Subject: [Harp-L] Re: SPAH convention
I doubt it. The Jam Camps are 'for profit', while SPAH's are 'not for
profit'. HUGE difference.
Besides, the Jam Camps cost at least double what you'd pay for a SPAH, and
most of that price is for the Camp itself, not the accommodations - which
at last look are extremely sparse (the main reason I'm not particularly
interested since I have orthopedic issues and need to be at least reasonably
comfortable at night or how could I go?) The last camp I looked at left it up
to the player to drive down (after flying in - which is in itself already
a trial for me) or to then 'arrange' their own rides a one and a half hour
distance away to the Camp. Guess that leaves out a cab ride? Being
dependent upon another stranger to drive oneself such a distance to the Camp would
not be attractive at all to my mind.
This is entirely unlike a SPAH experience, which is always done at a Hotel
as close to a major airport as possible (especially for those of us who can
no longer drive for whatever reason), or for the International visitors
who've just spent hours in a plane and don't need or want further travel
time.
You seem to have a completely erroneous idea of what a SPAH is about. It
isn't a huge hall full of booths. It's in a quiet Hotel, mostly little
pockets of very nice (and welcoming, friendly) people sitting or standing around
couches in the lobby - playing very basic harmonica. The 'real pros'
participate in the more high-powered jams usually - and many of us
amateurs/newbies sit those out, but 'listen with big ears' since that's how one learns.
I'm a casual player as well...having come back to harmonica playing after
many years' absence, so I do know what you mean.
The major performances and seminars are all taking place IN big rooms
behind closed doors. One can choose to attend those or not. Actually, many
don't, staying outside to enjoy the wonderful camaraderie always shown to
anyone willing to stop by a group playing....and a group could be as few as 2 -
3 people. I've never been made unwelcome about joining in a group
'sing-along' or 'play-along'. It's always been the best part of a SPAH to me.
It was a huge leap of faith flying out to MY first SPAH in 2005 - as a
woman traveling on my own. I gritted my teeth and did it with some
encouragement from a SPAH member, and have just attended my 6th. In between I've gone
to several Buckeyes and a couple of GSHC Festivals as well. If 'I' can,
anyone can since what most people don't know about me (and probably wouldn't
believe) is an innate and paralyzing shyness since childhood I've worked very
hard to overcome. I had an absolute blast...made friends right away by
being friendly and not expecting people to accommodate me. Many of those I
met that first time out are still good friends today. I probably now know at
least two-thirds of the SPAH membership and get along well with most.
As for the comb 'test'? I had no idea it was going on....completely forgot
about it, as I did with many of the other seminars. They're not out in the
open, but held behind closed doors. I missed the AMP comparisons as well,
since it isn't something of particular interest to me at this point in time.
SPAH has something for everyone, is the point...lots of 'stuff' going on
at the same time. So if you're NOT interested in one particular thing you
simply move on, participate in something else if you choose. The comb test
isn't anywhere as major as you might think...it was a very small gathering of
people in a room. Most people I spoke to there had no idea it had taken
place until long after it was over, and frankly it generated almost no
interest among those I mentioned it to....they were too busy playing. There were
some jokes/comments made about what they could hear, however. I won't
repeat them here.
The fallacy is in thinking that everyone AT Spah belongs to harp-l or any
other on-line list. A very large group of SPAH attendees don't have anything
to do with online posting about harmonicas or gear..they're simply too
busy playing. Many people I meet there hear about harp-l for the first time
from me.
I'd suggest you don't prejudge a SPAH until you take a chance and at least
stop by one for a day - when and if a SPAH or other smaller convention
based on SPAH's set up is held in or close to where you live. If you're in the
NorthEast and get a chance to try the Garden State Harmonica Festival in
November...it's very similar to SPAH, with just a few less attendees (but
many of the same faces), although we just might be giving SPAH a run for their
money in 2010 <G> all thanks to the incredible efforts of Val Redler.
For me - the biggest cost of SPAH is the Air Fare (I've never NOT had to
fly from New York) and the Hotel.
SPAH itself charges a very nominal sum for the 5 days' Festival (imho).
It's the least expensive part of my trip. Not having a car means I'm forced
to eat at the Hotel unless there's decent food service within MY kind of
walking distance (very rare for a SPAH Hotel). Unless a friend has a car and
keeps the same late hours, one can feel stranded. I've found myself going
without food for days at a SPAH (not exactly a bad thing for my waistline
<G> - but not conducive to having a lot of energy). My one major complaint
about the Ramada was: no room service at all. At least the hotel had a gift
shop which stayed open late enough - so I was able to buy and heat up hot
chocolate in the microwave I pay extra to have in my room precisely so I can
have hot tea whenever I want. I'm always cold, so hot tea is de rigeur for
me.
FJM's point about being next to the Mall of America had me originally a bit
intrigued as well - thinking people would be off spending huge amounts of
time there. It turns out that the Mall wasn't half as impressive as all
the hype I'd read about it, one actually had to take a shuttle bus from the
Hotel despite the proximity ....we tried walking one evening to eat there
and it was a debacle because of the fencing between...were forced to take the
shuttle bus back.
Some of us did eat at a very good Italian restaurant there, but that was
my very limited experience at the Mall. For the most part I believe SPAH
people stayed at the Hotel as they do for most SPAHs.
SPAHs aren't at all intimidating for beginners. Playing is for every level
and going on from morning till well into the night in every single corner
of the hotel as well as outside...there is at least ONE other person of the
same level as you - playing somewhere. That's the beauty of a SPAH....and
there's always someone willing to impart knowledge, whether it's in a simple
one-on-one, in discussions of how to take apart your harmonica or how to
gap or tune it, or in the always terrific Filisko teach-ins.The toughest
thing to do at SPAH is to tear oneself away from always great conversations -
in order to get to a seminar or performance one had previously planned to
attend. I missed so many simply by being involved in or listening in to
wonderful 'chats'.
The teach-ins aren't set up as 'formal' gatherings, but simply a huge
room (or two) with each 'pro' set up at a round table - where anyone can plonk
down to join in whatever particular discussion is going on - to ask
questions or simply listen in. One year Peter 'MadCat' Ruth couldn't get anyone
to ask questions at his table: we just wanted to hear him play, talk and
sing...to entertain us. So he did, to much applause. Last year there were so
many people surrounding Jason Ricci's table ...not only were all the chairs
filled, there was a circle of standees 3-deep as he answered questions..and
demonstrated his playing. With the wide variety of pros participating this
year, there was something for everyone. And ALL voluntary.
Also at this SPAH there was a great outdoor patio with wonderful seating
areas - with two fire pits, an outdoor bar with food service..so it lent
itself to great conversation and acoustic music.
There are always guitarists on hand to accompany anyone willing to play
along - so it gave that 'playing around the campfire' feel well into the
night. But even with the 400+ attendees, it never 'feels' crowded. I was hard
pressed to find groups at times...there was a quiet, lazy quality to this
SPAH I've noticed in other years..it IS taking place during August, after all.
It's Summer. There is no 'frenetic-Convention' atmosphere as you might
imagine with crowds of people bumping into each other....not at all...even up
on the floor area where the Vendors had their set up (with windows this
time - and in a huge area). One could wander along just
'window-shopping'...greeting old friends and new (I had at least 6 'new' people introduce
themselves as being lurkers/harp-l members who wanted to meet me due to my posts
here, or who are friends-of-friends. A couple will now be friends because
of how amazingly well we bonded). The vendors I know personally are
themselves mostly familiar and huggy-type people who warmly greeted me as they do
all of their old friends.
Despite the relatively few and mostly minor complaints one might have...the
bottom line is that this Festival (which is a decidedly better description
than Convention to my mind) is put on by volunteers who give so much of
themselves to make it better and better each year, and imparts the warmest
feeling when one sees familiar faces of the nicest people after a long year's
absence.
It struck me anew just how under-appreciated the people manning the tables
were, and those who do all the work behind the scenes...read Paul Davies'
post. He's always right there in the thick of it. I know I couldn't do what
they do...I have medical issues preventing me from volunteering, and I do
think it's a shame when the same people do the same jobs year after year
with very little thanks. So I'M thanking them now. I know who you all are -
from those behind the registration desk, to those doing the raffles, to the
ladies in the hospitality rooms, to those who photograph, edit and put
together the 'happenings' and the website. As well as the volunteers from the
host club. These people kill themselves with almost no awareness from the
membership at large.
Marv Munroe came without his sorely-missed brother Roger....a large card
was set out for us all to sign - those who really missed Roger's whacky sense
of humour. He was simply not well enough to travel this time...has been
such a fixture in all of our lives. Marv still played his two XB-40's in his
rack while strumming along - providing backing for anyone who wanted to
play despite how much he clearly missed his brother by his side. You can't
buy this. It comes from the heart....and is what SPAH is ALL about, for me.
Elizabeth
"Message: 2
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2010 03:17:31 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tim Bete <tim@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] Re: SPAH convention
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
I've never been to SPAH but the sales info I've read makes it sound like a
huge convention that would be intimidating the new, casual player.
I think Jon Gindick is on the right track with his Jam Camps. Jon is
getting people who have never played before to spend a grand to come to his
camps. I think he's successful partly because of how he describes the
experience:
"A Limited Enrollment 5 Day Jamming and Learning Vacation...with a Focus
on You"
"the Fundamentals of Blues and the Joys of Jamming"
"We love all levels of harmonica players. Raw Beginners: we have a strong
program for you.. Including preseminar phone lesson. Advanced and
intermediates: no worries, we offer separate classes on separate levels."
"Let Jon Gindick and some of the world's most talented player/ coaches
help you go there and beyond."
I realize Jon's program has a narrower focus than SPAH but I think he's on
to something. Jon's all about enjoying playing TODAY, even if it's the
first time you've picked up a harp. People want immediate gratification and
Jon delivers that combined with a long-term focus. When I hear about things
like comb tests, it makes me think of high school science class, which
doesn't conjure up memories of "fun." ;-)
I haven't been to Jon's Jam Camp yet but I'm saving my money. For me, the
description of SPAH just isn't the same.
Tim"
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