RE: conventions

["John Hall" <john@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.


Thanks Buzz, for encouraging folks to share their opinions regarding
which performers they'd like to see at the conventions.  I'm glad that
there are people running both Buckeye and SPAH that care about the
wishes of attendees, and that they haven't forgotten that without the
attendees, they have no convention.  My number one influence on who I
hire for the Bean Blossom Blues Fest is the opinions of my attendees -
they are the ones paying the bills - and maybe that's why the Bean has
grown to be such a success (this past Bean brought in 7,000 attendees).
I send out email and call on my attendees to give me their suggestions
each year.  I'm carefully watching this thread as well, and I'm learning
and taking notes.

Remember SPAH and Buckeye organizers, sometimes when you're standing too
close to the fire you can't see through the smoke and flames - an
outside perspective is a beautiful thing!  As harmonica players we need
SPAH and Buckeye - and we need them to be well attended.  Everyone on
this list needs to feel empowered with the knowledge that their opinion
counts, and then everyone who shares their opinion needs to be sure and
support the conventions by registering/attending.  Everyone knows that
suggestions are just that - suggestions; organizers have to make the
final decisions based on a ton of variables to which we're not all
privy, but it sure is refreshing when somebody acts like they care about
how we want our registration dollars spent. 

 

My votes for performers would be Jason Ricci (let him bring his band and
work 'em like borrowed mules - they're great!), P T Gazell (whatever you
want him to do, whether solo or band, I'm sure you'll be happy with his
performance - having P T would be like finding a precious diamond ring
that you lost 25 years ago), and Harper (he's from the land down under,
but he'll be in the states during SPAH time).  All 3 of these acts would
be new faces at the conventions.  All 3 have styles that are drastically
different from not only each other, but from any previous convention
performers.  Now, chromatic players are a whole new subject.  It seems
like we always see the same faces in the chromatic world.  I think one
challenge that both conventions face is that of not getting into a rut -
fresh is good - it opens doors for growth in new directions, but I
wouldn't even know where to begin if you're trying to have someone fresh
and new in chromatics.  Now matter who you decide on, in the end, we're
coming because of the fellowship, but thanks Buzz for making us feel
like we matter!

 

Everyone who attends and supports SPAH and Buckeye should know that your
"unauthorized wish list" is very important.  If you think Paul Davies,
Doug Tate and Jack Ely and other concerned parties weren't watching this
thread like a hawk, think again!  They read, they listen, that's why
they're successful.

Your friend,

John Hall
Harp Depot
The Bean Blossom Blues Fest
September 10 - 12, 2004
Tel: (317) 861-9444
Fax: (317) 861-9484
www.harpdepot.com 



Unless SPAH or Buckeye specifically asks attendees who and how to book,
this endeavor is best left as an unauthorized "wish list" posting.

The best conventions (harmonica or otherwise) are shaped by strong
internal artistic decisions and visions. Once you open the "booking"
door to attendees, you run into"too many chiefs and not enough indians"
and also possible hard feelings when suggestions are not followed. 

Until you go through the process of booking and running a convention
yourself, you can't know everything that is involved - from money issues
to personality concerns.

The Iceman