Double Bass JEN 2015 ?

[Tom Lane]

I keep hearing about the JEN conference, and in January it'll only be a 2 hour drive away, so I'm seriously considering investing the money and 3 days. My question is, is it worthwhile for a student? Looking over the lectures and performances, it seems kind of 50-50 to me but a great deal for jazz educators hoping to network to their next teaching gig. Am I reading it wrong? Have you attended before? And, if so, what did you get out of it?

 

[Ross Kratter]

I went a few times as a student. It's extremely worthwhile to go to the clinics and performances (which start early in the morning and end late at night), and also to meet all the exhibitors in the exhibit hall.

 

[Tom Lane]

Cool, thanks for the input Ross. I'll probably go. It's too close to pass up. If nothing else, I'll get to hear some killer jazz.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Cool. I'm going to try to make it again this year.

 

[Tom Lane]

If I see you there, I'll say hello!

 

[John Goldsby]

JEN is a very worthwhile organization for teachers and students. As you mention, Tom — you'll get to hear a lot of killer performances. It's also a chance to see lots of bass and bass-related workshops in one place.

 

[Tom Lane]

Thanks for the info John. I'm looking forward to it!

 

[hepcatbassist]

Hi Tom!
I attended JEN in Dallas last year and played in the student festival with my combo. It was a great experience. I met some insanely good kids from Israel and also got to spend time with a friend from Aebersold. Even mixture of kids and adults, I'd say. The highlight of the convention was walking around the booth hall with Matt Wilson (who can't walk 10 steps without someone trying to talk to him). It is really easy to approach any artist in attendance. Just make sure you take advantage of everything! I got 3 hrs of sleep every night but it was worth it

 

[Tom Lane]

Thanks for the feedback Hannah. Much appreciated. Right now, I'm planning to go as long as my schedule permits!

 

[boylebass]

The schedule has just been announced; Herbie H is listed as the keynote speaker. I'll be going this year, again. Are you kiddin' me? San Diego in January? I'll be taking the mornings off to visit family and surf.

My advice to convention newbies- pace yourself, you'll wear yourself out if you try to do too much. Don't skip the first band of the evening triple-header, I've seen some killer groups, usually student bands that will blow you away. Use the guidebook app. Plan some time off in San Diego. Balboa Park, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, etc...

I'm expecting to be fully funded for this trip by my employer, which means that I'll have to do ISB 2015 (Fort Collins, CO, if I remember correctly)on the cheap.

 

[bass81800]

In addition to all the great players, JEN is packed with workshops, similar to the format of ISB. Can't wait!