The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Meet & Greet: Northern California/Nevada '08 Roundup (8/2 & 3)

Northern California/Nevada '08 Roundup (8/2 & 3)

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- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 12, 2008 10:11 p.m. Ric12string:
Okay fellers, it's time for us to get serious about this. We have less than two months left before we get together.

Here are some preliminary issues to address:
1. Can I please ask for two volunteers to help with logistics and planning? We have a great deal to cover within a fairly brief time and I, who probably live almost the furthest from Sonoma, don't have sufficient time to do it solo. Thanks.
2. Parabar, can you e-mail me your telephone number so that you and I can talk about some things? Thanks.
3. If you are a bass player, or are bringing a bass player, please make your presence known. I am sure there are many of us who play bass who can rotate in and out so that one person doesn't have to play bass the entire time, unless they want to.
4. Same thing with keyboardist. Do we have anyone that is a keyboard player? Or are you bringing one?
5. Does anyone have a band that they would like to bring and perform, just to kind of mix things up a bit? If so, let me know.
6. Okay, how would you like to approach the music list issue? My thought is that some of the time should be unstructured so that, if someone wants to get up and do a song that is not on a list, they can still have the freedom to do so. On the other hand, having a list will offer some structure so that it doesn't turn into an all-out jamfest. It will also allow those for whom improvisation does not come easily to prepare a bit in advance.
While the experience of each Roundup will be different, we can learn a little bit from last weekend's Nashville Roundup. It seems that most of those members wanted to play rock of one genre or another. I know that Dr. Gretsch is pretty versatile and others of you may prefer Chet style fingerpicking, etc. I think that we can probably accomodate most styles.

Let's have everyone initially submit three songs for which you have already ripped an .mp3 file. Then, individual members can contact you by e-mail to request that you forward them the .mp3 file for songs that they don't yet know.
1. I have some general ideas for this weekend that might make for a fun time, but I don't want to make this my weekend. Once we can get a couple of volunteers for planning, we can put our heads together and see what we can cook up. If you have any particular ideas that you think would make for a fun time, please make your suggestions known here as well.
So, those who will be attending this Roundup, please report in with the above information so that we can start in on getting things planned.

I have obtained a promise from Mr. P to offer any thoughts on the things that worked well in Nashville and so hopefully we can make this a fun time for all of us "left coasters."
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 13, 2008 12:30 p.m. Ric12string:

Bump.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 15, 2008 10:28 a.m. Ric12string:

Bump.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 16, 2008 4:23 p.m. Ric12string:

One last final bump.

Then I will begin pulling my hair out, one strand at a time.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 17, 2008 4:42 p.m. Ric12string:

Come on, fellers, you don't want me to go bald, do ya?
- Rated: 25 ↑
Jun 17, 2008 6:32 p.m. Parabar:

Ric12string, I've e-mailed you my phone number. I myself am a keyboard player of some (ahem!) repute, so the keys will be covered, but I'd like to play some guitar as well, so if any other keyboardists want to play, just bring your fingers. Any drummers up for it? If not I can try to find one.

Re: song lists --- it would help to list what key you play each suggestion in, and a few copies of chord charts brought to the event might be a good thing too.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 17, 2008 11:46 p.m. Ric12string:

Any others that would be willing to spend a little bit of time talking offline about the event and planning some things for it?
- Rated: 71 ↑
Jun 18, 2008 12:38 a.m. bonedaddy:

I don't know any drummers, sadly. Well, maybe that's not so sad after all

I'm down for playing provided my wacky schedule permits. Ric12String, I pinged you back.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Jun 18, 2008 8:38 a.m. dubkitty:

I play bass and (rudimentary) keyboards as well as guitar. i'm planning on bringing my bass; per Parabar there is a bass amp on site.

if we're really pressed i may be able to get a drummer in through some friends who have a band up in Sebastopol, but it's iffy because i really don't know their drummer that well.

what about an acoustic segment? i'm as much an acoustic player as an electric one, and love nothing more in the world than singing harmony. for that, we could probably just hootenanny our way through w/o charts in a 1970 stylee.

and i think we definitely have to have a Neil Young set for Scott.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jun 18, 2008 9:31 a.m. Ric12string:

bonedaddy, I didn't receive any e-mail from you. Send me your contact info via e-mail.
- Rated: 25 ↑
Jul 1, 2008 12:27 p.m. Parabar:

Not much action on this post recently --- are y'all still up for it? August 2 or 3, Saturday or Sunday --- what's the consensus? I sure would like to see it happen, so let's firm up the plans. Send me an e-mail if you'd like to participate, and we can start working out the details.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 7, 2008 6:43 p.m. Ric12string:

Parabar, give me a call when you have a chance to discuss plans. I think that this is a definite "Go" and we just need to work out some of the details. I had been on vacation and am now back at it and will work intensively on making the details come about on this weekend. Give me a call when you can.
- Rated: 25 ↑
Jul 8, 2008 12:38 p.m. Parabar:

Ric12string and I had a very enjoyable and productive discussion last night on some of the logistics --- it looks like a go, and sounds like a fun time in the making! Hope to see some of you fine folks August 2 and 3 for the NorCal/Nevada RoundUp!
- Rated: 71 ↑
Jul 8, 2008 1:27 p.m. bonedaddy:

I spoke to Ric12string on the phone yesterday as well. I'm definitely up for it. All you guys and gals in the area, let's get this rolling. Besides, what could be bad about hanging out in Sonoma? The wine is as good as Napa's
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 8, 2008 6:19 p.m. Ric12string:

In some people's opinion, bonedaddy, it may be better! Talk to folks who favor the West Dry Creek Road Pinot Noirs!

I am currently talking to folks at a local hotel which Parabar referred me to to see about getting a rate. (1) Preliminarily, how many would want to get a hotel room for Saturday night? In talking with Parabar and bonedaddy, we had talked about the feasibility of having this be a two-day event, much like has been done at many of the other Roundups. We could probably bring things to a close in the afternoon on Sunday so that those of us who live in far-flung locales can make it home and be to work on Monday!

(2) Please let me know if you think that you would like to have more than one room, such as for children, etc.

I spoke to Proteus at some length about the Nashville Roundup to see what worked and what didn't work. He told me that one of the very strong positives of the event was having the opportunity to share meals. Thus, Parabar is looking into venues that could accommodate us for a Saturday night meal together.

(3) In order to give Parabar a sense as to the size of venue that we would need, please tell us how many would be in your party. For example, if you are bringing your spouse and two children, all of whom would be dining with us, let us know that.

(4) I kicked around a few ideas with Parabar and bonedaddy about how to make the weekend a fun time, but would love to hear your ideas or thoughts on that. If you want, you can drop me an e-mail and let me know what would make the weekend a fun time for you.

(5) As for music to play, I would recommend that we each select three songs that are likely to be known by most of us and that we compile a list from that. It would be helpful if you have an .mp3 file for each of those songs so that, if someone doesn't know the song, they can e-mail you with a request to be sent the .mp3 file. In that manner, everyone will have some sense as to what the song is about. This is not to say that there won't be time for just jamming with folks, but it will help if we have a core of songs and that we have all had a chance to familiarize ourselves with each of those songs. We have to remember that we are all at different levels of playing ability and that trying to create a common denominator will help to make the weekend a great time for all of us.

One thought that I had was to have a couple of people share from their knowledge and experience with us. I had really been hoping that DrGretsch, who is an instructor, would be able to attend because I am sure that he is a wealth of knowledge and experience, but it appears doubtful that he can attend due to some family commitments.

(6) Does anyone have any particular expertise in any area that you think would be appreciated by others? As an example, I recently attended a clinic put on by a music store about setting up a guitar. I could share the information that I gained at that clinic. Perhaps others of you have attended other clinics and could share those. Maybe you are a songwriter and you can share with us some of your original music and talk about how you approach songwriting, or what you do to break through a writer's block.

Maybe one of you is particularly knowledgeable about historical Gretsches and could talk about how the line has developed over the years.

I am just throwing out ideas, but you get the picture.

(7) We are short a drummer, but one person mentioned that he may have a line on a drummer (I think that it might have been Parabar). In case he can't find one, does anyone else have a drummer in their band that might like to attend? (You remember...drummers...those guys that like to hang out with musicians!)

One thing that I thought might also be fun is to have everyone bring several of their favorite guitars so that we could all get some hands-on experience with a variety of instruments. On the other hand, schlepping around a bunch of guitar cases may not be your idea of a fun time! (8) So let me know your level of interest on this. (By the way, Proteus told me that he took about a dozen guitars of his own to the Nashville Roundup, so he has certainly set the bar pretty high for the collectors among us.)

Okay, there is a lot to chew on, but let's get the dialogue started so that more planning can be done. If you are more comfortable in responding by e-mail, please feel free to do so. I think that most of you already have my e-mail address, but, if not, just use the GDP private message system and it will get to me.

[Please note the easy numbering system for your answers!!)
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 9, 2008 11:55 a.m. Ric12string:

I got a nice note this morning from DrGretsch who indicates that he is doing his best to alter his obligations so that he can also attend the Roundup. Thanks, DrG for making that happen!

EDIT: DrG has indicated that he will happily provide one of his clinics (he's a teacher, ya know!) on "Chord Melody Approaches and Improvisation Skill Development." This sounds like a winner to me. I have told him to have another one up his sleeve because I am sure that we are going to want to hear more from him.

Okay, fellers, I'm looking for your responses, either in this thread or by e-mail.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Jul 9, 2008 5:32 p.m. dubkitty:

1) quite likely, depending on the cost...this year has been pretty slim.

2) one room only.

3) just me and a flock of guitars.

4) e-mail to come.

5) "Cowgirl In The Sand" by Neil Young, "Watermelon Man" by Herbie Hancock (it's just an altered blues); "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by Jimi Hendrix.

6) i write, and can talk about that, but it would probably be more useful if there's more than one person, since work styles for songwriting vary so much.

7) that was me who may be able to get a drummer...i have friends who play in a band up in Sebastopol called Stony Point, and they know a fair number of folks up Petaluma/Sebastopol way. i don't know their drummer or their friends very well, though, so i don't have much pull here. if a potential drummer isn't interested in playing just for love, can we scrape up a collective donation for same? (this joke especially for Parabar: if he isn't interested in playing just for love, maybe we could at least get him to do "Silver and Gold")

8) i was figuring on bringing the whole kit 'n' kaboodle up, acoustics and all, on the theory that i never know what sound i'm going to want. not that i have a stellar collection, but if you're interested in recent Epiphone electrics, Blueridge acoustics, or home-assembled Fenders, i'm your guy. i'm hoping that someone has a White Falcon with Filtertrons they could bring, since i've been jonesing to have one in my hands ever since 4 Way Street came out.
- Rated: 5 ↑
Jul 9, 2008 9:51 p.m. FritzTheCat:

1)No room needed, I live close by. 3)2 people for dinner 4)as long as I get out of doing yardwork I'll be happy! 5)as strange as it may sound, I have never learned any songs. I mainly jam along with whatever is playing at the moment. I'm probably at my best doing some kind of blues, but I'll be happy playing along with anything. 6)Ha! I'm good at opening wine bottles. 8)I'd love to bring a couple different guitars, and maybe a couple amps. What I'm concerned about is there a secure place for storage? I don't think my gear will be very safe in the back of my pickup.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 10, 2008 12:18 a.m. Ric12string:

At Parabar's studio, I would think that we would be secure. If you are speaking of at dinner time, perhaps you could leave your gear at the studio and then return after dinner to retrieve it. This is something that we can talk about with Parabar.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 10, 2008 5:32 p.m. Ric12string:

I have just exchanged e-mails with The Norm today. He would very much like to attend our No. Cal/Nevada Roundup but he is needing an assist with tranportation to the event. I believe that Norm lives in Redwood City, so perhaps someone from the Peninsula or South Bay might have some room for him. He is quite willing to contribute to the cost of gas, etc. in getting to the Roundup. (This would reduce our carbon footprint and make our Roundup a green one!

For those of you who don't remember, Norm is a GDP'er with some longevity around here. He is a real Chet fan (in fact, maybe bonedaddy can give him a ride and Norm can explain to bonedaddy what all the fuss about Chet is ). Norm has rubbed shoulders with some of the Bay Area heavyweights in rock history and I am really looking forward to hearing some of the stories that I know he must have about those experiences.

So, if you think that you might be able to help Norm out with a lift, please post it here or drop him an e-mail.
- Rated: 25 ↑
Jul 10, 2008 5:57 p.m. Parabar:

Ric12string said:
This would reduce our carbon footprint and make our Roundup a green one!

Make that Cadillac Green --- or in the case of the more Rastafarically inclined perhaps Two-tone Annie Smoke Green?
- Rated: 41 ↑
Jul 11, 2008 4:39 p.m. dubkitty:

my financials are currently such that the combined gas/hotel/food costs may be beyond my means, though i want very much to come. Assuming that I am able to do the weekend, i'd be happy to drive Norm up and back. I drive a Volvo XC90, which should have plenty of room for two peoples' equipment.

i'll contact my friends about drummers tonight. is there any alternative back-up plan for a drummer, in case their circle of friends hasn't anyone who can do it? if we're absolutely desperate, i play drums, but not very well.

it struck me today that i could also talk about and demonstrate alternate tunings, which i've been into ever since Kottke's "Six and Twelve String Guitar" was a new release.
- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 11, 2008 4:48 p.m. Ric12string:

Not Yet, dubkitty. I think that Parabar was going to ask around a bit, if I remember correctly from my conversation with him.

dubkitty, you can contact Norm directly and work out those details.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Jul 11, 2008 5:21 p.m. dubkitty:

note also my post in "Miscellaneous Rumbles" re: Fred Gretsch and Joe Carducci doing an in-store event in San Jose, CA the Tuesday after our get-together...i wonder if we'll see them in Petaluma.
- Rated: 71 ↑
Jul 11, 2008 8:02 p.m. bonedaddy:

I emailed Joe and asked him if he could possibly attend. Hopefully since they'll be near the area within a day or so, they'll be able to come by.