Topic: Port Townsend Workshop 2007 - Questions?

[uncle bud]

A week to go (less for some of us) and I for one can't wait.

If there are any newbies out there with any pre-workshop questions, speak now or forever hold etc...

Seriously, if you have any questions, there's lots of PT experience on the forum here and we can probably answer most things you throw at us.

Remember to bring extra strings (unwound G strings too for keeners), capos, slides, tuners, and recording devices with all the tapes, minidiscs, memory cards and batteries you'll need.

[PiedmontBlues]

Hi. I was at Port Townsend last year for the first time and I'm returning this year because it was so much fun. There were lots of groups playing together last year but they were all used to that and it was a little intimidating. Is there anyone out there who is willing to lead a small group in a slow jam? If so, please let me know.

[uncle bud]

Hi Valerie,

Good question. I'd say if someone doesn't respond here, that it's worth putting up a note on the Board in 204 asking whether anyone is interested in leading/joining a low-key jam and having people sign up. Then stake out a room in 204 or elsewhere. Having a few tunes in mind to work from could help get things started quickly. Another thing to do is check out the back porch of 204 during the day where a lot of impromptu jams happen and sit in playing in the background as a lot of people do. Sometimes those jams are faculty-led, and sometimes with some hot players participating, but often with a real mix of experience and playing levels, with some people playing right up front, others playing in the background just getting a feel for things.

Also, some faculty members are really open to suggestions like this for things to do in the off-class hours. Maybe Peter McCracken can plant a bug in their ears if he's reading this, but you can always check with individual faculty who seem like they'd be receptive.

Because there will be no playing in the dorms this year, I suspect as well that 204 and other areas will have more groups of people in jams. Worth wandering around until something feels comfortable. The Schoolhouse will be open for jamming as well this year, I believe.

One thing to clarify, perhaps, is do you mean a jam focused on soloing? Or one where people are trading songs, playing songs together etc.

I wouldn't lead a jam myself since I don't really solo and just play tunes - and roughly at that right now, being out of shape playing-wise.   

[Peghead Howell]

Hi Valerie,,
It was two or three years ago, when I saw the same request, and it seemed to be solved by request via the "Big Board" in #204 and either a faculty member or a veteran came to the rescue with a "Slow Jam" session, which was well attended.
Having been there yourself and feeling intimidation, is something everyone goes through, but I am sure you will feel better this year,,  I thought the class would be great, to familiarize new players to "Jam Norms" so they won't embarass themselves, and greatly enhance the experience,, my advice is to contact Peter,, or check out the board after arrival and settling in..

[uncle bud]

One thing that occurs to me is that I'd check in on Eleanor Ellis, who is on faculty this year. I don't know her and haven't heard her, but she was/is involved in the Archie Edwards Foundation which continues the tradition of teaching and playing blues and encouraging people to play blues in Archie's barbershop. She'll have a real background in group playing and jams from there and would probably be a natural for leading this kind of thing. I'm guessing of course, but I suspect she would. And if she's anything like Michael Baytop, who is also from Archie's gang, she's probably going to be really, really nice.

[GhostRider]

PB:

Just come on over to the Weenie house anytime classes aren't on, look me up and we'll jam. I'm the tall good-looking  guy.

I'm serious. If you see a guy with the "Ghostrider" nametag walkin' around, just stop me and let's play! Anytime, anywhere.

Lookin' forward to it.

Alex

[PiedmontBlues]

Thanks for all your replies. I will remember to post something in 204 and I will make a point of looking up Eleanor Ellis. I will also hunt down Alex the Ghostrider. To answer the other question, I wasn't referring to a "song circle" experience. Although those are also nice, I want to try and play "with" others rather than "at" them this time. Having the dorms off-limits for playing is a real bummer. It means that all the other venues will be doubly crowded. But maybe that will end up being a good thing. See you all soon.

[uncle bud]

I will also hunt down Alex the Ghostrider.

Please do! There may even be a reward out on him. An empty bottle of scotch to the head will do in a pinch.

Actually, Alex is a veritable jukebox and a tasteful player who won't stomp all over you.

I personally would like to see the Weenies play more group tunes this year, maybe some jugband-like stuff.

Andrew

[Johnm]

Hi all,
In the interest of helping movement in the direction Valerie suggests I can do a workshop on "seconding" the first or second day at camp.  I think one of the tricky things about jamming at such events is that many persons have learned transcribed arrangements, but not how to play anything on the song other than the arrangement.  Being comfortable playing boom-chang back-up or simply "playing time" is really helpful when the lead is already covered, as is knowing how to use a capo to play in a different position and create a little space so that everyone is not right on top of each other.  I'll try to address these topics in the workshop so that people have additional ideas on how to get comfortable participating in the jams at Port Townsend.
All best,
Johnm

[waxwing]

Great idea, Johnm!

Valerie, I hope we can play together again this year. I know when you came over to the Weenie House last year was at the same time as some of the guys from Bellymeat, whom I go back to my first camp 6 years ago with, and we were pretty, uh, how did you say it, "used to" each other (great description), but things can get very laid back at times, too. Ghosty and I will get you playing along with our jug band version of Mississippi Blues in no time. Try playing along with the version in the Back Porch once or twice so you have a little more memory of it. Key of C, but we play out of A capoed up 3. Try playing in C or maybe capo up 5 and play in G. It's a straight 12 bar blues. One of the things that helps in any jamb is at least knowing, in your mind, how a song goes and feels.

Lookin' forward to seeing you again.

All for now.
Johh C.

[GhostRider]

Ghosty

Hmm..... I don't know how "manly" that sounds.

Alex

[PiedmontBlues]

Hi Johnm! How are you? Hope all is well. Thanks for volunteering. What you describe is exactly what I'm looking for. Sign me up!!

Hi waxwing! You all were great last year and I look forward to seeing the Weenies again. I'm familiar with Mississippi Blues and I also play it in the key of A. I've heard the version on the Back Porch. It sounds great.

See you all in a few days...

[Johnm]

Hello Valerie,
I am doing fine and looking forward to Port Townsend, as always.  It occurs to me that a Western Washington weather update might be helpful for persons traveling to Port Townsend from some distance away.  The last week was wet and cold and gray, with a good bit of rain.  The weather broke yesterday and is beautiful now, with a high sky, scattered clouds, mostly blue, a warm sun but not really hot and comfortably cool in the shade.  It cools down in the evening, so some of you attendees who are accustomed to really hot and humid summer weather may find it more cool than you would wish.  Bring a heavy sweater or windbreaker for the evening, if you think you might need it.  See you soon!
All best,
Johnm

[uncle bud]

It cools down in the evening, so some of you attendees who are accustomed to really hot and humid summer weather may find it more cool than you would wish. 

Not possible! Can't wait for the workshop, of course - but I also can't wait for the weather! 

[markm]

I am extremely sorry to say that I can't make it this year.  I hope you all have a great time as I know you will.

To all the Weenies and my buddies in the "Ghetto" here's to you and here's hoping to see you next year. 

Mark

[Slack]

Markm, we can cry in our beer together as I am unable to make it this as well...  First year missed in 10 years!

[outfidel]

Seriously, if you have any questions, there's lots of PT experience on the forum here and we can probably answer most things you throw at us.

I have a question: can PT attendees please remind PiedmontBlues to PLAY LOUD?

Thanks,
Outfidel
(picking pal of PB who sometimes has to remind her to PLAY LOUD)

 

[Cleoma]

I won't be there this year either 

Hopefully next year...
Best,
suzy thompson