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August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | I just got back from the tour and I must say...WOW!
When I walked into the lobby on thursday, I didn't feel like I was really meeting anyone for the first time...it felt like I was seeing friends that I've known for a long time. This is a great bunch of people.
I apologize for not being able to say goodbye to everyone today - my wife's plans changed (and therefore mine as well) so I had to leave a little earlier than expected.
A few observations and comments:
- At 3 am this morning Gil (Ignimbyte) started channeling Jim Croce. He was just awesome - both playing and singing. If you closed your eyes you would have thought it was a recording.
- I'm blown away by the talent in this group (and wish I had some of it!). Worshipleader and Jewel's Mom and the rest of the group's version of Amazing Grace was... well amazing! I can't name everyone who played - but in no particular order, TommyM, BrianT and Slipkid, Freddie and the French Fries, Amy singing Janis Joplin (another big wow!) and so on. Cliff was great as usual - as was Templeman. Al's improv of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" was very funny and apropos.
- You've all seen the pics, video, and heard the sounds of Jeff's contraption. It was very cool!
- Back in the lobby - MusicMishka played and sang many great songs. Jeanette and Amy cleaning up after everyone should get the Nobel Prize. Cliff is impervious to tequila... Templeman isn't (trying to do shots with a slide that appeared to have a hole in the bottom). Phil Wong - I hope you got some good pics of Jason on friday morning!
- The factory tour was great. It is really impressive seeing the work and the ingenuity that goes into building the O's and A's. I now know more than I ever thought I could about wood. Joel Dantzig the people at Hamer are all extremely passionate about what they do. They are wonderful creations... if I had the means... someday! As you all know, the folks at the factory are just fantastic - welcoming, accomodating, friendly, knowledgable, talented, etc. etc.
Basically - I had a fantastic time! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks to Al and everyone who put this together. It was great in everyway!
Mike
p.s. - I'm definitely looking forward to the Asheville gathering and meeting some of the folks who couldn't make it to Ct. |
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July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Can't wait to hear more in Asheville. Bring your pix. |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Great to meet you in person, Mike. Thanks for coming and jumping right in. |
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Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | It's great to finally meet you in person as well Mike. I truly thank you for the compliment, and the encouragement that you gave me by simply being there to have great fun.
For a while there, I thought that I spoiled the lobby jam with boring songs, cos it practically, ended after I finished playing them. Considering that my playing style is a bit on the softer side, I patiently waited for the time that it would "quiet down" a bit, before joining in. On a brighter note, I am truly thankful for the support and encouragement that I received from fellow OFC members. I really mean it. :) |
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August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | mike,it was good to see you again. it was good to see all the faces i know and meet some new ones. i had a great time. mike,the single malt was great........well its 12:39 and ive got a few more hours till my train leaves........jason |
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December 2003
Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | Gil, your quiet jam was one of the highlights of the trip for me, sincerely. Thank you for your patience and for sharing your talent. You need to play some of that on stage next year.. people will quiet down for it. |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | The best part of last year's tour was the sitting down with people and hearing their style and flavor. It was a lot like trying out an acoustic guitar in a Guitar Center on a Saturday though, much going on! I wouldn't want to split off into different rooms though because there would be so much to miss.
It's a life experience. Sound's like the family has grown! |
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August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Gil - you didn't spoil anything! You kept it going. It got pretty muddled after you stopped playing... coulda been the scotch or the tequila :)
Woody - I was looking forward to meeting you... hopefully next years tour... or sooner. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | Next year, Gil. Except you'll have to learn Maury's parts, cuz I doubt I'll have time. A lesson on Operator and It Doesn't Have to Be that Way may be necessary, too. Those are ongoing projects, but I keep stumbling over them.
Are there any Croce songs you don't know, just in case I know one that I could show you? |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | man, i'm thinkin' we're gonna have an awesome time at the 2008 OFC extravaganza. let's plan on it!! |
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January 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | Mike, you expressed exactly my feelings, about the tour. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Not to get all sappy, but I really these guys. It's all about the fun of music and friendship. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | Originally posted by Tommy M.:
Not to get all sappy, but I really______ these guys. leaves alot to the imagination tommy! :D |
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Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | It's a guy thing. You wouldn't understand,....mom.
:p |
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Posts: 5575
Location: big island | but mom IS a guy. |
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Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | Ok, it was a typo. I really love these guys. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Mike,
Thanks for your comments...yes, a fantastic time! Where else could folks from all over the world get together, pass around their instruments for all to be able to play and appreciate, without even one doubt of apprehension that they'd be treated well? Truly some of the nicest and talented people I have ever met! Thanks to all for welcoming me to my first OFC tour: I can hardly wait for next year!
I also have several observations:
1. The staff and management of Ovation/Adamas Guitars, Hamer Guitars and Kaman Music in general are the reason why we exist as a club (nothing taken away from the great job Miles and Al have done with the site); In the years I have been playing Ovation instruments (30 years this year) I can not remember once when they let me down...and I put them through some tough situations. I can not say that of many other musical items. The care and attention to quality is evident in the way the factory operates and the love that goes into each and every Ovation/Adamas/Hamer instrument! Without the instruments, there would be no OFC.
2. To the staff at Homewood Suites: thanks so much for a professional and comfortable place to enjoy our club and to rest (optional for some...lol) when we grow weary. Also for the personal touches and caring attitudes in making our stay a delight!
3. To Miles, Al, Cliff, Paul T., Dave, other long time members and "staff" etc.: Thanks for allowing so many to be able to participate and come together for sharing in our common love of music in general and Ovation/Adamas guitars in particular! You are respected and appreciated; thank you from my heart!
4. To those who have never been: what are you waiting for? You cannot imagine the fun, camaraderie, and just plain good times you are missing out on! Do not hesitate if possible to attend next year’s event! You will have the time of your life!
5. Woz: thanks for the opportunity to play and enjoy the finest 12 string I have ever played! You are top drawer my friend!
6. To Charles and William Kaman: Thank you for giving me personally the tools to create with: both music and relationships for 30+ years now! To simply say Thank you seems so inadequate for what I have received as a result of my relationship with Ovation guitars! But, THANK YOU!
Blessings! |
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August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | i even joined in on a singing a few songs with the fellas in the lobby. tommy,it was a pleasure to meet you finaly. for the love of god i cant rember who i was singinf the johnny cash tunes with at the lodge but they were damn fine pickers. jewel's mom,l thans for alowing me to play your beloved balladeer. that old girl has some real mojo,even in the hands of a hackjob like mine..lol jason |
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February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Originally posted by Jason_S:
......for the love of god i cant rember who i was singinf the johnny cash tunes with at the lodge but they were damn fine pickers....... ...How soon they forget! :rolleyes: |
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August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | trboy,blame the single malt scotch!!!
nah, im just terriable with names. but now that i put a name to a face its all good for next year or if i can make it to ashville next month....jason |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | listen up, BoNeY gUmBo DaViS!
we'll sing some more johnny cash stuff. just be there!! |
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August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | im working on the logistics randy. ill have about $300.00 playing money next month if things work out they way they should. im looking into flights as we speak...jason |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | you'll have $300 playing money? you don't need to pay us money to listen to you play, jason. we'll pick and grin and bear it. :D
and another thing: DON'T GET ROBBED again... |
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August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | lol i got my new atm/bank card today...no problme there.....jason |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | Originally posted by Trboy:
Originally posted by Jason_S:
......for the love of god i cant rember who i was singinf the johnny cash tunes with at the lodge but they were damn fine pickers....... ...How soon they forget! :rolleyes: |
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October 2005
Posts: 5332
Location: Bluffton, SC | Originally posted by Trboy:
Originally posted by Jason_S:
......for the love of god i cant rember who i was singinf the johnny cash tunes with at the lodge but they were damn fine pickers....... ...How soon they forget! :rolleyes: |
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July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
Next year, Gil. Except you'll have to learn Maury's parts, cuz I doubt I'll have time. A lesson on Operator and It Doesn't Have to Be that Way may be necessary, too. Those are ongoing projects, but I keep stumbling over them.
Are there any Croce songs you don't know, just in case I know one that I could show you? To take a quote from Mark Knopler's song, mine's "strictly rhythm that I can't make the darn thing cry or scream." I'm already struggling to play Jim's parts, so I'm not even going to touch Maury's. There are still many songs that I wish I could play ... I have a strong feeling that when we finally meet, I'd be playing more of the student's role, instead of the teacher. :D |
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Ovation Factory Tour and Open House - WOW!