Jemfest UK 2004

[weserman]

Sounds like a good idea. Although if i can get my act together and send a demo to pete my band may play so you should all know who I am. I was there last year but only fleetingly so I didn't really meet anyone. Would be good to put some faces to names this year.

[SalemB]

To improve on last years Jemfest, I have a few suggestions:

All artists should have a band. Backing tracks on tape is not cool.

Fewer bands and longer breaks. Last year was fully packed with bands on stage for 10 hours straight. Pablo has a some good points in his post and with some longer breaks it might be easier to meet some other jemsiters.

Feel free to disagree

[weserman]

I agree with you there. ALso, we all need to make far more of an effort for the gallery.

[Gabe Nickelson]

I disagree on the backing track comment. I think if we get a top notch artist playing at Jemfest backing tracks are more than welcome (basically that's everyone, considering they're all top notch artists). From a US standpoint, it's tough for some performers to bring their entire band from wherever in the world they're coming from. For instance, Rob Balducci is playing to backing tracks this year at US Jemfest. I highly doubt that will hinder Rob's performance in any way. Of course, just being blessed with his presence is wonderful enough.

So if Steve Vai decided to show up to Jemfest and play to backing tracks, would you be disappointed? Should we deny him access because he won't bring Tony, Dave, Jeremy, and Billy?

My point is that these amazing guitarists can perform amazingly (sorry, I'm using this word too much) well with or without a band. Is there something in particular you didn't like about artists with backing tracks? Just curious. I would love for you to elaborate.

And just a side note that all these artists are doing this for free so that in itself is a blessing.

Gabe
www.jemfest.com

[cerealk]

The issue of bands at Jemfest UK rather than artists with backing CDs at future Jemfest UK events was discussed by me and Pete shortly the last Jemfest UK.

I agree that bands are better but there will always be exceptions for some artists with backing CDs

Last year I asked Paul Gilbert and Andy Timmons to play and I would have been more than happy for them to come over with a CD

As for the number of bands playing... well we get a lot of offers to play and we always have more bands than slots. There is scope for altering the number of bands and the amount of time that there is live music onstage.

For those of you who have been to all three Jemfest UKs I am sure you see the changes and improvements. Ideas from Jemfest goers are always taken into account and acted upon.

[SalemB]

Good point, Gabe.
If Steve Vai came along I'd probably accept it even if he was playing ukulele to backing tracks. It all comes down to how big the artist is.
I'm not one who should decide who is allowed to use backing CDs and who is not but whenever there's a choice I'll choose the live band.

[track7]

heya pete did you get my email yet?

whats the deal with demo's do you want a CD mailing? or would you prefer Mp3's and the like

cheers

David

[Andelusion]

Any word on where this UK fest will be? I'd love to attend, even if i am Ibanez-less ): lol Is there a normal place that it's been held at the past 3 years? Mesis and my girlfriend would love to come along and be MONKEHS

Stephen

[welshpete]

Hiya folks,

Just a quick update.

We are close to finalising the date for Jemfest UK; and it is likely to be a little later in the year, probably november.

I realise we are all going to freeze our butt off on the beers the night before, but the date has been chosen in order to accomodate some of the bands involved - hopefully making it a better overall Jemfest experience.

Thanks for all the offers of help - once everything is confirmed I will get to sorting out a few little jobs that you guys can take on; the "all hands on deck" attitude on the day would be fab!

Also, big thanks to all of you who have offered to play - it's not too late to get your details/cd/whatever to me yet and be considered; though there is some pretty stiff competition! To that end, my pre-emptive apologies to those who don't get to play - nobody should feel that they are not good enough - all the material I have recieved would warrant a spot at Jemfest UK; though it would need to be a week long to accomodate all the acts!

Myself and cerealk have a rough idea of the line up for the day, but feel free to send your stuff and blow us away to get your spot! IT'S NOT TOO LATE!

Thanks for your suggestions about how the day goes by. Here are my thoughts.

Artists with backing tracks. I agree with the general consensus that unless they are a big name, we would like all the acts to be a band, rather than a backing track performance. Not that there is any problem with the guys who have done this in the past - there have been some awesome performances. We are probably going to put a few less bands on, with some longer gaps and the odd surprise thrown in. The point about incessant high volumes during the day has been noted.....and addressed.

The guitar gallery. Yes people, bring more guitars. The galleries aer impressive, but I am sure there are more fantastic guitars out there that we haven't seen. Whether it be a custom/modified model, aer something more standard, it is welcome on the day!

Meeting the people who post here. I agree with Paul, I have been to all of the jemfests and there are still guys on here who are there who i haven't met. Those folks who come out on the friday night are the ones i know best; it is a real opportunity to get to know folks, and also have a bevvy or nine! (CLIVE - NO MORE BLOODSHOTS!.....oh go on then!)
Other than that it may just be a case of people trying to mingle a bit better - the atmosphere on the day is always fab, and i dont think any person there would be unapproachable. Plus you have the perfect conversation started...."What guitar do you play?????"

Any ideas on how best people can be introduced??? My mind is settling on everyone getting a t shirt made saying...."My name is .......; I play an Ibanez" LOL

Apart from that, keep the suggestions coming,either on here or to my email (there's so many of them!)

welshpete@hotmail.com will get you the quickest reply, but you may go in the junk mail, try jemfest@superiorsound.co.uk .....though it might take me a few days (weeks!) to get back to you.

Cheers
Pete

[weserman]

It is strange that you should reply to this thread just now, as i was thinking about Jemfest literally last night, and wondering if it was too late to submit some mp3's of my band. I guess not.

I've emailed you before, Pete, but I have some actual material to give to you now. We've got some files uploaded on our website, if this is ok? If not i'll send you out a CD.

MP3

Permanent

Losing Away

[cerealk]

Sounds great Pete!

Good work so far

[welshpete]

Hiya folks.

Sorry for the lack of communication, things have been more than a little hectic here.
Due to work commitments and various other factors; Jemfest UK is on hold at the moment and the previously planned autumn 2004 event is not going to occur.

However, the new plan is to hold JFUK 2005 in London in the spring; this will give sufficient time in order to organise the event properly.

My business is currently taking up a huge amount of time, and is at a crucial stage of it's development and so i cannot commit the time to JFUK; and I felt it a better idea to hold off for a few months rather than do a half-assed job and for it to be a dissapointment.

Thankyou to all those artists who have contacted me regarding playing - all the details are being kept and a line will be established in the early months of next year.

Anyone who can help out with the organisation (I know there were offers here before) then can you contact me on pete@superiorsound.co.uk and I can assign a few reaponsibilities to the various people in order that some of the pressure of running the event is shared. Even if it is only a little time that can be spared, there are plenty of little jobs that can be done.

Hope people aren't too disappointed, JF UK will be back in 2005!!!!

Cheers
Pete

[Jem7RB MK]

Hi Pete, I really dunno if i can help out or not, It's all dependant on the wifes Nan, She's not too good currently, But if all is good and i am free, I am still more than willing to set-up a table for general Set-ups, Tech tips, Pickup swaps etc.

Good luck, And peerlease keep us all posted :-)

Rob