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#Post#: 3044--------------------------------------------------
2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: wstagner Date: October 17, 2016, 10:25 pm
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C'mon every 1 really? Not 1 comment about the best (and most
crowded) Ventures Fanfest EVER?
Wassamata with every 1 on this 4um? Kudos to Tom for a job
well-done.
I 4 1 am already lookin 4ward to 2017 and have line up a special
treet for it.
#Post#: 3045--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: tabalt11 Date: October 18, 2016, 10:45 am
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Perhaps Walt, everyone's in shock that 'everything' unfolded
without one snag.
I thank you for 'this' buddy. Worked harder than ever after
your 'initial' nudge.
NOTE: our PRE-FEST TEASER on YOUTUBE on the morning of FEST
'016 had
410 hits. Today (Oct. 18th) we're approaching 1500. So word
is 'truly' out
there on our annual event.
Now, I'll get crackin' on my end to sort thru the video footage
(interviews, etc.)
that videographer friend, Jim McGowan collected throughout the
day. I, too have
a 'special treat' planned regarding the 'final video clips for
this year's DVD SET.
Extending my thanx to all the jammers who participated in the
fest, 'regular & new,'
along with other 'first time' attendies & our numerous 'bigtime'
special guests. We
(you & I) have already discussed some 'new ideas' going forward,
ideas that'll help
further 'smooth out' the twelve hour festivities.
I'm looking forward to 'once again' working with YOU, BERNIE,
DENNIS, PAUL, JIM &
RODGER to make our 'next fest offering' rival or exceed 2016.
Again thanx pal for your 'continued' dedication to my annual
event honoring the 'legacy'
of 'the biggest selling & most popular' instrumental band in the
history of recorded music!
#Post#: 3046--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: wstagner Date: October 18, 2016, 4:47 pm
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Just doin' my job.
Let's see if we can push the 100 attendee mark for 2017.
I'm working onna special set for 2017.
All I can says 4 now.
#Post#: 3047--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: Jeff Green Date: October 24, 2016, 10:17 am
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Which words can be chosen to describe The 2016 Ventures
International Fan Fest?
This well planned event featured many celebrity guests, an
enthusiastic audience,
a cornucopia of exciting music by a variety of remarkable
musicians.
Altogether, this funtastic presentation treated attendees to a
uniquely memorable Holiday of Musical Fellowship.
Yes! In all aspects, the event was a resounding success!
Therefore, whichever words I would choose, the final definition
would be SPECTACULAR!!!
Thanks to everyone for their participation,
Jeff Green - The Pickniks
#Post#: 3048--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: wstagner Date: October 26, 2016, 5:11 pm
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Time to get started on FanFest 2017!
#Post#: 3058--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: wstagner Date: December 5, 2016, 7:47 am
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2016 FanFest Review by Dave Towers:
THE
TOWERS TAKE!
We have now returned home after a four-week visit to the USA and
I now have the time to write about the Fan fest we attended on
October 1st. Carol and I would like to thank everyone for their
kindness and hospitality. We made so many new friends and I was
able, at last, to put faces to the many names that I already
knew. May we also acknowledge the time and effort over the past
year that Tom Baltaeff and his helpers contributed to make the
day such a success, and also to thank the players for their
interesting and varied contributions to a great day of music.
The food was also very good and the caterers should receive a
round of applause too, for their efforts in catering for almost
100 hungry people for both lunch and dinner.
We arrived from London on the Thursday afternoon just as the
rain began and it continued through the night into Friday
morning. Fan festers began arriving at the Days Inn shortly
after we arrived and by early evening a small crowd had
assembled in the lobby. At 9.00pm we all left for a bite to eat
at Tom Jones restaurant via the ShopRite market and liquor Store
for groceries and other essential supplies.
On Friday morning we were in the hotel lobby for 10.00am ready
to leave for breakfast at Tom Jones’, but when we arrived at the
restaurant the kitchen was out of action due to heavy rain
during the night. We therefore decamped to the nearby Upland
Diner where I was unable to resist their blueberry pancakes.
Later we had a wander around the Chester area looking at the
buildings and local architecture and realizing how different it
all is compared to the West Coast. At 5.00pm a very large party
had assembled in the lobby to go to the Ichiban Seafood
Restaurant, which was one of the best buffets I have ever been
to. Next morning, Saturday, the day of the Fan fest, there was a
very early breakfast call in the lobby, but we declined as
7.15am is a little early for us. At 9.00am we all left the hotel
for the Fan fest at the Kings of Columbus Hall at nearby Crum
Lynne. We were early so we had a wander around the area before
attendees began arriving from around 9.30am. Coffee and pastries
were available for breakfast.
The proceedings began at 10.45am after opening remarks from Tom
Baltaeff. The Pickniks had the unenviable task of opening the
show with people coming in and with a lot of movement around the
room, but they did a good job. As is ‘customary’ with Jeff
Green & the rest of the band, midway
thru their opening set, they bring up Bob Spalding for a couple
numbers. But this time Bob had a
‘special treat’ for all our attendies. Nine year old Danny
Roberts had traveled with mom & brother
from Paint Lick, Kentucky for the day. Not only did Bob
introduce Danny as “the youngest” Ventures
fan in the building, he asked Danny to man John Ramski’s drum
kit for Walk, Don’t Run & Lullaby Of
The Leaves. I must say that for someone so young, Danny did
‘just fine’ with this early performance & then lent his services
throughout the rest of the day as well.
There followed several groups of guitarists and drummers each
playing a set of instrumentals mainly by the Ventures with one
or two by the Shadows included.
A fine lunch of pizza was provided before the music restarted
with John and Mathew Stapleton followed by a second set by the
Pickniks featuring Bob Dowd on lead guitar. A feature of the
whole day was various musicians sitting in with the current band
for a few numbers.
The appearance of Bob Spalding, Les Fradkin, and Luke Griffin
demonstrated to us all the capabilities of professional
musicians as, with no rehearsal, they breezed effortlessly
through some very difficult material like ‘Endless Dream’ and
‘Guitar Psychedelics’ that I have never heard played live
before. It seemed that the music got better as the day
progressed, and I thought the Pickniks played an excellent set
to close the Fanfest that included some of the Ventures Japanese
material that is rarely played in the USA.
Another highlight after dinner & before the cutting of the full
sheet cake for dessert was the ‘almost’
hour long Q&A session with Bob Spalding, Fiona Taylor, Michael
Bogle & Lucas Griffin.
Personally, I was greatly flattered to see my name on that
wonderful cake, but also to hear comments by Tom Baltaeff in his
closing speech, and also by Bob Spalding who spoke afterwards,
in referring to me as the Ultimate Ventures Fan. It is strange,
but I have never regarded myself as such and I’ve certainly
never sought to attain that status. Like many of you reading
this, I began learning to play guitar in 1961 when, by chance,
guitar instrumentals were popular world-wide and there was
plenty of tunes to pick away at. At school one day a classmate
brought his guitar in. I told him I was learning to play, too,
and then a third classmate said he was learning, also. So the
three of us rehearsed instrumentals together for three years and
when we completed our exams in 1963, we added a drummer and a
vocalist and we played gigs, as we cashed in on the wave of
euphoria created by the Beatles. Again, by complete chance, 1963
was exactly the right time in history to start a band. And that
is what I have been doing till the present day – playing bass
and double bass as a semi-professional musician in a band
backing a vocalist. I’ve never played for an instrumental band.
From 1966 the Ventures became forgotten in everything else I was
doing - until 1973 when I was looking through some albums
outside a shop one day and was amazed to see the Ventures ‘Joy’
album in a sale. I couldn’t believe they were still going. The
album sleeve gave the address of Dave Peckett who ran the
Ventures Fan Club at the time. I wrote to him and I was
astonished to learn of the Ventures huge success in Japan.
Chance again intervened when my parents, who had never been on
an aircraft before, decided to go to LA in 1974 to visit an
elderly relative. I had never travelled more than about 200
miles from home and neither had any of the family or my friends,
but when my parents returned to LA for a second visit in July
1976 I decided to go too, although, unfortunately, I knew the
Ventures were in Japan. I had never had any ambition to travel,
but I did – for a once in a lifetime trip - and I was so
completely knocked out by LA, that when Carol and I were married
in the September, I persuaded her that she had to see LA, too.
And so we scraped together every penny we had and we booked a
flight to LA for October 1st till 19th 1977. I wrote to Dave
Peckett to see if he had an address for the Ventures and he
advised me to write to P.O. Box 1646, Burbank, CA 91507. So I
wrote, never seriously expecting to meet the Ventures or even
receive a reply. I heard nothing until the week before we were
due to travel when a letter from Sonny Rivera arrived saying
that during our stay only Don might be available to meet us.
Well, that was better than no one, but when I rang Sonny after
we arrived, she said the Ventures were in the studios for six
weeks and would we like to go and join them for a day in the
studios. Even more astonishing was that they were all there –
Bob, Don, Joe, and Nokie too, because he was living in Tacoma,
Washington at the time. When we arrived home all the money we
had in the world between us was one £5 note – but we had met the
Ventures.
Again, unforeseen circumstances determined what we did next. We
had no intention of returning to the USA, but a relative in San
Francisco wrote to ask why we had not visited her, so we went
there in 1978, then another relative in Palm Springs contacted
us so we went there in 1979, and so it went on. And then, in
1980, the Ventures began playing live shows in the USA. Also
around that time, Gerry Woodage began asking me to collect
Ventures merchandise and take it back to the UK for him to sell
through his Ventures Resurgence magazine. We did this for years,
firstly visiting Sonny Rivera and then Mel Taylor, which
maintained a regular contact with the Ventures.
Mel Taylor always tried to dissuade me from visiting Japan by
warning about the heat, humidity, the crowds of people, and the
hassle of travelling. It terrified my wife, but the more Mel
tried to dissuade me, the more interesting a prospect it became.
So I went in 1996 for a once in a lifetime visit, as I had done
in 1976 to the USA. But then, new friends in Japan began asking
me to return next year, and so it went on. I never intended for
all this to happen. Chance has intervened, doors have opened,
unexpected opportunities have presented themselves and I’ve just
taken them. I am just a semi-professional musician and it is
great to be given the full run of the wonderful venues the
Ventures play in Japan, because I have never played at that
level myself. We have been on many tours of the USA with
various bands and seen many musicians perform live, but there
has always been something special about the Ventures, and in
particular – they are one of the few who are still actively
performing.
And so, back to the prospect of Fan fest 2017. Hopefully, we
will see you all there……
#Post#: 3059--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: wstagner Date: December 5, 2016, 7:48 am
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2016 FanFest Review by Alan Watson:
I was looking on TheVentures.com site when I first heard about
the Ventures 2016 International Fan Fest. I have been a fan for
many years, but had just recently got back into them heavily
when I started getting back to my guitar playing. So, the Fan
Fest sounded like fun. Well, one thing led to another, and the
Fan Fest soon became the center point of a two-week driving
vacation from Texas for my wife, DeeAine, and me.
I won’t bore anyone with the ho-hum details of Branson, Mo., The
Ark Encounter in Kentucky, the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in
Ohio, or Niagara Falls in the US and Canada. Instead, I’ll get
right to the best part - the Fan Fest.
We arrived in Chester, Pa. Friday afternoon and went straight to
the hotel. Upon walking in the lobby, we were greeted by
several Fan Fest attendees. All were so friendly and promptly
introduced themselves. What a great group of people!
We checked into our room and relaxed for a bit, but were really
too excited to get any real rest. Soon we met up with Fiona
Taylor. I had asked her to bring a few Ventures items from the
web site store. We had spoken on the phone prior, but it was
nice to meet her in person. Such a kind woman!
Later that evening, we met Fiona in the lobby and we all went to
dinner with the gang at a nice oriental buffet restaurant. On
the way, I learned something new about Google Maps. (You know,
they say you learn something new every day…well, this was it!)
Sometimes, you have to zoom in really close on the maps. What
happened was this. I looked up the route from the hotel to the
restaurant. I drew a little map and wrote down the street
names. Well, as it turns out, one of the streets we had to turn
down had not one, not two, but three names depending where you
were on the street! I kept looking for the street name and was
sure I hadn’t missed it, but we drove, and drove, and drove.
Finally, Fiona saved the day and used her GPS to get us there.
When we returned to the hotel, I checked Google Maps to see
where I went wrong. It turns out, the street had a different
name where we were supposed to make a left turn and even a third
name further down to the right. Lesson learned!
Again, we met so many awesome people and had a wonderful dinner.
Did we eat too much? You bet we did! Then it was back to the
hotel for a good night’s sleep. I set the alarm clock for the
next morning. I think it was for 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. The alarm
went off, I got in the shower, then got dressed. DeeAine was up
and getting ready when she said, “My watch says 3:20.” I
checked the alarm clock and it seemed right. I then checked my
watch and even my laptop. What?!?! They both also said 3:20!!!
To make a long story short, the alarm clock at the hotel was
running very fast. Ok, so back to bed for more rest.
When we were really ready, we met with Fiona and Mike Bogle in
the lobby, and we all went to the Tom Jones restaurant for
breakfast. No direction problems this time. It was very close
to the hotel. Breakfast was included in the entry fee for the
Fan Fest. Nice touch!
After breakfast, we headed for the Fan Fest. We were
first-timers and didn’t really know what to expect. We were all
hoping for the best. We arrived and checked in. We recognized
many faces from the day before and began mingling after helping
Fiona get her sales merchandise in the building.
The atmosphere was very relaxed all day. Well, with the
exception of Tom Baltaeff! Oh, man, this guy can really move
and get around from one place to 50 others like lightning!
Although I had seen some of Tom’s Fest teaser videos on YouTube,
The Fan Fest was so much more exciting to be there in person.
The videos are great but don’t really show the energy from the
performances that took place throughout the day. Everyone who
played, regardless of skill level was warmly received. No real
big heads here! Nor were any welcome. The music continued
throughout the day with groups being formed on the spot by
whoever got up to play.
Bob and Artie Spalding were there from Texas. I got to meet
them and had Bob sign my Wilson Brothers Ventures model guitar
that had already been signed by Nokie and Don. I visited
briefly with Artie and talked a bit about Texas. She’s such a
pleasant person! I hope our paths cross again – hopefully in
Texas!
I also met new member Lucas Griffin. What a nice young man he
is. He’ll fit right in with the other Ventures! We traded
guitar picks, and I asked him to sign his for me. I had
personalized picks made up to trade with people, so I don’t just
“take” from them. Luke’s picks, unfortunately, were
“personalized,” as Luke pointed out, by Jim Dunlop…get it?
Another plus was that we never had to leave to get anything to
eat. Pizza was served for lunch and we had a very nice catered
dinner. And let’s not forget the lovely Ventures cake for
dessert!!
Another highlight was the Q&A with Bob Spalding, Lucas Griffin,
Fiona Taylor, and Mike Bogle. I love hearing the
behind-the-scenes stories about the guys! Thanks to all of you
for sharing your thoughts with us.
DeeAine spent most of the day next to Fiona and helped one of
the attendees sell some CDs and memorabilia. Yours truly bought
a bunch of it! Some tour posters and Rare Japanese CDs were the
best! DeeAine and Fiona could hear the music very well from
where they were in the back. I’m a people watcher, so I had a
really fun time with that!
All-in-all, it was a fabulous day. It’s rare to get such a
large group of people together with a common interest and warm
hearts. I’m glad we went, and I consider myself very fortunate
to have been a part of such a wonderful event. I certainly hope
to attend again in the future. If it were up to me, if someone
did an Internet search for “a good time,” the first result would
read, “Ventures International Fan Fest!”
I took along my copy of Del Halterman’s book Walk Don’t Run. I
had recently ordered a signed copy from Del, so I got the idea
to get my original copy signed by the Fan Fest attendees – like
a high school yearbook. I know I didn’t get everyone to sign
it, but I must have come close. I asked each person to sign it
and write where they were from. I can’t tell you how many times
I’ve pulled that book out and just looked over the signatures.
I told each one they could sign the book anywhere in the book
they wished. Most signed inside the front and back covers, but
several signed randomly throughout the book. I have to tell
you, it is a really great souvenir from a really great event!
I purposefully didn’t mention any of the attendees we met by
name. There were so many that I know I would have left someone
out, so I left them all out. Please know that I haven’t
forgotten any of you or your kindness and hospitality. I
consider all of you my friends and look forward to meeting you
again in the future!
#Post#: 3060--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: tabalt11 Date: December 5, 2016, 11:49 am
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Thanx fellas for sharing your thoughts with everyone
on this year's fest. Perhaps the 'most detailed' &
informative reviews ever received & we've been
at it eight years & running!
The feedback received thru E-mails & noted on my
'fest' facebook pages- while not reviews per se was
'extremely' gracious not only about the actual event
& how everything unfolded but accolades galore poured
in as well for all my 'unpaid' helpers who continue to- like
me show an 'unwavering desire' to further the legacy of our
musical heroes!
Recently, Walt & I made it a point to announce that we
have some 'special surprises' in store for 2017.
In closing- another SHOUTOUT to our '016 attendies,
'specially all 'the newbies' to get crackin' on those reviews.
It's never too late in the scheme of things & 'truly' helps get
others interested in being part of 'the next time 'round!'
#Post#: 3101--------------------------------------------------
2016 FanFest Review by Luke Griffin
By: wstagner Date: June 1, 2017, 7:20 am
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With The Ventures International Fan Fest 2017 starting to come
to life, I wanted to share the experience that I had in 2016. I
attended the 2016 Fest with a good friend of mine, Evan
Caverninha.
Evan and I arrived at the hotel the day before the ‘fest to a
lobby packed full of Ventures fans and fest jammers. Everyone
was hanging out and getting to know one another before the
pre-fest dinner that evening.
The pre-fest dinner at Ichiban restaurant was a perfect way for
everyone to get to know each other. The food was great and the
conversation was even better. Evan and I got to sit with a
couple of fans and had a really nice time sharing a meal.
The next day, we headed over to the fest and what can I say? Tom
really out does himself putting this thing together. It’s a
perfectly executed day of music, food, and fun. As much as I
enjoyed watch the bands perform and even taking the stage for a
few songs myself, to me, that is all secondary to the
conversations I had with the fans. Getting to meet and talk to
the attendees was my absolute favorite part of the day. Their
dedication to The Ventures and the music is truly inspiring.
Tom really has created something special in The Ventures
International Fan Fest and I’m excited to be attending this
year.
Luke Griffin
#Post#: 3102--------------------------------------------------
Re: 2016 Fanfest....it's a wrap!
By: tabalt11 Date: June 1, 2017, 11:10 am
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Thanx Walt for posting this! TRUE, it's the 'latest' we ever
received a review but
'for me,' the timing couldn't be 'more perfect.' WHY? 'Cause
we're merely months
away from our 9th such gathering of 'stalwart' Ventures fans &
reading this not only puts
'our regulars' in more of a 'feel good' mood but also reaches
out 'wonderfully' to all our other
members who haven't yet 'experienced' the sheer enjoyment this
annual twelve hour get-together
brings to those who like us are 'truly committed to continuing
the legacy of 'the biggest selling & most
popular instrumental band in the history of recorded music!'
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