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Permalink Reply by Rouxdy Blues on May 11, 2013 at 2:12am

This actually says way more about you than you probably realize.  None of what you projected here was in fact part of any of Kevin's posts. You might take a look way down deep and ask your self why that's what you saw.... 

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 18, 2013 at 10:21am

Thanks, Silent Jim--and thanks for the sound bite. Nice. Would you be willing to offer advice from you experience, if needed? Sounds like yours would be valuable indeed.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 10, 2013 at 2:20am

Thanks, Silent Jim. I'm think of the cultural organization first. I'll continue to do concerts and exhibitions during which I educate audiences about cigar box guitars...I'd like to organize some CBG building workshops--separate ones for adults and children...and all my efforts for year will culminate at the annual festival. That's my goal.

 

I'm really not interested in either fame or money, which can be presupposed by the whole "non-profit" angle, but I would like to see wild success. My own resources are severely limited, and since my efforts are to benefit the community at large, why not try and do it as cost-effectively as possible, right?

 

I appreciate your encouragement and support.

 

- Kevin

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Permalink Reply by Mr.C on May 9, 2013 at 9:14pm

Kevin are you driving over for the stlouis fest

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 10, 2013 at 2:21am

I believe so, yes, baring any unforeseen trouble to make it impossible.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 18, 2013 at 10:23am

Revision to my last statement about driving to the St. Louis fest...we had a major home repair that's eating into what WAS going to be my St. Louis trip budget, so...I might not get there after all, dang it. We're still trying to work it out somehow, because I'd really love to get there for the first festival.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 11, 2013 at 1:09am

Interesting.  Seems worth a shot there.   Seems like if the description had some 'buzz words or phrases, like Society for the preservation of cigar box guitars and music.  Or some such.   This is a visual, aural, and traditional folk art we are carrying on and evolving.  

Looking forward to the KC fest. 

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 11, 2013 at 2:39am

Kevin, did you see the blues for schools related vid that Dan Sleep posted?   Good stuff.  I was thinking of offering them (up in Maine) some didleys as donations.  Thing is, if they'd knock on my door, I would give them 3.  But finding boxes and shipping is something I don't like. You are closer to home.   Can you use some diddleys for your work with kids?  I can bring them to KC fest

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 13, 2013 at 3:05pm

Absolutely! That'd be great!

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 13, 2013 at 10:23am

FOR ANYONE INTERESTED, despite some of the unwarranted flak I've received from one source on here, I wanted to share what I've STARTED as a proposal for the organization that been forming in my mind and see what you thought. MIND YOU, this is simply a tentative sketch to something that I hope to bring to fruition soon here in Kansas City. I'm still working everything out. At the very least, this will give your all here a little better idea of the direction I'm going with this:

 

PROPOSAL FOR The Kansas City Cigar Box Guitar Project

 

Brief summarization of program: A cultural establishment characterized by a community of Kansas City cigar box guitar performers/builders who are committed to passing on the knowledge, experience and passion of cigar box guitars mainly in the Kansas City area using concerts and live performances and organized cigar box guitar building workshops especially for kids, with our efforts throughout the year culminating in the annual Kansas City Cigar Box Guitar Festival.

Mission Statement

The Kansas City Cigar Box Guitar Project exists to educate the culture about the cigar box guitar and its place in American history, both past and present, with the goal being to encourage and excite others to adopt the instrument as a legitimate and fulfilling way to express oneself musically at minimum personal expense.

Breakdown of activities

1. Concerts and exhibitions. Performing members/officers will on occasion utilize the musical stage to increase interest in both cigar box guitars and this organization when possible. In addition, special attention will be given to schools and other education institution for the opportunity to facilitate teaching/performing exhibitions detailing the history, construction and music of cigar box guitar, its place in American music of the past and present. Performers are encouraged to be individualistic in their style and approach, but to always remember the goal of the Project and its endeavor to reach general audiences. Music selections are expected to reflect this philosophy.
2. Cigar Box Guitar Building workshops. Efforts will be ongoing to organize and facilitate one-string cigar box guitar building workshops for young people and, when possible and feasible, adults, so that they will be encouraged to pursue musical exploration without the tremendous cost of purchasing an expensive instrument, staying true to the president’s saying, “There are few things more inspiring than making music on an instrument you’ve built with you own hands.” Cost to participants should be minimal or nonexistent, when possible. While the guitars built at these events will be single-stringed for cost effectiveness, room will remain on the head pieces for the builder to add more strings at his or her discretion. Children must be accompanied by a parent or supervised by a legal adult to participate. Parents are encouraged to work with their children.
3. The annual Kansas City Cigar Box Guitar Festival! All concerts, exhibitions, workshops and promotion will culminate in this yearly event which occurs each summer or fall. This free event will feature cigar box guitar performers, local or otherwise, as well as open microphone opportunities to encourage closet performers to show their stuff before an always-appreciative audience. A raffle, with cigar box related prizes, shall be held with monies collected from ticket sales going to benefit the efforts of the Project.

Needs

An adequate sound system to accommodate most performance venues. This should, at the very least, include a sound board, mixer, several available microphones with stands, speakers, amplifiers and the accessories to enhance the listening experience.

Building equipment and supplies for workshops. Materials should include a number of minimally prepared wood for one-string guitars, to minimize the safety risk to would-be participant

Efforts will be made at the outset to acquire the above through charitable donations.

 

 

 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Kevin M. Kraft on May 13, 2013 at 3:07pm

I decided to leave your advice, Anonymous, not the project, and not good advice and encouragement, of course. For those who would offer constructive advice, I wanted to give a clearer idea of what I am formulating, that's all. "Leaving it" was my response to your "take it or leave it" response ALONE, ending the discussion between you and I. I remain undeterred in my action. I hope that clears up any misunderstanding n your part. If I let voices of dissention deter me without good reason, I'd be nowhere in life, and since I know my own motivation better than would-be detractors, I think I'll keep counsel accordingly. To those who understand and wish to help, I welcome your involvement in the discussion.

And courteous or not, judging someone or mischaracterizing me and my motives as you did? Well, that kind of courtesy I'll do without, thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 13, 2013 at 12:56pm

Kevin, that plan sounds very good and I think the decision to go with single string design expandable for more is a wise idea.  I would be happy to help, but probably in a small way. 

I can send you a donation if that will help and if you have use for them, I can bring you some already made one string guitars and likely some spare parts at KC fest.

Please let me know how I may be of help.

John

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