Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/215526
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/12/2011: 09:51:23
I just started a new Topic in the "Other Banjo-Related Topics" Forum:
banjohangout.org/topic/215521
announcing the details of The 14th Annual Banjo Collectors' Gathering -- to be held
Nov. 3-6, 2011 -- in Waltham, MA (near Rt 128/I-95 -- west of Boston)
Last year, when I placed the Gathering announcement in the "Collectors Corner"
(where it RIGHTFULLY belongs...) it was 'moderated'-away to that particular vast
wasteland of non-committal forums...
So... I'm starting this topic in the "Collectors Corner" Forum, to discuss any aspects
of The BANJO COLLECTORS' Gathering -- that might be of interest to... ummm...
(Who else?) Banjo COLLECTORS!
Glad to answer any questions you might have about it. I haven't been to EVERY one.
But I was there for the 1st one -- and for many of the others. (Glad to hear from other
BHO members who have attended any of them, too!)
Best-
Ed Britt
Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 09/12/2011: 12:46:22
Hi Ed.
I regret that I won't be joining this year, again. Life intervenes. I'll probably have to surrender the documents supporting my lifetime membership status now.
I hope you guys have good fun. I haven't seen the panel lineup, so I'm not sure what the talk-talk part will be about, but being in such close proximity to the Bollman collection should be a really good thing.
Take care, Ed.
Lew
The Old Timer - Posted - 09/12/2011: 14:22:28
Pray tell, is this one open to the public or must one have an invitation from the powers that be? Do they like folks to bring banjos to exhibit, or is that all pre-arranged with a select few?
esmic - Posted - 09/12/2011: 16:23:17
Old Timer :
The Gathering is open to all, but as you'd expect, folks with an interest in 19th century open back five strings will enjoy it best. Attendees are welcome to bring banjos to exhibit, swap or sell. There is a registration fee to cover the cost of meeting room rental and special events.
If you contact me through my home page email, I can forward the organizer's email contacts.
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/12/2011: 16:48:31
Hi Lew --
I think they'll probably give you a 'pass' to take this year off. I don't think the schedule is
complete yet -- other than what I posted in the announcement.
I haven't seen the schedule yet, of who's on when, etc. But Jim B. (as of this weekend)
says there are still a few openings for presenters. At most I might do a couple short
'updates' of some minor info I've come across, since my 2009 presentation on the Bacon
Co., and the development of the Silver Bell.
---------------
Mr Bowden (The Old Timer) --
It's open to anyone who registers soon enough. They do try to limit the number of attendees,
so that the group is small enough to fit comfortably in the rooms they've reserved. Basically,
if you're interested, and can pay the registration fee before the limit is reached -- you're in.
The last couple Gatherings have been in bigger rooms -- so I don't believe anyone was
turned away. in either 2009, or 2010... But obviously they also hope that attendees have
a serious interest in the history, technological, and cultural impact of the banjo -- and in
collecting, restoration, and scholarly research into the banjo, its antecedents, and the cultures
in which it thrived (and continues to thrive).
Please bring vintage banjos just to exhibit, or to sell -- as well as other vintage banjo parts,
accessories, memorabilia, photos, and ephemera. There is a 'swap-meet' aspect. Each attendee
gets a table to display their items. I've paid my way to several of the Gatherings by selling/trading
instruments, parts, and collectibles. (I've also bought some rare pieces, and parts, etc.)
The Gathering started primarily with a focus on American and English banjos spanning the
period from the 1840s to about 1920. (From Antebellum Minstrels to the end of the Classic
fingerstyle 5-string.)
Since then, the time period has extended from ancient times (the Lute of Har-Mose c.1490 BC)
to the present -- creating accurate reproductions of period banjos, and recreating or maintaining
period or cultural playing styles.
The lute of Har-Mose -- c1490BC: 
Source:
The interest in the geographical and cultural impact of the banjo has also widened, to include
banjo-family instruments from cultures around the world. Most notably West Africa. (Ulf Jagfors
and Daniel Jatta presented the Gambian Akonting to the greater banjo community, at the 2000
Gathering.)
See: The Akonting & Other Folk Lutes of West Africa's "Rice Coast"
Hope that helps.
Best-
Ed Britt
PS - As stated in my opening post -- the announcement with contact,
registration, and hotel info, is in topic:
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 09/12/2011 16:57:38
SWCooper - Posted - 09/13/2011: 12:37:12
Oh, DANG it! I used to work next door in Norwood. Now I'm thousands of miles away :(
The Old Timer - Posted - 09/13/2011: 12:45:34
Thanks for the information! I might attempt to make a day trip just to gawk.
Little_Cowgirl - Posted - 09/14/2011: 08:07:27
Is there a day rate, or just the weekend rate?
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/14/2011: 12:32:51
Old Timer and Cowgirl --
I'm not sure if there's policy on attending for a day only. (I've never done that!)
I've sent an email to Jim, Peter, and Hank -- to find out.
Sarah --
We DO have attendees from the UK and Europe!
(Maybe they'd be willing to smuggle you through, in their luggage!)
Best-
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 09/14/2011 12:39:40
atleson - Posted - 09/14/2011: 17:15:43
i'll be there for the first time. Always wanted to attend, but something always intervened. I may even bring a banjo or two to show or trade.
see you there.
jim
GSCarson - Posted - 09/15/2011: 04:38:30
Had hoped to make it for the first time Ed but the recent flooding in NY has turned my work world upside down so it isn't looking too good once again. Rats... Glenn C.
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/17/2011: 18:51:36
Hi--
Sorry... been busy for a couple days. Just getting back to this.
Nice to hear from Shawn McSweeny -- going incognito, under the
cryptic name of: 'esmic' (S Mc).
Jim Atleson -- nice to hear you'll be coming for the first time. Be sure
to find me, and say hello. I'm usually somewhat (ahem) 'hard to miss'.
Glenn Carson -- Sorry to hear you won't be able to make it. I'm sure
you'd love it. And I'll miss the chance to sit around talking about design
and engraving with you!
I did get a response from Peter Szego (by way of Jim Bollman) to some
of the discussion in this topic. He also included some previews of their
plans for the next couple Gatherings.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Peter's Szego's Respose:
Subject: random thoughts
Banjo Collectors Gathering is not an elite group of collectors or scholars.
In fact it should really be called "Banjo Gathering" because few of the
participants are serious collectors. Rather everyone shares an interest in
the 19th Century banjo, it's history, material culture, roots, hardware and
technology, place in American culture and entertainment or all of the above.
And over the 14 years of Gatherings many of us have built lasting personal
friendships based on our common enthusiasm for the 19th century banjo.
Very few of the participants are presenters, professional scholars or
serious collectors. Most come simply to enjoy the presentations and look at
the broad range of 19th century banjos and related material.
We've always been committed to full-time participation because the Banjo
Gathering has become a collegial community of friends with a common interest
in the 19th Century banjo. Over the years it has served as the springboard
and forum for a wide range of pioneering and robust research on the roots
and early development of the banjo. We're very proud of that and continue to
be committed to building a community that supports these interests. We feel
that everyone benefits from encouraging all participants to commit to being
involved in the entire conference.
Next year we are tentatively planning on meeting in the heart of the
Southern banjo culture, making Boucher banjos one of our primary focuses,
and having a special concert of the top Appalachian banjo players to
celebrate our 15th anniversary.
The following year we anticipate that the Banjo Gathering will take place in
the vicinity of New York City where we will focus on the Dobsons and other
NY banjo makers and have a VIP tour of what we anticipate will be a major
museum exhibit.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
So... for Old Timer and Cowgirl -- they really want attendees to participate
for the whole weekend. There's apparently not an option for a 'day rate'.
Best-
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 09/17/2011 19:03:12
petekelly - Posted - 09/19/2011: 06:25:06
Sorry to hear there's no day rate.
Maybe in the future you can consider allowing one-day people on the Satruday only? Might be a way to interest some new people.
Pete
trapdoor2 - Posted - 09/19/2011: 07:37:31
Pete Szego said to Ed:
Next year we are tentatively planning on meeting in the heart of the
Southern banjo culture, making Boucher banjos one of our primary focuses,
and having a special concert of the top Appalachian banjo players to
celebrate our 15th anniversary.
Woo hoo! Nashville was excellent last year. "Heart of Southern Banjo Culture"...hmmm. Maybe somewhere in the Carolinas? It sure ain't here in Alabama! 
I wish I could make it up to Boston. I have family there, the food is excellent and the natives generally friendly (although they have a funny accent). Unfortunately, I'm committed to attend the ABF rally in Punxsutawney, Oct 22 (my first!) and that will burn most of my vacation time for this year.
God knows, I could use a lobster-roll...or six. 
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/19/2011: 08:42:55
Hello Pete --
Peter, Jim, and Hank have plotted the Gathering's course over the last 14 years.
So, it's not my call... but I do tend to agree with you.
I also feel that some people prefer to test the temperature and depth of the water,
first -- before doing a full-blown cannonball into it. What get's people to become
'regulars' at an event like the Gathering -- is having an enjoyable 'test' experience.
(As you can tell from Trapdoor's response, to HIS first time attending, last year.)
Even if they offered all-day & evening Saturday, at a premium (like maybe 1/2 the
cost of the full 3-day registration fee) I think 'newbies' would be interested.
And maybe that's an idea to suggest. Perhaps they could create a 'Special One-Day
Introductory Offer' -- ONLY for first-time attendees.
Once someone has attended a Gathering, and sees the true 'value' of such a unique
experience -- they'll do their best to return as often as possible. (Some attendees go
for extra days on each end of it -- to see the area, and get-together with other 'early
arrivers'. The same way people often extend Clifftop beyond just the 3-day festival.)
Marc--
Sorry you can't make it, this year. I wish I'd been able to get to Nashville last year,
to have met you, Beezaboy, and Tommy George, in person.
I have a lot of banjo acquaintances, in the Nashville area -- from having attended
the three Tennessee Banjo Institutes, back in 1988, '90, and '92. Those were VERY
'transformative' experiences!
Best-
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 09/19/2011 08:43:52
trapdoor2 - Posted - 09/19/2011: 08:58:30
quote:
Originally posted by BrittDLD1
Marc--
Sorry you can't make it, this year. I wish I'd been able to get to Nashville last year,
to have met you, Beezaboy, and Tommy George, in person.
I have a lot of banjo acquaintances, in the Nashville area -- from having attended
the three Tennessee Banjo Institutes, back in 1988, '90, and '92. Those were VERY
'transformative' experiences!
I was 'there' in '92...and agree: "transformative" is a great descriptor. My pitiful smoldering-dabble into antique banjos and playing styles got fanned into flame there.
If I had known earlier that the gathering would be in Boston this year, I would have been required to go. My mother-in-law is a Gloucester, MA native and she would have paid our airfare to go visit her sisters (one in Dracut, another still in Gloucester). She's too frail to go by herself.
Ah well, I'll plan on next year. Hope we get to meet there!
I agree that some sort of less expensive 'introductory plan' might help bring in new people.
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/19/2011: 12:28:13
Hi -
Hot off the presses -- here's the current TENTATIVE Schedule for The Gathering:
The Banjo Collectors' Gathering -- tentative schedule for 2011:
14th Annual Banjo Collectors' Gathering , Nov.3-6, 2011
Hilton Garden Inn Waltham, Mass.
Wed. 8:00 -11:00 pm Open House - Bollman Collection ( signup is advised )
Thurs. 12:00 - 5:00 pm Open House - Bollman Collection ( signup is advised )
7:30 pm Welcome, introductions, schedule, last minute info
8:30 - 9:30 pm Marc Fields - " The Banjo Project " , history, out-takes, etc.
9:30 -10:00 pm Cece Conway - " The Farthing Concert, Black Banjo Reunion 2010 "
10:00- 12:00 am Jam, swap, socialize
Fri 9:30 -10:30 am John Hoft - " S.S.Stewart Banjos In The 20th Century "
10:45 -11:45 am Eli Kaufman - Early Banjo Journals , part 2
Lunch
1:00 -2:00 pm Drew Frech- " Weymann Banjos : A History "
2:30 - 5:30 pm Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston - private showing of the
instrument collection and tour of new wing with curator, Darcy Kuronen
Dinner (Possibly at Summer Shack and / or Bertucci's Pizza)
9:00 -10:30 pm Real Time Airing of Marc Field's PBS Special " Give Me The Banjo"
10:30 -12:00 am Jam, swap, socialize
Sat 9:30 -10:30 am Hank Sapoznik - "Climbing Up The Golden Stairs: The 5 Lives of Harry C. Browne "
10:45 -11:15 am Scott Steward - Boucher Family Geneaology
11:30 - 12:00 am Dave Ball - " The Curious Banjos Of Willis D. Gordon "
Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 pm Larry Marcus - " Picturing The Banjo "
2:45 - 3:45 pm Andy Fitzgibbon - "J.French : The Banjos That Changed Cleveland "
4:00 - 5:00 pm Kate Spencer -"The Arthur E.Smith Banjo Company "
5:00- 5:30 pm To be Announced
Dinner
8:00 - 8:30pm Mike Holmes - " A Mugwumps Odyssey "
8:45- 9:45 pm Shawn McSweeny - Gatherings Through The Years "
10:00 - 12 :00 Jam, swap, socilaize
Sun 9:00 - 11:00 am Brunch ( on your own )
11:00 - 3:00 pm Open House - Bollman Collection ( signup is advised )
The Schedule is subject to change at any point!
And I don't know much about exactly WHAT will be covered, in the individual topics, for each speaker.
Best-
Ed Britt
deuceswilde - Posted - 09/19/2011: 18:17:03
Oh crap, really?
I've been obsessing over Harry C. Browne ever since Aurelia gave me copy.
I'd love to hear John's research- and your response Ed
Jim Bollman is a great guy and we are all lucky that it is him that decided to have the greatest collection of banjos.
I've been in that new wing of the BMA and you really need a guided tour. Most of the doors look like exits- you can get lost. The best part is not the Consalvi banjo, but that they put a Boucher banjo and factory made bones in the "folk art" room... no kidding (if memory serves, they also misspelled his name).
Oh yeah, they also have the "Bones Player" by William Sidney Mount, very cool.
This hurts (but I have a good reason for missing so it's OK too).
deuceswilde - Posted - 09/19/2011: 19:08:29
I guess that would be MFA instead of BMA.
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/19/2011: 20:06:56
quote:
Originally posted by deuceswilde
Oh crap, really?
I've been obsessing over Harry C. Browne ever since Aurelia gave me copy.
I'd love to hear John's research...
...
This hurts (but I have a good reason for missing so it's OK too).
Hi Joel (deuceswilde) --
So... am I to assume that you're NOT going to be able to make to the Gathering in Nov.?
Dang! And I wanted to show you my prototype 'thimble' picks.
I've been using them all summer, busking in Harvard Sq, with Don Borchelt:
I use my pattern on my index and middle fingers, and your 'Converse pattern' on my
ring-finger. Still working on a suitable thumbpick. I've mocked-up several versions,
and hope to have a proper working prototype by October.
But... I'm sure you have a good reason... So I wish you well.
Best--
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 09/19/2011 20:09:34
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/23/2011: 12:56:00
Great News!
Thanks to THIS BHO discussion...
Jim and Peter have decided to offer an
--- "Introductory Day Rate" --- for FIRST-time attendees ---
This is the first time they've offered a reduced rate for newbies.
Here is what Jim says about it:
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Hi Ed-
The Hangout posts raised the very interesting question of drop-ins or one day attendees.
I discussed it with Peter and we both thought this might be a good idea for " first timers"
only who weren't sure that the Gathering would be something they wanted to commit a
whole weekend to ( and of course the cost as well ).
... we'd be happy to allow folks ( first-timers only ) a one day rate at 1/2 the
regular registration fee, to check out our proceedings. ...
Best, JB
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Check the preliminary schedule (above) to see which days would be the best,
or most-interesting, day for you to attend.
Remember:
Friday and Saturday are FULL days.
Thursday and Sunday are only HALF-days.
You should contact Peter Szego ASAP (at the address listed in the original post,
above) and tell him you would like to attend -- at the First-Time ONE DAY Rate.
(I don't know if you'll have to send a check to reserve your spot -- OR -- if you
can pay on the day you attend. I'd be prepared to send a check...)
I'm very pleased that our BHO discussion has had a positive impact for potential
first-time attendees.
Best-
Ed Britt
g3zdm - Posted - 09/23/2011: 14:33:13
Darn it! Wrong place, wrong time.
I am in the USA on those dates - but in Phoenix rather than my more common trips to Boston 
Chris Muriel, Manchester, UK
Little_Cowgirl - Posted - 09/23/2011: 15:30:35
Ed, thank you for going to the pavement for the people. I just picked up a gig for Saturday the 5th, so I'm going to decide right quick if I can go up on Friday the 4th.
atleson - Posted - 09/24/2011: 12:47:54
Ed, i will bring at least one collectable banjo for trade or sell, probably a Quinlan, maybe a Tallmadge, but can i assume people will be mostly interested in vintage banjos rather than newly made ones? For instance, three composites, i.e, lovely Wyatt Fawley neck/little wonder pot; fancy Wayne Sagmoen neck/white Laydie pot; and Sagmoen/Korean neck.
jim
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 09/24/2011: 20:56:23
quote:
Originally posted by atleson
Ed, i will bring at least one collectable banjo for trade or sell, probably a Quinlan, maybe a Tallmadge, but can i assume people will be mostly interested in vintage banjos rather than newly made ones? For instance, three composites, i.e, lovely Wyatt Fawley neck/little wonder pot; fancy Wayne Sagmoen neck/white Laydie pot; and Sagmoen/Korean neck.
jim
Hi Jim --
Bring them all! Ancient and recent -- ephemera too!
Some collectors are ONLY interested in vintage instruments. parts, ephemera, etc.
But many of the attendees are just "banjo people' who have an interest in many aspects
of the banjo -- who also PLAY banjos. They are often looking for playable banjos -- that
are well-made, by notable makers, or are 'interesting' and 'unsual' in some way.
Kevin Enoch often attends, as does Bob Smakula, and other makers. There are repair
and restoration people looking for parts -- ancient and new.
I was collecting banjo stuff over 40 years ago. In 20 years -- even the NEW stuff will be
'vintage'!
It's ALL GOOD! (Worst case: It doesn't sell, and you cart it back home again...)
It should to be able to fit on -- or under-- a single 3-ft x6-ft table. (Depending on the room,
there might be 2 tables per attendee... But plan on one -- worst case.)
Items for display only -- can be labeled: "NOT for sale -- Display only"
Best-
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 09/24/2011 20:57:40
atleson - Posted - 10/02/2011: 19:12:58
i heard from someone who's hoping to sell a few banjos that there's a fee for the use of a table as well as a limited time to put them up for sale or viewing. True?
jim
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 10/03/2011: 12:38:35
quote:
Originally posted by atleson
i heard from someone who's hoping to sell a few banjos that there's a
fee for the use of a table as well as a limited time to put them up for
sale or viewing. True?
jim
Hi Jim --
I haven't heard anything about that... And I don't remember such things ever
being done that way, in the past.
I emailed your questions & concerns to Jim Bollman. Here's Jim's reply:
" ... we've never charged for tables, take no cut of any sales, trades, etc. There should be ample space for lots of banjos for the whole weekend although we have only half the large ballroom on Thurs. eve as it was pre-booked, we do have the entire ( very large ) space for the rest of the weekend. Although we may run out of table space there will be plenty of room for banjos on stands on the floor ( we've reserved as many tables as they have available , should provide more display space than we've ever had before). JB"
Perhaps the part about possibly running out of table space (especially Thurs
eve) -- suggested to some people that there was a 'time limit' on the set-up.
Tables ARE on first-come, first serve basis. So IF someone is arriving late,
they might have a problem with table space -- or not getting a location they
prefer. (But this is a friendly crowd, and I've known people to share tables -- if
someone really needed some room.)
The exhibit area is locked and secured for the night, at a certain time (10 or 11 pm)
And it is NOT accessible -- even to attendees -- until the next morning, at about
8 am. (In the past, if the exhibit room was not lockable, or didn't have its own alarm
-- a security guard was placed on-duty for the night.)
That might be where someone got the idea that viewing was for a 'limited time'. In
MY experience, the exhibit are has always been accessible to attendees during the
entire time that Gathering activities are under way.
The exhibit room will also probably be locked and secured during the MFA tour -- and
perhaps during a special lunch, or dinner, off-site. (When MOST of the attendees are
absent from the function rooms.)
Some people prefer to bring 'special' pieces up to their own hotel room, for the night
-- as they feel uncomfortable, with the piece out of their immediate sight. (Been there,
done that -- at other conventions, festivals, camps, etc.)
Hope that helps.
Best --
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 10/03/2011 12:46:13
Inflexible35 - Posted - 10/07/2011: 08:18:10
Does anyone know if you can still sign up for this? Just had that weekend free up and I'd like to go.
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 10/07/2011: 14:00:15
Hi Mark --
Yes you CAN still sign up. But you should do it ASAP.
Email or call Peter Szego about sending-in your registration fee. And about
signing up for:
o The MFA Musical Instruments tour
o Open house tour of Jim Bollman's collection
And call the Hotel about reserving a room -- "at the Banjo Collectors Gathering
special rate."
See the original announcement Topic:
For details about the hotel, and for addresses/ email/ and telephone contact.
as well as the preliminary presentation schedule.
IF you have any problems -- please email ME -- ASAP and I'll see what
I can do/ learn about the problem.
Post a quick note here, to let us know if you're successful at signing up.
Best-
Ed Britt
gdtrfb24 - Posted - 10/09/2011: 05:04:38
Wow, sounds fun and would love to attend, just not a good time this year. If they come south next year, I'll be there!!!
maryzcox - Posted - 10/09/2011: 06:08:12
Sure wish I could go :) tell Jim I said hello. I'd love to see his collection and home.
Best wishes,
Mary Z Cox
BrittDLD1 - Posted - 10/09/2011: 08:05:17
Glad to see some more interest!
For anyone considering possibly attending future Gatherings -- it's probably
a good idea to email Hank Schwartz, and get on his email list to be notified
about 'when and where' it will be held.
Hank's a BHO member -- you send him a Private Message:
Mary, I'll be sure to pass your greetings along to Jim.
(Home? What home? Once you're inside -- ALL you can see are banjos!
And banjo-related tchotchkes!)
Best-
Ed Britt
Edited by - BrittDLD1 on 10/09/2011 08:07:55
Cottonmouth - Posted - 12/20/2011: 08:48:37
I think my new-found friend, beezaboy, here in the Hangout, was at that gathering. He was instrumental (sorry) in locating a Vega Melody Banjo for me and going out of his way to visit the dealer and take photos for me. Thankfully the 1927 Little Wonder is now in my hands.
