Buckeye 2018

[Scotty]

AJ (Alex) - yes, I misread 'model' as actual instrument. Still--an Al Fiore chord is something else. Kudos to you for not only owning, but
bringing these instruments back to 'performing life'. When it comes to chords I LOVE the sound --have long-since enjoyed listening to great chord players, but would seriously not be able to hear the difference between a regular and an inverted chord when one is being played onstage --that would probably take far better 'chord-tuned' ears than I have, but I'd be happy to have it pointed out to me.

Carl: Is this your first Harmonica Convention? You're in for a real treat, then. Buckeye (and Spah/Virginia) audiences could hear the same song played by 3 - 4 different people and heartily applaud (and appreciate) each performance for its differences - and what each individual or group brings to the table. 

I'm one who likes to find 'entirely different' songs to play on my own chromatic --but then, I'm not a performer and play primarily for myself and friends, and am far happier in groups. Some of us are simply not meant to be up there onstage, lol.

Elizabeth (scotty)

[iowaplayer]

I did NOT know that- so thanks for cluing me in! - Wow, so how can you not then play Peg using it? 

I understand that you perceive it as not a good opening number --so don't open with it --but if you're doing at least a couple of songs, then maybe fit 'some of' Peg into a medley? It would be immensely cool IF one of you then stepped forward to explain what you've just did: that this was 'THE' chord played by Al Fiore and used to record that song, I can assure you that a Buckeye audience would be thrilled!

Elizabeth (scotty)

just a quick comment about openers, based on years of doing all kinds of  different gigs:

the job of an opening song is to energize the audience and to let the performers get into the groove for that particular session.  it wants to be up tempo, kinda flashy, but not real challenging technically.   this is true if the session is to be 15 minutes or 50 minutes.

the job of an opening act is to get folks to sit down and shut up.   this is a MUCH harder proposition, especially if are a lot of friends getting together or there is a bar around.  the opening act has got to hit the audience with energy and flash to get their attention away from chatting and doing whatever else they're doing.

opening acts usually only get 15 or 20 minutes, which translates to 3 or 4, maybe even 5 songs.   serenades and ballads don't really work in those short acts.

as i understand it, aj, carl and george will be the opening act.  break a leg guys!

ip

[Scotty]

I did NOT know that- so thanks for cluing me in! - Wow, so how can you not then play Peg using it? 

I understand that you perceive it as not a good opening number --so don't open with it --but if you're doing at least a couple of songs, then maybe fit 'some of' Peg into a medley? It would be immensely cool IF one of you then stepped forward to explain what you've just did: that this was 'THE' chord played by Al Fiore and used to record that song, I can assure you that a Buckeye audience would be thrilled!

Elizabeth (scotty)

just a quick comment about openers, based on years of doing all kinds of  different gigs:

the job of an opening song is to energize the audience and to let the performers get into the groove for that particular session.  it wants to be up tempo, kinda flashy, but not real challenging technically.   this is true if the session is to be 15 minutes or 50 minutes.

the job of an opening act is to get folks to sit down and shut up.   this is a MUCH harder proposition, especially if are a lot of friends getting together or there is a bar around.  the opening act has got to hit the audience with energy and flash to get their attention away from chatting and doing whatever else they're doing.

opening acts usually only get 15 or 20 minutes, which translates to 3 or 4, maybe even 5 songs.   serenades and ballads don't really work in those short acts.

as i understand it, aj, carl and george will be the opening act.  break a leg guys!

ip

Well - I can see your premise for a different or professional 'gig', but this is at a Buckeye harmonica convention --where the audience is already preseated, having just finished dinner, also usually finishing up their coffee or tea, have already turned their chairs around towards the stage
and fully expecting the entire night's entertainment. They really don't need to be thought of as having to 'sit down and to shut up'. Really.

The MC or President of the Club is usually up first introducing him/herself and perhaps talking about the schedule and whatever else he/she wants the gathered members to know about. At Spah this is when awards are given out by the Spah President, but it's been a while since I've been to Buckeye so I've no idea what they've planned...at the very least likely a thank you to those who've worked so hard to put on the convention - and perhaps a thank you to the vendor(s). This can't be thought of like other gigs, and all the attention is already on whomever is going to play first once the formalities are out of the way. The audience is usually eager to hear the first players.

Frankly, I wouldn't notice whether or not the first people up were there to be the 'opening act' or not. To my mind (as with so many other conventions) --it's just a matter of what works best for the lineup by those staging the event. We're definitely there to be entertained - sure, but more - to hear good harmonica playing - maybe even by players we haven't seen before, OR by players we've seen many times and are quite looking forward to hearing again. I've sat through very many of both. Bob McFarlane plays the most beautiful keyboard and chromatic music during dinner --and I'm so glad they've signed him up again for this particular evening, so technically HE would be the lead-in to my mind. Then the first group up are Carl, AJ and George. At least that's how most of us think of it.

This is truly the first time I've seen the first player(s) up described as 'opener(s)' for the rest.  Interesting. Perhaps I've been looking at it all wrong
all these years? 

Elizabeth (scotty)

[carlrosetti]

Hi,Elizabeth and everyone else reading these posts!   My first convention was in 1982 in New Jersey-the 'Cats were one of the headliners with Pete Pederson. I attended a Dixiefest in 1991 and I've been to about 3 Virginiafests some years back.  Never headlined.  I didn't play too much when I went to the fests;just hung out and played some.  No one of any importance or 'pull' ever heard me.  Then it just got to be too expensive and everything was leaning toward too much blues and diatonics.  You'd be hard pressed to try and find a chord or bass players then.  I think its kind of turning around slowly but surely,though.  I think chord and basses are such cool sounding harps and I wish I not only had one of each;but could play on them.   Talk about expensive harps!!!!   Met Larry Adler;Toots Theleilmens;Sgro Brothers;Harmonicats(3 times with Al;once with Bob Bauer) when they went thru Baltimore.  Sat with Toots at a table when he was at taking a break at the only gig I saw him at. He played at a place called Ethels Place(Ethel Ennis) owned it.  Its not there anymore.  But Baltimore is no mans land when it comes to harp players.   Paul and I keep in touch;we want to meet Rootboy who lives here and a few others who play chromatic may pop up.  Any of you SlideMeisters from Baltimore or surrounding areas speak up.   Looking forward to seeing all of you at the fest--of course I'll be spending the better part of it practicing for the gig.  See ya!!

[iowaplayer]

hi elizabeth!

i've never been to the buckeye shindig, but i have been to a couple spah national conventions and a half dozen or more of the west coast harmonica conventions back in the 70s and 80s.

i agree!  harmonica get-togethers are somewhat different from the usual professional gigs.  most everyone in the place are there specifically to see and hear harmonica players doing what we do.  and fellow harpers tend to be much more considerate of those on stage than a lot of the paying public is in general.   i've played some non-harmonica convention gigs that were really challenging, and even disappointing.

i have come to look at harmonica get-togethers in two ways.....one as a player, having a ball listening to and playing with other players.  the other, as an entertainer, trying to bring the most bang to the audience as possible.

there are a few rules of thumb for putting on an entertainment in addition to the ones i listed in my earlier post:

always put the star act at the end.   that way people will want to stay for the entire show.  also, most entertainers usually don't want to go on after an earlier act that really rocked the audience. 

entertainers have to be able to read the audience's reaction to their show in real time.   if the audience seems to be getting a bit restless after a couple ballads or slow songs, it is probably time to hit them with a couple or three up tempo or flashy bits that will recapture their attention.  if they are getting overwhelmed it might be time to let things calm down a bit with a nice slow piece.

it is important for the front man (or woman) to sense how much talking is really appropriate for the audience.  too much yak takes away from the performance and breaks the tempo of the set.  not enough doesn't give the entertaining group enough time to build some rapport with the audience and catch some breath for the next song.

never try to compete with  a dinner.  folks with food and company will almost always pay most of their attention to the stuff on the table and the folks at the table with them.   most people who put on these kinds of evenings usually know enough not to put on a "sit and watch" kind of act on during the meal, but it's neat that buckeye does have music going on during the meal.

never step on the toes of another act by playing a song they are planning on doing, especially if it is one of their best tunes.

one of the really great things about harmonica conventions is that folks who love playing harmonica and making music but aren't into the entertainment aspect or who don't get the opportunity to perform in front of others get to see and be seen, on and off stage.

i don't think you've been looking at these shows wrong at all!  but you might find it interesting to watch the people watching the show.......see what they do and when they do it.

i apologize if my comment about getting the audience to "sit down and shut up" seemed crude or arrogant.  i certainly didn't mean it that way. 

at any rate, i really hope you have a great time at the festival.   i miss going to those kinds of things, and i'd really love to see aj, carl and george on stage.  i've never heard carl play, but aj says he's killer on a chromatic.

ip

[pyro_fire60099]

Buckeye has always been a fun and entertaining festival..sorry Valerie and I will not be going.. to much of life needs to take a priority but hopefully next year.


    Wally

[BigDaddyT]

Will there be any workshops?

[SlideMeister]

Buckeye has always been a fun and entertaining festival..sorry Valerie and I will not be going.. to much of life needs to take a priority but hopefully next year.


    Wally

Totally understandable bro!
Just do what ya gotta do. We all love you guys!

@ge                       

[Scotty]

NO worries, Iowaplayer. I've probably gone to somewhere around 20(?) harmonica conventions now --since I began in 2005...Buckeyes, Virginia, Garden State, and SPahs--unfortunately missed maybe 4 of those now due to situations which couldn't be helped. I'm one of those who does 'watch the audience', btw. having always been a 'people observer' and like to see how they're reacting to musicians, actors, performers, etc. I admit I can get caught up in the musician --especially when it's someone I'm nuts about, but the rest of the time I enjoy seeing how the rest of those in the room with me are likewise experiencing it. You learn a LOT by watching others.

I should just add one thing: Spah, Garden State, Buckeye, Virginia --all have the same practice: for the Saturday night performances, the meal is served first --then only as coffee and dessert are being finished up do the MC's or whomever else is in charge take the stage to begin the evening's show/talk/presentations. I'm assuming they too learned long ago that talking/eating people don't make for a good listening audience. That's a lot of what I personally love about these harmonica conventions: the performers get a very respectful and listening audience with only the occasional whisper shared between tablemates, and IF the occasional person does speak too loudly they're immediately shushed by those around them. It IS unique, and definitely a plus. During our discourse here it struck me if it's unique to us because of the relative 'quietness' of the harmonica?

Elizabeth (scotty)

 

[Scotty]

Danny - I happened to be on Facebook last night (after a couple of days away --I don't show up there regularly), and saw a post by Buzz Krantz, so decided to ask him if he was going to Buckeye. Much to my chagrin, he knew NOTHING about it --had never been notified. That was a bit awkward, given that he was the MC for several Buckeye Conventions I attended AND headed up the blues jams at night along with Joe Filisko.

He was a bit upset, frankly - asked why they hadn't publicized it more openly. So I took the liberty of posting most of the info on my own fb page - and referring those who might be looking for the registration download to your site (with a little plug for newharmonica too - why not?)

 I made sure to specify that you were NOT in charge --and gave Ray Dailey's email contact info as well as the hotel's number and info. I hope that helps,
but don't know how many people actually read my page --I'm not all that conversant with how facebook does things. Rosco chimed in too saying that he'd
always loved going to Buckeye and likewise had no idea it was back.

I'm wondering if they have an attendance sheet or membership list from the last couple of Buckeyes they could use to contact people? I'd be glad to help, but time's running out for people to make plans to attend. Buzz has gigs so might not be able to go anyway...I think he would have changed his schedule around if he'd known?

Elizabeth (scotty)

[SlideMeister]

Definitely makes ya wonder who else doesn't know about it.

[Danny G]

http://www.buckeyeharmonicaclub.org/

[Carl SC270]

Just received my Harmonica Happenings from Spah and not a peep about the Buckeye Festival but I see Danny did get it posted on Harp-L. Hope it stirs some interest because I'm thinking of going, the more people the more fun. Thanks Danny!

Carl

[Danny G]

It's listed on the Spah website, on the Buckeye website, my website, it's been posted on Harp_L and here.
I mentioned that Buzz hadn't heard about it to Linette and she posted it on Facebook.
I've been asked to present something on performing with trax but haven't committed.
I don't know who's giving seminars but if any of you are interested in presenting, get in touch with Ann Weaver weaveranna@att.net

Any of you who visit harmonica related websites are encouraged to let people know about Buckeye

[AJWINDMEYER]

It's listed on the Spah website, on the Buckeye website, my website, it's been posted on Harp_L and here.
I mentioned that Buzz hadn't heard about it to Linette and she posted it on Facebook.
I've been asked to present something on performing with trax but haven't committed.
I don't know who's giving seminars but if any of you are interested in presenting, get in touch with Ann Weaver weaveranna@att.net

I believe (don't quote me if i am wrong) i am doing a chord seminar with Tony Sgro.

[AJWINDMEYER]

I NEED EVERYONES HELP HERE... DOES ANYONE have the original score for Here's that Rainy Day by Pete Petersen? If so please contact me at:

AJWindmeyer@gmail.com

Thanks so much,

AJ

[Scotty]

It's listed on the Spah website, on the Buckeye website, my website, it's been posted on Harp_L and here.
I mentioned that Buzz hadn't heard about it to Linette and she posted it on Facebook.
I've been asked to present something on performing with trax but haven't committed.
I don't know who's giving seminars but if any of you are interested in presenting, get in touch with Ann Weaver weaveranna@att.net

Any of you who visit harmonica related websites are encouraged to let people know about Buckeye

Thanks, Danny -- I appreciate this. I didn't know it was posted on harp-l. I don't follow them at all after they suddenly notified me that I was no longer a member after I 'supposedly' tried to log in 'illegally' (I think that's the language that was used - it's been a while and I don't remember it exactly).  I hadn't as far as I know - although there's a small possibility I might have inadvertently used Fred's computer once when mine was down--but I wasn't allowed to explain. I was out. This -after spending YEARS on that forum. So much for 'how to run a forum', lol. I decided to stick with SlideMeister where I already felt far more at home and which is run fairly, and haven't looked back. This all might have gone on when Fred was hospitalized or I was having surgery myself. N'importe pas. The weird thing is -after years of posting there I thought I'd care but haven't missed it one iota! At least now the word seems to be getting out.

Are you going to Buckeye as a vendor this year?

Elizabeth (scotty)

[Scotty]

I NEED EVERYONES HELP HERE... DOES ANYONE have the original score for Here's that Rainy Day by Pete Petersen? If so please contact me at:

AJWindmeyer@gmail.com

Thanks so much,

AJ

AJ - I think you might want to also post this under 'general chromatic' - starting a new topic with your same heading: " I need everyone's help here'
which will pretty much ensure everyone will read it. Right now only those interested in Buckeye might read your post, so you could be missing
out on people who might have the info you're looking for?

Good luck!

Elizabeth (scotty)

[Danny G]

Website update   http://www.buckeyeharmonicaclub.org/

[Danny G]

Schedule Update

                         Master seminars during the day – Matinee Performances – Evening Performances

                                       *Bulletin with complete performance listing to be released at a later date
                                             
THURSDAY 19TH
6:30 to 9:30pm evening show*:
Finger-style Guitar Players,
Charlie Barath,
The Buckeye Club,
‘Onucleosis/itis,
Peter Madcat Ruth,
19 Hand Horse Band

FRIDAY 20TH
6:30-9:30pm evening show*: 
THE BIG REED (octet with Al Smith, Judy Smith, Marvin Monroe, and five other clarinet players:  Carrie Cunningham, Carol Brill, Bill Cinadr, Mike Johanyak and String Bass player, Tom Stone),
Harmonica Hotshots (Al and Judy Smith),
Harmonica Junction (quartet with Gene Hansen, Rudy and Doris Michelin and Al Smith),
Danny G with Growlin Willie, aka Harmonica Bruce
Joe Filisko with Eric Noden, 19 Hand Horse Band

SATURDAY 21st
7:00-10:00pm evening show*: 
Copy Cats,
PT Gazell,
Sgro Brothers,
Enrico Granafei,
Chris Bauer with The Bobby Floyd Trio

 
Questions? 
Call Anna 614.267.4327 or
Call Ray   614.325.0064

[Scotty]

Schedule Update

                         Master seminars during the day – Matinee Performances – Evening Performances

                                       *Bulletin with complete performance listing to be released at a later date
                                             
THURSDAY 19TH
6:30 to 9:30pm evening show*:
Finger-style Guitar Players,
Charlie Barath,
The Buckeye Club,
‘Onucleosis/itis,
Peter Madcat Ruth,
19 Hand Horse Band

FRIDAY 20TH
6:30-9:30pm evening show*: 
THE BIG REED (octet with Al Smith, Judy Smith, Marvin Monroe, and five other clarinet players:  Carrie Cunningham, Carol Brill, Bill Cinadr, Mike Johanyak and String Bass player, Tom Stone),
Harmonica Hotshots (Al and Judy Smith),
Harmonica Junction (quartet with Gene Hansen, Rudy and Doris Michelin and Al Smith),
Danny G with Growlin Willie,
Joe Filisko with Eric Noden, 19 Hand Horse Band

SATURDAY 21st
7:00-10:00pm evening show*: 
Copy Cats,
PT Gazell,
Sgro Brothers,
Enrico Granafei,
Chris Bauer with The Bobby Floyd Trio

 
Questions? 
Call Anna 614.267.4327 or
Call Ray   614.325.0064

Anyone who has diatonic friends who might be wondering if this festival is 'diatonic friendly' or if there will be enough diatonic players there--need to know that Peter 'MadCat' Ruth IS a diatonic player, as is Joe Filisko and PT Gazell (he of the half-valved diatonics), and Buzz Krantz told me he'd be there on Thursday, primarily because of 'me' (he sed)  -well, more likely Joe--his very good friend but I confess I pushed a wee bit.  These guys are all monster players. I'm sure there will be diatonic jams since Buzz and Joe always ran those at Buckeye and Spah and since there seems to be a preponderance of chromatic and 'other' types of harmonicas there, diatonic players might find themselves getting real one-on-one up-close information they might not get at bigger festivals packed with diatonic players who dominate the attention. Something to consider.

Elizabeth (scotty)
PS: looks as though we'll have at least half a dozen SlideMeisters? We'll be getting in on Wednesday (9+ hour drive--we'll need to decompress after driving all day), so I'll look around, check things out.
PPS: I DID ask our friend Jason Ricci if he could make it but unfortunately he can't--is gigging. Wished he could, though...he always loved Buckeye.

[SlideMeister]

I'll be more than happy to do some one-on-one coaching to help any of you guys who wanna play as good (or as bad) as I do. LOL! (or maybe you can show me something - either one would be cool  )

[Danny G]

  Master seminars during the day – Matinee Performances

It's not a secret but since Age hasn't posted anything about it, he's going to be part of the "  Master seminars during the day – Matinee Performances"

Also, for those of you who don't know who Growlin' Willie is, he's better know as Harmonica Bruce

[SlideMeister]

Oh Kewll! I thought I was just gunna be doing the "Playing with Backup trax" thing with you. So this will be more even more fun than I thought. 

[rebel harper]

Hi Carl,

The Buckeye event is listed on the front page of the SPAH website with attached details. It's up to organizations and people to let us know what's happening so we can helppromote it.

Manfred
SPAH Website Content Mgr

[SlideMeister]

Here's Scotty's shot of Al and Judy with Val

[Scotty]

Here's Scotty's shot of Al and Judy with Val

Ta much, Age. I took it at I think(?) the second last Garden State Harmonica Festival...and just now remembered that it was our newest member Nancy who mentioned that she was in a group with Al and Judy. - so I'll direct her here, but since they'll be playing at Buckeye, it's still appropriate. Val of course is married to Phil Caltabellotta.

Elizabeth (scotty)

[Bill Morris]

I NEED EVERYONES HELP HERE... DOES ANYONE have the original score for Here's that Rainy Day by Pete Petersen? If so please contact me at:

AJWindmeyer@gmail.com

Thanks so much,

AJ

Alex, did you ever find this?  I have a trio version that may be the right one.

Bill

[Danny G]

Here is a copy of the program for the Buckeye Festival

[Abedolla]

Looks like you guys are going to have a blast!  I’ll be here crying and pouting next one I am there!