SoCal Confluence 2008 - Saturday Post Mortem at ClaimJumper

[8mileshigher]

Here are some pictures from Nov 1st Saturday's get together at Black Angus ClaimJumper at South Coast Plaza in O.C. Lot's of fun to see everyone.

Rich F.

[8mileshigher]

Here are a few more

Confluence ClaimJumper Nov 1st Erik 008 A.jpg (14.93 KiB) Viewed 3040 times

Confluence ClaimJumper Nov 1st Paul Highway 61 Revisited 003.jpg (13.9 KiB) Viewed 3040 times

[kiramdear]

Paul looking dapper as usual, Diane and Joey getting cozy, all's right with the world, best regards to all the rest

[8mileshigher]

Couple more pics ....

Confluence ClaimJumper Nov 1stJoey & Gary 001-A.jpg (7.08 KiB) Viewed 3027 times

[8mileshigh]

Looks like a lot of fun!

So what's the plan for 2009?

ps.......glad to see Paul brought his BARF bag

[wmthor]

Looks like fun was had by all.

[windchimp]

Huh???? There was a party and I missed it?

[paologregorio]

Looks like a lot of fun!

So what's the plan for 2009?

ps.......glad to see Paul brought his BARF bag

That's actually Erik's to go bag; I actually ordered something small enough at Claim Jumper that I was actually able to finish, which is quite a feat at that establishment-its a restaurant known for serving such massive portions that one can't finish, and what's taken home is often enough for two more meals!

[kennyhowes]

You guys! I didn't know about this!

[beatlefreak]

So how come the post mortem November 1st when SoCal was back in August?

[paologregorio]

So how come the post mortem November 1st when SoCal was back in August?

Because getting even just a few of us together is sometimes more difficult than trying to herd cats.

[paologregorio]

You guys! I didn't know about this!

Oops.

[beatlefreak]

So how come the post mortem November 1st when SoCal was back in August?

Because getting even just a few of us together is sometimes more difficult than trying to herd cats.

Sounds like scheduling band practice for the band I'm in.

[kennyhowes]

You guys! I didn't know about this!

Oops.

I mean, I was helping Deb move all day anyway, so I couldn't have made it. I'm not mad, it's cool!

[8mileshigher]

So what's the plan for 2009?[*]

Change is in the air... For next year, considering the hard-economic times, some of the discussion was centered on finding a more dollar friendly venue... perhaps catering the food for a reasonably priced Confluence dinner ? The cash-bar at the Holiday Inn was a bust this year... as the attendees preferred to use the Hotel bar close by, where they could use room charge or credit cards. Some discusssion on seeking a Hall for rental (VFW, social clubs, wedding hall, etc.) with a Stage and a decent size for seating/tables if a catered dinner ends up on the plans. Any hall location needs to be in walking distance from lodging to avoid DUIs and likewise the location needs to have security for instruments storage and staging. Also conceptualized doing it as a marathon Saturday only and no-direct Confluence activities on Sunday other than loading out equipment, instruments and leaving Sunday for sight-seeing, Disney visits, family activities, etc.

We were wishing there was a Pick of the Ricks here to be the site. It was noted that August gets pretty busy with Hotels and Halls and other potential venues booking up. So the decision will need to be made soon in early 2009. Easier to work with a very small committee than trying to gets lots of folks to respond to e-mails, in a timely basis, while working against a booking dead-line at a venue.

Scheduling "official" Jamming and clock management was a topic of some discussion. Some discussion of looking at time-allocation for an afternoon Open Jam session and then scheduling Confluence headliner acts and leaving a fixed time slot for an evening Open Jam session after the headliner performances. Topic is still being conceptualized....

Likewise, some conceren about trying to make everybody happy... avoiding potential criticism and complaints about whatever the new venue or concept will be, for next So Cal Confluence...

Next activities --- another get-together when Darren Trott comes to town and also, I believe Paul is going to coordinate arranging a local RRF-ers jam session coming up, one of these Saturdays or Sundays, maybe December, sharing the costs for a Rehearsal studio Showcase room for a few hours and having some fun, capturing it on video, etc. We all admire how the Melbourne crew does their Confluencing !!

Anyway that's my remembrances of the subjects discussed.... I'm sure Gary or Joey will have more specifics.
Regards
Rich F.