Fellow Oz harpers. If you're not on Facebook you might have missed this. There is an event by the AHPN (Australian Harmonica Players Network) this Saturday in Ashfield, Sydney.
BigBlindRay, Dane Clarke from MandoHarp, Warren Barnes and others are behind this event and have been working very hard.
Below is from the Facebook page.
"CLUB ASHFIELD 1/11 Charlotte Street Ashfield NSW 2131 WHEN: Saturday 27th April 2013 1:00pm – 5:00pm
http://www.clubashfield.com.au/ **************************************************** What's in store at the AHPN First Club Meet?
Meet and network with other Harmonica players from all levels in a fun and sociable environment.
Bring your Harmonica Gear, talk with other players about your set up and take the opportunity to Trade or Sell your harps, pedals or amps amongst other Harmonica lovers.
Jam with other players and the House Band. [My busking partner, Matthew, will be on hand to provide guitar backing for one and all.]
A Hohner Harmonica trade stand will be present for all your harmonica purchasing needs at great prices. (Proudly Supported by Kurt Jacobs)."
The club isn't licensed for 'selling activities' but I understand parking lot transactions will be OK.
I hope to see you there. This means you too, Steamrolling Stan.
People try to touch your junk without permission You learn how to deal with drunks If people like what you’re doing they might thrust a bill into your hand (or elsewhere) You hide from your neighbours what you’re doing, going out at night, dressed to the nines You get up on stage and wonder why people are starting at you, and then remember: “I’m making a spectacle of myself” The authorities like to crack down on your activities You feel nervous and ashamed the first time you do it, not knowing what goes where, but once you get into the groove, it is oddly addictive You take a stage name that highlights your talents/character, but it is also a mask to hide behind You’re obsessed with gear; you think it will make you a better performer People make numerous requests that are impossible to fulfil
As Dane lives in Nambucca, maybe the next meet could be up here as I live just 15 minutes away. Would be a good opportunity for a break away for some of you. I look forward to hearing how the first meet goes.
Well put together and saw/met some great players, however when i try to find the website under AHPN all i get among other links is the 'African health policy network'....you's trying to scam me for not 'comin out'....;)
Nice to see some old faces and meet new ones, including S. Stan! Turnout about 35-40 I guess. There were two gear tables. BigBlindRay and Warren brought a bunch of stuff - mics, pedals, amps (incl. one from Hohner) - that people could have a go on. Ray gave an overview of scale theory and how to apply it which was good for musical ignoramuses such as me. There was a couple of hours for having a blow, with backing track, Matthew on guitar or solo. Mainly blues with a few showtunes on chromatic. I think anyone who wanted had a play, although some people are reticent. I have a recurring conversation with one guy, every couple of months. "You getting up?" "I'm not ready" "You have to get up BEFORE you're ready." "Later." Matthew hung around and jammed with a few of the guys after, playing folk and jazz as well. There were door/raffle prizes donated by MandoHarp and Warren's truck parts company. A chromatic, a harp case and a Seydel Session Steel. Aim is to have quarterly meets, and hopefully see other States do it too. One guy made the trip from South Australia which was an outstanding effort.
We freaked out when a Spanish guy who had only "7-8 months" experience showed some awesome chops. Admiration, envy and jealousy. Turned out it was a misunderstanding. He'd only been in Oz 7-8 months, but had been playing harp considerably longer. We could then feel less inferior.
I think they are ironing out security issues, Bruce, which is why you can't "see" the website yet. I'll shoot you an email when it's up and running.
I'm sure you will come out when you're ready :).
I have probably left stuff out but that is the gist as I recall... I welcome corrections.
Great to know this is happening in Australia. From my pov it'd be good to keep it within cooee of a major airport..I hope to get along to the next one ----------
Would be great to see you SuperBee. There must be harpers on the South Island. Maybe you can get something going there? Ashfield was chosen due to central location, considering harpers coming from all over, including a few who drove down from the Central Coast and beyond.
A bit of Investment Buskers footage from yesterday. Thanks to Steamrollin Stan for filming. My fault the resolution's so low. It gives you an idea of the setup, anyway..
For those in other places, Rubes is a harp player that could kick serious ass with the best and come out winning, the vid of bronze just does not do justice to the playing, as a wannabee harper the line up of professional players supprised everyone who attended, i am looking foreward to the next session.We must not forget both guitar players who made it worthwhile. (raving on a bit here).;)
Thanks Stan and Rubes for the kind comments. Rubes, you have a lot of interesting things going on. Loved the jazzy number especially. And Ray and Warren and Dane for the hard work. Can't wait for the next love fest!
