I'm not a picker so maybe I should not be responding but I was asked so here
goes. First, I do not know this person but if he'd have put as much effort into
his grammar and sentence structure as he did in his criticism of our jam and
our separate room for advanced musicians, maybe I could have better understood
his complaints . However for what I get out of his mumbo-jumbo, he does not
like the advanced pickers room for reasons I don't really understand except
possibly he wants to be in view of everyone in the main hall [playing and finds
it offensive because others playing are not nearly ready for prime time, so to
speak, He also claims it to be too much country and not enough bluegrass, which
is exactly what a lot of bluegrass is today and the only place you can hear
real country music is on a bluegrass station.
To me , this is just one more case of a situation where you just can't please
everyone. Regardless of what you do, there will always be those who it does not
suit. My opinion is that we never had more than a few attend our jams until we
opened it up in this format, first in Marysville and now at Youngs Church and
we provide an additional service to the elderly community who like the music
and look forward to coming to hear the music which they sure do not find
offensive. The additional benefit for those that truly want to play with
seasoned pickers and vocalists is the advanced room.
For the above reasons, although his concerns may be valid to some, they do not
seem to be from most who attend or our jams would not be so well attended. I
would take it for what it appears to be , just another voice that is concerned
because it is not exactly what he would like and if we do anything to make it
suit him , we'll have others standing in line to try the same approach.
If it ain't broke, I say, don't attempt to fix it just because of one man's
opinion. I won't be at any meetings on the whys or wherefores of what we should
do about this because as I said , I don't play. I'm a listener and get my
bluegrass fix from dozens of live concerts each month if and when we ever get
back to normal. Besides, Sunday meetings interfere with my other passions which
are Football, NASCAR and baseball.
Dick
On Friday, September 18, 2020, 05:36:27 PM EDT, mfmkatz
<dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
So far the discussion of the email has been "o.k." but I really believe we
should withhold "public" discussion until we can meet.
Our next Board meeting is only six or so weeks away.
Glen
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
-------- Original message --------From: Robert Bishard <rvbjr13@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: 9/18/20 5:12 PM (GMT-05:00) To: smba@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Cc: Walt Crider -
Email <walterccrider@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: [smba] Re: SMBA Jam
Just as a review;The SMBA jam was not supported by BG pickers when it was all
bluegrass.
We moved to Marysville in the hopes of drawing a larger crowd of supporters.It
drew so many we had to find a larger venue and ended up at Young's Church.
At Young's we initially had several quality BG pickers, but as time has passed
other folks began to attend who sang old country style music.That has long
since morphed into even more genres outside the realm of BG. As a result, with
the exception of the backroom group, quality BG pickers have once again
abandoned the SMBA jam and I can't blame them.
However, I have long said that you can't have a BG jam if the BG pickers don't
support it. The support from quality BG pickers initially waned during the
festival seasons, which opened the door for less talented, and varied music to
be played. Then when the pickers returned they weren't happy to see what had
happened.
The backroom group was started to appease those musicians and provide what they
expect in a BG jam . Apparently, it is enough.
The jam has evolved into what it is and seems to be on a course of its own in
the main room.As for the backroom group, it too has only a smattering of
support.
If the SMBA board wants to try another venue somewhere - I'll support the move.
Hope this helps in future decisions.
BobB
On Fri, Sep 18, 2020 at 4:21 PM Jean Snyder <jmelsny@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Yes - We need to have a meeting, and discussion about the jam sessions at the
meeting.js
On Fri, Sep 18, 2020 at 10:25 AM SMBA Hornpipe <hornpipeeditor@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi everyone, I received an email from a member in regard to the SMBA Jam. He
has some concerns and they are valid. I have had other people voice similar
thoughts and I feel we need to evaluate for when we are able to sponsor the jam
once more.Please read his email and we can discuss further at the next meeting.
I would like to meet in Nov is everyone is in agreement. UrsulaSender Name:
alan mundisSender email: amundis@xxxxxxx
Sender IP: 166.170.0.25
Just some concerns for thought. For quite awhile the so called bluegrass jam
sessions created for the purpose of a so called Cut Above level that takes
place apart from the main hall has simply faltered with lack of support. It was
started for bluegrass musicians who aren't beginner level and who are perhaps
band ready or performing band members. I'm not certain who's idea this was but
seldom have come or support the music concept in the room provided. Understand
Covid 19 has had effect yet able to share and jam? We find it hard to play in
the main area or hall. We find it more of a Country vs Bluegrass and many
novice players who should wood shed or practice. If you are able to sing/play
have good timing tone or taste then it is a benefit. The problem remains those
who are able to play and sing struggle and end up having to sit and listen and
wait and endure those who simply aren't ready or novice players who don't know
what thy don't know about Bluegrass. Many good bluegrass musicians simply do
not bother to come anymore for this reason. As painful as it is I have heard so
many comments from fellow players/band active musicians who refer to the jam in
an unfavorable way. They have come far or travel expecting Bluegrass only to
discover Country rather than bluegrass and thus do not return. I have ask them
why ? The response from one was ? sorry I can't play with pickers from hell. I
admit I found that offensive, yet I do understand. Seven Mountains Bluegrass
jam should be a bluegrass session. Well can't have it all. Maybe advertise it
Country/Bluegrass jam instead. I only hope to help promote play and preserve
yet not sugar coat anything . Again nobody gains anything if nothing is said or
opinion shared. Where there is no vision ? the people perish it be nice to have
the good musicians who use to come, back again
