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Hampton Roads megaGTG - March 5th, 2011

Okay folks, it's time. :bassist:

Hampton Roads/Richmond/NE NC needs to have a GTG - we haven't had an official one for a couple of YEARS now.

So let's do this.

Saturday, March 5th, 2011, from 5pm-11pm at the Beach Hardwood Floors building near the oceanfront. There will be a main room (the emptied warehouse) as well as two rooms that will be available where you can close the door and play. Depending on the weather, we may actually be able to take the party outdoors, too.

613 19th St.
Virginia Beach, VA
23451

I've got a site set up, it will be for more than just GTGs, but a local bassist resource site. All the details (and later pics and vids) will be hosted there.

Link Removed

Now, there will be a charge - $25/person - for this GTG. I've gone back and forth on whether or not to charge, and how much, and this is the number I came up with, in collusion with a few other folks (TBers and others).

The reason for the ticket is so that you can win prizes - we're giving away (so far, more TBA):

Free setups with Accu-Tech Guitar Repair
Roscoe swag (hats/t-shirts)
Bass-clef hats (see sig)

We'll also be giving away an Audere preamp (model TBD) as an "Early-Bird" Prize, only for those who buy their tickets on or before Feb 4th.

I'm angling for a bass to give away as "Grand Prize" - more on that later. I've been in contact with several bass manufacturers, many of whom have expressed interest. I will be getting in touch with them again after NAMM and working something out - trust me, no one's gonna want to pass on the Grand Prize. :)

This event will be catered (finger foods mostly), and limited alcohol will be provided (a keg), as well as making this a BYOB event. This has been determined after many long conversations and "friendly debates". There will be wristbands, and you will be required to provide proof of age if there's any question at all. Your booze will be kept by the bartender, behind the bar, and you will have to ask when you want one.

You will NOT be allowed to drink around any gear, and if you become (or appear to be) intoxicated, there will be several people around to make sure there's no trouble. We will have taxis available in any event. With all that being said, BE RESPONSIBLE. Neither I or any of the sponsors will have any accountability if you get a DUI or (god forbid) a wreck after the party. (I checked) I'll do my part to see that everyone can have a good time, and that's all I'm asking of attendees.

My cover band (Whiskey Sister) will be there, we'll play a few original tunes, and then anyone can hop up onstage and play a song or two with them. This will give some folks the opportunity to play with a band in a live setting, check out amps and basses "in the mix", and I think it could be a lot of fun. I will provide a song list soon so folks can start learning. We will also accept submissions, if there's a certain song you'd like to play with a band. Be reasonable with your requests, and we'll do our best to work with you.

The Bass Player Rebellion (local bass trio) have tentatively agreed to play a few songs, and be available to answer questions and such. These guys are all local, great musicians, and all three of them are instructors - there's many decades of combined experience to draw from there. If and when they confirm, I'll take out the "tentative" part - dependent on their schedules.

Gard Lewis (of Roscoe Guitars) will be there, along with several of Roscoe's finest creations, and has agreed to a Q&A session - if you've ever wanted to ask a question about Roscoe, or quality instrument building, this would be the perfect time & place. He'll also be available to take orders. (wink, wink)

Accu-Tech Guitar Repair guru Billy Etheridge will be there, hosting a "Do's and Don'ts of Setup" clinic, and will be available throughout the event for quick adjustments at a reduced rate. He's also giving away a couple of free, full-on setups to a couple of lucky winners. I've had my guitars in Billy's hands a few times, he's good people and a great tech.

More sponsors/prizes TBA.

Big thanks to VBSurfer3001, Zooberwerx, DWBass, and many others for helping get this going.

See you all soon!

:EDIT: Facebook event page created, be sure to check in there as well. Please remember, RSVP'ing through Facebook is nice, but unless you've bought a ticket you are not confirmed as a participant.
 
Excellent! The venue is pefect and proximal to decent shopping, restaurants, and attractions should anyone choose to make a full-blown "date" out of the affair.

Tim: this is as much excitement as I can muster at 6 AM.

That was part of the thought process that went into finding a place - I'm hoping some people use the GTG as an excuse for a weekend trip to lovely Virginia Beach! :)

- And I'm with you on the excitement bit, I guess I'm just an early bird.
 
Dude, you're kidding me! I have a gig that evening! At the Hilton Hotel, VA Beach no less! Dammit! I REALLY wanted to be there! I'm still going to buy a ticket so I can be eligible for a prize/prizes! Oh man, I am really bummed! Probably going to be another couple years until the next GTG!

Oh, and I had very little to do with this one but thanks for the kudos. Maybe I inspired you! :)

I'm really bummed!
 
I was hoping that by announcing it two months in advance, most people would not have committed to a gig yet... But some of you hard-workin' guys are probably booked several months out, and I expected that, too.

It won't be another 2 years till the next one, though, I promise! Thunderitter and I are kinda sorta working together so we don't flood the area with big GTGs, but it'll still be more frequent than it has been.
 
I was hoping that by announcing it two months in advance, most people would not have committed to a gig yet... But some of you hard-workin' guys are probably booked several months out, and I expected that, too.

It won't be another 2 years till the next one, though, I promise! Thunderitter and I are kinda sorta working together so we don't flood the area with big GTGs, but it'll still be more frequent than it has been.
Yeah, we were booked since last year and I just happened to look at the 2011 schedule! I really wanted to :crying: I was so looking forward to being there. I still may be able to stop by briefly since my gig isn't until the evening. I may have time during the afternoon hours to hang for a minute to see you guys! My gig is in VB so I'll be nearby.
 
Maybe we'll all go after the GTG and watch you play! I know there are plenty of venues down that way featuring live music, that was part of the reason I went with this location.
I wish y'all could. It's a private affair (wedding reception). We will be getting some 'public' dates as soon as the agents start booking for all the outdoor events.