Simple Jake, get your own venue.
This a forum conference, and as such, shouldn't really cater to individual at the expense of the group. The most important thing to me is that everyone who wants to, can get up and play some music. I wouldn't want anyone to turn up and think that they are not going to get to play, or to be intimidated getting up on stage. This is all for fun, and everyone is welcome, no matter what the skill level is. I am looking forward to hearing you play Jake, but am not going to be entertaining any of the anxiety issues of a "Jake and friends" scenario.
I'm not trying to be offensive with this, I just want this event to be a positive and rewarding experience for all who come. Sometimes folks walk away from these things feeling like they weren't included, whether real or imagined, and harbor animosity about the conferences for long after they are over. I've watched this happen before, and it turns into a mudfest on the Forum for a long time after it's over. I will do whatever I can, including not playing a note, to facilitate the most positive experience overall.
It is my belief that the confluences are here so we can meet our forum friends in person, talk and check out our instruments, and strengthen already laid relationships. Getting to play together is a really cool part of it, but it is really just the icing on a glorious cake.
Looking forward to meeting and hearing you all, and buliding stronger friendships. The RRF is the coolest, nicest overall forum of any I've seen on the web. You're a great bunch of folks!
