- Oct 2, 2009 to Oct 3, 2009
- Location: Crossroads Blues Club, Birmingham UK
- Latest Activity: Aug 3, 2021
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Comments
I'll post some better pics of my string winder and pickup later.
Nice to meet y'all,
Dom
One thing I remember seeing was the suggestion from some of the USA guys about about 'bolting on' a CBG Fest onto an existing music fest, to get a ready made audience and wider exposure.
There is a lot of merit to this, but the downside would be a certain lack of independence, and I'm not sure how much organisational grief might be involved in agreeing a venue, timetable, tickets, marketing, finances and all that other crap.
As it is, we took this idea and ran with it, we used a venue that we knew and have a good working relationship with, kept it small, simple and manageable....and didn't have any major problems. It really is a pretty daunting and stressful thing to organise this sort of event..so I'm all for making it as risk free as possible.
The support from the UK branch of the Nation was fantastic..and that's a real rock-solid foundation on which to build....I know (rightly or wrongly) I fronted the organising and the running of the day..but it would have been nothing without you people.
Just got back, absolutely knackered and full of ideas. I am even going to miss the Ploughing Match this afternoon as I have got a bit of remodeling to do on the latest aquisition. Thanks to all who were involved - John and his team for organising, HB for just being totally kick arse awesome, Redshaw for making guitar builders have heart attacks, Anthony for showing that Banjo players are human too, the MIddleton Posse for their company and most of all everyone else for just making it a great weekend. Thank you all
Bo SIddley (formerly Stuart but now with new cool name !)
There were fantastic performances from everyone who stepped up the the mic. during the evening, and it was rounded off in truly inspirational style by Hollowbelly.
I'm sure you all wanted to know what happened to Olivier (Tinqui8)..as his appearance was much anticipated..but he got stranded at Calais, and my heart goes out to him after putting in so much effort to get here only to be totally frustrated by circumstances beyond his control.
For a first time event I reckon it went pretty well - I hope you didn't get sick of the sight and sound of me trying to shape things into some semblance of order...but I really wanted to try and help people get as much out of the day as possible, and hope we managed to get the balance about right.
It was such a joy to see people spontaneously chatting and forming instant connections and friendships with other CBG enthusiasts. For me the whole event was a real buzz..and I'm so pleased that when we did those little group playing sessions that every one got hold of a guitar and joined in - Hollowbelly just handed out his guitars to complete novices and let them get on with it..what a great gesture!
So thanks again to everyone who came and made our first event a success...(well I hope it was generally considered to be so..).
Heres to the future
Chickenbone
Even though I could not make the early morning sessions. On arrival you made me more than welcome and it was a nice friendly and easy atmosphere, with everyone talking and exchanging ideas. Thanks goes out to everyone who attended. All of the CBG's made were truly inspiring, but the wackiest one has to be the 'Jerry Can', and it was played with such gusto, by 'Blues Beatern Redshaw' later on in the evening Jam and his one string 'Diddly Bow, given us all a great performance. With 'Hollowbelly' rounding off the evening with a true performance as well.
I would like to reiterate the last comments by junk Box Instruments. Putting it better than I can in words.
Many thanks again for daring to put on such an event, your fears of non attendee's was proved unfoundered, the venue was just right with a great atmosphere!
Looking forward to the 2nd CBG Fest!
I know John was wary of being seen as hogging the limelight during the daytime sessions, but I don't think he need worry because people like me were grateful that someone was taking on the considerable burden involved.
In a way the most valuable aspect of the day was the simple fact of having all those people get together in one place in a convivial atmosphere where new friends could me mad and ideas exchanged. And, while its great to see pictures and videos of instruments on the web, there's no substitute for getting your hands on the real thing (and, in my case, no substitute for hearing your own instruments played by people with much greater talent than me).
All in all, I'm darned glad I made it.
Catching a 'North bound Reefer' so hope to drop off near you! And catch you at the Crossroads. Things are looking good for a very memorable day! Have been looking forward to this for a long time. Lots of CBG music is about to be made Yeah!
Last call for those about to board flight CBG03/10/09 to Birmingham. Please have your tickets and passports read for inspection. For those travelling without tickets the flight staff will do their level best to physically pack you into the venue or strap you to the outside.
Please note Visas are NOT required for this destination as it is outside the politically controlled area of the People's Republic of Mercia and the Black Country.
Our resident photographer Carla Gunzi will be in attendance to record the event for posterity, and the video recordings will also be made.
Looking forward to having you all aboard....doors to manual...prepare for takeoff....see you soon and have a pleasant journey.
Mr Chickenbone.
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