Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Community => Gatherings => Topic started by: slawie on February 10, 2014, 12:25:28 AM

Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: slawie on February 10, 2014, 12:25:28 AM: Hey I will be in California between 07/16 and 08/10
hoping to catch up with some folks while I am there.
Definitely have to hit the factory for some TLC for my bass.
Probably a complete refurb!
slawie
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on February 10, 2014, 06:40:46 AM: Slawie,
I am looking forward to say hello in person when you show up !
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on February 11, 2014, 06:09:17 PM: I was just talking to Will about possible dates for the annual event. Thinking May-ish this year. Will keep y'all posted of course.

However... anytime Slawie is in town we will hold a gathering in his honor.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: slawie on February 11, 2014, 08:34:31 PM: Whoa!

Thanks Mica, I think I better start practicing.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on February 11, 2014, 10:50:56 PM: Hopefully not May 10th or 11th as I'll be speaking at a conference in Portland, Oregon that weekend.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on February 13, 2014, 08:37:30 AM: Actually, May 11th is Mother's day, so that's 2 reasons not to do it then.

Any other weekend is fine with me. These things are great fun!!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: xlrogue6 on February 17, 2014, 09:57:59 AM: I was just thinking the other day--February, and a young man's thoughts turn to a NorCal Alembic gathering. Obviously I was not alone. At this point I'm incredibly available.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on February 18, 2014, 12:21:26 PM: I'm discussing dates with Will in April, May and June. Hope to have something more solid in the next couple of weeks.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on February 20, 2014, 09:56:05 AM: Looking forward to it - I hope I have the day off this time!!!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on February 20, 2014, 01:43:57 PM: I'll make it. just name the day and time.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jalevinemd on February 22, 2014, 07:18:10 AM: Would be very interested in coming out this year?

as long as Bill still has a spare guest room.

Hahahahahahahahahah!!!!!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on February 22, 2014, 12:48:09 PM: Jonathan: You have first dibs, but there's more room if anyone else is flying in from the outerlands.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jalevinemd on February 22, 2014, 06:53:35 PM: WooHoo!

California, here I come!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on February 28, 2014, 01:29:25 PM: Thinking along the lines of June 7 or 21. Anyone have strong feelings around these dates?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on February 28, 2014, 02:02:03 PM: I am looking forward to it _____.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on February 28, 2014, 02:45:37 PM: We have a gig June 21st.

June 7th works
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on February 28, 2014, 04:15:26 PM: My cat's (Cattabis Indica - Indy for short) birthday in June 6th - double celebration! I'm in.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on March 02, 2014, 11:56:11 AM: June 7 works for me! (June 21 works too just in case)
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on March 03, 2014, 03:36:50 PM: We're penciling in June 7 at this point.

There's a small chance we might do it out at the ranch this year with an outdoor stage and the inside for chatting and snacking. There is one building with AC out there, so extreme overheating shouldn't be a problem.

Then again, we might just do it in Oakland again.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on March 03, 2014, 04:16:40 PM: Oakland was nice last time . The ranch has been really beautiful as well but not as easily accessible as Oakland. Where ever it will be, it will be fun again .
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: pace on March 04, 2014, 04:25:33 PM: We might be back west come May or June for my father-in-laws memorial.... I'd love to meet y'all, so hopefully it'll all work out!!...
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on March 04, 2014, 05:33:18 PM: Mike:

It would be very cool if you could make it.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: pace on March 04, 2014, 07:09:01 PM: Thanks Bill.

I'm gonna hook up w/ all the left coast Alembicians someday, hopefully the stars will align sooner than later....

If I'm a no-show, check the Merced river....I might have a bad case of gold fever....
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on March 12, 2014, 01:48:29 PM: Erase June 7 and pencil in the 21 of June.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on March 13, 2014, 07:38:03 AM: I won't be able to make it. We have a daytime gig that day...
Sorry.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on March 13, 2014, 03:06:21 PM: Bummer Ken - was hoping maybe your gig was at night so you could swing by during the day...
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jacko on March 17, 2014, 06:15:28 AM: I've got a gig that night too so I doubt I'd be able to make it given the 11 hour flight time from the Uk to San Francisco. Someday I'll be back over though :-)

Graeme
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: poor_nigel on March 25, 2014, 05:06:29 AM: What happened to May? I like May 13th, but then, who doesn't?! All God's chilrens love my birthday! Will my bass be done???? If so, a perfect excuse to go get it and bring a friend to adventure with. Meant to go to the last one or two, but I was too sickly. This will be probably my first and last, so I would like to have some fun while out and about. Woof! Would Sonicus like it if I brought an old Yamaha 2200 as a door prize? How about a rack of em? Too much? Too little? Need any airport horns (Altec's large format drivers with Gauss bottoms for a few more db on the PA to be supplied? Need a PA supplied?! Got wireless mics? I don't. Note, if I have to show up Alembic-less, I will not be the life of the party, given . . . Otherwise, I am in an adventurous mood this spring.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on March 25, 2014, 09:03:36 AM: Hi Thomas ___
It would be great to see you there with or without any gear. You remembered how much I like those old Yamaha P -2200/2201's ! LOL ___ I have one right here in back of me as I write this, powering the lows as part of my playback system.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: afrobeat_fool on April 03, 2014, 01:05:24 PM: June 21st will probably be bad for me. I was hoping for the 7th. I will be down somewhere around the beginning of the month of June. looking forward to seeing some of you at that time.

Bill: if you are coming up to PDX let me know if you want to catch up. We can have a mini gathering at Slick Nick's new venue!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on April 03, 2014, 07:01:43 PM: Nick:

Tina and I will be driving up next month. I'm speaking on a panel on Thursday, May 8th, at the Patients Out of Time conference held this year in Portland. We'll be in town at least until that Saturday. I'm planning on bringing a guitar or two (probably an electric and an acoustic). It would be cool to get together.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: moongerm on April 25, 2014, 08:46:04 AM: This sounds like fun. I may be able to make it, providing I am invited? best, Brian
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on April 25, 2014, 09:22:47 AM: Brian:

Welcome to the club! As far as entry to the gathering, we are actually quite strict when it comes to the requirements. Entry is only allowed for the following:

1. people who own an Alembic
2. people who don't yet own an Alembic

So long as you fit into one of these categories, come on down!

Bill, the guitar one
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: moongerm on April 25, 2014, 12:02:55 PM: Nice Bill! Thanks for the warm welcome.

-Brian
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on May 15, 2014, 01:43:09 PM: Was wondering - has the date been confirmed? Looking forward to it - I can hardly wait!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on May 15, 2014, 02:13:28 PM: I'm wondering as well. If it's June 21st, this will be the first gathering I have been Unable to make. I'm hoping the delay is an attempt at rescheduling...
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: afrobeat_fool on May 20, 2014, 01:25:01 PM: I just got to Dakar, Senegal. Everything is super awesome and I look forward to getting off one plane and onto another to make the gathering. I am also looking forward to picking up my HYAlembicK and showing it off to the club! Thanks Mica!

Nick
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on May 20, 2014, 04:15:50 PM: Nick , it will be great to see you there . Congratulations on the
HyAlembicK completion !

Wolf
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jalevinemd on May 31, 2014, 03:55:25 PM: Any updates on this?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 06, 2014, 01:52:58 PM: I would like to get a warm a fuzzy on the date and place as well, I planned my vacation to be in to the Bay Area the week of the 21st so I could attend the Gathering. To not have the Gathering go down would be disappointing.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jalevinemd on June 06, 2014, 11:41:25 PM: My understanding was that June 21st was not happening and another date still had not yet been chosen.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 09, 2014, 03:27:28 PM: well, when Mica back on the of 12 Mar penciled in 21 Jun I made preperations in March to be in the Bay Area in the around 21 Jun. Nevertheless, if there is anyone on this post that would be interested in getting together in or around the 21st of June to play some music, I'll have my Alembic with me.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: afrobeat_fool on June 09, 2014, 03:35:13 PM: I too would like to know for sure.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on June 09, 2014, 06:55:05 PM: Yes, definitely if the official Gathering doesn't happen, we should do a mini-Gathering!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 09, 2014, 09:01:43 PM: Good, I like where this is going....now we just need to find a venue. Let's see what's out there. I'll see what I can do.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on June 10, 2014, 07:14:11 AM: Well, as Harry & Nick can attest, I've hosted mini-gatherings before, so if folks are in town on the 21st and the offficial Gathering ain't happening, come on over.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jacko on June 10, 2014, 07:16:13 AM: Really wish I could make that one Bill. Had a great evening last time round :-)

Graeme
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on June 11, 2014, 08:14:50 PM: Sorry AJ, there was a scheduling conflict for our host on 21st and I haven't yet cemented a new date. Looks like September for the traditional style. Hoping to have the actual date ironed out within a week so that plans may be made.

However, I'll be glad to host a mini gathering in your honor, then we can all go invade Bill's space later in the day.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 12, 2014, 05:46:02 AM: Wow, I really appreciate it. This definitely puts the icing on the California cake.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on June 17, 2014, 03:57:51 PM: So mini gathering on Saturday in Santa Rosa.

I heard a rumor that someone wants to bring drums... I'll have to clear a little space in the shop so do let me know.

I'll be ready to receive guests at 11:00, and we can go until Bill wants to play. What say you, TGO?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on June 18, 2014, 07:33:12 AM: I can certainly host a few people on Saturday if there is an interest. Of course my modest home studio can't compete with the mothership, but I do have a couple of bass rigs, several guitar amps, drums, PA, and even a cheapo keyboard. I'm a little over an hour south of Santa Rosa. Are people interested in moving the party south later in the day, or that night, or is a trip to the mothership enough of a good thing?

Thoughts?

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jacko on June 18, 2014, 07:35:24 AM: I can heartily recommend Bill's hospitality :-)

Graeme
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jazzyvee on June 18, 2014, 07:44:55 AM: I can second that.

Jazzyvee
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 18, 2014, 02:18:08 PM: As for the drummer, I have a friend that is super good at drums that can show up at Bill's house, given if Bill is OK with it
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on June 18, 2014, 04:03:09 PM: I am definitely looking forward to this! I feel kind of guilty making Mica work on a Saturday. But always happy to hang with my fellow Alembic brethren & sistren!

AJ, what kind of music do you and your drummer play?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on June 18, 2014, 04:12:33 PM: Hi AJ____ HI Harry!

AJ ___Big plus+++ if your drummer is familiar with Grateful Dead style drumming ( from my perspective___ LOL)
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on June 18, 2014, 04:16:42 PM: AJ ___ I look forward to speak German with you !

Wolf ___
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 18, 2014, 04:45:44 PM: (Message edited by Aeijae on June 18, 2014)
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 18, 2014, 04:46:55 PM: My drummer and I play....a wide variety of music, we played mostly heavy metal when we played in a full band. When its just me and him alone we do some play more victor wooten / primus influenced stuff.. it really depends, everything from Mormon tabernacle choir to Meshuggah. Between there we can throw in some grateful dead. As for my Drummer, he's very versatile and has played in a vast variety of venues.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on June 18, 2014, 04:55:22 PM: I am very eclectic in my styles as well AJ. I look forward to it .
I will play it all ___
Wolf
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on June 20, 2014, 11:52:35 AM: So, is this happening? Who plans to go to the mothership Saturday morning? Any interest in my place in the afternoon or evening?

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 20, 2014, 01:50:57 PM: I'll be there at the mothership 11:00 sharp.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on June 20, 2014, 03:29:00 PM: I heard that Harry and Sam will be here. I can see Wolf will be joining us, that's cool!

I'm not sure if there will be drums or not. I have some fun stuff to share. Don't worry Harry - I actually do work most Saturdays - tomorrow will just be more fun.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hammer on June 20, 2014, 04:04:55 PM: Have a great time people! Just wish we had a many active members in the upper midwest as you do in NorCal
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on June 20, 2014, 08:54:00 PM: Thanks Mica! Glad we aren't pulling you away from family/home time.

Barring emergencies Sam & I are planning on getting there sometime after 11. I contacted afrobeat_fool but he isn't able to come down this time. Sent a message to Vic Little but haven't heard back.

I'm assuming we should try and bring our own stands? ;) I'm also bringing my small GK amp (assuming it fits in the car!)

Bill, I'm not sure about plans for after - will you be going to the Mothership?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jazzyvee on June 20, 2014, 11:56:45 PM: Hammer, the NorCal group also has a member in the West Midlands in the UK. :-)
But I get your sentiment. I recall there has been a discussion here a few years back about a European Alembic Meet. That would be cool especially if mica and some forum members from the USA came over too.

Jazzyvee

(Message edited by jazzyvee on June 21, 2014)

(Message edited by jazzyvee on June 21, 2014)
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on June 21, 2014, 12:34:37 AM: Hello friends, It looks like I will have to attend to some others issues tomorrow and as a result will not be able to show up . Have fun .

Wolf__
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: David Houck on June 21, 2014, 06:23:41 AM: Wish I could be there today. Apparently Mica stayed up all night polishing the floor in the workshop; so be sure to mention how nice it looks. Have fun; and please post some pictures.

Enjoy!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 21, 2014, 09:24:44 AM: I will be showing up at 12, my mom needs me to trim a tree in the front yard.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on June 21, 2014, 10:11:38 AM: I won't be making an appearance at the mothership as senior management and I are looking at houses (our landlord is selling and we have to move).

I haven't heard from anyone showing interest in moving the party down here, so you all have a great time and I'll look forward to getting together at the big gathering in September.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on June 21, 2014, 09:09:12 PM: Fun day! I have to rest a little before I process the images I collected, but I'll share soon! AJ had to leave a little earlier than Harry and Sam, and my mom called my dad away eventually. I think we would have talked about music until dawn!

Also, we're thinking perhaps Sept 13 for the big gathering. How's that date work out?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on June 21, 2014, 09:26:07 PM: I am glad that you all had fun . I had thought that I could make it and then another string of events altered my initial intentions. My sincere apologies . It would have been nice to see you all .I look forward to the big gathering.

Wolf
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on June 22, 2014, 08:50:32 AM: Started a new thread here (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=9786)
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: aeijae on June 23, 2014, 09:58:17 AM: What an awesome day it was. I especially thank Mica and Ron as they opened up Alembic and gave us a very in depth tour of the entire facility, provided snacks and let us make noise with available means. They are some of the nicest and most hospitable people I know and an honor to have been hosted by them. Harry, Sam, Mica and Ron, if you're ever up in the Seattle area, let me know and I'll hook it up. ^^
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: afrobeat_fool on June 23, 2014, 10:51:57 AM: I am bummed that I could not make this small gathering, but alas I was too wiped out from travel. It looks like it was a great time, and it is good to see Harry bring out his double neck. AJ it is too bad I didn't get to meet you, but as you live in Seattle, I am sure you will be seeing me at some time as I will be playing up there in the near future. Take care, all, and I will see you at the next gathering!

Nick
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: oddmetersam on June 23, 2014, 12:16:14 PM: The small gathering made it very intimate but my head was still buzzing from all the collective energy from all of you folks! Good to see Harry and meet AJ and his family. This was my third time to the Mothership, but my first since June, 2009 (I took delivery of Mary on June 25, 2009 -- the day Michael Jackson died) so it was sort of an anniversary for me.

We had a wonderful extended tour of the factory. Mind-boggling. Special thanks to Mica and Ron for having us!!!!!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on July 14, 2014, 07:45:52 AM: Okay, back here to cause more trouble! :-)
September 13th will be fine for ME, but the rest of my band, at least the singer and drummer, can't make it. September 20th is also out, as we have a gig that evening and there's travel time associated with it. I'll be happy to jam on the 13th though!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on July 17, 2014, 08:51:47 PM: Let's expand on the September 13th idea - how does that date work out for everyone else?
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: sonicus on July 17, 2014, 09:04:57 PM: It works for me Mica .I look forward to present an Alembic rack of vintage electronics.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: hieronymous on July 17, 2014, 10:10:45 PM: I had to book something in the morning but 9/13 still works for me! Looking forward to seeing the rack Wolf!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on July 17, 2014, 11:31:46 PM: Well, I'll be on the right coast - but I'll be riding the Alaska Marine Highway Juneau to Skagway to see the youngest.

Peter
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on July 21, 2014, 02:24:02 PM: Just got the word that the 13th of September is confirmed for the next Alembic Gathering. Should have some fun stuff to share!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on July 21, 2014, 03:53:15 PM: Great! Really looking forward to it. Keep us posted.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on August 18, 2014, 05:29:01 PM: OK, so I'm gathering up the list of the gatherers. Send me an email if you want the details to join in the fun. Usually I send a couple of little emails to keep everyone posted.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: afrobeat_fool on August 20, 2014, 12:35:16 PM: I'm in! Do you think the Hyak will be ready by then, Mica?

Nick
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: xlrogue6 on August 21, 2014, 09:04:37 AM: I'm in too.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: flpete1uw on August 21, 2014, 10:29:01 AM: I need to attend one of these one day. They look like so much Fun! Get to meet some of you guys in person! Worth planning a vacation around. In the mean time this East Coast guy will do the next best thing. Cyberspace!
Peace,
Pete
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on September 04, 2014, 10:15:26 AM: Okay, so in light of the recent quake and Phil getting his new bass, is this thing still happening? Just making sure because we've got just over a week to go and I've not received an email yet.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on September 04, 2014, 04:23:48 PM: I can now report that the gathering is definitely happening, but there is a change in location. It seems that now I will be hosting the gathering at our new home we just moved into in the East Bay Hills. We have 1.5 acres where we can make lots of noise without bothering anyone. I have a studio with P.A., a drum kit, two bass rigs, and several guitar rigs. I can also set up an outdoor jam area with another P.A. Mica will be sending out directions.

This is gonna be BIG FUN!!!!

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jacko on September 05, 2014, 12:49:36 AM: now I'm REALLY bummed i'm going to miss this. planning for a return visit in 2017 once all I've got all my daughters wed :-)

Graeme
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: jazzyvee on September 05, 2014, 02:53:58 AM: Wouldn't it be cool if Phil did come to the event at your home with his new bass.

I hope it goes well and as usual take loads of pics that us not attendees can enjoy.

Jazzyvee
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: kenbass4 on September 08, 2014, 07:14:51 AM: Wow, Bill. Someone owes Senior Management big time! :-)

Still (im)patiently waiting for the info e-mail. Looking forward to this.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on September 09, 2014, 02:39:35 PM: If you didn't get your email today, then email me! I'll get you the details and directions.

Should be super fun!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on September 12, 2014, 12:04:06 PM: Tomorrow, people!

If you need directions, email me before 6:00 tonight, or else I might not get a chance to reply.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: serialnumber12 on September 12, 2014, 12:21:55 PM: Have a ball guys!....I won't be there but old #12 will be!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: pace on September 12, 2014, 03:39:11 PM: Kudos to Mrs. TGO for allowing Bill to host!

((((((HAVE A BLAST)))))))

....and please post some pics asap!....
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mica on September 12, 2014, 04:15:43 PM: I'll try to post some during the event as long as there is cell coverage.
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: mtjam on September 12, 2014, 04:57:53 PM: Have a great time! Wish I was on the west coast. I look forward to any pictures of this event!
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: lbpesq on September 12, 2014, 05:37:07 PM: We have excellent cell coverage as there is a tower just over the hill.

Keavin, #12 is making an appearance? I'll be sure to get a pic of #10 & #12 together - probably for the first time in 42 years!

I'll be getting things ready tonight.

Bill, tgo
Title: NorCal 2014
Post by: flpete1uw on September 12, 2014, 08:13:00 PM: Yes please lots of pictures, I hear of places called Alembic Enchanted Forests deeply embedded within a magical few acres of land west of the Rockies to which a beautiful mixture of ingredients craftsmanship and the Love of the vibrated air all come together to form a treasure for the senses.
They are rare, but I have recently discovered one that was uncovered in Texas. They are rare beautiful fleeting places where opportunities need to be documented for posterity.

As you can I wish I was there, wishing all the greatest of joy in your shared companionship.
Peace,
Pete