Calling all Florida Jammers - Let's Have Us a Summer Jam

[mmcquain]

You may be familiar with the Les Paul Jams that Jimmy Murray (LPF and MLP) has hosted over the last several years in NC. I attended the spring 2008 jam and can tell you that it is a really fun way to spend a weekend - hearing lots of great music, meeting some new friends, sharing tips on gear, and of course jamming away on some really great music. Well it seems like there is finally enough interest to do the same thing here in Florida. So I'm taking a poll to get us our own jam started up right here on the west central FL coast. I live near Tampa and think this area is centrally located enough to allow you guys (and gals) to make it down for a day or two of fun. So here's what I am proposing...

Friday night (say 7pm to 11pm) and Saturday (like 10am to 6pm). I've got a few ideas for a location but could use some help from a few of you local guys in getting together a basic backline of some decent amps and a small PA system (sad to say I've sold off a lot of my gear in this area). This would keep things simple for those traveling from out of town - all they need to bring is their favorite guitar(s). Of course, anyone can bring any and all of the gear they want (who doesn't love checking out the latest in amps, pedals, etc.). I just know from my trip to NC that not having to lug a bunch of extra gear made the trip a lot easier to handle.

As for a date to hold the jam, I'm listing some possible dates below. I am posting this same announcement on the following forums and basically the date that gets the most people interested in attend will be the date we shot for. I'm posting on: TheFenderForum, LesPaulForum, MyLesPaul, TheGearPage, Harmony-Central, GuitarDiner, and GearTalk.

Something to keep in mind is that this part of FL is a great family vacation spot - Clearwater Beach, Tampa has Busch Gardens, Orlando (Disney/Universal/Sea World) is less than 2 hours away, etc. So maybe you'd want to consider making the jam a part of your next vacation - let the kids go play at Busch Gardens while you jam away on your favorite blues songs for an afternoon!

Of course, it is always nice to get away for a little "me time" too so maybe you'd rather keep the kids at home and just spend a weekend with some fellow pickers! The choice is yours - I can provide info and links for area attractions, hotel info, etc.

The jam would be free to all, everyone would be responsible for bringing their own food/drinks but I can make sure we have some coolers with ice available. Also, if any of you are looking to sell or trade any gear then I encourage you to bring it along. And if anybody is a builder, pedal modifier, pickup winder, etc. then of course we'd love to see some samples of your work. Hey, this would be cheaper than having to rent a booth at the next guitar show, etc.

So who's up for some fun? Here's a pic of the 2008 NC jam that I attended - as you can see it is a lot of fun and great way to meet some fellow pickers. It doesn't matter if you've never played in front of anybody else before or if you're in a regularly gigging band... it's not a contest of skill but is really just about having some fun and playing/hearing some great music with your fellow forum members, etc.

Possible Jam Dates - please vote on which date(s) works best for you to attend:

June 19/20
June 26/27
July 10/11
July 17/18
August 14/15

p.s. Of course you don't have to live in FL to attend - everyone is welcome!!!

[mmcquain]

OK I've gotten enough responses off of the other forums (about 15 guitarist so far)
that I'm going ahead and setting an official date for this jam to take place...

WHAT: First Annual (we hope!) West Florida Guitar Jam

WHEN: Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18

WHERE: Fellowship Hall of Generations Christian Church, Tarpon Springs, FL

HOURS: Friday night 7-11pm / Saturday 10am-5pm

This is a FREE EVENT and everyone is welcome (all ages and skill levels)!!
You don't have to play... you/your family can just come enjoy some good music.
If you want to play then bring you guitar and amp (if possible*) and be ready to jam!!

Please RSVP to Mike McQuain mmcquain@mcquain.com

*If you are local and could bring an extra amp that would be great since it may be
hard for out of towners to bring more than just their guitar (plus the more different
amps we have - the more cool toys we have to try out/listen to).

Also, we are looking for 1-2 drummers, bassists and keyboard players who are
interested in being our rhythm section for the event. I have some guys from our
church band that may be able to play but I'd like to have a back up plan just in case.

NOTE: No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed
But feel free to bring your cooler with water, soda, etc. There are several places
to eat nearby (and/or we can always order in pizza for lunch on Saturday).

ATTENTION All Amp, Effect and/or Guitar Builders:
Feel free to bring along some samples of your work to demo, take orders for, etc.
Just please email Mike McQuain (mmcquain@mcquain.com) prior to the event so that
we have an idea of who will be displaying their works - we want to tell people about
you ahead of time!!

Also, if you are looking to buy/sell/trade any used gear then email Mike about that as well.
Maybe you'll find a fellow forum member to trade with... we all love trying out new stuff!!

DIRECTIONS:
MapQuest GCC Now
Generations Christian Church (GCC) 2795 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688
(approx. 30 minutes northwest of Tampa, FL)

Note to Out of Towners:
If you are coming from out of town and need recommendations on where to stay
let me know when you RSVP. If you are looking for a buddy to share a hotel room
tell me that as well and I can put you in contact with other attendees looking for the
same thing.

[mmcquain]

Download this info in PDF form here:
http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul/FL_Gu...rJam_Flyer.pdf

[Gunner]

This sounds like an incredibly good time. I love the Group Pic! Fun bunch of guys I'm sure. Good luck.

[mmcquain]

Thanks Gunner - yes it was a good time when the pic was taken (Les Paul Forum Jam in Greensboro, NC Spring 2008) and I'm hoping for an equally good time in July here in FL.

[Gunner]

We tried to do a Canada Jam in Ontario but unfortunately it fizzled. However you appear to have this quite well organized. Look forward to some Videos and pics. Rock on.

[mmcquain]

Originally Posted by Gunner

We tried to do a Canada Jam in Ontario but unfortunately it fizzled. However you appear to have this quite well organized. Look forward to some Videos and pics. Rock on.

Sorry to hear about your jam. As for organized... I owe Jimmy Murray (from the Les Paul Forum) credit as I was very impressed with the jam I attended last year (he's now hosted like 10 or more of these things) in NC. He is a really cool guy and the jam was a lot of fun. The group pic in my first post is from the jam I attended - that's me on the far left with the Gibson CS-356 (oh and that's Tom Murphy of Gibson Les Paul aging fame in the middle of the pic standing kinda' sideways - he is a really cool guy and I got to jam on "Call Me The Breeze" with him). I hope my FL jam turns out to be half as much fun as Jimmy's!

[Gunner]

Whoa, I didn't recognize Tom Murphy in that pic. He's aged.

[mmcquain]

Originally Posted by Gunner

Whoa, I didn't recognize Tom Murphy in that pic. He's aged.

LOL - This is what Tom looks like while "in production" before he's ready to ship out to the world...



And this is him once he's ready to make music...

[mmcquain]

DATE CHANGE PENDING
I just found out today that there is a schedule conflict at the church fellowship hall and I'm going to have to move the date for the jam. I THINK it will be 1 week earlier (July 10-11) but I have to confirm that on Tuesday after the holiday so look for an reschedule date then. I hope this doesn't screw up too many people's plans to attend as it is really shaping up to be a great jam (over 20 people coming so far!!!) Have a good Memorial Day and look for the new date on Tuesday.

[mmcquain]

It is official...
New Jam Dates
Fri. July 10 & Sat. July 11


Click Here to Download Flyer

[mmcquain]

Jam Rules and Tips…

Rule # 1 – Have FUN…
enjoy the music and make some new friends!

So maybe this is your first time doing more than jamming in your living room with your high school buddy. What can you expect and what should you keep in mind…

• The idea behind a jam is to make some music, maybe learn a new song or two and maybe check out some cool gear (our amp backline is shaping up nicely!). Jammers come from all skill levels (the guy just learning to play who has never taken his guitar outside of his living room to the seasoned pro musician) so please be respectful of your fellow jammers’ abilities and skill levels.
• Song selections will come in a variety of musical styles and arrangements (blues, rock, country, etc.). We usually play a lot of blues since these are often easy chord progressions that any player can follow along, regardless of their skill level.
• There will be name tags at the front door so you can list your name, the online forum you’re a member of (a lot of us only know each other by our screen names) and where you are from (city). This way we can get to know each other and maybe make some new local connections for future jamming, etc. So please wear your name tag (at least for a while until we get to know each other).
• There will be some song books available (with chords and lyrics for a variety of blues and classic rock songs). But feel free to bring you own (label them please). We will have a few music stands there as well. This way people can follow along even if they don’t know a song.
• Not everybody will play all the time! First, that would get way too loud and crazy. And it also doesn’t give you a chance to just listen, network with other jammers, check out some cool gear, etc. So we will have a sign-up sheet where you can list any special song(s) you’d like to play on and/or any other specific jammers you’d like to jam with. The music sets are fluid and subject to change but we want to give everyone who wants to play a chance to play at least a few songs. And yes, we often repeat some songs at these jams so don’t worry if you don’t get to play the first time “your song” gets played.
• There will be folding chairs to sit on while watching your fellow jammers. However, there may not be table space available if you plan to bring some items to sell (pedals, etc.) so you may want to bring a card table if you feel the need.
• You may want to bring a cooler with drinks (non-alcoholic) or food. There are several nearby fast food places available as well (and we can always order in some pizza!). Please clean up after yourself.
• Please try to keep jam levels to a reasonable volume. This not only helps everyone enjoy the music but it also helps keep the peace with anybody else who may be on church campus that day. That being said, you may want to bring ear protection if you feel the need.
• Since this is primarily a jam (vs. an amp demo like the Clearwater ToneFest, etc.) there will not be separate rooms available for testing amps, etc. Therefore, we will take some breaks in the music jams so that we can listen/try out some of the amps and pedals people are planning to bring. So please don’t ruin a great jam by suddenly cranking up that Plexi along the back wall to 11 just so you can play your favorite blues lick thru it to hear how it sounds (LOL).
• And don’t forget Rule #1 above!!!!

Here are a few rules and tips that should be common sense but we figured we’d better point them out just in case anyone forgets (so please read them carefully)…

• By attending the jam you agree to all rules outline below.
• The jam is free to attend. However, if you’d like to make a donation to help offset the organization expenses, etc., you may do so via PayPal (PayPal ID mmcquain@mcquain.com) or in person the day of the jam (please see Mike McQuain, jam host).
• The jam host, Generations Christian Church (the location) and your fellow jammers are not responsible for accidents or lost (YOU are responsible). Therefore, we recommend you label everything you bring (amps, guitar cases, cables, pedals, etc.). Those little address labels you always seem to get in the mail when they ask you for a donation make a great way to label everything (and of course there are Sharpie markers). If you plan to bring gear to sell or trade, please be extra careful to keep an eye on it.
• If you break something please contact the owner immediately – if it is equipment belonging to another jammer then talk to them. If it is something on church property then contact the jam host (Mike McQuain) immediately. The church has been nice enough to allow us to hold the jam here, let’s make sure they let us do it again some time… thanks!
• Please stay within the jam area (Fellowship Hall – Building B) during the jam. There may be other people and events on the church campus during jam hours and we want to be good neighbors.
• If you smoke then please only do so out in the parking lot and then properly dispose of all butts and trash. Again, we are guests on the church’s property so please be respectful.
• No Alcoholic Beverages allowed on Church Property.
• If you plan to bring extra gear (amps, etc.) please RSVP to mmcquain@mcquain.com by July 1, 2009 if possible. This way he can coordinate who is bringing what and we will ensure the widest selection of different amps, etc. in our jam backline. This will also prevent you from bringing more gear than you need to (nobody likes to just lug extra amps around because we need to work our back muscles).
• Anyone not following the above rules will be asked to leave immediately.

[mmcquain]

Well we're only 3 weeks away from the jam. Here's a link to the church for those of you who need driving directions, etc. http://bit.ly/summerjam09

Also, if you are coming from out of town and need a hotel, I recommend either the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn in Tarpon Springs. The Tarpon Inn (a mom and pop motel very close to the Tarpon Sponge Docks) is another choice you may want to consider.

Please RSVP to me (mmcquain@mcquain.com) if you plan to attend. If you have any cool gear (amps for the backline, etc.) then please let me know that as well. So that we don't have people bringing too much duplicate gear I'm keeping a list and will post it the week before the jam. This way we should get a nice wide representation of some really cool amps, etc. without anybody bringing extra gear needlessly.

[Gunner]

Stickied this Thread for you and all the members as it certainly is a worthwhile get together. Good luck and take lots of pics.

[mmcquain]

Originally Posted by Gunner

Stickied this Thread for you and all the members as it certainly is a worthwhile get together. Good luck and take lots of pics.

Thanks man! Wish you could join us. I'll take lots of pics (when I'm not playing - LOL) and I plan to have the video camera setup on a tripod to get as much of the action as I can. Later if anybody wants a copy I'll be glad to burn 'em a DVD of the whole affair (this way they can go home, study my playing and learn what NOT to do - LOL!!! It will be like an educational video )

But seriously, I hope it turns out to be a blast. I want to make players of all skill levels feel welcomed. I've had a couple of people specifically contact me and say they are coming because the jam is open to all skill levels. The bottom line IMO is that we have fun, make some new friends and get to play/hear some good music and see some cool gear in the process. To the last point I'm happy to report the amp backline is coming together nicely as several people have RSVP'd about what they can offer for amps and we should end up with a great mix of some really cool tube amps, etc. My other hope is that thru this jam we can make some new friends and contacts... and that people can maybe find some new jam partners, etc. to keep the music going even after this weekend is over.

[mmcquain]

FYI - For those of you who are into the latest (and/or classic) tube amp tones, here's a list of what people are bringing (so far) for our amp backline and so that we can hear some cool tones...

Egnator
Fuchs
Fender Champ XD
Taynor
Hiwatt
Vibroverb
JC120
Marshall 18watt clone
Black Face Twin Reverb
Silver Face Twin Reverb
Tweed Bassman
Bogner
Shiva
Komet
Klon
Fender Tweed
Genz Benz
Songworks Little Lanilei 3350
1 watt Custom tube amp
Marshalls
Plexis
60's AC30
Divided/13
Matchless
Peavey

[mmcquain]

For those of you who may need a hotel room while attending the jam next weekend, here's a list of places within 10-15 minutes of the church where the jam will be held:

Hampton Inn
http://www.hamptoninn.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=TPATSHX

Holiday Inn Express
http://www.holidayinn.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/clwts?&cm_mmc=mdpr-_-googlemaps-_-hi-_-clwts&dp=true

Tarpon Inn
http://tarpon-inn.com

Please let me know if you plan to attend. We have a nice line-up of about 30-40 people who plan to attend and the amp list for our backline (and just to try out to hear some great tones) is stacking up nicely. Hope to see ya' there!

[Auriemma]

Sounds like fun. I was just at an Ovation Fan Club Get Together last month. It was a blast. Meeting and hearing people I know from the boards.

I will be in the area, but at the end of August. Sorry. You folks enjoy yourselves and make some noise... and music too.

[mmcquain]

I've heard from about 35 guys (across several guitar forums) who plan to attend the jam this coming weekend. If any of you are planning to come then please let me know (and let me know if you have any cool gear you'd like to bring to demo/add to the amp backline). Our current amp backline is listed is a post above and should be pretty good

[Gunner]

Sounds like this Jam is going to be well attended. Please share some pics and Videos with the rest of us non Floridians. Any Teens heading out?

[mmcquain]

Gunner-
I've got 35 or so that expressed interest but a few have had to cancel at the last minute (to be expected) so my guess is we'll have 20 something attend. Should be a fun time and hopefully the start of an annual thing that will grow with each jam. I plan to set the video camera up on the tripod to record as much as possible. I'll then post the best clips for all to enjoy.
-Mike

[Gunner]

All the best with the Jam. 20 players would still be a great turnout.

[mmcquain]

Thanks Gunner! Yes it looks like about 15-20 across Friday and Saturday (not everybody can be there for both days). My biggest concern at the moment is that my drummers are almost all backing out on me. I have somebody bringing bass rig and drum kit but I just hope we've got people to play 'em at all times! The bass doesn't worry me since several guitarist can double on bass if needed. The drummer spot... well... keeping toes and fingers crossed and am interested if any of you attenders have a drummer buddy (maybe a bandmate) that would be interested in coming to jam with us.

[mmcquain]

Well Friday night's jam is now history. It was a lot of fun but I wish the turnout had been better (7 jammers) but several people have said they'll be there on Saturday so I'm expecting bigger things in the morning!

Amp-wise we had a Vox AC30 and Marshall half stack both from the early 60's (some great tone right there). We also had a nice Fuchs and Egnater (great little amp in that one!).

I'll post pics (and a couple of video clips once I download them) after the jam is over. All-in-all not a bad start to what I hope will grow into an annual event. Now it is not too late to get in on the action... we will be jamming all day Saturday from 10am - 5pm. Just grab your guitar and head on over (of course, if you have some cool toys then bring along those amps, pedals, etc.). Hope to see you all in the morning!!!

[mmcquain]

The 1st Annual West Florida Guitar Jam is now officially history and people are already
looking forward to the next one! For those of you who didn't make it, you missed a
lot of fun and we hope you can come next time. And for those who were there, I want
to say THANK YOU again to everyone (and a big shout out to our rhythm section of
Brad and Steve). I had a really great time and look forward to even bigger and better
things next year. I hope everyone made it home safely and be sure to check your email
for a follow-up from me to those who attended.
-Mike

p.s. Thanks again to the people at the Virtuoso Guitar Polish company for donating our
"door prize" (bottles of cleaner and polish... I love that stuff and use it on all of my guitars!)
Congratulations Gary - I'll send you the polish on Monday.

Oh, and a thank you to my wife for the homemade bread and breakfast goodies she sent
over today! I think everyone liked 'em since they were all gone by the end of the jam.

Some pics from the jam...

[mmcquain]

More jam photos...