Stay Signed In
Do you want to access your site more quickly on this computer? Check this box, and your username and password will be remembered for two weeks. Click logout to turn this off.
Stay Safe
Do not check this box if you are using a public computer. You don't want anyone seeing your personal info or messing with your site.
The June Open Mic at the Greyhound Hotel saw Stonedial put on a typically polished set, followed by a band that, err…. used-to-be-Powernap, and Kensington-based blues trio Bad Ju Ju. Many thanks to the bands for ‘hosting’ the day.
Now, let’s be direct: there were, outside the members of the 3 bands and the organizing committee members, about 6 Warriors at the Open Mic. There are about 100 members all up, and several hundred more non-members. We would like to hear from you: the numbers have been down at the last 2 functions after a fabulous Good Friday gig and we fear the venue could be lost. We would like to know your thoughts on the format, location, venue, timing, facilities, frequency, organization and anything else which might effect your decision to come along and have a ‘blow’. We would like to hear what you would like to happen at the Open Mics; is it just too far, loud, embarrassing or cold? (even though we got the venue to turn the heater down last month….) Please send your responses to wilsong68@hotmail.com and I will answer each one. Promise.
The next Open Mic is on 2 July and we would love to see you there. Adam Wickel from Drumpower is giving a masterclass for drummers and percussionists. Additionally, the host Bands will be Road House Blues Band, and Paralox who put on a powerful set at the Good Friday Gig. There will be a prize for the best cover performed on the day by either a band member or open jamm-er, judged by Adam and/or the committee.
A reminder that Drumpower offer substantial discounts and incentives to Warriors Victoria members, so be sure to check them out before you spend any hard-earned.
At the time of writing we need a host band for 5 August, to go with ‘Apartment A’ who absolutely kicked butt on Good Friday. Contact Peter Butts for details.
September will be the original music comp and there will be no host bands: details out very shortly. We’re looking for the next Dylan, Lennon or Fogerty… which reminds me…
Keep on Chooglin’
Geoff Wilson
Posted 22nd February 2006
Fellow Warriors,
We would like to highlight the following:
1. March 5th Open Mic at the Greyhound will feature Bob Spencer’s “Stagecraft” masterclass from . It will be $10 at the door and we hope to get as many Warriors as possible to encourage Bob to come back again! Non-muso’s (wives, kids etc) will be admitted free and admission will be free after for the usual open mic session. Host bands this month will be Soundlounge and Frontline, and check the website for the jam song list.
2. There has been some call for ‘stand-ins’ for bands gigging around town. If you are available as a temporary replacement at gigs etc, please let Peter Butts know (email austran@bigpond.net.au with name, instrument, contact) and we’ll put your name on the website.
3. The Warriors Committee is pleased to announce a new sponsor. Drumpower have provided a substantial support package, including big discounts for financial Warriors Association members. See website for details, and support the sponsors who support your association!
4. Due to 3. above, the Warriors kit will be up for sale after the March open mic. First in with a bid of $400 or better will take it home. If you don’t buy it, I will.
5. From time to time, Warriors Victoria is asked for bands for events (you know, AFL Grand Finals and such) so if you would like your band on the list please email Peter Butts (see 2. above) with your band name and genre.
6. We are taking expressions of interest for the Original Music Competition in September. Please email me (wilsong68@hotmail.com) so we can start the ball rolling. Details provided later. Prizes will be offered….
7. Good Friday Appeal: Warriors raised over $1200 for the kids last year. This year will be at the Greyhound from to and there are about 10 half hour sets up for grabs. If you want to show your stuff, email me (see 6. above) and check the website for details. All volunteers guaranteed to get a job too….
Keep on Chooglin’….
Geoff Wilson
President
Posted 6th february 2006
Greetings fellow Warriors,
February’s Open Mic was a big success. Some very good jam music being played as well as two great sets from “Sonic Attack” and “The What”. The day finished a little early because the jams ran out of steam, so if you’re keen on playing make sure you’re there in March.
The March 5 open mic will feature the one and only Bob Spencer at 2pm giving a one-hour masterclass on “Stagecraft”. Anyone who was at Bob’s “Amp” class knows the value of these sessions, and for only $10 at the door you’ll kick yourself if you’re not there (particularly for all you Tibetan Nose Flute players).
Also at the March 5 gig will be “Sound Lounge” and “Frontline”, along with a whole bunch of jam time.
The host band concept worked really well, so if you have a band and can’t get a gig, here’s your chance. (See news for details)
A reminder that September 3rd will be the Original Music Competition, and details will be out in the (near?) future. Start now! September is closer than you think!
I encourage everyone to keep an eye on the website as we rely less and less on email. If you want to play a jam set then check the list out on the new page of the website and keep practicing! If you’re dying to play your favourite song, then drop us a line and we’ll pop it on the list.
Keep on Chooglin’
Geoff Wilson
President
Ps My favourite tab site is Powertabs.net – just download the powertab player, search for the file you want and download it, and the player will play it right before your very eyes. Cool, huh? They are mostly okay too
Posted 31st January 2006
On 1 January 2004 I made a New Year’s resolution to get involved in music again, after a twenty year absence. The ‘how’ was a complete mystery, but not long after that, during a visit to Billy Hydes, I was introduced to the Weekend Warriors program. Sometimes that’s just the way the universe works!
Almost 18 months after my first round I now find myself writing my first President’s Page, having played at places like Frankston Guitar Festival and on the ABC, and I think we should all reflect on what a great opportunity we have in our hands. To be associated with an organisation which brings the musical performance experience to many people who could not have otherwise done so is truly a privilege and I know several ‘working’ musicians who are envious of our progress.
I would like to pay tribute to Geoff Wright and all the previous committee members who have built a solid foundation for the Association’s future. Thanks also to Geoff for talking me into standing for President. Having had our first meeting I can assure you all the ‘new’ committee is full of enthusiasm and too many bright ideas to deal with!
The main points;
We are very fortunate to have the support of the Greyhound Hotel and we will be continuing our monthly Open Mic events as the basis of the Association’s activities. There will be some formalisation of the program, such as pre-booking Warrior bands and setting jam songs, the idea being we can turn up prepared, play with quality and not be standing around on stage saying “I don’t know that song” or “what key is that in?” It’s going to be a better experience for those both playing and listening. The songs will be on the website and hopefully transmitted through email. If you want a favourite song on the list for future open mics, we are all ears!
There will be various themes through the year, such as master classes by Bob Spencer, acoustic days, an original song contest (September) and a covers contest just to add a bit of spice to the mix, so get writing & practicing!
There will be other items such as members cards and subs (yes, this is not free) which all fall on the one date. We will be monitoring those who go to the open mics for membership so that it is equitable for all.
The Committee is at the service of the members, so if you have any suggestions please feel free to share. (Gripes will only be listened to if followed by 2 possible solutions.)
Other than that, keep checking the website, bring your instruments to the open mic, keep writing and practicing and the next 12 months could
be very exciting indeed!
