Double Bass ISB Convention 2023 - Who's going?

[Mark_T]

Here is my set with Krista Kopper:

Damon, that's probably my favorite performance (video) I've seen of yours. Nice work!

 

[Mark_T]

I also had an incredible time. It was great to meet @Chris Fitzgerald - if only briefly! I saw Hilliard Greene's & Mark Dresser's presentations. Both were fantastic. I got knocked out by @Nick Lloyd flatback! I got hang with the great Lynn Seaton - who grilled me about the finer points of Dresser's research. Chris sums it it up in post above. I agree with all those points. I also bought some 70% Leatherwood from Richard Wagner or Dick's Bass shop. Meeting Geoff Chalmers & Jason Heath was also pretty great.

I got to try a Lloyd 3/4 bass about 10 years ago and it may still be the best instrument I've ever played.

 

[A Spotless Mind]

Does anyone know the results of the Orchestral, Solo, or Makers competitions this year?

 

[damonsmith]

I really wish I could have hung out more and even caught concerts. I have been on perpetual tour this year, so a Pawn Stars marathon in my room and getting to bed early was a higher priority. I think I will try to make it back again.

 

[pmad_bass]

I know I met Chris and like met, if not surely saw many others. This was my first (when and where in 2025 ) and was just an incredible experience/take away. Wow. On personal notes (pun!), I scored one of Philip Smith's killer bows, got a New Harmony Endpin/installed and just got back home (last night) from dropping off my bass as Chris Threkeld in Iowa in order for him to do his magic and in stall a C-extension.

Material things outta the way it was just so great to see so many concerts, masterclasses, GREAT young players, makers, sellers/repair folks. I could have prob better planned the first two days but went a little free range and did spend time making decisions on the bow/endpin and checking out all the basses and bows...well not ALL lol...that would have been a very tall order.

My take away is I'm beyond humbled/greatful, reinvigorated and can't wait to get my bass back so that I can start applying some of what I was able to retain.

Had really nice meal hangs with @oldNewbie and @Brilee yesterday, and also met @pmad_bass at a great Lloyd Goldstein masterclass in the afternoon. Then I ran into @geoffbassist in the booth hall and we had a nice chat. Bass players are the best. If an avowed introvert/cat type like me can spend that much time talking, it means the company is open and friendly.

If any other TBers who are around want to grab a meal, shoot me a message on the convention app. There’s a nice Hibachi place for lunch on campus, and also a good Thai place nearby for the dinner hour that is quick and good. The convention is turning out to be every bit as inspiring as I hoped!

 

[Mark_T]

When do they announce the 2025 location? I thought it was usually done at the end of the convention. I had been hoping to attend my first (after many many years of ISB membership) but it didn't pan out. I'm hoping the next one is closer to home so I can maybe drive and bring a bass.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

When do they announce the 2025 location? I thought it was usually done at the end of the convention. I had been hoping to attend my first (after many many years of ISB membership) but it didn't pan out. I'm hoping the next one is closer to home so I can maybe drive and bring a bass.

Me too. I really want to attend one of these conventions someday.

 

[oldNewbie]

I had a great time Thurs-Sat. Highlights for me included
- Lunch and the organic harmony lecture with @Chris Fitzgerald The YT link is more useful than a photo.
- Victor Wooten , Steve Bailey and Gary Karr playing "The Shadow of your Smile" for Harmon , plus everything else the first two played. In case anyone needed a reminder that the order is Heart - Ears- Hands .
- Talking with a lot of people as a volunteer : Parents , teachers , students. A lot of energy , many perspectives, many stories. If Bill from outside Dallas (another late learner) is reading this, good luck with the wedding gig.
- The recitals. The level of playing by twenty and thirtysomethings is phenomenal .
- Watching the most senior teachers and leaders engaging the students . No one, it seemed to me , sat quietly in a corner waiting for something to happen.
- Getting my good bow rehaired by A440 . Turns out that pulling out the broken hairs at the frog ruined last year's rehair ! Nail clippers go on the music stand for good.
- [edit:] Ed Shillitoe’s bow history talk. And in the sharing and here-you-try-it spirit of the convention , the bows you saw above were all handed around, every one of them. 400 year old bows. 300 year old and so on. And now I may be down the into the next rabbit hole : local Bach musicians summer chamber music camp, and gut strings.


No word on the next location yet. I think the next big planning meeting is a few months away.
For getting in touch with other TBers , you could add "TalkBass" as an affiliation [edit:] in the Whova App .
Simples !

 

[garrett2]

Wonderful performances from and interview with Lloyd Goldstein from the ISB. The interview is a great reminder of how much music means. Thank you @geoffbassist !

Lloyd Goldstein - BTS at the ISB! — Discover Double Bass

 

[Brilee]

His session on "Bass as a healing tool" was incredible. Very moving. And he was really nice to meet.