Food and Drink
Refreshments: Bring your own - it would be nice if you brought an appetizer tray or pot luck dish to share.

Provided
Sound System, microphones, stage, lighting, chairs, kitchen area for light food preparation.

Needed
Instrument: Bring your own instrument. If you have an instrument with a built-in pickup that makes things a lot simpler.
Microphone: If you have a preferred vocal microphone - please bring it.

Audience
This is a big part of making this work. Bring some family, friends, fans, supporters. If everybody does this then we can make this into a really nice house concert.

Donations for the Food Bank
There is NO cost for admission, but I will have a big box by the door for donations to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (http://www.foodbank.bc.ca). We will have official donation envelopes (if you donate more than $20 they'll send you a receipt).


Can we talk?
Do you want to do some workshop topics? Do you have anything you'd like to bring to the table?
e.g. Preparing to play live / Working Solo / Working in an Ensemble / Vocal Techniques / Guitar Techniques / anything interest you here? / any suggestions?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long of a set is expected/usual for a performer?  For me, I'm thinking maybe 15 to 25 minutes at the outside. (3 to 5 songs, max).  Too short/ too long?
  
  Sounds about right.
  Depending on how many people are performing, we may have to tweak this a bit. I hoping we can give everyone at least 15 minutes. That translates into about 3 acts per hour including turnover time and breaks. Have a song or two as a back up for an encore or in case someone else does a song that you had intended to do.
  
  
• Are "cheat sheets" acceptable?  Not because I don't know the song, but more as a "backup", maybe off to the side.
  
  Completely okay. I'm hoping that whatever  performers do in this regard will allow their audience an unobstructed view.
  
  
• Never really having played to an audience I don't know, do you have any advice or anything that I could work on, other than the material I'm going to play, that can make things better for not only myself, but also the audience? 
  
  This is a wonderful question. Please see: Prep for Vancouver House Concert - tips for performers? (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26764.0)
  
  

Source: John's Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26061.msg243103#msg243103)

Recording
Do you have any thoughts on recording? Do you have an easy way to do that?


Please post here if you are planning to come and please send me a private message with contact info so we can work out logistics for who is on stage as the night progresses.

Who is Coming?
Latest list of Attendees (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26061.msg246228#msg246228)

Hi Everybody,

I have sent real emails to everyone (local). If you have not received yours please send me a private message here with your email address.

Thanks!

Latest on who is coming.

This is what I've got so far - did I miss anybody?


planning to be there

dermot
johnny37 (John)
Alice (John's co-worker)
Vancouver Southpaw (Mike)
kinnez (coming in from Surrey)

working on it

photomat (Matt)
thectrain (local - working on logistics)

Sam & Steve (friends of friends)

I have sent an invitation to the John @ Larrivée and everyone at the Vancouver factory. Haven't heard back from them yet. I'll follow up on that today.



Local Larrivée players from off-Forum.

• One of my best buds (Paul) who does the coolest acoustic version of Sunshine of Love you will ever hear (if I can talk him into it)
  Will be accompanied by Simone on some songs. I'm not sure what model he is playing - I think today it would be a C10. He's also got an original L series from the earliest days.
• One of my regular duo partners - Lawrence  (D03 with B-Band)
• A super clean picker who is a regular at several venues in White Rock / South Surrey - Dennis (a very pretty L - not sure what model)
• A great singer/songwriter with a voice that will blow you away - Gord. He and Dyhan have a pair of L09s from the early 90s

From what I can tell so far, there will be plenty of guests too.


If you are coming and haven't sent me an RSVP to my regular email to you - please send me a private message here.

Tick tock - 48 hours to go.

Have heard from lots of folks who are planning to come.

Just got back from the store. We've got plates and cutlery and napkins and cups and coffee and creamer and all that stuff.

The lights are going up tomorrow night, and I'll be setting up the stage.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Anyone needing details... Please send me a private message or check my profile and send me an email.

Thanks!

One last reminder folks.

I heard from just about everybody and it sounds like it will be a blast.

Drat! You're a week early for me. I will be in Vancouver/Whistler next weekend...

Hi Ronmac,

That is a shame. But maybe we can connect.
Any chance you are bringing that
40th anniversary JCL

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=26338.0

My eyes are tired this morning - is there a pickup in that?

If so, it might make a fitting companion to my 30th anniversary c10 bz.

I'm serious - we should talk.

I hadn't planned on bringing a guitar, as I am traveling with a group on a whirlwind schedule. I am hoping to get some down time on Sunday or Monday in Vancouver.

I visited the Vancouver plant during the time your 30th Anniversary model was being built, so it would be fun to see it again.

   "Break a leg Y'all" ;-)

Ron, are you flying direct? Five hours from Toronto was almost too much for me and you're another 2+ hours east. Ouch.

I have a stop over in Toronto...

Long haul flights have become much more bearable since the introduction of laptops. I always have a project or two that I can work on editing and rough mixing. It's also a great time to do some E house cleaning, batch vst effects, configure digital mixer scenes for upcoming festivals.

Or I can watch Comedy Central for a few hours.... :tongue:

Hi Danny,

Thanks for the well wishes.


I hope the other guys will chime in with their impressions too. But here's a quick note about it. (I'm still recovering).
7:00 Lights, stage, seating, coffee brewing, implements of food consumption at the ready.
8:00 People started showing up. Food on the table
9:00 The room is filling up and there's plenty of fun conversation.

9:15 or so the house lights go down the first act hits the stage.

Non-stop action with everyone doing three songs or so - ten different performers in twelve combinations we wrapped up the music at about 1:30. The only breaks were a couple minutes here and there as we set people up with microphones and plugged in guitars.

We collected some food and money for the Food Bank, played a lot of great tunes (by my rough estimate - probably more than 35 tunes, on 10 Larrivées), saw and heard a Larrivée made in 1978, had some food and drink, met some new folks, and basically had a ball.

Whew.

The one goof up all night - I had grabbed the wrong guitar case on my way there. So I had a Morgan instead of a Larrivée for my set. I deservedly took some heat for that.


To all who made it out - thank you!

To everyone else - I wish you could have been there.

Many thanks to ST for organizing a classy event - there was even a small stage, lights and a PA - in a beautiful living room larger than my house, lots of talented folks performed and a good time was had by all!

Mike

A couple of pictures from the event last night.  Great work ST for organizing this.  I'd happily do it again.  The room is a great size for this, the PA system was fantastic, and even though neither of my Larrivee's are "pluggable" (yet), the mic work was excellent.  Having NEVER done this type of thing before, I was pleasantly surprised.  I enjoyed myself immensely, met some very cool people and a more supportive crowd could not have been asked for.   I would do it again in a heartbeat, especially now knowing that failure is not an option.  Everyone there were extremely supportive, and for those of us with F3's, mine came through with flying colors against some very nice Larrivee guitars, including a D03.  I wouldn't trade my F3 for a dread in my mind.  Larrivee guitar porn was all over the room.  Anyway, thanks again ST, and for those that didn't make it out, I highly recommend the effort be made to be there next time, even if you just want to listen.  Without further ado, here are a couple of pics from last night.
Myself (johnny37) playing my C19
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/johnny37/DSC_1344.jpg)

Mike (vancouver southpaw) on his OMV
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/johnny37/DSC_1361.jpg)

Sounds like a great time. Sorry I had to miss it. Maybe next time.

Dave

        Very nice, sure would like to have made it myself. Good job ST.

Can we get some MP3s posted from all this? Sounds like great fun - Wish I could have been there -

Tad

Quote from: tadol on May 30, 2009, 09:38:28 PM
Can we get some MP3s posted from all this? Sounds like great fun - Wish I could have been there -

Tad

I don't think there was any audio recording. Just as well, so no-one can hear me forgetting the words to "Kumbaya."

Just kidding - that hardly ever happens.

Actually, my little set went:

Sunken Waltz (Calexico)
Vision (Peter Hammill)
I'm Waiting For My Man (Velvet Underground)

....had a couple more planned but everyone seemed to be doing three soooo...

Mike

ST,

Great job! Keep organizing more events like this.  I only wish I could be there.  I agree with Tad, it would be great if we could

actually here some of the (recorded?) performances.

ricky

Hi Tad,

Sorry - I didn't get any recordings of the tunes. Maybe someone else did.

Congratulations ST. Sounds like it was a great event.

Hi Mike,

What is the name of the Tom Waits tune you sang later in the evening?

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on May 30, 2009, 11:20:22 PM
I don't think there was any audio recording. Just as well, so no-one can hear me forgetting the words to "Kumbaya."

Just kidding - that hardly ever happens.

Actually, my little set went:

Sunken Waltz (Calexico)
Vision (Peter Hammill)
I'm Waiting For My Man (Velvet Underground)

....had a couple more planned but everyone seemed to be doing three soooo...

Mike

Hi John,

You did a great job on the stage. If you hadn't mentioned that this was your time out, I don't think anyone would have suspected.

Quote from: johnny37 on May 30, 2009, 07:04:42 PM
A couple of pictures from the event last night.  Great work ST for organizing this.  I'd happily do it again.  The room is a great size for this, the PA system was fantastic, and even though neither of my Larrivee's are "pluggable" (yet), the mic work was excellent. ...

For the record...

Left side of the stage as viewed from the audience (and the gear you were using)
Vocal microphone:  Beyerdynamic M88 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M88TG/)
Guitar microphone: AKG C451 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C451B/) (used for Guitars and Bouzouki)
Mixer/Preamp/Effects: Bose T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/accessories/l1_tonematch_acc.jsp)
PA: Bose L1® Model I* with two B1 bass modules (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1/l1_model1_doublebass_pkg.jsp)

The other side of the stage:
Vocal Microphone: AKG C535EB (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C535EB)
Guitar microphone: not required - we used Guitars with pickups on this side of the stage
Mixer/Preamp/Effects: Bose T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/accessories/l1_tonematch_acc.jsp)
PA: Bose L1® Model I* with one B1 bass modules (http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1/l1_model1_single_pkg.jsp)

* actually we were using Bose L1® Classics the functionally equivalent predecessor to the Model I.

What you heard were standard L1® Presets and some EQ. No effects were applied (e.g. no reverb, delay, chorus, compression).

Quote from: ST on May 31, 2009, 04:14:01 PM
Hi Mike,

What is the name of the Tom Waits tune you sang later in the evening?

Jockey Full of Bourbon

Mike

Close up of the stage with everything on it while I was still setting up. We cleared things away depending on who was performing and what was required.

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1cqOcsDI/AAAAAAAAATk/EdhhgkBE5-Y/s720/IMG_1554.JPG)

Another shot of the stage area before I cleaned things up, and long before people arrived.

No one played drums, but we were ready in case someone wanted to.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1djsBZEI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/th5tcNFMY00/s800/IMG_1555.JPG)

A view from the stage.

All rev'd up - where were the people?

On their way at that point.

We had folding chairs for set up theatre style that you can see in the foreground, but at the back of the room there were couches and recliners for those who were so inclined. I think we had seating set up for 30 but we have had 140 in this room for other events. 

At the back left you can barely see the kitchen area. People brought and shared a nice collection of salads, cheeses, vegetables, breads, dips,  and warm hors d'oeuvres.

It was warm for Vancouver so when the people showed up we opened the french doors at the back of the room. This led out to the patio area. The sound from the stage naturally wafted outside and people were able to dance like faeries in the night.

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1bhA_KUI/AAAAAAAAAJw/F3Bfjo4O640/s800/IMG_1553.JPG)

A look from the side.
Here are  a couple of folks just waiting for things to get rolling.

The red light toward the back is a reflection off a motorcyle tail-light. There is a story about why there is a motorcyle in the room. I just don't remember it.

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS2OsD2-KI/AAAAAAAAARA/LttR8EPR2_I/s800/IMG_1621.JPG)

A little later in the evening. A view from the back right corner of the room.

Nice vibe eh?

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS13puKa-I/AAAAAAAAANc/tzwIeN3hw0I/s800/IMG_1584.JPG)

Excellent job ST - looks like a great location for that kind of event, and the effort you put into making it comfortable for all is apparent.

But no recorder?   :?   Woulda made a good set of youtube vids - maybe next time -

Tad

Hi Lynda,

Quote from: lyric_girl on May 31, 2009, 01:54:35 PM
Congratulations ST. Sounds like it was a great event.

Thanks for the congrats - but really - that goes to all the folks who came out and played.

We had a ball. I'm just working on getting permission to post some more photos of the performers and then you guys can get a bit of the way the evening felt.

On reflection - 10 people performing in 13 combinations in 4 hours - that's a lot of fun in a very short time. Almost everybody did 3 songs and it felt as though we would have enjoyed more from any of them.

Next time we'll have to do it on a Saturday so we can start earlier and go for a more leisurely pace I think.

You coming out to the coast any time soon?

Here is another picture of Mike (Vancouver Southpaw).

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1zdLx2OI/AAAAAAAAAM4/I2SAGdkBOII/s640/IMG_1578-1.JPG)

  Heh Mike is a bit photogenic. In a folk/rock kinda way.
              Did Dermot do a set?

Quote from: dependan on June 01, 2009, 06:22:57 PM
  Heh Mike is a bit photogenic. In a folk/rock kinda way.
              Did Dermot do a set?

Uh, thanks, I think. Never knew you felt that way, Danny.

Just wait until I learn to use the part of the guitar with the frets, you know, the whatchamacallit thingy.

No, Dermot didn't play...

Mike

Here is another shot of John, (Johnny37) and his gorgeous C19.

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiPDS2SSyuI/AAAAAAAAAD8/gPY45-XitDI/IMG_1575.JPG)

That's a great piccie of John!!!!!

Total pro on stage he is...

It was a wonderful evening, Eva and i headed out from the North Shore, got a bit lost, arrived just in time for the first person, we had such a good time ;-)

Great people, wonderful music, the good vibes were everwhere... an evening like this makes everyone's life so much sweeter

Hats off to ST for the energy spent, it's truly appreacated!

d.

Quote from: ST on June 01, 2009, 02:31:37 PM
Hi Lynda,

You coming out to the coast any time soon?

ST, Unfortunately not likely this year. Sigh. I REALLY want to...

Another shot of John with his Forum III

This one shows the microphones.
Vocal - Beyerdynamic M88
Guitar - AKG C451 (aim slightly up toward the neck between the upper frets and the sound hole).  John was pretty consistent with the position of the guitar relative to the microphone. I thought this worked out well.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1vy0cmUI/AAAAAAAAAMY/ptmZ96cSM4E/s512/IMG_1574.JPG)

ST, all your pictures are the wrong way round  :whistling:

Looks like an awesome event, and a lot of hard work to make it work.   :thumbsup

   ST, you really pulled off a special time here. I really missed out on this one.

Johnny's C19 and Forum III

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1xogx77I/AAAAAAAAASU/pdjZ82dm0m4/s512/IMG_1576.JPG)

Catch the wild reflection on the C19 of the Forum III binding.

Hi BenF,

Quote from: BenF on June 02, 2009, 09:12:48 AM
ST, all your pictures are the wrong way round  :whistling:

Looks like an awesome event, and a lot of hard work to make it work.   :thumbsup

Vancouver is on what some folks call, "the left coast". Does that explain it?

Psychedelia!

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1_5A5Q8I/AAAAAAAAAOw/qD9C-ph9YNA/s512/IMG_1600.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS1-p95EmI/AAAAAAAAAR0/bJEYO1AHaQA/s512/IMG_1599.JPG)

Breakdown

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS2CtvvhqI/AAAAAAAAAPE/8XD9-NhSjJk/s720/IMG_1603.JPG)

Bouzouki Breakdown

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS2FMDwdbI/AAAAAAAAAPk/sxBzbj2HH4k/s512/IMG_1609.JPG)

This is the area where we placed the guitar cases.  I lightened the picture so you could get a sense of the space. Yes, that is a motorcycle, coin-operated baseball game, piano, christmas tree, and a red chair. I don't know why any of that is in there - except for the piano.



(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS8lDcOmUI/AAAAAAAAAJo/bRzhiF4QwJ0/s720/IMG_1568.JPG)

The red chair took on a life of its own moving about from place to place throughout the evening.

This is Dennis, a local performer who is always picking and singing somewhere in the neighbourhood. He is one of the cleanest players I've ever heard. He's in the same space as above, just getting ready to hit the stage.

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hwlpyFwfgA0/SiS17VO5uRI/AAAAAAAAARk/rEgnq0FCT0o/s800/IMG_1589.JPG)