NorCal Open Mic May 6th

[classicalman]

How about a NorCal/SF Bay Area get together of AGFers?

Here's the current thinking - we have a venue selected that would let us do an open mic format in Lafayette. Lafayette is just east of Oakland and just west of Walnut Creek on Hwy 24.

We are currently thinking a Friday, Saturday or Sunday early evening. Timing looks like March or April, we need some advance notice to book the place and get organized.

The location is a old timey bar that has lots of good mojo so everyone is sure to have fun pickin' and listening while enjoying a beverage of your choice.

If the open mic idea is appealing you can perform a favorite tune solo or with a pal. We will provide a PA and stuff all you need to bring is your guitar(s).

So here's what I need from all you NorCal AGF members. Your feedback re: below...

1. Are you interested in joining in? very rough headcount is needed
2. Does the open mic idea appeal to you or should we think of a different style get together (picking circle or pot luck or ???)
3. Any other thoughts and ideas.

This is sure to be a fun event and I would really like to meet some of the members face to face.

[Guyute]

Well, you know I'm in :D

[david_m]

I'm in!!!!

I like the idea of the open mic. I'd love to hear some of our members!! Given that it's highly unlikely anyone will be yelling "Freebird" I'd probably be willing to take a turn also.

I've got family coming in off and on all spring and summer, but I'm about 95% certain I could make most dates.

David

[yardism]

Totally depends on timing. My wife is due to give birth on feb 26th, so I may be a very busy person for a while...

[Guyute]

Just a thought, for those who DON'T like the idea of an open mike, it's still a great way to meet some of your fellow AGF'ers. Feel free to play or not to play as the mood strikes you.

BTW, the venue is about 3 blocks from the Lafayette BART station if that makes getting there easier for anyone :)

[webcat]

Sounds cool. Since I'm a bit of a hambone, an open mic is like catnip. My only concern is that a get together centered around performance kinda reduces the group vibe and reduces the casual factor.

Since organization has never been my strong point, I'll leave the details up to those more inclined. Just tell me where and when to show up and leave the rotten veggies at home. :D

'Cat

[02B Nugent]

Great Idea!!
Be careful with the term "open mike." That may imply that I have to sing.

[classicalman]

Welcome 02B Nugent - glad you are here and to think your first post is letting us know that you will join our little get together - cool! I'm sure you will want to cover one of the many Los Straitjackets hits that we all love so much...

[James10140]

I'm in!! I'll have to start practicing though...

James

[Guyute]

You aren't the only one! Good to have you on board James :)

Once a firm date has been nailed down, I'll post and let people know. Personally, I need to have a firm deadline if I'm going to practice!

[jmtitus]

I'd show up with enough notice, for sure. Sounds fun! Not sure that all the setup needed for my Oracle would be worth 1 tune... but what the hell.

[david_m]

I'd show up with enough notice, for sure. Sounds fun! Not sure that all the setup needed for my Oracle would be worth 1 tune... but what the hell.

Obviously we'll have to see how many show up and want to play, but I would be shocked if people were limited to 1 tune at the open mic. Maybe we should restrict it to 2 or 3 tunes. Once everyone who wants has had a chance to play people can come back up (assuming they want to play more). Playing in front of a friendly crowd is a LOT of fun, and I'd hate to think that folks will be limited to a single song.

At the Monroe get togethers there were also some instructional workshops. We had some folks do some song lessons, we had some demonstrations for guitar set up. We had featured performers who also did instruction. We could also include some home recording information, some guitar technology examples (amplifiers, preamps, effects pedals, etc.) or other things for folks to try out. I figure there's got to be a LOT of gear between all of the members who attend.

Thoughts?

David

[Guyute]

I don't know that the venue is really going to be very good for an instructional type setting. I think that would be a lot of fun, but probably not in the cards for this particular place.

I'd recommend people not bring TOO much gear because space is limited. Basically, the other "jam night" type things I've been to at this place, everyone just brings a guitar or in some cases, two guitars. Obviously, you can keep some of your gear in your car until you're ready to use it, but I understand if some people wouldn't be too comfortable with that.

Remember, there will be other people (our own friends and families are welcome to attend, of course), and also there's the potential that some other players who aren't yet AGF members may show up. We're going to give priority to AGF members, of course. I would like to allow non-members to play as a way of promoting the AGF, too ...the more the merrier as they say.

Depending on how the whole thing goes off, I think it's a great idea to try to put something else together (maybe more like what you're suggesting David). We'll just have to find a different place to do it.

So for this one, just think of it like you would an ordinary open mic night at your local coffee house and pack accordingly. The best part of this one is you get to meet face-to-face with some of the AGF'ers you've talked to for so long!

[Livingston]

Sounds like fun. Depending on the weekend, I will try to make it.

[mellowman]

This sounds like a great idea. Count me in!

[classicalman]

We are working on a date so stay tuned...

[classicalman]

bumpity bump

[Guyute]

Yeah, I was hoping to hear from the owner this weekend, but have been assured that we'll have a better idea this week. I'm trying not to let myself or the management go all flakey ;)

[Jer1400]

Count me in. :)

[david_m]

Just doing the old "Bump and Grind" to keep this thread at the top.

[Guyute]

Bump. I'm going in to harass the owner tomorrow. Hope to have something a little less vague by Monday.

[mellowman]

Any update on a date for this?

[classicalman]

Chris, maybe we should look at another place? Pyramid Brewery in WC or that sports bar in Lafayette across the street from Miraku or ??

Hey, Mellowman, nice quote in your sig! How was the London guitar store?

[GSnyde]

Could be fun. Let's set a date. I'd take a turn at the Mic. I can play a chord, tap one foot and yodel at the same time. Just don't make me play a second chord.

[classicalman]

I know there are more Northern California folks around - where are you?

[david_m]

Somebody definitely needs to contact Cisco (Ron). He drove all the way down to LA for that gathering. I hope he'd like to attend something local. Anyone know Cisco's contact information?

[Guyute]

Yeah, I'm starting to wonder here myself. Having real trouble nailing them down for some reason or other. Will talk to the manager over there one more time and then perhaps I'll give up on them. The sportsbar might not be bad. A couple possibilities in Lafayette actually.

Like I said, I'll try one more time tomorrow (when Tim's working) and then start considering other places.

[Guyute]

Update here.

I'm going over to JOES today to talk to them about the get-together. They're new management and are more than likely looking for ways to get people into their place.

This is probably a better locale as it's not going to be as crowded with regulars on a Friday or Saturday night. The Roundup is great, but if they're talking about a Friday or Saturday, it's gonna be too crowded. Sunday night at the Roundup would be a really good night.

The option to allow kids is actually available until 10pm at JOES, so that may appeal to some here?

[Guyute]

OK, yet another update.

Joe's is out. I was politely if somewhat disdainfully told that it's not the kind of thing they'd be interested in.

The search continues!

[02B Nugent]

Keep us informed, my Ovation is ready to go.

Last night, when I walked into the back room, the guitar was screeching in a feedback loop. I have never seen an acoustic guitar do that before.
It wants to rock!