Toronto get together??

[joey_capps]

I think the event should be open to those of us on the forum and, perhaps, trusted friends who don't spend as much time trolling the internet . I don't think, however, a public announcement in another medium is necessary.

[stubby]

I play a regular gig in a small bar on the east mountain in Hamilton, the Tartan Toorie. I've been playing there regularly for 3 or 4 years. The place seats maybe 40 people. The owner, Jimmy, is open to new ideas and might go for a night of Ric improv/fun. The drawback is the stage is small and could only accommodate 3 players at once. The Toorie is a quiet pub and I'd be willing to bet that if we could guarantee say 20 guys at least, eating wings and having pints, Jimmy might even close the pub for us for a night and we could set up throughout the pub. He has shut it down for special events before and he's a music enthusiast who might get a kick out of such an event. If this might be an option, let me know and I'll talk to Jimmy. I'm playing there this Friday.

I am open though to any suggestions regarding venue. For what it's worth, I have a PA (8 channels, 2 X 200 watts, 15 inch Yamaha speakers) we can use wherever we decide to go - if the venue doesn't have gear.

Also, I have a close friend who would probably like to come out and participate. He's not a contributor to the Forum but he has visited on occasion and he just received a 370/6 FG. Would it be cool to invite him?

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Bill:

Sounds like a great option to me. I think the vote will be important to decide what city. I too own a PA, of the same size.. Mine has 12 channel inputs but otherwise sounds like the same one as yours.

Amps will be needed too... I like the idea of a pup with beer and chicken wings on hand... Issue though might be the date - Saturday June 6 might be one of his better nights to lose his regular customers... Sounds like it would be an all of nothing situation, I don't think that he could be open for rugular business and still accomodate our RIC meet up too.

Asto inviting your friend of course! (People's girl friends/significant others will likely get dragged along too... The idea though is not to advertise it beyond our own community here,because of the inherent security issues that raises around vintage and expensive instruments...) At least that's the sentiment I have heard soo far here on this thread.

But the big decision still remains... Hamilton or Toronto?

Brian

[Steve Gray]

Brian - I am in
If you chose a friendly bar might even be able to get my band Lets Get Back to play a few songs?

Steve

PS - and show off the new 325!

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Steve:

That's cool that you can come! Especially with the new guitar. I think that there will definitely be some music played, but am not sure whether it will be entire bands yet... I do like the idea of an open stage format where people sign up to do a few songs though. But that's just my opinion!

Congrats on the new 325 guitar again... You must post some images of it to the forum...

Brian

[86kubicki]

I called Craig at Coll Audio today with the idea that he might be able to suggest a venue for our confluence. After describing the kind of numbers we're probably looking at (15-30?), he said that he would actually be willing to host again. He has a jam room with drum kit, PA and a selection of great vintage amps - he also felt he could clear some space in the warehouse for instrument display and general hanging out. His only proviso is that we bring our own beer this time! Cost would probably involve a small donation from everyone who attends. What does everyone think?

[joey_capps]

I called Craig at Coll Audio today with the idea that he might be able to suggest a venue for our confluence. After describing the kind of numbers we're probably looking at (15-30?), he said that he would actually be willing to host again. He has a jam room with drum kit, PA and a selection of great vintage amps - he also felt he could clear some space in the warehouse for instrument display and general hanging out. His only proviso is that we bring our own beer this time! Cost would probably involve a small donation from everyone who attends. What does everyone think?

While having it in Hamilton would make it easier for me, this seems like best option. I think Toronto would ultimately attract more people--so that's where my vote is going. I don't think it will be difficult to arrange some food and drink--and a small donation to cover costs is reasonable.

We should decide soon, and schedule a committee meeting of the organizers to arrange and plan things. I also think it would be prudent for us to tour Coll just to see what is there and what we might need.

Joe

[86kubicki]

I agree with you Joe - I think Toronto will be more central for more attendees.
If we ultimately go with this venue, all we would need to bring is ourselves and our Rickenbackers (display stands are a good idea as well). There are pubs in the neighbourhood for those wanting to go out afterwards for a meal. Also keep in mind that Coll Audio is a backline rental company in an industrial-type space - this would not be a "hotel" confluence. That being said, its a great space and Craig's inventory is a gear-hound's dream! . All we would really need to do to get this going is a confirmed date and time. How about we stick with Brian's original suggestion of Saturday June 6th starting sometime in the afternoon?

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

I am good with all of this...

We need to be specific though if we are charging anything, about what this money is for.. ie space, refreshments, whatever. And personally I think it should be as little as possible.

Brian

[86kubicki]

I think a donation of $10 a head would cover buying some refreshments with the leftover going to Craig. I'll see if I can get down there in the next week to look at the space and come up with a layout.

[Ontario_RIC_fan]

Steve:

Grab some digital pics if you can for planning purposes...

I guess the next step after that is to call an organizing commitee meeting, preferably at some mid point between Toronto and Hamilton... I'll start work on an agenda.

Brian

[bitzerguy]

Brian, you can see some of what Col Audio was like in 2006 here:

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=248322&st=0&sk=t&s ... o&start=60

A very cool place to hold a show and play. You can get the vintage AC30s cranked up nicely. Much more than you could in a club. I have June 6th penciled in and will try to get there, if it is Toronto area. Easier to get to from Montreal.

BTW, get beer early. Last time we got snookered by the Beer Store closing at 10. And it was just down the road too. I think we were there from about 9pm until 2 am. A great night, bar none.

[86kubicki]

Hope you can make it Dean! I'm going to try and get down to Coll Audio later this week and talk to Craig about the layout. Brian and I have also touched base about the organizing and once the details get sorted out we'll be able to make an "official" announcement.

[86kubicki]

It's official! Please see the Confluences forum for details.

[icabod]

As long as I don't get audio assimilated that day, I shall be there....cheers....R