Central Oklahoma AGF Gathering II - 10 Oct 2009

[riorider]

Hey one and all! I've settled on a date. I know I said I'd try to pick a couple of dates and see what works - but after an enjoyable visit today with Mike & Gary Greenfield at the Greenfield Vineyard, this date fits their fall schedule the best.

Gary is interested in smoking up some special meats - not decided what that will be. But you can bet it will be good.

Here's the details:

Where: Greenfield Vineyard and Winery (http://www.greenfieldvineyard.com/), Chandler, Oklahoma

When: 10 Oct 2009, 6p-10p

What: A Gathering of acoustic guitar enthusiasts. We'll have an opmic*, and ask that anyone interested in playing put together one or two 3 song sets. During your set you are most welcome to talk about the guitar, your playing history, or anything else that inspires your music, or that makes us laugh. (!!)

Comestibles and imbibables: We'll have what I would call "heavy hors d'oevres" -- smoked meat, cheese, bread. Wine will be available, and they also have a nice selection of domestic beers. I'll bring some soft drinks as well.

I'm hosting, and picking up the tab on the food and venue, so there is no cost to attend. The wine and beer will be via cash bar. If you like wine I think you'll enjoy tasting some of their wines.

We will try to come up with a worthwhile charity to collect for (and no, not the "riorider new guitar fund"!). (If anyone has a favorite let me know. Last year we collected for the Dan Fogelberg Prostate Cancer campaign.)

There is limited housing in the area, but some nice places. You can find these online:

Tatanka Ranch (http://www.thetatankaranch.com/) (about 3 miles from the vineyard) - individual cabins available, with/without meals. This is a corporate retreat center but is open to the public. It does fill up fast, so if you are interested contact them very soon.

Lost Creek Bed & Breakfast (http://www.lostcreektown.com/) (about 1/2 mile from the vineyard) - I've had friends who really enjoyed staying at this romantic individual cabin B&B.

There are two motels in Chandler - the Lincoln Inn and the EconoLodge. Both are very near decent restaurants, although my favorite is "B's Restaurant" which is in the EconoLodge. Best steaks in Oklahoma is what they advertise, and imho they are correct.

A bit further from the vineyard, there are great places to stay in surrounding areas - Shawnee, Edmond, Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Stroud, Tulsa. I'll help with suggestions as much as I can.

Any and all guitars and levels of playing are welcome. We do intend on a "PG" level of entertainment. Religious songs are welcome, but we'll leave the preaching to Sunday morning and lifestyle evangelism. (If, by the way, anyone would like to attend church in the area Sunday morning I can get you information on available churches as well. At least 3 of us who I know are attending play in worship bands fairly close by and would welcome you.)

I would like to get a count reasonably soon - just so I know how much food and drink to make preparations for. Hopefully by nailing the date down now more will be able to get this on their schedules!

The Greenfield Vineyard and winery is a beautiful location, and has plenty of room for groups small to large. In fact, if you arrive early I encourage you to spend some time relaxing at the winery before 6p that evening! Gary or Mike will be glad to give you a vineyard and winery tour.

Let me know if you have any questions. Email is best at riorider@earthlink.net.

Here is a link (http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123128) to the first gathering we had in October 2008.

See you soon!

Phil
*changed to prevent google searches from outside the forum...

[riorider]

You might have (correctly) assumed that this was already arranged, but I have confirmed with Greenfields that Saturday, 10 October, is reserved for us.

If this is a particularly bad day, and you could make the 31st of October much more easily, AND if you could commit, I do have some room to change this. But only for another week or so. So far I have one semi-commitment, and would like some feedback on "maybe" "sorry" "not interested" "definitely" etc.

PMs, email, or post to this thread. I can guarantee a fun time.

Some of you pros and top performers - and luthiers - I'd love to have you as well as the amateurs. We won't tape any pros, and you will be able to offer your CDs. I'd still like to keep the "opmic" format with 3-song sets, even from the pros. We'll space you between the amateurs to make the most contrast, or we'll feature you either at the beginning and end or in the middle - however best it works out!

And if anyone's coming through on a house concert tour, we'll see if we can arrange something -- maybe a separate house concert on the Friday night would be of interest? I can check with Greenfield's and act as (non-paid) go between.

Regards all,

Phil

[Thin Crust]

I'm in.......and those steaks were pretty tasty, I can vouch for that.

[IPlay2]

I will be there. My first AGF function! :D

Edit to add: The 10th works for me.

[Thin Crust]

Come on folks......this was fun last year, and the venue is a player's dream. Imagine a modern winery, with a deck overlooking a small private lake, and gracious hosts who love acoustic music.

[riorider]

I dunno, TC and IPlay2... maybe I'm approaching this all wrong. You know, beautiful venue, free food, appreciative audience, AGF friends... I thought that would be enough to garner some interest... I've PM'd or emailed everyone who ever mentioned an interest in attending in the past... But maybe I should change the approach... apply a little marketing savvy... make it feel a little harder to be included...

HERE IT COMES! Don't get left out!! South Central AGF Annual Gathering. Tickets are $20 per person, which includes a wine tasting and hot hors d'oeuvres. AGF members will be allowed a 3 song set during opmic*.

**Limited Time Special** The first 10 AGF members to send a request to Riorider will receive two tickets absolutely free!!

**Early Ticket Discount** AGF members purchasing tickets prior to September 10 will receive a 50% discount!!

**No tickets sold at the door.** Make sure you get your tickets early!

(think that will do it??)

rr/Phil

[IPlay2]

I don't know, $20.00 doesn't seem that exclusive. Maybe $75.00 for front row sets, $100.00 with back stage passes to the open mic. :) Oh, and its $50.00 a person to perform in the open mic (3 song minimum), with an extra $25.00 a song for anyone who wants to do a couple extras. You may bring one guitar for no charge, while each additional guitar will cost another $75.00, that is unless it is a "Hand Made" custom. These guitars will cost you an extra $75.00 (a total of $150.00) because quality is always worth more! :D

Edit to add: All checks may be made out to Riorider, who promises that the money will go toward a down payment for the guitar of his choice.

[riorider]

I don't know, $20.00 doesn't seem that exclusive. Maybe $75.00 for front row sets, $100.00 with back stage passes to the open mic. :) Oh, and its $50.00 a person to perform in the open mic (3 song minimum), with an extra $25.00 a song for anyone who wants to do a couple extras. You may bring one guitar for no charge, while each additional guitar will cost another $75.00, that is unless it is a "Hand Made" custom. There guitars will cost you an extra $75.00 (a total of $150.00) because quality is always worth more! :D

Edit to add: All checks may be made out to Riorider, who promises that the money will go toward a down payment for the guitar of his choice.

(I LIKE this guy!)

rr

and y'all know we're jes' tuggin' at yur laig..

[jlott00]

you can put me in the maybe pot again i came real close last time....seems i think i cut my finger or something.....anyways...i will see if i can make it:D

[riorider]

you can put me in the maybe pot again i came real close last time....seems i think i cut my finger or something.....anyways...i will see if i can make it:D
Excellent! I also saw RogerC this morning at Greenfields at the grape harvest, and he intends on coming if possible.

Soundman48 ought to be planning on it as well, and I've invited another special AGF guest - but I won't tell you who at this point!

I know it's a ways off still, but I'm hoping y'all are saving the day!

Cheers,

Phil

[TaoMaas]

My wife and I are always up for good music. Count us in. :)

[soundman48]

........Soundman48 ought to be planning on it as well.......

OK,OK.......I'm planning, I'm planning!!!! :D

[riorider]

My wife and I are always up for good music. Count us in. :)
Excellent! Now we're talking... and from doing a bit of AGF research I can say that we'll likely have two "elephants" there.... (i.e. Honda Elements).

And SM48 - I was COUNTING on you but you hadn't piped up yet...

Get those reservations in, folks! Only 5 more free Gathering ticket packages left!**

Phil
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg207/riorider_bucket/AGF%20Gathering%20Oct%202008/IMG_0556_1.jpg

** just kidding... see earlier post...

[Thin Crust]

This really was a great, intimate gathering last year folks. I'm driving close to 5 hours each way, so come on........let's all go. ;)

[reddcee81]

I haven't been on much, if at all since the birth of my second child on Easter of this year so I thought I'd check in today...so glad I did!

I will have to talk with the wife and check our calendars but I will TRY to make it to this one. Not only will I bring the guitars, but I'll bring the camera as long as we don't already have a resident photographer. I'm in the early stages of starting a photography business so I need the practice :)

I have a difficult time making it to the forum very often, so please email all future updates to chriscopelandphoto@gmail.com IF at all possible. Thanks and I hope I'm able to make it to this one!

Chris

[riorider]

Nice to hear from you Chris!

I also heard from someone outside the forum a week ago or so - encouraged him to register so I can maintain my intention to have this be an AGF-only (and friends and family) function.

So, at the moment, we have about 6 who are more or less committed - which is a great size group. I'm hoping for about 10 - can easily take more if we need but 10 would be a great group.

I'll be out at the winery this Saturday to help harvest the Merlot grapes. RogerC and family came out a couple of weeks ago to help with the Chardonney and Sauvignon Blanc pick -- we had a great time. There was a local acoustic player (OKC) who did a fine job providing some musical ambiance! Like I've said -- these guys at the vineyard really like acoustic music.

Hope to see a few more of you join us!

Regards,

Phil

[riorider]

I also heard from someone outside the forum a week ago or so - encouraged him to register so I can maintain my intention to have this be an AGF-only (and friends and family) function.

Just a bump for this thread -- but I did want to reiterate to anyone finding this thread via Google or anywhere else outside the Acoustic Guitar Forum -- this gathering is a private gathering for AGF members only (and their F&F). If you share the AGF's goals and agree to abide by its guidelines, you can easily register and be more than welcome at the gathering.

Keeping this within the AGF will help me accomplish my goals for the gathering. We all have guitars which are important to us, and the general respect we share for those instruments is something I want all to understand who attend. It doesn't matter whether one has a $200 Alvarez or a $2000 Taylor or a $10000 luthier built guitar - mutual respect for each other's property and opinions, a collegial and supportive atmosphere, and an opportunity for some good clean musical fun are what I want to accomplish!

I will need to know how many are planning to attend so I can be ready with sufficient comestibles! I'll also want to know who will be playing, ahead of time, so I can adequately plan for the setup. I'll set a deadline for commitment of the 26th of September. That will give me two weeks for finalizing plans.

Thanks everyone!

Phil

[Kansaskid]

I think i may try to come down...my 814ce might not want me to though:D

but seriously this sounds like a blast if you guys don't mind a hack crashing the party

[riorider]

Hi Kansas! We don't mind Taylors, hacks, or Jayhawkers!

Seriously, the main point is to have a little fellowship, share about our guitars with each other, share a song or two or three if we feel like it, have some nice snacks (more like heavy hors d'oeuvres), glass of wine if you wish (tea, coffee, pop, water, beer also available) - and have a nice time at the Greenfield winery.

I recommend you come early, as the winery looks east out over the vineyard and the fall sunsets are not to be missed (and looking east the sun won't be in your eyes!).

Email me for more specific directions and I really hope you are able to come. Let me know how many in your party will be able to make it.

If you need housing recommendations let me know - there are some in the first post as well.

It's getting closer!

Phil

[Kansaskid]

:ha:Ha i'm more of a wildcat/shocker

yeah i hope i can make it down to, the only problem is that weekend may be the first weekend my dad will be back from iraq (assuming they stay on schedule) which is harder than you may think :D

I do look forward to getting the chance to play some world class guitars :guitar:
but i may have to turn down the wine seeing as i'm only 20

[riorider]

There will be quite a few of us who won't imbibe - you won't be solo! But I'm hoping you get to welcome home and support your dad as of first importance!!

Keep in touch!

Phil

[Kansaskid]

yeah...hopefully he will get back early, his unit is getting sent home in two parties so he may be part of the first one

[ptalbot]

Put me in the 'possibles' list as well. I'll know more about my schedule in the next week or so, and will update you guys. Would love to catch the event and meet up with fellow AGF'ers and acoustic music aficionados.

Pat

[riorider]

Put me in the 'possibles' list as well. I'll know more about my schedule in the next week or so, and will update you guys. Would love to catch the event and meet up with fellow AGF'ers and acoustic music aficionados.

Pat
That's great, Pat! I was chatting with Gary Greenfield yesterday, and he'll be making a big batch of potato salad as well. With whatever he decides to grill (he said he's been finding some absolutely beautiful bone-in chicken breasts lately) we'll have pretty much a meal.

I look forward to hearing a "confirmation" from you!

Regards,

Phil

[franchelB]

I'm helping put the musical acts at an Oktoberfest in Lancaster, Texas that day.

[riorider]

I'm helping put the musical acts at an Oktoberfest in Lancaster, Texas that day.
That sounds like a lot of fun, too! Hope to see you one of these times.

Thanks!

Phil

[riorider]

Here's the list so far!

TaoMaas yes
Thin Crust yes
riorider yes
Iplay2 yes

RogerC hopefully
Soundman48 hopefully
reddcee81 hopefully

Kansaskid maybe
ptalbot maybe
jlott00 maybe

Anyone else? Plenty of room! opnmic is totally optional. I intend that we take time to chat and enjoy the evening as well as share our music and instruments!

Phil

[Thin Crust]

I've got a new GPS with "middle of nowhere" already programed in........I'm ready. :halo:

[riorider]

"middle of nowhere" indeed!! But we do like it that way - at least, keeping folks thinking this is all desert and cacti and wild Indians living in teepees and six-shooter-toting cowboys... At least it keeps the riff-raff out!

I was at the vineyard last weekend and took two shots out the window from beside the tasting bar. This is where we'll set up the mic, so if you were sitting here explaining your guitar and perhaps playing a tune or two, and looked over your right shoulder, this is what you'd see.

For those who haven't been here, the covered balcony you see thrusts out from the main upstairs, overlooking the vineyard and pond. I tried to stitch these two photos together but didn't like the distortion, so enjoy them as panned shots. The day was gray and misty - and still beautiful as you can see. You are looking east.

Cheers all!

Phil

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg207/riorider_bucket/AGF%20Gathering%20Oct%202009/IMG_1511.jpg

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg207/riorider_bucket/AGF%20Gathering%20Oct%202009/IMG_1512.jpg

[ptalbot]

Hey all...Looks like I am going to be able to attend. Looking forward to meeting everyone. Will stand by for more details as the date draws closer.

Looks like a great place to have the gathering.

http://www.greenfieldvineyard.com/

Pat