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With the jam just 14 weeks away, I thought I'd start a thread so we can keep track of developments along the way.
In 10 short weeks we will light up Lou's Cottage Inn with all the mirth and music of our bygone era! LOL!
I am really looking forward to seeing you guys.
It will be THE SLAND!!!
From TeleBob...
https://scontent-bos5-1.xx.fbcdn.net...dA&oe=63F94286
From me...
https://scontent-bos5-1.xx.fbcdn.net...RA&oe=641B89F1
So dudes,
Should I bring a solid power trio for a house band or do you all want the Total Rock Star experience with the whole band, lights, video screens, etc.?
It's just as easy to do the big show since it always ends up that if I do a smaller show all the equipment we need is in the front of the trailer so we need to empty the whole damn thing anyway, lol. In fact, the guys have it down to a routine where the trailer gets packed in the reverse order of how we set up to keep things efficient on the road.
You can bring your good stuff as I'll have our security guy there too.
Any song requests?
Chuck
Damn, it'd be worth it to just drop by and watch this spectacle! Shoot plenty of video so we can enjoy it on youtube.
:dude
Are you sure the electrical service at Lou's can handle the draw? LOL. We don't want to burn the place down!Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
He he, we may need to bring in a generator truck. Definitely no pyros at The Cottage!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tele-Bob
This may be the best Cottage Jam yet.
I just got off the phone with the owner of The Cottage and you guys are going to love this stuff:
First off, she's excited to have us (who can blame her, lol!)
Second - it's carnival weekend in the town so lots going on and
Third - now get this - she was asking me to write some history of the jams down to include in a book being written about the place including its rather impressive musical history.
So, we will literally be making history.
We may even have local TV coverage for the news.
Be there or be square!
Chuck
PS, don't be surprised if a few of the old gang starts showing up on the forum. Apparently word has gotten out.
I am licking my lips and crossing my fingers here. Within the first days of March I’ll know if I’ll be able to fly to the US on time to play this first jam with you guys. If all goes well, I’ll need someone to point me a pawn shop where I can buy a used strat or SG.
If not, I’ll sure let you know when I do and we can set the next one in a suitable date for us all.
Anyway I am just SO happy to have kick started the return of the TFF jams.
Thanks, Chuck, Bob and everyone else!
Sergio, we can supply you with all the gear you need so don't think you need to buy something just to play. What's mine is yours.
We'll have to take you to the HOG too. But yeah, if you're looking to score some gear to ship home we can find what you need. I'll bet you don't even have any restrictions on Brazilian rosewood.
Chuck
I will gladly bring my Strat with me. It's a MIM with CS '69 pickups, wired up by Telebob himself.Quote:
Originally Posted by S. Cane
Rickenjangle is in, just heard from him.
I miss Rickenjangle......hope he rejoins the forum.
Me too. He was a great bandmate too. A pleasure to perform with. We still cross paths and I run into his better half from time-to-time.Quote:
Originally Posted by phantomman
There's an FDP page on facebook with several old members there. I passed this along to them several days ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
Better book it for the entire day, into the evening. Lunch and dinner!
That's all good news Chuck. Who would have thought that our little tribe would flourish like this. LOL!
I guess it's good for us to be remembered for something in this life. And something that brought so much my joy, well, that's as good as it gets.
Just hop on the bus, Gus.Quote:
Originally Posted by phantomman
You're most welcome, we'd love to have you.
Food is really great there. Weed's legal here too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tele-Bob
Chuck
I talked to Fenderboy a few days ago and he is going to get in touch with Chuck about the jam, too.
Iremember polishing off a bunch of wings at one of those jams... DELICIOUS!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
Fortunately, wings are often a good choice!Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonjunkie
Guys, I’m doing an interview on a local radio station Sunday 1:30 with the band. I’ll plug the jam!
This is going to be quite the event...Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
Did manage to sneak the plug in. The host somehow got on a tangent about open jams and I jumped right in, lol.
Bob, we should do an Evil Ways guitar jam trading off on custom built Les Pauls.
Chuck
Gm-C-D. I'm in! :smile:Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
Absolutely! But let's play it in Bb just to make it interesting, LOL! Les Pauls ONLY!Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
He he, that way we can play "inverse Carlos" with descending licks instead of ascending. I like it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tele-Bob
Just bump'n the thread.
If anyone is planning to be there that needs help with anything - parking , carrying gear, a place to stay, whatever let me know so I can have that covered. I'll have a "Musicians Unloading Zone" in front of the Cottage by the stage door.
Chuck
That's Mendon, NY, right?
Is that Microtel Hotel still there? I was pretty cheesy, but pretty reasonable if I remember.
I’m waitin’ to see if Sergio is going to visit.
Me too!!! It would be great to give him a big TFF Welcome!Quote:
Originally Posted by Laker
Hey, Joan Osbourne is going to be in town and doing a tribute to Jerry Garcia's music the night before the jam if anyone is interested.
Chuck
Sounds like fun. I think the girlfriend would enjoy that.
Just checking in to see who's planning on coming. We have an out-of-town late show the 2nd so I want to make sure the guys aren't volunteering for an empty house.
Mrs. Junkie and I coming! BTW - can you point us in the direction of a local hotel? I think we stayed at the Microtel last time - not terrific...Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
I've been holding off making a commitment based on my current work situation -- one that I have initiated, but which hasn't yet been settled. Checking my calendar, I fear that I won't have the time available to make the drive both ways. I could probably make it for the Saturday, but I'd have to turn right around and head back Sunday. I was hoping my calendar would be cleared by then, but right now it doesn't appear it will be, so I think I'll have to take a pass. And hope you guys post photos and videos!
....a mere 5 weeks away!
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels...nId=1682795828
I'd say the Woodcliff is popular for close by, if you want the Finger Lakes experience I'd look at The Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua. It's about 30 minutes away but on the water with a full spa and fine dining.Quote:
Originally Posted by gibsonjunkie
So, refresh my memory since the date didn't make it to this thread:
Is the actual jam on Saturday June 3rd or Sunday June 4th?
Old men with memory issues want to know.
I see June 3rd on my calendar.
We have a late-night out-of-town show to play on Friday the 2nd, so the guys may be a bit crusty, but we'll get through it.
So it looks like only Bob and Nick are attending? I guess we'll just make it an afternoon show with a couple of special guests.
Chuck
I tried hard to schedule my trip to the US on time but I'll have to skip this first jam.
But I'm sure lots of you guys can attend it, I'm sure it'll be awesome and the moment I know when I can fly to the US of A you guys will be the first to know!
I guess it's going to be more like Jelly than Jam!
I mentioned it to IPLAYLOUD today. He wasn't aware of it.
Are you guys serious about the attrition?
How many are confirmed as attending?
So far - two.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tele-Bob
I mean, maybe it's time for a reality check. We have an out-of-town show the night before. We were all saying we would help with unloading and loading the trailer. Tying up the band, lights and sound for free (well, I was going to pay the roadies out of my pocket) as well as the venue for two people is a pretty big ask.
Chuck
I get it Chuck. As much as I love hanging out with you, it's close to 400 miles each way. The thought of the jam was really cool - but I can see Bob locally :up That's a huge ask for you to do all that for a couple guests! If you call it off I sure will understand!Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
I am committed to this and have made plans to be in the region for 6 days.
My girl is coming along and we're riding the Eerie Canal Trail on our bicycles for 4 days after the jam so, we're going to be there all the same.
When it all comes down to it, the core remains and the electrons circulate and spin off.
So it will be three couples at dinner and a chance to have a few laughs. Should we play? I think so. I know you guys are pretty road-worn at this point, but it's always nice to play with some new people just same.
I'll throw in $100 towards feeding the guys from your band and suggest that we have a casual, low key day of relaxed music and dining.
Funny how this kind of thing happens:
STEP 1) Ya know what we should do......?
STEP 2) That's great! Wow! I'm down for that!
STEP 3) OK, the list of attendees is growing!
STEP 4) I'll bring this,.....you bring that,...........we'll all pull together,......
STEP 5) Uh, I'm not sure I can make it,.......... um, like me either,......... oh, look at the time,......
STEP 6) Well, we're all set to go! Hello? hello? Anyone there?
As a 16 time organizer of these events, I know what goes into this. I know how much effort Chuck has put into it, and how successful this event could be because of his efforts.
It would be a real shame for this to evaporate. There is a rich history behind this and an opportunity to get out and do something a little different.
I hope it happens in some form or another. I have committed to being in the region so, I'll be there.
I've never been, and I think the last time this was held was before I joined the forum (2016). The stories surrounding the event, before and after are the stuff of legend. Had my retirement been accepted and my last day established, I'd be all over this. Next year, if it happens again, I will be as free as a bird, and would look and plan forward to it. It's just not in the cards for me this year.
Interesting, how is a retirement not accepted? I'm pretty sure slavery has been abolished. Employers will give you a song and dance sometimes but "retirement" is basically a tax status with the federal government and has nothing to do with your employer except for some accounting on their part.
I'm on the cusp of retirement and all I have to do is walk in and tell them "I'm retiring". I know 'cause I asked.
IIRC Virginia (improperly named in my experience) is a "Right to Work" state which means you have the legal right to leave whenever you wish.
Chuck
You are entirely correct, Chuck. When I discussed my upcoming retirement with our H.R. person, I offered to stay on until my replacement could be found and brought up to speed. I'm the only one in my company that does what I do. Not that I think I'm super-important (I'm not), but no one else wants to do it.
So the uncertainty of the date is due to not having my replacement immediately on hand. I've had a good career with this company, they've treated me well overall, and I don't want to crap on them as I leave.
But I am leaving. That's been my point all along. I just don't know when (I have set an absolute final date in October).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tele-Bob
I am really sad about not being able to attend the jam. If I lived in the US, I'd certainly do whatever it takes. Too bad I live in such a distant country, and taking this trip will have to wait a bit more.
I'm just disappointed to see the spirit behind this reignite and then fade. It would have been a lot of fun.
Chuck, I hope you're up for dinner, and that Nick joins us. Like I said, I'll be in the area now anyway. May as well have a good time just the same.
Thank you for all your efforts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tele-Bob
Of course! Looking forward to it.
Yeah, bummer but can't say we didn't try. I'll get a black eye with a venue too. They advertised it.
Given some of the "Dog ate my homework" excuses I got it's pretty discouraging. This place used to be a hangout for players.
Chuck
Chuck, if you have a drummer and bass player willing to play, I'll play this as a gig with you.
We'll save face with Lou's and have a good time while we're at it.
Low key. Maybe put it out there as an open mic for the local scene. Either way, we can cover this. And it will be fun. We always have fun whether is 2 of us or 20.
Let's have some fun with it.
OK, I can bring in some ringers. I had a few surprise guests that were going to show up for the guys anyway. Let's do it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldStrummer
Word to the wise - unless it's a family business and you're in the family - regardless of what you may think - you're going to get screwed. If you really want to retire simply retire and tell them if they get into a jam you'll work contract at some exorbitant rate. Win-win.
At this point they have no motivation to hire anyone as long as you're there. And they will never hire anyone unless you give them a firm retirement date. Trust me. You need to be the one driving the bus and not them.
If they really gave a rat's ass about you they would have facilitated your retirement when you brought it up, not string you along.
Chuck
Good advice Chuck!
Oh, trust me, I gave them a "drop dead" date (if you'll pardon the expression). In essence, I gave them six months notice, and if they elect to exercise my retirement date earlier, I told them I'm okay with that. I said I was prepared to leave today/tomorrow, but I wanted to give them the opportunity to hire my replacement and bring that person up to speed. However they decide to proceed, however, they know MY final date.Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
Dude, They don't get to "exercise your retirement date" - that would either be a separation package or a termination.
Since they haven't eliminated your job I would think (because I don't give legal advice) that then you'd have an ageism complaint. They can't terminate you because you're retiring. So, by not retiring you are forcing them to not let you go.
Remember, HR is working for the company, not for you.
No, I get that. And thank you for your input and opinions. Believe it or not, I find them helpful and thought-provoking.Quote:
Originally Posted by Offshore Angler
But I will say that this has been my plan, so I'm OK with that. At the very basic level, I gave them six months notice. I know what's happening within the company, and how things are evolving, so the potential has existed that my job could be eliminated at some point in the near future. Yes, I have put them in the position to be the subject of an ageism claim, but I personally don't want to stay on board in a role I don't want (which is what I predict would happen). So, if they decide my position can be eliminated, I'll walk out the door the day they make that decision, and the termination will be on my terms, not theirs.
I'm also in the position (unfortunately) of now having to address some physical issues that have cropped up over the past few months. That means that I need to get them addressed while I still have company-paid health insurance. I don't want to bring that to their attention, but these issues are partly the reason I've decided it's time to retire. If I get to do it my way, I'll have all my health concerns addressed by the time I lose my coverage and have to depend on medicare (I'm not wealthy enough to afford private healthcare).
Deciding to retire is so fricking complicated. I legally turn 70 this August (although I actually turned 70 last August). I not only love my work, I'm passionate about it and really enjoy what I do. It's a mental challenge, not a physical one, so I could pretty-much keep right on going for as long as I want. I know myself well enough that if I left now I'd wasted most of my days playing on my computer having nothing to show for it. I actually just filed my application to collect in August when I hit the max, with the plan to use the SS payments to pay off mortgage and other debts, so retirement will be a bit easier to handle. I'm more or less aiming for two to three years before I pull the plug. OS, you raise a good point about health insurance. I love that it's not my problem to pay for it while I'm employed... but it's yet another incentive to keep working. My wife ended up going out on disability a few years ago. She had been an accountant and brought in a dedent salary, but when that stopped things got a bit tighter. If she had kept working we'd be in a really good spot right now, but oh well!Quote:
Originally Posted by OldStrummer
Guys (and gals), I've started a new thread on The Retiring Musician so as to not derail this topic, which is very important to those involved! Even though I've never earned a busker's penny for playing guitar or any other instrument, as long as I continue pick, pluck or strum, I consider myself a musician. And I am NOT retiring from that endeavor!