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NEAR-Fest Archives - Message Boards and Posting from Previous Events. => NEAR-Fest X - October 14th and 15th 2011 => NEAR-Fest X "Ham-Jam" => Topic started by: Bri on May 14, 2011, 01:31:52 AM

Title: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on May 14, 2011, 01:31:52 AM: Well I can't believe I've missed a nearfest and the jam; but I did.
Just about killed me.

I was hoping John or Adam would have an internet camera outside of the relaxation grove streaming live video of the event. Then my real wish was for them to do a Wok-Fi stream so I could jam along with Rick, John, Cliffy and the gang.

Everyone; Please send your thanks to Rick, Ben, John and all those people who put it together and hump all the gear.
You have no idea how much work can go into putting together a jam like this. It's one of those "it takes a village to raise a kid" thing.

My new job is going well and I think I can make X-JAM.

I think we need a t-shirt design.

Nearfest
X-JAM
Tasty Licks

Justa thought.
Anyone want to take a stab at it?

Stay frosty my friends,

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: n1bus on August 13, 2011, 08:02:06 PM: OH NO ONLY 61 DAYS TILL NEARFEST X. I better start practicing and finnish building that 10 watt amp.
I like the idea of t shirts but what about sweat shirts as well. Its usually cold out and more people may be prone to buying sweat shirts.
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Whoz Your Daddy on August 14, 2011, 04:05:15 PM: Boom chicka Boom chicka Boom chicka Boom chicka BOOM!

Hi All,

Yea, it'll be here b4 you know it! I did compile a list from the last jam so everyone will know who the trouble makers are!
ooh, I also made a list for songs we sucessfully played, or kinda sucessfully anywayz! I'll share it soon! Also I have a bunch of guitar tab
for alot of these songs if anyone would like them!

Bri,
I'm glad the new job is going well, and they are going to let you attend the next jam!
Kool beans!

K all enjoy the rest of the summer!!!

Rick
WhozYourDaddy.Net
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on August 15, 2011, 02:33:19 AM: They will have to pry my guitar from my cold dead fingers to stop me Rick.

As for T-shirts or sweats, lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
We would be paying for them out of our own pockets and I just want to be up front about that.
I have a friend who does that for a living and I'll contact him tomorrow.

As for my list of songs I'd like to yodel, I'll post that later this week.
Look for many 2 and 3 chord songs we can JAM ON plus a bunch of stuff we've done before (I love to beat a dead horse)

I'm still trying to figure a practice on a weekend day for those interested.
Email me at: techfixer@verizon.net

More later this week rockers and swing-ers.

Chow Fa now,

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on August 20, 2011, 12:16:32 PM: Jammers,
On the subject of T-Shirts.
Here's what were talking about.
Shown against a red background to simulate a red shirt. Located on upper left breast area, app. 4" across.
Actual printed image does not have those little jagged edges seen on some letters here caused by jpeg conversion.

I don't have a price yet as I need players to weigh in.
I need an answer by Monday Aug. 22

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: W1VFB on August 20, 2011, 02:50:37 PM: Bri,
The concept and design is great. A thought, maybe bring in the terms JAM-Fest X. I looks like you have NEAR-Fest in a lot of places. Obviously, that's where will be but we will need to advertise what we are. Once again just a thought.
I'll be seeing you but will not be able to stay overnight for the JAM.
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on August 20, 2011, 07:31:34 PM: I agree with Greg.
I'm not the designer; I just told him to give me a quick sketch.
I don't particularly like the font but lets not get too picky
I think we should keep the official Near-Fest logo and I like Greg's Jam-Fest X at the top instead of Near-Fest X.

What say you band mates?

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Adam KB1MRJ on August 21, 2011, 07:02:12 AM: Hi all,
Yes I like the T-shirt idea......but I like the idea of a weekend practice even more! I will be more than happy to attend! See ya'll later!
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: N1ERF on August 22, 2011, 03:39:32 AM: I'll second the "JAM-Fest X" idea.

"Practice"... I like it. It's never a swear word with me.

John
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on August 23, 2011, 01:31:53 AM: Band T-Shirt news
Ok, Tom, the T-Shirt guy has worked some magic and came up with this design with suggestions from the brethren.
The logo will be either 3 or 3.5" in diameter over the left breast.
price will be $8.00 in advance.
What say you players?

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Whoz Your Daddy on August 25, 2011, 01:47:08 PM: I'll take two!!!!
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on August 28, 2011, 12:02:14 AM: Hey Festers,
While I wait for the storm to hit I thought I'd post some of the songs I'd like to "try" at the fest.
Some of these are a STRETCH. But...W.T.F. why not try?
I'm trying to keep in mind that we have keyboard players and they wanna jam out too!
So, here goes:

Hush-Deep Purple
Renegade-Styx
The Weight-The Band
If it makes you happy-Sheryl Crow
Oh Well-fleetwood mac
Gimme Some Lovin-Spencer Davis Group
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Use Me- Bill Withers
Gimme shelter-Rolling Stones
Susie Q - Creedence
Hash Pipe- Weezer

Post you song wish list and we'll see what happens.

On a practice at my place:
Once my college kicks into gear and settles down I'll host a practice or 2.
Most likely mid/late September.

On T-Shirts:
Late next week I'll post where you need to send money and shirt size if you want one.
Sorry, I will not be buying extras to sell at the Fest. So if you didn't prepay you ain't gettin one.
I will bring them with me to the Fest.

Stay safe and dry my friends,

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: w0rmi on September 01, 2011, 05:16:24 AM: Quote from: Bri on August 23, 2011, 01:31:53 AM
Band T-Shirt news
Ok, Tom, the T-Shirt guy has worked some magic and came up with this design with suggestions from the brethren.
The logo will be either 3 or 3.5" in diameter over the left breast.
price will be $8.00 in advance.
What say you players?

Bri

Are Ben, the girls and I considered part of the band? If so, we will be in for 4 and will get you the money as soon as you post where to mail it.

The big question is food or no food? I didn't do food last spring because the Sunday before the jam I ended up in the ER with pneumonia and ear infection and I just didn't have the energy to put food together that week - for that, I apologize since I had said I would. I will be more than happy to do it barring any other illnesses or weird crap that only ever seems to happen to me! You want simple like pizza, fruit veggies and chips or do you want cooked stuff like barbequed pulled pork, chili, etc...or all of the above?? LOL
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: n1bus on September 06, 2011, 10:49:54 PM: I want a t shirt also. As for the food, someone mentioned pizza. could we make arrangements with one of the food vendors and people can pitch in a couple bucks? I know I dont have cooking ability at the fest. Another option is to bring chips or something and have people list what they will bring so we dont wind up with 10000 pounds of chips and nothing else.
Title: The X Jam: T-Shirts and Practice
Post by: Bri on September 07, 2011, 12:28:09 AM: Hey All,
Sorry for the delay in response but I've ben busy with fall startup at work (I know understand product rollout deadline) and the site was down this weekend.

T shirts:
Of course Ben, Jenny and the girls are "Part of the Band"!!
In fact, anyone who wants a shirt (you have to prepay) can get one.
Please send a check or M.O. and a note with your name, address, email address and phone # specifying your T-Shirt size to:

Brian Shaban
53 Newton Ave.
Braintree, MA 02184

I'll take orders till the end of Sept.
Just so we're clear: I will not "cover anyone nor will there be any extras made.
So, if you want one you need to prepay.

Shirt pickup will be at the jam during the flea.
If I can swing it I'll pass them out before the jam.

On the practice: I'm thinking the 24th or 25th of Sept.
Wadda ya think?

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: k1kfi on September 12, 2011, 01:41:21 AM: That weekend looks do-able...
Have a new guitar to breal in,
an Epi Nighthawk....woof!

Spooky ;D
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: N1ERF on September 12, 2011, 04:40:45 PM: I think I'm good for that weekend too.

As far as extra songs go, here's my floating wish-list. It's a little more guitar-centric and may change depending on new ideas. Jumpin' Jack Flash is the only song that I can either play guitar or bass on, preferable guitar. Let us know what you're interested in.

Sorted by artist/alphabetical order.

Aerosmith
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Adam KB1MRJ on September 16, 2011, 04:13:03 PM: That weekend looks good for me too.....
cheers!
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Whoz Your Daddy on September 19, 2011, 12:30:18 PM: Hi All!

Bri, tee-shirt check to be made payable to you?
Thx
Title: Re: The X Jam T-shirts
Post by: Bri on September 19, 2011, 05:56:58 PM: Hey Rick,
Yes please make it out to Brian Shaban.

Notice players:
To date I have 1person who has paid for their T-Shirt.Remember, the end of the month is the cutoff.
Mr. Nickerson. Your all set.

Brian
Title: Re: The X Jam T-shirts
Post by: w0rmi on September 21, 2011, 02:08:56 AM: Quote from: Bri on September 19, 2011, 05:56:58 PM
....the end of the month is the cutoff...

Do you have paypal? We can send as gift so there are no associated fees.
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Whoz Your Daddy on September 21, 2011, 01:05:58 PM: Sorry boys & girls & Brian,
I can't make it to the practice this saturday!
So now you can all rest easy!

Bri,
I sent out a check monday the 19th for two tee- shirts! Btw everyone, send in now for your tee-shirts!
You only have till the end of this month!

Also, I enclosed a list of songs from the spring jam! This is a list of songs, a setlist if you will, from the spring Near-Fest. We didn't play all the songs, but I noted what we played semi-successfully and who sang each song! This list should come in handy! Bri, let me know if you don't get it by your saturday practice and I'll send it via e-mail.

Getting closer to Ham & Jam Time my friends!
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on September 22, 2011, 02:25:49 AM: Hey Rick.
Got the check and list today!
Bummer you can't make it.

Keep those T-shirt checks and song wish lists coming!
End of this month is the cut-off for T-shirts.
I will not be bringing any extra to the fest.
You snooze; You loose.

See you this Sat and at the Fest,

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: w0rmi on September 28, 2011, 04:34:42 AM: Quote from: Bri on September 22, 2011, 02:25:49 AM
Hey Rick.
Got the check and list today!
Bummer you can't make it.

Keep those T-shirt checks and song wish lists coming!
End of this month is the cut-off for T-shirts.
I will not be bringing any extra to the fest.
You snooze; You loose.

See you this Sat and at the Fest,

Bri
Our check is on the way for one L and two 2x. Hope it makes it to you by Friday. If it doesn't get to you in time, please just void it out, tear it up, start a fire with it or whatever and let us know.
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: N1NOF on September 29, 2011, 10:55:40 PM: Hey Folks;
I meant to make it last jam, but life intervened (I was in the hospital).

1) Set list: keep it simple. Ham Jams, historically (and I've been doing them for 35+ years - seriously, there are pictures of me, at age 12, playing saxophone at the Windsor, Maine, Hamfest) are get-togethers wherein musicians with common learning get together, have fun, and hopefully entertain the audience.

2) I have perused the proposed set lists, and I agree that it would be beneficial for all to know what to "know" before showing up, but I have to say I think you're forgetting your audience. You're not playing three sets at the local beer joint. Your average Ham is about age 65 and probably doesn't want to hear Alice Cooper. (I picked Alice out of the ether - not sure if he was on the list). Although we're getting to the point where your average Alice or Teg Nugent fan is about age 60!

Now, I may be COMPLETELY off base - maybe there is a rabid contingent of HamFans who LOVE everything on that list. And don't get me wrong: I make my living from performing music, and I love every one of those tunes. I play rock and Motown every weekend and make a very good living from it. I like this stuff.
If you guys (and gals) want to play that set list, then more power to you.

However. Are there any players out there who would like to do a set of jazz standards? Something to entertain the elder crowd? Maybe before the heavier stuff? I'm talking Satin Doll and Ain't Misbehavin'. Stuff out of the Real Book to warm the cockles of the Old Timers' hearts. Ham radio is about tradition and paying homage to the Elmers out there - just trying to remember the audience.

I'd love to play with the "regular" band (I'm a Hammond and Piano player by trade), but I think you've got plenty of keyboard players and keyboard is one place where "too many cooks can spoil the broth".

So, just some thoughts. See you all at the hamfest.

Lonnie; K1CXW (formerly N1NOF)
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: N1ERF on September 30, 2011, 12:51:42 AM: I can only speak for myself here...

My particular list is just a list. It's a couple dozen fishing lines with different lures and baits on them. I cast this list in the hopes that someone will bite and take interest in the songs. Almost all the time it feels that I don't have the right bait, but I try to make suggestions hoping that people will take interest in them anyway. This season's list was a little more guitar-centric and maybe a lot more complicated. I could have tried to keep it more simple but it feels that nobody likes simple. I do however want to be proven wrong here. It's extremely difficult to know what people want to play. There aren't enough musically strong & proactive individuals to have guidance from.

I don't have the musical Library Of Congress in my head. I am also not a strong musician, but I do my best. I've only had a few musical theory lessons in my life, but I don't rely on it for my job. I compensate by posting suggested song lists. It makes me feel better if I can have a heads up on what people want and intend on playing. It gives me time to actually practice before I show up. I want to be as prepared as I can with what I have.

Since most of us are not born leaders, it's difficult to guide us in good and productive directions. I definitely don't have the answers. Only what I know from the recent past. I have not been to all the jams or get-to-togethers so I don't have a historical feeling for what could or needs to be done.

I would love to see more individuals show up and play different music & non-rock instruments. We have only had a maybe three or four individuals come up and do that since we came back to the fairgrounds. They are way too few and far between.

I would say just show up and be proactive. If you have a style or something that you want to play, just say or do so. If you don't speak up and show up, you won't be heard.

Anyway, we are not actually a regular band. We just happen to be there most of the time!
The shirt thing is more of a tongue in cheek thing. We're just regulars at this bar.

Enough of my ramblings and thoughts. :)

By the way,

Welcome! It's good that you're health is better and plan to be there.
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on October 01, 2011, 01:07:36 PM: Hi Lonnie,
Bri here; Your jam fest co-ordinator here.

The average age for a ham might be 65 but the average player age who "plays" at Near-Fest is more like 40.
And most times Rock is king with the players who show up and play.
I'd like to point out that most of our players are not seasoned musicians but on again-off again casual players. It usually comes down to the least common denominator. 3 chord stuff. The formula works.

I always strive for musical diversity for the jam and we welcome all musical (read some of the early posts from past jams) styles. I would love to have you or anyone else play standards, jazz, anything you like. However reality is what it is. Most players with that skill level have not participated in the jam. I've been told: Ben there done that, i only play to get paid, i only play with quality players, etc.
So be it. They will always be welcome if they feel the itch to play.

See you at the Fest.

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Whoz Your Daddy on October 05, 2011, 11:27:12 AM: Hello boyz & girls ...., and Brian!

Well we're getting real close now!
Spring near-fest was such a great time! Thank you all for helping me out trying to fill in for Bri.
And I'm Glad your gonna make this one Bri.

Ok, it's time to think about equipment! Seems to be the biggest question so I'll ask it first "anyone planning on bringing a drum kit?" if your thinking of bringing a kit, please let me know! I don't wanna bring a second kit for nothing! Please remember we prefer an electronic kit for volume control purposes! Also be prepaired to let a couple others play your set! We useually have a few drummers!

Thanks
Rick
Title: Re: The X Jam Redux
Post by: Bri on October 06, 2011, 10:46:06 PM: We're in the home stretch boyz and gurlz!

I plan on bringin' a broken pick, 2 rusty guitar strings and a full bedpan.
Wait. That's what I got for my birthday.

This time I'll bring my Quadra-bi-triaxial-Megalomaniac Scissor amp.
It's made by Fluckers and with a name like Fuckers it has to be good.
2 input of course with optional knife switch that removes venereal warts without leaving a stain around the collar.
My Axe of choice: Octally equipped 2 tone magnetic resonance, mesquite fired, Bend-over certified guitar with natural flavour.
Screw it. This time I'm bringing the biggest, loudest, most powerful amp I can lay may hands on. I will not be out volumed!
All signal goes thru O2 infused BARE NAKED wire. That's right! BARE NAKED!!!!
Feel the burn!!

Whew, now that that's off my chest.
On to drums.

Unless some brave soul wants to bring their electric/acoustic kit to the fest; I'll have to wait till next week before I weigh in on bringing mine.
It has to do with wether Tyler AKA "The Atomic Clock", "Rock Steady", "Mr. Beats" can make it.
I will be there with the usual compliment ("nice guitar Rick") of equipment.
I will say this. If you play drums and want to play some one's kit; Don't be a cork soaker. Be cool and at least have your own sticks.

Anyway, Stay tuned.
More info will come. wether you want it or not.
Your not quite benevolent Jam-master.

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Adam KB1MRJ on October 08, 2011, 05:32:08 PM: Hey all,

Less than a week to go!! I'm stoked, are you? ;D

Quick question: At last spring's jam, did anyone happen to find an Alesis-branded wall wart power supply; rated at 9VAC/1.5 amps? I haven't been able to find my Alesis Micron's power brick all summer and I'm wondering if I somehow left it behind last time. Just thought I'd put that out there.

Anyway, trying to decide which keyboard I'm going to bring....could be my E-mu PK6, Micron, Arturia Analog Lab controller w/ soft synths, or my blue Yamaha DJX buddy. If I find a cheap keyboard at the Fest on Friday, I'll likely throw that in the mix like I did last time with the little Yamaha PSS170.

Cheers! ;D
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: k1kfi on October 10, 2011, 01:44:44 AM: I will be bringing the Epi 'Nighthawk' with a second Eminence bottom. 2x12" total.....and a nasty Beringher distortion/distain pedal which bites sharper than a vampire. Also, the Laguna 'Shark' set with raised action and E-tuning...ELLIOT, are you coming...if so I will be ready to accompany the Deerfield Blues(vacuum tube 5881 'slide' optional)! ;D
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: n1bus on October 10, 2011, 08:29:35 PM: I plan to bring 2 microphones and stands, some mic chords, possibly a 60 watt pa system, and I have 2 other radio shack condenser mics I could bring.
What is the food situation? Is it going to be a pot luck? If so I could bring some potato chips or something non perishable. Or is someone cooking a meal and everyone pitch in a couple bucks?
I'm determined come hell or high water i will make it to this jam as have not made the last 2.
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on October 11, 2011, 12:45:57 AM: Lets make it a "bring your own food" or buy from the several vendors at the Fest.
The very good people who have provided in the past made much effort and not many people returned the favor.
See you there!!

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: N1NOF on October 12, 2011, 01:15:20 PM: Whew! After I posted my thoughts I was worried that I'd offend someone. Glad that didn't happen (or, if it did, nobody seems to have written about it...)
Although I'm a schooled musician, and make my living from it, I've never lost sight of the fact that I play music because I enjoy it. Anyone who would say "I don't play with untrained musicians" or "no pay = no play" should get out of the business. I love jams, and if I can contribute I want to be there. I had grand plans to come last year, but as I said I contracted some funky virus and was in the hospital "mostly dead".

I'll be coming Friday with my camper. I'll bring my Kurz PC1x, and Hammond XK3c. Amp, too. Probably my tenor sax as well.
Willing to share my boards if someone wants to sit in. I know people love the chance to play with the Hammond.

What time do folks normally arrive/set up/play?

Thanks;
Lonnie K1CXW
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Whoz Your Daddy on October 12, 2011, 02:31:08 PM: Now I'm offended that no one was offended!!! Lol!

Just remember music good or bad, it's just got to be fun!!!!

For those who are not jamming' please come by and be part of the crowd! We jam pretty late and all are welcome!!! This is a good time to just hang out and chill ! There's plenty of seats and we're inside, in case it's alittle cold out!! Plus It's alot of fun!!!!

See you all soon!

Rick!
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: KB1NZN on October 13, 2011, 04:50:27 AM: Perhaps the weather isn't going to be too good until Saturday, but all that means is that it will be standing room only at the jam!

If past experience is any indication ... ;D
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on October 13, 2011, 11:45:30 PM: I'm packing up for the fest.
I will be bringing the following:

Myself, My guitar and amp a video projector to connect to my ipad.
AC cord, power strip mic and mic stand.
Small 4 input mixer.
Near-Fest House band T shirts for those who paid.
I won't be bringing drums this time. Sorry but Ty won't be coming either.

See you all tomorrow!!

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Bri on October 19, 2011, 12:47:38 AM: It was soooooo good to be back at the Fest.
The rain was no where near bad as predicted and Saturday was FANTASTIC.

The Jam didn't go as planned. Does it ever?
Some of us got together in Sept. to practice some of the songs.
Well..........What happens in Deerfield Stays in Deerfield.
I had fun; I hope the other contributors (Jenny, Ben, Andrea, John D., Cliffy, Ric-O-Matic, Adam 1&2, Raj, Scott and Bill, Steve the Nicker, Harp-O (sorry bro.; didn't get ur name) and the audience) did too.

After listening to the recording, It appears we need to work on some stuff. I don't think we have a chance at
American Idol....... for that matter Community Auditions either. How about local cable?\

I still had fun and look forward to the next Fest.

Thanks,

Number !1 Mr. Mike for letting us aurally assault the captives within the fairground.
No mercy.

Bri
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: Airstream Analog on October 19, 2011, 01:05:29 AM: Hey Bri, good jam! I did came out of my cage(again) and played a few near the end. Rocky Mt. Way & two others, but I don't remember what they were?!? Hopefully, there is no audio or video!!! Thanks...
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: DrOptigan on October 19, 2011, 03:52:30 AM: I had loads of fun at the jam, as always! ;D Thanks to Bri for putting it together, and everyone who participated, listened, or just plain tolerated us. I enjoyed both playing keyboards, as well as singing. I'll have plenty more where that came from in the spring. :)
-Adam
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: k1kfi on October 20, 2011, 03:28:38 AM: I had some big fun,
Sure we didn't get to some of the songs,
but it is always a good time playing and hanging
with your friends!

;)
Title: THANKSGIVINGS
Post by: W1VFB on November 24, 2011, 03:08:11 PM: TO EVERYONE OUT THERE IN RADIO LAND....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM WHERE IT ALL STARTED....NEW ENGLAND....

HOME OF THE GREAT NEARFEST

P.S. This is the only place I could post this message. Sorry if it doesn't belong here!
Have a happy anyway!!
Title: Re: The X Jam
Post by: N1ERF on November 25, 2011, 12:14:02 AM: ...To all you hams and turkeys? :)
Title: Re: The X Jam and Christmas
Post by: W1VFB on December 25, 2011, 03:09:47 PM: I still can't find the place to start a new topic so this is where I'll say....

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope that everyone got what they asked for this year and if not come to NEARFEST and find it.

See you all in the Spring!!!!
Title: Re: The NEW YEAR JAM
Post by: W1VFB on January 01, 2012, 01:14:39 AM: NO WAY TO POST A NEW TOPIC SO I'LL TRY IT HERE

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TO EVERYONE

MAY 2012 BE YOUR HAPPIEST AND BEST YEAR EVER!!!