MonroeStock: RESCHEDULED / Request for Input ....

[Rick Crider]

G'afternoon Troops ....

Based on potential scheduling conflicts for invited vendors, input received here as well as PM's and a couple of emails, we've decided to reschedule MonroeStock VII for this coming spring. The exact date will be announced once scouting for an appropriate location and available time slots has been accomplished.

Meanwhile, in an effort to keep MonroeStock very much a 'participants' event, I encourage you to submit your ideas for change and improvement here.

Your input is vital the continued success of MonroeStock .... please review and consider the following aspects .... and submit your thoughts:

*Spring time - vs - previous fall scheduling

*Time slot allocation: Saturday morning till late evening

*Importance of local, regional and national vendor participation

*Importance of featured guest performances

*Quality of hotel and evening dinner arrangements

Thanks, folks, for the years of support and participation ... and, thanks, in advance, for any input that will assist in keeping MonroeStock a thriving event for all acoustic guitar enthusiasts .....

Rick Crider

[stratokatsu]

Any time in the spring is fine with me as long as it doesn't coincide with the Passover holidays. My work load goes up then.

My grandkids birthdays are the end of February and the end of March. A trip to Raleigh to see them and going to MS would work very nicely.

[preston]

Mid-month is easier on those of us who whose work load increases at the end of the month for a variety of reasons . . . .

[sharkydude50]

I couldn't make the middle of May. It's my 5 year anniversary at work, and I have to be here then.

[cocobolo_guy]

Rick, I know have to`s are have to`s and things happen. I am almost all for whatever is decided. I like the October date as is. With several years of coming I know to mark my calendar and have for several years. Unless a late/mid to end of spring date is set the potenial of bad weather (ice) is almost a given at any time. Disappointed but I understand. Bobby

[Rejoice Music]

The changing leaves of autumn were a big bonus for me when I was able to come in '03. Still have fond memories of the beautiful Carolinas as well as Monroestock. However, whichever time of year the most AGFers could come would surely be the best time for this event! :)

[Forensicguy]

Hey, maybe I can actually make this event now! :)

Keep in mind that Taylor Guitars is planning on doing something at the factory at the end of winter / early spring as well... but they haven't decided on a date yet either. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[LindaW]

I don't have a preference but I'm gong to do my best to make it. Spring is infinitely better for me than fall.

Would LOVE vendor participation

[deltoid]

Spring will work for me.
Vendor participation isn't that important to me. The important thing is for people to have a place to gather and talk and have a good time. I think that a less structured event might be better in some ways. I think last years event had an excellent location.

[tbondo]

We love the fall date, just not this year.......spring is OK for this year's event, that way we get to attend, but not around Easter......

*Spring time - vs - previous fall scheduling -- fall is preferred

*Time slot allocation: Saturday morning till late evening -- works fine for us

*Importance of local, regional and national vendor participation -- it's more about friends for us....and the Holloway's are our friends

*Importance of featured guest performances -- open mic plus some performers is good...not more that 1/2 hour set unless you get Doc or Tommy E.

*Quality of hotel and evening dinner arrangements -- it's all been good so far....

Got to admit I was happy to see this announcement, we (selfishly) didn't want to miss it!

[Joe F]

*Importance of featured guest performances -- open mic plus some performers is good...not more that 1/2 hour set unless you get Doc or Tommy E.


With the varying tastes in music gathered together I'll agree with that! The opening instrumentalist was very good last year. After about 40 minutes when he said "I only have 5 more songs" however, I was definitely past ready for something different. :D

[Chicago Sandy]

Having participated as a feature last year, I would have gladly cut my set to half an hour if it meant more people could have gotten a chance to strut their stuff in the open mic. (40-minute sets without vocals began to get tedious, no matter how brilliant the picker). There were people I wish I could have heard. October was lovely, but so will spring be (as long as it's not Passover or Easter). I loved the setting, the Holloways' gracious hospitality, Rick's terrific organization, the hotel, the restaurant, and the jams as well. I'd also welcome more casual schmooze time during the day at the shop--vendor participation other than Mr. Holloway is, IMHO, not really necessary. All in all, it's the PEOPLE who make Monroestock what it is!

[Col. D Mortimer]

Having participated as a feature last year, I would have gladly cut my set to half an hour if it meant more people could have gotten a chance to strut their stuff in the open mic. (40-minute sets without vocals began to get tedious, no matter how brilliant the picker). There were people I wish I could have heard.


Well that certainly is disappointing to learn. Having not been there for the last couple of years, I had no idea that the open mic session had degenerated into a "Look at me... look at me!" self-love fest. Anyone who is so enamored with their own talent that they would continue for 40 minutes at an open mic while others are waiting for a chance to participate should be ashamed of themselves. Self-discipline and concern for the feelings of others is a fading trait.

And what does that say about the ones conducting the show? Have they no will to exercise tact... even forced tact? Perhaps it's time to revive the old Chuck Barris hook... (from the Gong show for all of you newbies)

All in all, it's the PEOPLE who make Monroestock what it is!

Absolutely.... well said.

I visited Marion two weeks ago, and we talked about the upcoming event. One of the things that he looked forward to was the open mic session. He remarked that the whole event was fun, and that he was glad to sponsor it, but in particular that he as well as all of those attending "loved" the open mic session.

But if the needs of the many to have an opportunity become superseded by the desires of the few to self-promote.... open mic could become a source of disappointment... even resentment.

Mortimer

[Joe F]

Well that certainly is disappointing to learn. Having not been there for the last couple of years, I had no idea that the open mic session had degenerated into a "Look at me... look at me!" self-love fest. Anyone who is so enamored with their own talent that they would continue for 40 minutes at an open mic while others are waiting for a chance to participate should be ashamed of themselves. Self-discipline and concern for the feelings of others is a fading trait.


Actually the Open Mic'ers did keep it relatively short and moving along. I think Sandy is referencing some of the guest performers. At least that's the way I remember it. I know people have a wide variety of tastes, but for me personally, watching one person hunched over a guitar playing instrumentally with no vocals for an hour straight wore a little thin regardless of the incredible skill level displayed. I'm sure there were some there that could have watched and listened to this for hours. I personally could have watched Allen (Pistolero) flatpick for hours, but I know there are others who aren't into this style of music too.

When I go to a concert of a particular artist, it is because I have chosen a genre of music I love and want to hear as much of them as I can. When I am watching/listening to music that is not my preference, about 30 minutes is my tolerance level before I start getting fidgety. Still it's hard to complain at all because overall the variety of talent and hospitality displayed is incredible.

Sandy, I will say that your performance was VERY entertaining and you could have gone on longer and not heard a complaint from me! I hope to hear "Dead Animals and Leaves" again sometime. :D

[JJFIELDS]

Monroefest has always been the third weekend in October, and that just happens to be my wife's birthday. So, I've never even been able to entertain the idea of going. Maybe now I can!


Jeff

[deltoid]

The open mic is actually my favorite part of the gathering too. I love listening to the different styles and abilities. The Holloway crew has always done a splendid job of getting the sound right; not an easy thing to do. Two or three songs per person is optimal, of course that depends on how many people want to participate. I think it went very well last year.

[J. R. Baker]

I could not be at this year's event as the date conflicted with a major Cub Scout outing that my son, and his troop needed me for.

Be well all,

[Chicago Sandy]

Actually the Open Mic'ers did keep it relatively short and moving along. I think Sandy is referencing some of the guest performers. At least that's the way I remember it. I know people have a wide variety of tastes, but for me personally, watching one person hunched over a guitar playing instrumentally with no vocals for an hour straight wore a little thin regardless of the incredible skill level displayed. I'm sure there were some there that could have watched and listened to this for hours. I personally could have watched Allen (Pistolero) flatpick for hours, but I know there are others who aren't into this style of music too.

When I go to a concert of a particular artist, it is because I have chosen a genre of music I love and want to hear as much of them as I can. When I am watching/listening to music that is not my preference, about 30 minutes is my tolerance level before I start getting fidgety. Still it's hard to complain at all because overall the variety of talent and hospitality displayed is incredible.

Sandy, I will say that your performance was VERY entertaining and you could have gone on longer and not heard a complaint from me! I hope to hear "Dead Animals and Leaves" again sometime. :D
Thanks, Joe. Col. M., I don't know if the only performances at Monroestock "back in the day" were open mics. Since last year was my first Monroestock, I don't know if it was the first to have "featured performers." A number of us had 40-minute sets interspersed among the open mic performers (and my set was supposed to have been my duo SASS! but my partner had broken her ankle and wasn't yet cleared for air travel), rather than as an uninterrupted block of us, to avoid listener "ear fatigue" and keep the audience fresh and entertained. Had I been an open miker, no way would I have hogged the stage for 40 minutes--nor would anyone else; I didn't see a shepherd's crook or butterfly net (or, for that matter, Sandman Sims) nearby but I have no doubt that any open miker taking more than 10 or 15 minutes would have been given a discreet prod by the emcee to wrap it up. And if I get an open mic set this spring, rest assured I will be a good Scout and not go over my allotted time!

[levifly]

My schedule was not going to allow me to come this year so the change is good for me. I really enjoy the open mic more than the invited guest entertainers. I also think that representatives from manufacturers were informative and the goodies they brought were a bonus. I think spring will be fine but schedule will dictate. Easter is a no go. My thanks to all who make Monroestock possible, especially the Holloways and Rick Crider Mike

[wthurman]

I've sent my comments previously to Rick C, but I would rather hear three open mic songs to several guest performers. In fact, one guest is fine in my book, because it's more fun to me to hear what more people are doing. I think the Col. misjudged what was being said... but most of us (in my experience) dont come to learn things as they do to find out who these rascals at the AGF really are, although a nice session of someone's approach is really good, too... I just didn't need more than one guest last year. For that, I think it would have to be a bigger multi-site full-blown festival, and what I missed last year was a real place to hang with friends and laugh and talk, and sometimes play.

Anyway, spring works for me. Easter would be problematic for most, but I'm good for most any time.

[Chicago Sandy]

I'm also for three-song open mic sets with one virtuoso featured performer doing 30-45 min. (Paging Liz, Liz Roth, please pick up the white courtesy phone.....)

[tbondo]

I, for one, am overjoyed that a spring setting this time round means I get to attend....and echoing several folks, I enjoy the informal hotel stuff just as much as the planned events (last Fall, Sunday morning, in the hotel with Tad and Wade and Lisa and Jim and everyone I've forgotten was priceless, even better that having Allen Shadd open for you!).....I think three songs is perfect for an open mic setting, but two works if time is an issue.....just throw out the yawner and play the killers

and if we're going with one guest (I like that idea), I'd vote for Phyllis Tannerfrye (NC native)....she is a guitarist/singer/songwriter and I don't know which of the three she is better at...she kicks butt in all three lanes, plus she's a bit quirky and will fit right in...met her at Swannanoa, and bought her CDs (she was a student, not an instructor).

[Cakes]

Spring should work for me. As for open mic, the three song minimum (sometimes) isn't enforced as the evening wears on (at the Bistro, for example). I think it should be maintained.

I vote for less structure, perhaps one guest performer, and more time to mingle or jam. The catch 22 of doing this is that Holloways puts on a true community event - for two communities. You have the AGF crowd and the locals who aren't necessarily the same crowd. While the AGF wants to hang out with each other, some of the locals might be looking for the structure. Just me speculating.

Regardless, I've always had a great time and hope to attend. Mid march is bad for me, but don't plan around me.

Thanks to Rick and the Holloway's.

John