Re: Subject: [Harp-L] Harmonica Conventions in General

[<jruss433@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Right you are, Elizabeth -

Frankly my dear, I don't give a Clark Gable who is there - I'm there to play 
(and sing if it will work) and learn from people like Jim Lohman, Smojoe, 
Chris, George and all the rest.  If an audience will come and listen, 
great - if they don't let them go to a show.

I am a member of SPAH to gain access to the resources that help me grow with 
the instrument (thinking preservation and advancement).  If I want to play 
just to play harmonica in front of a live audience, I can do that in 
Springfield and save the convention fees.  Hell, the people I play in front 
of in my little town actually applaud, but again, that's not what I sign on 
for.

As far as the inhospitable nature of this particular hotel, I agree.  Let 
'em book a Monk's convention in our place - then we'll see what happens to 
their freakin' bar revenue!!!

Mark Russillo
a.k.a. The Rhode Island Kid

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <EGS1217@xxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 4:58 PM
Subject: Subject: [Harp-L] Harmonica Conventions in General


> Smo-Joe writes (Majorly snipped):
>
> "Personally, I see the jazz jam going belly up. I am used to
> playing in a club/bar/rest where there are windows, the atmosphere  is
> a vacation, carnival, sojourner, atmosphere and everyone is  there to
> have a good time. The lighting is subtle and there is a  lot of 'eye
> candy' to look at, maybe a view of the waterfront,  etc. The whole
> mood is very very different than what we're  experiencing in these
> windowless, brightly lit, walltex covered  boxes. I can't see how that
> can be cured.
> Let's face it guys, people just don't want to listen to  jass
> any more. If you're getting less than 28 listeners. what's  the point?"
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> .....Well, if anyone has a  right to comment (or be spoiled), it'd be
> you....with a very unique  perspective on conventions...and with as many 
> as you've
> attended, we get a  real inside peek into the past.
>
> Great post, with much food for thought....I don't drink much at all,  but 
> I
> do resent the attitude towards those who enjoy more than the  occasional
> libation....$8.00+ for a tiny shot of Courvoisier was just a  bit too
> much....luckily for me I water it down and make it last for  hours.
>
> I'll only argue with you on your point about Jazz....hey if 28 people  are
> willing to be there and listen to YOU play....as well as the other  great 
> jazz
> guys, accept it and enjoy it.  It's worth it.....   I've seen Jason Ricci 
> & New
> Blood play to an almost empty room...and  put on just as vibrant a show as
> they would to a full house...
>
> .....so how is someone like me ever going to learn to play jazz on my 
> chrom
> if you guys close up shop due to low attendance?  Come on,  cheer up. 
> We'll
> all work on it...and make next year's Buckeye and  then SPAH the best Jazz
> jam/showcase ever....even if I have to do it  purely as an audience 
> participant.
>
> I have a feeling Mr. Singer has something up his sleeve as well...so 
> let's
> not quit yet.
>
> Elizabeth
>
>
>
>
>
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