Alembic Charity Gig

[mpisanek]

I was just wondering. . .  
 
I have been doing charity work of some kind almost all of my life.  I worked with the New Jersey Blind Mens' Association, The American Cancer Society, Focus Ireland (a charity for the homeless), the British Heart Foundation, etc.  I have also done about 4 gigs every year for a charity of some sort for the past 10 years.  About 6 years ago, I ended up in Kosovo, building a rehabilitation centre for people with a disability, ended up being sick for 3 months afterwards, only to go back again 6 months later!  About a 18 Months ago, I moved to Scotland, and have not been involved in any charity work since then.
 
 
I just thought. . .  
 
It's time to do something for charity again.
 
Before I go elsewhere and start something new, I was wondering if there would be any interest in this forum for doing something for charity?  It would be pretty cool to start or adopt some kind of charitable organisation.
 
Any thoughts, questions, or criticisms welcome!
 
Thanks,
 
Michael.

[gare]

That's a great idea Michael..
But how would you pull it off ? (ok,end of a long work day and I haven't had a nap)
I'm thinking the distances etc.. People contribute songs/files/etc ?  
 
G

[edwin]

The only organization that I know that is close is http://www.maggiescentres.org/. It was started by my aunt, Maggie Keswick, before she passed away from cancer in 1995. In truth, I don't know much about the organization, but if it's anything like the spirit of my aunt, it's a worthy cause.
 
HTH
Edwin

[bassfingers]

Michael,
 
The following may be totally unworkable [so I apologise right now for taking up space],and may be deemed to be a gesture of support for your idea,but a silly one at best.File under Just a thought.
 
Contained in the various club forums are some breathtaking photos of Alembics of every kind.If all neccesary permissions were given,wouldn't it be wonderful to have them compiled into book form.I'm thinking along the lines of the stunning PRS Guitars book,or perhaps a series of smaller volumes dedicated to Series 1&2,Signatures,Spoiler,Europa etc,etc.Whether made available to Alembic owners,club members or everybody,the proceeds could be forwarded to a single or numerous charitable organisations.
 
I know it's a far more involved process than simply saying Send in your Alembic pics and between us we'll compile them into a glossy collection of centrefolds,or trawling the archives and Hey Presto!,here's the book.I'm quite prepared to see this suggestion shot down for any number of reasons,legal or practical.It was just the first thing I thought of and I wanted to show support and put it out there to see what you and the rest of the group think.
 
Like I said,it's just a thought.
 
Simon.

[bigredbass]

I have lived long enough to know two things:
 
If you're feeling a little down, believe me, it takes TWO seconds to find someone whose problems will DWARF yours.
 
And they could use your help, and you will feel GREAT for helping out, no matter how big or small your service is.
 
If this leads to anything concrete, I'd be glad to help, as LOTS of people have helped me, and I firmly believe in passing it on.
 
J o e y

[mpisanek]

Simon:
 
You had exactly the same idea that I did!!!  
 
I thought some sort of historical book would be a great idea.  It occured to me that many members in this forum already have a lot of knowledge about where these basses are, and probably have contacts that might allow us to get some pics as well.  That would be a lot of the legwork already done for us.  The other thought that I had was that we might get some help from the mothership as they have all of the knowledge about the company, the instruments, and the history (and probably a fairly extensive archive).  The thought also ocured to me that a lot of members in this forum would buy the book as well, I know I WOULD.
 
I had also thought of giving any proceeds to either a music scholarship for a less fortunate bass player, or giving to an organisation that used music as a medium to teach children with learning disabilities, or other physical disabilities.  This, of course, would be up for discussion.
 
The book idea is a very big one, but the end result would be great.  It would mean a lot of work and a lot of contributuins from members of this forum, and the alembic staff as well.
 
At this point, I don't know about the actual feasibility of the idea, but I will investigate it further.
 
Other ideas and comments are more than welcome.
 
Michael.

[speicky]

Hello, Michael, hi folks,
 
this is, in my opinion, a great idea, and will become a huge project. Maybe you've seen another thread where Sam (bracheen) had the idea of a wall calendar (the T-shirt-thread, I think), that would be a project with less work/costs/handling, perhaps start with that ? You'll have my full attention and support, just drop me a line. Cheers to Edinburgh,
 
Christian (the faker)

[speicky]

for you lazy ones out there... :-)
 
http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/23508.html?1136670549

[palembic]

It would be nice to have something slipped in that makes it multinational/multicultural. Alembics are all over the world I think (even in Iraq with a goodhearted basscrazy armycook).
Pictures of gigs with an Alembic on place/country/region defining places/situations.
Just thinking ...
just thinking
 
Paul tbo

[mpisanek]

I've just emailed Mica to see what the mothership thinks about the idea.  Will keep you posted.
 
Michael.

[jacko]

Great idea Mike. Any help you need just give me a call. The book is a good idea, I could come round and read your copy;-) A series of worldwide gigs might work but they'd have to be organised locally - we know of at least 4 Alembic 'Bassed' bands in central Scotland that could put on a show.
 
Graeme

[bracheen]

Paul is right on with his thinking.  I'm sure there are 12 countries represented here at least.  I can think of 11 just off the top of my head.  12 if the Republic of Texas is counted seperately.
I'll do what I can to help, Michael.  You have my email address.
 
Sam

[bassfingers]

Michael,
 
Alright!!.
 
Like you,I'm not sure of the actual feasibility of such a project.But I will say this;
 
I'm a lot more sure of it this morning having seen your response and the great suggestions others have made.This idea appears to have 'legs'.
 
Apologies to Sam.I missed the thread with the calender suggestion,so a belated doff of the cap to you,Sir!.Maybe Christian has the best initial idea.Try a toe in the water with Sam's calender idea.Like the proposed book,I'd sure as heck have one.Everybody here so far has added something to the stew.Things I hadn't considered-it was way past my bedtime!.Guys,when I put this forward I really didn't know what kind of response I'd wake up to.Through your initial responses,I no longer feel that it might be a bit of a silly idea.
 
Not that I'm 'claiming' the idea,I can't be the only one to have thought.....Now,wouldn't it be cool if....?
 
Michael,we seem to have hit upon a popular theme here.I'm sure we're not the first with the book idea.But what better reason to give it a try than your initial post.This could be big,very big and for all the right reasons.I don't know how much practical use I can be,but I'm only a morning's drive away.I live just outside Manchester,and any excuse to visit Edinburgh is a welcome one!.If I can assist in any way,please let me know.
 
Best wishes to all,
 
Simon.

[rogertvr]

I like this idea of doing something for charity.  My thoughts on the subject are...
 
1). I like the book idea, but it's a one-off really. So surely the calendar idea is better as it could be used every year, year after year. There are a lot of Alembics and the calendar idea has longevity!
2). As Paul has already said, Alembics are all over the world, so surely the charity/ies that is/are being supported should also be multi-national. The Red Cross is the obvious one that springs to mind as an example.
 
I'd happily give permission for an image of The Dragon's Wing to be used for the right cause.
 
Cheers,
 
Rog

[palembic]

Well bro's and sis's.
Let me clarify my remark and ask Bro Rog this question: where would YOU perform with your Dragonwing -as a solo artist- that I could take a picture that you are obvious playing that marvellous instrument in the UK.
Describe the situation.
Now ...make that 12 (for a calendar) situation and let that grow each year to a book. Or make that a book immediately.
Just thoughts
 
Paul TBO
 
Dino?? Think about Boston!
Dave?  Think about Sidney
Joey?? Think New Orleans
etcetera ...etcetera ...