Jazz Festival in Athens, Georgia

[john fernandes]

Hello, I just wanted to pass along some information about a massive jazz festival being held in Athens, Georgia.

www.acmefestival.com (http://www.acmefestival.com)

CONCERT SCHEDULE
Evenings (and Saturday afternoon) $20.00 each or full pass $50.00

-Wednesday, March 31
at ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ATHICA)

7:30pm Keynote Address: Ken Vandermark, free

-Thursday, April 1
at THE FABULOUS 40 WATT

8pm ATOMIC (Magnus Broo, Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten, Fred Ljungkvist, Paal Nilssen-Love, Kjell Nordeson)
9:30pm PETER BROTZMANN/NASHEET WAITS DUO
11pm AD HOC GROUP ORGANIZED BY JOE MORRIS


-Friday, April 2
at ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ATHICA)

8pm JOE MORRIS SOLO
9:30pm THE THING & JOE MCPHEE (Mats Gustaffson, Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten, Joe McPhee, Kjell Nordeson)
11PM AD HOC GROUP ORGANIZED BY PETER BROTZMANN
12:30am ATOMIC/SCHOOL DAYS (Jeb Bishop, Magnus Broo, Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten, Fred Ljungkvist, Paal Nilssen-Love, Kjell Nordeson, Ken Vandermark)

-Saturday, April 3
at THE FABULOUS 40 WATT

3pm FREE FALL (Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten, Ken Vandermark, Havard Wiik)
4:30pm TRIAGE (Jason Ajemian, Tim Daisy, Dave Rempis)
6pm JOE MCPHEE SOLO

8pm VANDERMARK 5 (Jeb Bishop, Tim Daisy, Kent Kessler, Dave Rempis, Ken Vandermark)
9:30pm JOE MANERI TRIO (Joe Maneri, Mat Maneri, Randy Peterson)
11pm AD HOC GROUP ORGANIZED BY KENT KESSLER
12:30am PETER BROTZMANN CHICAGO TENTET (with Jeb Bishop, Peter Brotzmann, Mats Gustafsson, Kent Kessler, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Joe McPhee, Paal Nilssen-Love, Ken Vandermark, Mars Williams, Michael Zerang)

-Sunday, April 4
at ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART (ATHICA)

3pm SCHOOL DAYS (Jeb Bishop, Ingebrigt Håker-Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love, Kjell Nordeson, Ken Vandermark)
4:30pm JOE MANERI/MAT MANERI DUO
6pm PETER BROTZMANN CHICAGO TENTET (with Jeb Bishop, Peter Brotzmann, Mats Gustafsson, Kent Kessler, Fred Lonberg-Holm, Joe McPhee, Paal Nilssen-Love, Ken Vandermark, Mars Williams, Michael Zerang)

OPEN REHEARSALS at NUÇI'S SPACE, free

Thursday, April 1:
10:00-1:00 School Days/Atomic Octet
1:00 - 4:00 Brotzmann Tentet

Friday, April 2:
11:00-2:00 School Days/Atomic Octet
3:00 - 6:00 Brotzmann Tentet

[Cem]

I'd forgotten about this...WOW!! I'm looking into it... May have to miss the Wednesday, but I'm definitely gonna try, sounds lovely...and a very generous offer, John. First time I came across such an offer in North America, I think (assuming I qualify as some people :) ). Cheers!

[john fernandes]

No problem, I'm hoping they get some good crowds at these shows! E-mail me when it get's closer, and I'll give you directions etc. Right on, john

[chuckyd4]

I have a slight problem - Sonny Rollins is playing at GSU that Saturday the 3rd, and I've never seen him before, and my girlfriend bought me tickets to it for Christmas. So I can't just stay for everything the way I'd like to.

But I'll definitely drive in for as much stuff as I can catch... Athens is only like an hour's drive from Atlanta, right? I'll probably just drive home each night, then, but thanks for the offer John.

[Salvador Dali Lama]

i'll be there for sure. i think i'm going to be staying with a piano player i know out there.

chuck, if you do make it, we should link up. in fact, we should orchestrate a hang. i already know a ton of people who will be going. it's gonna be great...

[DTMX]

Originally posted by chuckyd4
I have a slight problem - Sonny Rollins is playing at GSU that Saturday the 3rd...

I have tickets to Sonny Rollins at Georgia State AND Wayne Shorter at Emory for the same night. Second row for Shorter so I'll probably go with that one. Might make it to some of the Athens gigs on other nights.

In related news - The Dave Douglas Quintet is playing in Athens Feb 16th 2004. Details. (http://www.nuci.org/)

[Salvador Dali Lama]

damn!!!! wayne shorter is playing that weekend too?????

crap. i really wanted to see him this time. well, i'll probably still head out to athens, but damn, that kind of sucks.

[chuckyd4]

A hang sounds good to me, Sal... like I said, minus the night of the Rollins performance, I'm gonna try to be there for as much as I can. I saw that news about the Shorter performance, but I've seen him before, and just couldn't pass up the opportunity to see Sonny - I mean I've never seen him play live.

I'm thinking about that Dave Douglas show, too... I guess it depends on if I remember to pick up some flowers for my girlfriend tomorrow, so she'll be happy to let me take the car to Athens for the night.

[Jim Dye]

Wow! I may have to drive down for this. :)

[Frisco]

The website is up:
www.acmefestival.com
Looks as if there are many hotels within a few blocks of the club venue downtown.

[gnhrtg]

Once again, it's a f*****g shame that I can't make it to this one. If only I had a visa, I'd most definitely be there. Damn!

[Cem]

I got the time off from work, but having a hell of a time finding cheap flights. I guess it's a stretch & not a commonly travelled one. I'd be grateful for any ideas re: sales, smart routes etc. I may not be aware of.

[Pete C]

How far is Athens from Atlanta? There are probably decent fares from Seattle to Atlanta.

[Pete C]

Delta is $353 rt, SEA-ATL 3/30, return 4/5. Nonstop.

[Cem]

Thanks, Pete. I actually found a $390 fare from Vancouver, America West (is that a shit airline?). That's with one stop and the milk-run on return. Still looking to do better, the cheapo that I am. btw/ the fest pass is only $50!! (not$100 which was a bargain, already) You guys all gotta come down and check it out.

[Pete C]

I've never flown America west, but they don't have a good reputation. Nonetheless, I don't think you'll do better from Vancouver.

[Derek Taylor]

I'm planning to be in Athens for the entire ACME schedule (bunking at the Day's Inn). Looking forward to meeting those from the JC who are also attending.

[Frisco]

I should be there by Friday afternoon Derek. Also at Days Inn. See ya there!

[Derek Taylor]

Right on, Pat. Safe travels.

[Cem]

Looking forward to a fantastic orgy of music and meeting JC'ers in attendance. Frisco, I pm'd you re: Victo.

[Armando]

Glad to see that a few of you are coming to the festival. It's going to be great! I managed to get a pretty good rate at the Holiday Inn on Broad & Hull streets in downtown. The aforementioned Days Inn is always a good alternative (and a block from the 40 Watt!).

A JC hang is definitely in order. I fancy The Globe, a very comfortable bar on the corner of Lumpkin & Clayton streets in downtown and just a couple of blocks away from the 40 Watt.

[Salvador Dali Lama]

very cool, guys. athens is an hour from atlanta, and theres actually a bus that runs to and fro, though I'd rather rent a car to make that drive.

I'll be there from friday to sunday. it looks like I'll be crashing on some guy's floor. I'm looking forward to meeting you guys.

[Cem]

I tricked a coupla friends into coming down with me. They happen to be playing a gig, which I'm presenting on the 31st here. So, after the show, probably around 1 am, we'll start driving to Seattle to catch a 6:30 am flight! Just like the good old days. It is Holiday Inn for us, too. Thanks for the offer again, John, but I thought it'd be simpler for 3 to room together than wreaking havoc in your home.

Sal, I think we'll be renting a car. So, if you need a ride back to Atlanta on Monday, no worries.

I'm in for Armando's suggestion of a meet at the Globe. Who else is in? What time & day?

I get the feeling there'll be much good bourbon to be had down there, along with authentic southern bbq & good Mexican food. This could be a weekend of serious lushdom & gluttony!

btw, Fantomas & Melt Banana are playing the 40 Watt on Friday the 2nd.

http://www.brown-forman.com/images/WR_Derby.jpg

[Salvador Dali Lama]

Cem, what day will you be arriving in atlanta? It's worth checking to see if theres something going on in town before heading to athens. If there is, we can engage in a pre-hang.

fantomas and melt banana... shoot. that'd sure be nice, but I'll probably need to go to class on friday morning.

I'm def. in on the globe.

[Cem]

Sal, Thursday afternoon arrival & straight off to Athens. I'd love to, but don't know if there's time for a pre-hang. Definitely into a post-fest brunch on Monday...flying back to Vancouver Monday afternoon.

[chuckyd4]

I'm in for whatever's going on... like I said, I got Sonny Rollins on Sat. night in Atlanta, and I'm gonna have to write some of this stuff up (so I can't get too sloshed pre-show), but I'd be up for going to the Globe. Are girlfriends, etc. welcome?

Looks like I'll probably drive back and forth, so if anybody needs a ride to-from Atlanta on any of the days (except Sat. night) let me know, and we can organize sumthin...

[Armando]

With the festival just a few days away, it's time to put together the JC hang at The Globe. No doubt we'll all be running around Athens with all the workshops, lectures, and shows, but there's a block of time on Friday afternoon from about 4 until the first show of the day at 8pm. Perhaps a pre-dinner hang is in order at, say, 4pm?

Here's (http://www.negia.net/~brew/globe.html) a link to The Globe's info.

[Salvador Dali Lama]

cool guys, looks like I won't be there saturday night, but friday and sunday are still a go.

i'm up for whenever at the globe. i reckon we should probably exchange numbers or something.

also, do any of you actually plan on going to fantomas friday night? i have a ton of friends from here in atlanta who are going to that show. so i kinda want to, but i kinda would rather see some jazz.

[Cem]

I'm in for 4 pm Friday at the Globe. I think girlfriends should be ok, as long as they bring women friends along... ;) I'll be bringing a coupla friends with...hope that's cool...

I'd love to go to Fantomas, but it'll depend on the other proceedings & how ringy I'm feeling...

[Derek Taylor]

See you guys at the Globe.

[Armando]

The Globe at 4 on Friday it is. All are welcome!

[chuckyd4]

I will be there, looks like without girlfriend in tow (she has to work). So of course, I would appreciate it if someone else would bring extra attractive girls - just kidding! (sort of.... no really, I am!)

Ummm, so since I've never been to a JC "hang" before, how do we go about figuring out where the group of jazz freaks is within a bar? Do we wear matching tee-shirts? Do we have a special handshake? Do we scream profanities about Wynton Marsalis to every person who walks through the door? Do we just recognize each other cause jazz fans are so much cooler than normal people? Should we post personals in this thread beforehand? Oh, the dilemmas.....

[Cem]

Ummm, so since I've never been to a JC "hang" before, how do we go about figuring out where the group of jazz freaks is within a bar? Do we wear matching tee-shirts? Do we have a special handshake? Do we scream profanities about Wynton Marsalis to every person who walks through the door? Do we just recognize each other cause jazz fans are so much cooler than normal people? Should we post personals in this thread beforehand? Oh, the dilemmas.....
I somehow think it'll be easy to spot one another. I truly hope they get a healthy crowd, but my guess is we'll know who's who after the first or second set. Upon arrival at the Globe, if you have any doubts, I recommend you walk up to the handsomest and most intelligent looking hunk of a man in the room. That would be me...

Trying to Nagel his way through and failing miserably,
Cem

[Frisco]

I'll try to make it to the Globe on Friday, depending on when I arrive. I should get there by early faternoon, but may need to sleep. I'm exhausted from last weekend in NYC and getting home just in time to work. See ya there! Oh, look for the guy who's bald on top, some hair hanging down the back, round glasses, and a psychedelic gleam in his eyes. No, that was the Haight Street hang, I'm sorry.

[Salvador Dali Lama]

well, I don't think I can make the hang after all - I'll have to be at work early saturday morning. but I'll definately be there sunday. anyone up for a post-hang, or a sunday gathering? or maybe we can just meet up at the show.

bummer. but hopefully there will be another one next year - and i'm still mega psyched about seeing the tentet sunday.

[Cem]

Sal, I'm big on breakfast. If you can promise to get there noonish Sunday, I'm up for a brunch hang or if you can't make it till later a late lunch or dinner or drinks.

[chuckyd4]

I might be up for a Sunday brunch type thing, too... Sal, since you are Atlanta-based, I had hoped to meet you at the hang, as a relative newbie on the ATL scene, to find other people interested in this type of music...

So I might be up to making my way in a little early on Sunday - partly depends on my girlfriend's work schedule. Let us know if you're gonna go to the Friday shows, and maybe we can meet up there.

[john fernandes]

Hi Guys, Glad to see some of y'all are coming down for the shows! :D
I probably won't be able to make it to the Globe on Friday because things are going to be real tight this weekend for me because my wife is going to be out of town and I'll be taking care of the kids solo. But I think I have babysitters lined up for the shows, so I'll definitely be seeing y'all there. We should head down the block to Flicker Theater after Thursday night's show because my friend Eric is bartending, and he always plays a great mix of Sun Ra, James Brown, Ethiopiques, etc. I'm going to be working at Wuxtry, a record store downtown, Fri. 10-2 & Sat. 11-3 P.M., so if any of you are out about, stop in and say 'hi'. Right on, john

[Armando]

Thursday aftershow at Flicker is a good idea, john. A very cool place (I saw Frank Gratkowski there a while back).

If anyone is looking for a JC'er at The Globe or at a show, I'm the guy with the beard that looks like this (http://www.bellmas.org/people/self_portrait_with_cowboy_hat.php), only without the cowboy hat. I'll have a camera/camera bag around my arm, too.

[john fernandes]

Thursday aftershow at Flicker is a good idea, john. A very cool place (I saw Frank Gratkowski there a while back).

Cool, I was at that show. I've also seen Evan Parker solo, Peter Kowald solo, & Daniel Carter with Andrew Barker at the Flicker. This is going to be alot of fun, see you soon, john

[Salvador Dali Lama]

yeah guys, I'm affraid friday is out for me. but sunday, I'll get in as soon as I can but in all likelyhood an after-show meal or drinks would be ideal.

chuck, we'll talk good atlanta talk. do you have a cell phone? i can call you when i get to town. if that works out, i guess i can just get you to introduce me to the rest of the jc gang. or if not, maybe we can get a call list going or something.

did i mention i'm psyched about the tentet?

[Cem]

did i mention i'm psyched about the tentet?
I can't wait!! 4 yrs ago I had to sacrifice a tentet show to get work done on my first presentation. Barring any plane/car crashes or natural disasters, nothing's gonna stop me this time!

btw, here's a relatively current version of me

http://www.jazzcornertalk.com/speakeasy/attachment.php?attachmentid=1519

this one's a little more telling (one on the left), though

http://www.jazzcornertalk.com/speakeasy/attachment.php?attachmentid=1518

[Salvador Dali Lama]

no dice on the pics there cem

[Salvador Dali Lama]

cool cem, now I see 'em. I'll be on the lookout.

[Armando]

Back home from ACME and what a great weekend it was. My favorite performances were by Atomic, The Thing w/ Joe McPhee, and Free Fall (Vandermark w/ Atomic's Havard Wiik and Ingebrigt Haker Flaten). Also got the chance to pick up the new Atomic/School Days CD, Nuclear Assembly Hall, on OkkaDisk. (I listened to it twice on the 3 hour drive home!)

The JC hang was great. It was good to meet, and bar hop, with Cem (and his pals Kenton and Jeremy), Derek, Jon, Jeff (the lurker), and john fernandes.

Til next year!

[Salvador Dali Lama]

the one day I attended was amazing. I've never heard the tentet sound so good. It was great meeting John Fernandes, and it turns out we had a mutual friend all along (Omar). And we probably have more. I don't think I met anyone else, but I talked at length to Dave Rempis, whom I didn't recognize with the short hair (it's been a few years...) and I actually thought maybe he was one of you guys. Funny huh? a really cool guy though.

chuck, I imagine you got my message after the show. but it's cool, we'll get together sometime here in the 'lanta. how was sonny rollins?

[chuckyd4]

Wow... what a successful weekend, IMHO... Sal I don't know what happened - I didn't get the message until I was halfway back to Atlanta. My phone soaked in some duck sauce about 8 months ago, and has never been the same since... I couldn't quite understand the message anyway - all I could make out was that you were wearing a tee-shirt, which didn't narrow things down too much...

As for the festival, what a great bunch of music! I missed Sat - Sonny was both amazing and frustrating. Why he plays with that bunch of wankers is beyond me (except for Bob Cranshaw, of course), and being the gentleman that he is, he gives them plenty of room to blow. They did a version of "What's New" that was mind-numbing to me, cause Sonny only played little obliggati and on the melody. But holy fuck - when he stepped out front and center, did he ever... man is like a wind-up toy... just set him off and he goes for 20 choruses and beyond, every idea fresh, logical and brilliant like crystal. In particular, the third tune they played (some blues which I didn't recognize) absolutely smoked. Brought the crowd to a well-earned standing ovation, halfway through the concert.

It's funny, yesterday I went over and talked to Joe McPhee for a quick minute, to ask him about the solo show I had to miss; when I told him what I had been doing instead, his eyes lit up and he said "yeah, I would have gone to that instead, too"... funny moment for me.

Musical highlights at ACME for me were many - Atomic tore the roof off the 40 Watt with the opening set on Thursday, Joe McPhee was absolutely imperial in his set with The Thing (his rendition of "Going Home" was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard live), and the opening tune by the modified Brotzmann Tentet on Sunday was incredible. I really didn't see a set of music the whole weekend that didn't connect with me on some level or another. Anybody else have any personal favorites?

[Frisco]

Great festival. Despite my weariness and the long drive from Detroit, I had an excellent time there on Fri.-Sun. I can honestly say that I enjoyed all of the sets but my ultimate favorite was The Thing with Joe McPhee. Of all of the great work that Paal Nilsson-Love did on the drums that weekend, he was absolutely scorching during this one. And the intimacy of the venue helped.
The Tentet (minus one) Sunday set was another favorite. You're right, that first tune, dedicated to bassist Fred Hopkins was beautiful. Joe Morris did some amazing things with his guitar Friday night. Vandermark paying hommage to Rahsaan Roland Kirk with the V5. Hell, it was all great. I'm not a big Paul Bley, Jimmy Giuffre fan, so Free Fall wouldn't be tops, but I enjoyed that one as well. Now, back to reality.

[john fernandes]

The festival was a blast, and it was great getting to meet everybody. It's funny because I hadn't even read anybody elses posts regarding favorite shows, but was just telling my wife that my favorite shows were Atomic (especially the Atomic / School Days Octet), The Thing w/ Joe McPhee, and Gustafsson's tune for the Brotzmann Nine-tet (maybe the last one they played Saturday night). I thought all the shows were really good, the only one I missed was Free Fall because I got off work an hour late on Saturday afternoon. A pleasant surprise for me during the weekend was a last minute in-store performance Sunday morning by the folk duo Born Heller (Josephine Foster & Jason Ajemian from Triage on bass). They have a record coming out on Locust, which they had copies of and it sounds good. I gave Mat Maneri, Randy Peterson, Dave Rempis, and Kevin Whitehead a ride to the airport today, and they are all funny nice guys.

[Derek Taylor]

Wow, what a Fest- still digesting & will be for some time. A real pleasure to meet Armando, Cem, his friends, John F (thanks again for the discs) and Jeff. And great to see Pat again (hope the drive back to the Motor City wasn’t too bad). Chuck & Sal, where were you guys? Would’ve loved to have met you.

So many solid sets of music. The highlight for me was seeing/hearing/hanging with Joe Maneri again. He’s sadly on oxygen these days, but still blowing up whirling siroccos on his horns. The Thing w/ McPhee was great fun too- I loved their full-on approach. Mats and Joe reminded me of Japanese movie monsters stomping and blasting their way through some city & leaving a swathe of trampled buildings in their wake. Athens is a cool little town & the weather was amazing.

Hope to have a piece on everything up over at Dusted in the next month or so with lotsa photos. I’m definitely on board for next year.

[Armando]

Mats and Joe reminded me of Japanese movie monsters stomping and blasting their way through some city & leaving a swathe of trampled buildings in their wake.
Well said, Derek!

One of my favorite things about the festival was looking into the crowd every so often and catching a glimpse of Derek jotting notes down in his notebook. Can't wait to read the Dusted piece.

To those of you who stayed for the whole weekend, how was School Days on Sunday?

[Cem]

Sorry folks, I'm reporting late, been very busy. The festival was great fun! Absolute pleasure to meet & hang with Armando, Derek, Jeff & Jon Morgan (I'd met Jon before...an honorary Canadian...if I say something nice about him, he may come out of his shell to express thanks, like a good Canuck ;) ). Was also great to meet John Fernandes & Pat Frisco. I, too, am curious about what happened to Sal, Chuck & others...especially after having to resort to share my mug with the world... :) Those of you not crazy about my take on music can skip to the last paragraph. I don't blame you...

Musically, my initial picks on fave performances were V-5 & School Days, as both bands had further developed their craft, since I last heard them live. Upon further rumination, I think the whole damn fest rocked and I have much of it recorded to prove it!

Atomic kicked serious ass at the 40 Watt Club (a great room with a great vibe) as the first band to perform in the fest. Great chops & heart from all involved! Nasheet Waits/Broetz Duo was great fun. I'd been curious about Waits & was really impressed with his approach to playing. He went just about everywhere with (& led) Broetzmann, whom I was glad to hear live after a 4 year break. The ad hoc thing led by McPhee had some moments, but lacked in synergy. Some of it had to do with the # of folks involved, some of it had to do with the room. A more intimate space or playing on the floor instead of the stage would've improved things.

Though potentially a great venue, I wasn't crazy about the lighting & acoustics at Athica. Joe Morris' attention to detail & fluidity was impressive. He was truly captivating, even given the strange acoustics and lighting. What, very well may be the rockingest set, frothing with energy & fire, followed by The Thing with Joe McPhee. Fire music all the way! The Atomic / School Days Octet worked wonders together. A very logical melding of two of the best special groups in jazz.

Free Fall was better than I'd imagined and brought some lovely serenity & contemplation to the proceedings. Being a great fan of Triage, I was not disappointed by their lively performance. Rempis is a great talent deserving wider recognition. Joe McPhee's solo set was both moving & engaging. His rememberance of the church bombing in Alabama was profound & deep.

The Maneri Trio with Randy Peterson on drums & the duo were a true revelation to me. Such openness to ideas & depth of expression! Very generous performances! Vandermark 5 was at their best I've ever seen them, even in finer form than the performances I caught on the West Coast last summer, already superb. The whole band worked like a really well-oiled machine with much spirit & unity in the air. The Tentet shows were a full in your face affairs. There wasn't as much cohesion as I would've liked, but I don't believe they could hear one another very well on stage. Paal filled Hamid's giant boots very nicely. What can I say about School Days...? That may've been the 20th set of SD I caught live! In the 2 years since I got to last hear them, they've grown dramatically. I was impressed particularly in the new directions they took some of the tunes & in Kjell's solidified presence in the band. They seem to have the short-hand of the short-hand now. Absolutely delightful!

There was wall-to-wall great music in Athens last weekend, but I was slightly disappointed, when I couldn't convince Mats & Kjell to have an impromptu Aaly reunion with Ingebrigt sitting in for Peter Janson. According to Mats it's "on ice", sadly. Let's face it; I was being greedy.

All in all great tunes, great folks, great food (best pizza & calzone I've had outside of NYC - thanks to Armando's rec, at a place called Little Italy), great vibe, great town! If I could repeat the experience just the way it was, I'd do it in a heartbeat! Knowing the ins, outs, nuts & bolts of organizing shows, kudos galore to the organizers, Julie Powell & Eric Hinds (& Vandermark, the curator) for having the vision & tenacity to make it all happen...a remarkable achievement! I suggest to JC'ers who love this music to make the trek & support a genuinely grassroots festival built with much love & energy. Funds, time & life permitting, I'll be there next year with bells on, hoping they build a tradition, from which so many can benefit...

[gnhrtg]

Once again - no visa no go, darn!

[Cem]

Gokhan, if I have to marry you, so be it! :D btw/ can you share the reasons behind the visa thing, or is it private? I may have a solution for you (seriously). Also, another promise from this deadbeat music trader: I'll (eventually) send you as much of this as I can!

[gnhrtg]

Nothing private. I applied around September-October of 2002. They called me in for an interview, asked me the reason(s) for my travel to which I truthfully answered: "Visit my girlfriend." I was told then that my "ties" in France were rather weak (it was within a couple of months of my arrival that I applied) and that I might re-consider applying later when my ties were stronger.

There is a conference in the August of 2005 in Hawaii that I'll want to/have to attend so will try again thereabouts but not earlier, I think.

Well at least I've a five-year visa to UK and am free to wander in Europe so I'll settle for the summer festivals here.

By the way, do have a look at my (frequently updated) trade list and let me know if anything there interests you. I'd be fine with sending you some more stuff, no seriously.

[john fernandes]

Well said, Derek!

One of my favorite things about the festival was looking into the crowd every so often and catching a glimpse of Derek jotting notes down in his notebook. Can't wait to read the Dusted piece.

Oh yeah Armando, I heard Vandermark telling Julie that he wanted to thank you for putting together the website and the festival program, that was really awesome of you! I think Ken was really pushing himself hard, it must have been exhausting to get everything worked out and then perform with the energy that he did every show. I gotta give him props for really workin' to get the stuff out there, and converting some of the curious along the way.

[Salvador Dali Lama]

chuck, yeah, i guess i really shouldnt have called from inside the building. my message was that i was wearing a stinking lizaveta t-shirt. nevertheless. did you go to tatsuya nakatani at the eyedrum last night? i had planned to go but i completely forgot about it. i even brought home one of those cool bird flyers from athens to remind me!

cem, i was looking for ya, but I never did spot you. i thought i did, but i turned out to be wrong! theres always next time, hopefully.

mat maneri is really, really cool. he's got to be simultaneously the coolest and weirdest person i've come in contact with. i talked to him for a minute in the record store next to the 40 watt after the tentet, he was very friendly. all i could really make out is something about the spirits being strong in the 40 watt that weekend. good deal.

this wass my first time seeing paal nilssen love live. man, records just don't do that guy justice.

i'm still trying to process all the information, and this is just from one day. whew.

an interesting point of the trip: as it turns out, Julie actually used to be my friend's ear training teacher at UGA many years ago. how 'bout that?

[Salvador Dali Lama]

by the way, did any of you get any of the new CDs? atomic/school days or either of the tentet recordings? i got images by the tentet, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. i dont want to be cliche, but its a more mature effort than their previous albums (all of which i loved by the way). solide.