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Boxstock 2011

Hi everybody..I've been keeping my head down for a while...busy with work, guitar shows etc...but I'm back in the saddle for the run-up to Boxstock.

As you may know, we are back at The Public in West Bromwich this year. I had a tech meet with them this week, and will be finalising the running order shortly. Basically, on Saturday we will be kicking off at 10.00am, and running the morning sessons until 1.00pm The break for lunch will include a couple of 'showcase performances' in the ground floor lobby/cafe area, se we'll be keeping activities rolling all thru' the day. The afternoon will run 2 -5.00 pm, concluding with our first HGMC annual General Meeting don't worry, we'll keep is short and to the point!

The evening gig is underway at 8.00pm. This year we are in the theatre rather than the "Pink Tank" space, so it's a more intimate space for the evening gig, and they have a great PA system too. The bar will be open until midnight, and the building itself closes at 1.00 am. We are aiming to leave ourselves with a bit of time after the main performances to chill-out and jam to wind the evening down.

If you haven't bought a ticket yet, it helps retain what's left of my sanity to know how many people are likely to be arriving on the day. I particular, because we are aiming to repeat some of the players workshops for smaller groups so that you don't need to make a choice of one activity or another, it will really help me programme this. Of course I don't want to get too formal about it, but I do need to do some planning to make sure these activities work as well as we can make them.

OK..bye for now..and hopefully I'll be seeing quite a few of you in a few weeks time.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alan Hodges on September 27, 2011 at 8:54am

Hi all, last chance for a lift to boxstock. Travelling on Friday mid to late AM. Live in Fareham on the south coast. Route is thus: M27, M3, A34, M40 to Oldbury travel lodge.Return at some point on Sunday, hangover permitting! If you live on or near this route (a small detour off the main route is no problem) and you need a free ride, reply here.
Alan.

Permalink Reply by Roadkill a.k.a. John Maw on September 27, 2011 at 10:37am

Hi.

If you think people would be interested I could do a bit of show and tell on the twin neck Ailbow instrument that I finished recently. If you are not familiar with it the video is here and photo here.

All the best.

John

smojo said:

Hi all

Looks like I'll be directing the show and tell session. So I can get some idea of who/how many want to have a go, can you post here if you're up for it please. Ta

Permalink Reply by Yellowbelly Flatt on September 27, 2011 at 10:50am

Smojo,

I'll do a show and tell with my cigar box fiddle if you like?

Permalink Reply by smojo on September 27, 2011 at 9:26pm

John and Yellowbelly yes please.

Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on September 27, 2011 at 9:50pm

Smojo - I could bring my Punch 2 four string build fitted with Klangbox 4-pup pickup and Rum Punch for a show and tell..?

Permalink Reply by smojo on September 27, 2011 at 10:12pm

So we're nearly there, getting excited! Weather's looking good too.

I'm gonna have a small stall of things for sale. Just giving you a "heads up" on what I'm bringing in case you're looking for something in particular. Mostly electronic stuff I've made - piezo mics, electret mics, baccy tin amps and some circuit bent toys and some pseudo theremin oscillators. I'll be demoing these briefly at the show and tell session.

Also one or two items surplus to requirements - a Marshall bluesbreaker pedal, a 1960s Kay acoustic (the soundboard has bellied but it makes a great slider or might be ripe for converting to a reso). Also the chassis from a big guitar amp that just needs a speaker and a cab making. I'm also open to swaps/trades on most stuff. Have you got any Electro Harmonix pedals you might want to trade? Bring 'em along if you have I might be interested. Bring some cash too :) looking forward to seeing you all.

Permalink Reply by smojo on September 27, 2011 at 10:24pm

yep good.

Slowpaw Steve T said:

Smojo - I could bring my Punch 2 four string build fitted with Klangbox 4-pup pickup and Rum Punch for a show and tell..?

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on September 28, 2011 at 1:35am

Hiya...I can tell you good people I'll be mightily relieved when we've got rolling this weekend..pretty stressed out..but I'm sure it's going to be a good 'un.

Saturday is looking like we've got more attending than ever before...and we have visitors from Ireland and Belgium, as well as our guest artistes from USA and France...a truly international gathering.

There is parking right next to The Public, its only £2.00 for the whole day if my memory serves me. Keep checking on here for lifts etc from your hotel to the venues...looks like there's a lot of people who are being really helpful in that respect, so don't be shy to ask for a lift. Off-street parking at The Barge and Barrel is limited..it's OK if you get there early, but otherwise you'll have to leave your motor in the road.

Also, don't be shy about bringing instruments to sell / trade /show off/ talk about...there's plenty of space, and no charge if you want to take a table to display your wares.

Friday looks like it will be VERY busy for the open mic, and I'll do my absolute best to fit everyone , so it will be quick turnarounds and maybe only a couple of numbers each..we'll see how it goes. I'd sooner let everyone have a crack and then if we have some time left over we can go round again or get people jamming together.

Phew..thats about it for now!

John

Permalink Reply by smojo on September 28, 2011 at 2:50am

Great work John. One quickie that might be helpful to everyone. Do you know if and where there's a handy cash machine near the Public. Doubt many of us will offer credit card facilities on our goodies!!

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on September 28, 2011 at 5:37am

Cash machines near the Public are on The High Street..Abbey Nat / Halifax / Yorkshire /Lloyds / NatWest & Barclays all 5 - 10 mins away

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on September 28, 2011 at 8:14am

Hi Good People...STOP PRESS..Saturday night Boxstock..we will be starting WELL early!!!

Get there for 7.30 for a 7.45 kick-off. Opening the evening will be Andy Bole (& the Interplanetary Music Collective) and the Khalgani Dancers...I've been trying to pull this together, and it looks like it WILL be happening...spacey eastern fusion music and tribal belly dance...don't miss it!!!

Permalink Reply by anthony on September 28, 2011 at 8:23am