HTrain
52 posts
Oct 25, 2011
9:49 AM
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I'm trying to get a small group of harp players in the area together to jam, talk harp gear, share etc. Any tips to help us get going? Most of us are intermediate at best but interested in learning and improving. All ideas welcome.
Thanks in advance
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nacoran
4801 posts
Oct 25, 2011
10:32 AM
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I run a small songwriter's circle. Location is a big deal. You want somewhere where new members feel comfortable going (not the Psycho House up on the hill), where they background noise doesn't drown them out, (we had problems with a noisy air conditioner all summer), a place were, if there is a crowd it's friendly, comfortable seats... and then you have to advertise to grow it. Our songwriter's group has lots of members, but the number who actually show up at any given show is less. It's tough, but it's fun.
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Nate
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bluemoose
627 posts
Oct 25, 2011
10:38 AM
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I'd start with getting the $63 one-way ferry fare from Vancouver to Victoria lowered. :(
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MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
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timeistight
177 posts
Oct 25, 2011
11:05 AM
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Hey bluemoose? I'm in Vancouver, too. Wanna start a group here?
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Jim Rumbaugh
581 posts
Oct 25, 2011
11:09 AM
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Here's a few scattered ideas from the beginning of The Harmonica Club (of Huntington, WV)
1) the bar with a jukebox did not work out.
2) the coffe shop did (or any place you meet that will not disturb other people but still make some noise)
3) 8pm to 10 pm every Tuesday ( pick any night and stick with it, there is allways some wrong with ANY night you choose)
4) we now meet 7pm to 9pm, but we are mostly 60+, the younger guys like the later times.
5) get someome to play ACOUSTIC guitar. The fewer amps you have, the happier you will be and the more you can get done. Save the amps for public appearnces.
6) open the door for all musicians (to back you up) but be firm that it is a HARMONICA club, not a guitar, drum, piano club
7)alcohol is not needed to run a successful group meeting.
8) try to learn/teach ONE new thing each time you meet. Remind everyone, if you learn one thing each time, after a year, you've gained a lot.
that's enough to get you going
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theharmonicaclub.com (of Huntington, WV)
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falconer
25 posts
Oct 25, 2011
11:45 AM
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sure wish we had a jam group in the Seattle area.
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Jim Rumbaugh
582 posts
Oct 25, 2011
2:37 PM
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@falconer: If we can have one in the city of Huntington, WV (population 50K) I know you can have one in Seatle. Try putting a add in the Classified ads of the newspaper, Try Craig's List. All it takes is one guy with a vision and a desire and it can happen. If you have something to offer, people will come. If you do not have something to offer, people will only come once.
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theharmonicaclub.com (of Huntington, WV)
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bluemoose
628 posts
Oct 25, 2011
3:27 PM
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@timeistight - drop me a line at the email on my signature. Might be fun.
MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
Last Edited by on Oct 25, 2011 3:27 PM
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HTrain
54 posts
Oct 25, 2011
3:40 PM
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Appreciate the comments guys! bluemoose - get old (like me) and its a free walk on Monday - Thursday ;-)
Seriously - if you think of anything, please pass it on. Right now at the size we're at. its at my house so noise and crowd is not a factor but if we get more than 8 and start getting other instruments - hmmmm???? I like the idea of "learn one thing"
Thanks and keep 'em coming
Last Edited by on Oct 25, 2011 3:40 PM
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Steamrollin Stan
129 posts
Oct 26, 2011
1:37 AM
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Maybe Hank you could set up a big skype section and do it that way???..feel a bit silly at first but you'll get used to me.
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BAG
102 posts
Oct 27, 2011
8:52 PM
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Am considering the same thing. Might start it at my house calling it "Free Harmonica Lessons and Related Stuff - Suggested Donation One Beer". If a half dozen people show up it means I get a six pack of beer and get to play in front of 6 people. Kinda like most gigs I sit in on.
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Twitter ~ BossoBrewingCo
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Steamrollin Stan
140 posts
Oct 28, 2011
3:50 AM
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About two years ago i put an advert in the local newspaper looking for some harp buddies, this bloke called and said there's a jam on sunday at a pub downtown in our area, so when i met this guy i knew all about his mental health issues, medication, convictions with the law, why his ex missus needs bashin, who owes him money, friggin blah blah blah, he played like shit and as he was the only harp guy there he thought he was the ducks bum, after about 30 mins i just went home and never heard of him or been back to that pub since, lesson is, watch who you might invite into your home!!!
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Jim Rumbaugh
584 posts
Oct 28, 2011
5:43 AM
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"What's in it for me?"
That determines the success of a group. There must be something that each person gets from the meeting, or they come only once. Be prepared to lift up the players that need to be taught. Be prepared to learn from the ones that want to share. And make everyone feel wanted.
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theharmonicaclub.com (of Huntington, WV)
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