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Topic: Two seconds of fame? Boston Pops |
john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
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Posted 5 Jul 2010 12:40 pm |
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Had a wonderful weekend in Boston playing with the Boston Pops and guest Toby Keith at the Independence Day celebration on the Esplanade. I'm told the estimated live attendance was 800,000 on Sunday night. It was televised nationally on CBS. I got about two seconds of air time. Does that mean I still get 14 min and 58 seconds of fame later on?
_________________
Steel Guitar Services:
Live performance and recording. Instruments, repairs and lessons. Fresh bait/discount sushi.
(203) 858-8498
widcj@hotmail.com
Last edited by john widgren on 6 Jul 2010 6:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Stu Schulman
From:
Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)
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Posted 5 Jul 2010 1:18 pm
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John....How COOL!
_________________
Steeltronics Z-pickup,Desert Rose S-10 4+5,Desert Rose Keyless S-10 3+5... Mullen G2 S-10 3+5,Telonics 206 pickups,Telonics volume pedal.,Blanton SD -10,Emmons GS_10...Zirctone bar,Bill Groner Bar...any amp that isn't broken.Steel Seat.Com seats...Licking paint chips off of Chinese Toys since 1952. |
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Larry Jamieson
From:
Walton, NY USA
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Posted 5 Jul 2010 2:10 pm
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Really cool, John. The big time for sure.
How did you get the gig, and what songs did you do?
Larry J. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
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Posted 5 Jul 2010 9:42 pm
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Most excellent, John! I've got a hunch you'll see that other 14:58 before too long, you may find yourself using up somebody else's time as well before you're done  |
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john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
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Posted 6 Jul 2010 5:59 am Resposes
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Dear friends,
Thank you all for your responses, support, and questions. Here goes:
I got the gig as a referral, (I am indebted) and was contacted directly by the Pops organization.
I was provided a link to the tunes that we would do (there were three), and had time to review and learn the parts the afternoon before going to Boston. That was good.
We had a two hour section rehearsal in a rehearsal room in symphony hall, and worked out the interface between our country/rock section and the full orchestra in terms of conducting technique, approach to time, dynamics..etc. The section director (who was also the pianist) was very helpful, friendly, and answered all our questions. He is a monster player of any style, and a great director. The orchestrator was available for questions, and was a really cool guy. The enthusiasm and excitement about the project was contagious, and very sincere. It was all about the music.
The next day we were chauffeured to and from where we needed to be by a Police motorcycle escort...way cool.
We had a sound check/tech rehearsal at the venue. None of us in the guitar section used amps. (none permitted) we used in-ear monitors. I provided signal using my LeMay preamp and processor. The unit was a lifesaver because of all the features (mute, FX loop, tuner out, headphone out w/volume control etc.)
We played a preview show on Saturday, and then on Sunday it was the big show. After the show we had a world class party at a fancy hotel.
The people at the Pops were an absolute dream to work for.
Best, JW
_________________
Steel Guitar Services:
Live performance and recording. Instruments, repairs and lessons. Fresh bait/discount sushi.
(203) 858-8498
widcj@hotmail.com |
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john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
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Posted 6 Jul 2010 6:11 am oh yeah
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PS: Before I left for Boston, I switched out the TT pickup in my guitar (which I love) for a humbucker which I dont love as much. I have to say that I'm really glad I did, because the noise would have been a real drag, and an unnecessary complication in a "move quick" limited time situation. I used an E66 which was fine.
JW
_________________
Steel Guitar Services:
Live performance and recording. Instruments, repairs and lessons. Fresh bait/discount sushi.
(203) 858-8498
widcj@hotmail.com |
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Michael Robertson
From:
Ventura, California. USA
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Posted 6 Jul 2010 7:13 am
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John, that is very impressive.
Congratulations on your participation.
800,000 Now that’s a gig!
John would you mind if I told people “I knew him when”
Seriously that’s great. |
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