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"Players" or "Builders"

So . . . ever since the advent of the CBG revolution - I have found that this is the demarcation line.

"Player" or "Builder"

The nation (God love it) has plenty of the latter, but notsomuch of the former.

The cigar box guitar is such a perfectly primitive instrument. It epitomizes "simplicity" and the raw joy of music. Music to the lowest common denominator. We all embrace the beauty of the instrument in that regard . . .

I suppose the nature of any "internet community" is that it can become SOooo specialized and sooo very deep in the particular interest . . . The trouble is: the case of CBG's, it makes for a bit of philosophical disconnect, doesnt it?

The nation is a GREAT collection point for ideas and a great gathering place where hobbyists can congregate. But when we delve, ad nauseum into the complete minutia of things like what-is-the-best-angle-for-a-scarf-joint and what-material-is-best-for-sound-hole-grommets - and analyze every aspect to the enth degree - do we lose a little bit of the raw "stick-in-the-box charm" of the cbg??

I've noticed that many of the early crowd of "players" have drifted away. Maybe what I feel is missing is not the role of "the nation", but I'd like to think there was *someplace* online that could focus on :the player: side . . . a place where the average curious Joe Citizen who doesn't want to launch into a "DIY hobby" could click and and simply find out where to go to experience the raw joy of people playing (I'll use Mr. Speal's word:) "Primal" music - locate cigar box guitar festivals, local bands playing this stuff etc. etc etc.

When we get THAT, the cbg movement becomes something akin to a musical genre,

am I alone in this thought?

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 21, 2014 at 1:17pm

The same principle applies to country, blue grass, folk, etc. More and more those and other genre's are open to the presence of a CBG. When I couldn't find much action in Wichita 5-6 years ago, I hung with a singer/songwriter group that met monthly and an open mic at a local tavern that featured a very eclectic performer group.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Borczon on April 23, 2014 at 2:48am

maybe we need to start a list we could put up on the page somewhere where our people are gathering or playing. K. did you see the post about porchfest? it is near Buffalo. Looks like a fun time, no money but a chance to network with a lot of local musicians and maybe sell a few cds. May not be worth it to you at this point in your schedule. I have a conflict that day but maybe next year. Anyway it would be cool to start to pull together a bigger list of possible venues.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Sprague (Knotlenny) on April 24, 2014 at 8:14am

That's what I'm thinking Matt.

I'm not looking to reinvent the wheel - but I think there could be a simple list of events (whether it takes the form of an online site, or just a list scrawled in crayon on a cocktail napkin) . . . . . it could be something for players to reference of course - but also something nice and concise to give to people that come to a show, or show up at a festival. An "audience guide" to access CBG events.

Im not sure what porchfest post you're talking about, but there is a great one in Ithaca, NY in September. We plan to participate - this will be our second year. I think these types of events are spreading - they are a great time!

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Curley on April 24, 2014 at 10:47am

Alright Lenny, I'll do one and we'll see what happens.

I'll call it cbggigs.com, I'll host it, pay for DNS rego etc.

I'm flat out just now and will squeeze it in where I can so it may take a month or two.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Sprague (Knotlenny) on April 24, 2014 at 3:06pm

A volunteer steps up from the crowd!

That's a decent URL! - I was searching through a few possibilities myself, but couldnt settle on a good one.

Do you do coding, Patrick?

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Curley on April 24, 2014 at 4:15pm

Just enough to get by. You don't really need to these days.

I've made a start already. I'll need to keep it simple for now as the main thing for me is that it's low maintenance. I've made a quick start, looks like it shouldn't take too long (famous last words?)

The plan for now is that players create their own profile and add their own gigs. Festival organisers likewise. Users then search for gigs based on location.

Doing the web site is the easy bit, making it work on the other hand? It essentially needs a critical mass of players/events on board to become relevant.

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Curley on April 25, 2014 at 3:05am

cbggigs.com.

It'll look better when it's populated. If you're into it then create an account, I'll authorise it and you're away.

Still a bit of work to do but if I get enough takers then I'll get it finished.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on April 25, 2014 at 3:34am

Wow! I think this is great. We can also all local venues that do one nighters. I know 5 years ago Dr. Oakroot built a tour of maining small pubs and taverns that did smaller scale music events. Thanks for taking on the task...just signed up!!!!