AudioNervosa

Group Therapy => NY Audio Rave => Topic started by: dave slagle on October 27, 2010, 08:27:04 PM

Title: 3 day rave.
Post by: dave slagle on October 27, 2010, 08:27:04 PM
Yes I said 3 day rave!

I have to admit I am a slacker but I really think this needs to happen and I really need some go-getters to kick my ass to make it happen.  The idea is simple and modeled after the lone star audio fest http://www.enjoythemusic.com/lsaf_2010/ (http://www.enjoythemusic.com/lsaf_2010/) where anybody can show up and set up a system for the normal cost of a room.  Since the venue I am looking at is mostly vacant on weekends and suite based the amount of work is trivial to set a room up and you get a place to stay for free.

Last year we set up at the LSAF and it cost $400 for the entire 4 night stay.  We did all the work and the promotion and it was a great time.  It seems that every other town is coming up with a show that charges $2K for a room and promises traffic.  Lets face it, the notrheast corridor had nearly 100 million people within driving distance, many of them small manufacturers who would love to do this (myself included).

rather than ramble on, I'll list some bullet points of the basic idea and lets discuss from there.

-It must be free.  Nobody makes or loses money on this.
-There is no show organizer, just a bunch of guys committed to get together.
-every room is a contract between the hotel and the occupant.
-everyone is welcome to show from the commercial to the DIY.  If you pays your money, you shows yo stuff.
-meeting rooms (larger rooms) can have a higher price to extort from the commercial to defray actual costs.
-speaking of press everyone who participates must promote.

I'm sure there are a lot more things to add but the first step is to select a date.  I'm proposing April 15-17 2011 for this 3 day rave.  The hotel has 200+ suites that are 90% vacant on weekends in swampland NJ 30 minutes from EWR and 45 minutes from NYC.

I can already guarantee 30 rooms of "audio luminaries" and the next step is to book up the next 70 rooms with people playing music and the remaining 100 rooms will fill up naturally.

whaddya think?

Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on October 27, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
Awesome idea Dave.  A most auspicious debut post.   :thumb:    Welcome!

I will exhibit my system, whatever it may be at the time, and maybe a product or two. Still trying to decide if I want to be in this crazy business. This would be a great way to find out with maximum fun and minimal investment. Maybe there will be other basement tinkerers that would come out to play.

Maybe other NC audiophiles who would attend anyway would like to bring gear to build a supersystem?

Free admission makes it risk free and non intimidating for non-audiophile music lovers to hear about it on the radio and stop in to see what it's all about.

I hope your idea inspires other regional clubs to organize similar events. 
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Barry (NJ) on October 27, 2010, 08:46:07 PM
This is an awesome idea Dave! I'll do what I can to help spread the word.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: tmazz on October 27, 2010, 09:41:15 PM
Cool  idea!  8)
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: AcidJazz on October 27, 2010, 10:33:26 PM
Will there be booze? I only attend Raves if there is booze allowed...  :rofl:
I'll bring my own.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: topround on October 28, 2010, 02:41:18 AM
I will do my part.
Maybe I can convince someone to do a seminar.
This makes sense, it is the next logical step foward. And with the lack of brick and mortars these days, having an East coast event just makes plain sense.

From turntables to computers...and all the paths in between to get you where you want to be.

I love this idea.

Mike
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: ltr317 on October 28, 2010, 11:47:01 AM
This sounds like a fun event to participate. 
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: SuperHornet on October 28, 2010, 06:28:45 PM
This is a great idea, Dave. Going back to the 70s

It may be better to do this the weekend after, post the nervous breakdown. April 15 we all have to chip in reducing the debt of our Big Uncle. I can already see my accountant chasin' after me all week.

Quoc
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: topround on October 28, 2010, 06:59:55 PM
AXPONA is the 14th to the 17th

we may want to look at our dates to not coincide, not only for locals but manufacturers as well.

Mike
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: gdeering on October 28, 2010, 07:27:15 PM
NYC needs something like this.  I drove down to the Capital audio fest I was that desperate to sit in small rooms and listen to music.  RMAF started small!
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: eleazar on October 28, 2010, 08:17:09 PM
Will there be booze? I only attend Raves if there is booze allowed...  :rofl:
I'll bring my own.

If I go can I share your liquid refreshments   :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:.........Thank You
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on October 28, 2010, 08:38:58 PM
AXPONA is the 14th to the 17th

Good catch Mike. I really want to go to both. Atlanta is close to me.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: AcidJazz on October 28, 2010, 10:54:51 PM
Will there be booze? I only attend Raves if there is booze allowed...  :rofl:
I'll bring my own.

If I go can I share your liquid refreshments   :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:.........Thank You

Sure you can Mr. Eleazar.  :thumb:
The other day I had a beer which had a 9% alcohol content...man, one beer and I was a mellow fellow.  :lol:
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: etcarroll on October 29, 2010, 02:55:30 AM
Can't get enough.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: StereoNut on October 29, 2010, 06:58:12 AM
AXPONA is the 14th to the 17th

we may want to look at our dates to not coincide, not only for locals but manufacturers as well.

Mike

It may not matter to many, but April 17th. & 24th. 2011 (Palm Sunday & Easter Sunday) are religious and family holidays to some of us. 

Just a thought...

SN
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on October 29, 2010, 07:30:36 AM
Good point SN.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: StereoNut on October 29, 2010, 12:35:09 PM
Good point SN.

Thanks, Rich. :thumb:

You know whey say about the "best laid plans", right!? :(

I learned to plan ahead "the hard way" years back, when I bought theatre tickets many months in advance for a Broadway show.  In addition to their other (smaller) presents, I thought it would be a nice "after Christmas, Christmas present" for my family to spend the day out for dinner and a show in NYC after the New Year rang in.   Needless to say, my wife and kids loved their gift at Christmas and were thrilled to know we were going to do something so special all together.

Well, it was a great idea until I figured out afterwards why I could get such great seats on that date compared to others when I was looking for tickets... there was a conflict with another "religious" holiday in February called... The Super Bowl! 
:duh

Now, I always make a point of double-checking dates for everything before committing to any far off in the future plans!  Live and learn, I guess! :)

SN
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on October 29, 2010, 12:44:17 PM
Funny! That is a major holiday for sure.

Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Face on October 29, 2010, 03:16:17 PM
FYI, Capital Audiofest is aiming for July 8-11, 2011 in Rockville, at the Crown Plaza Hotel.  And 2011 RMAF will be October 14-16th. 
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: topround on October 30, 2010, 04:16:18 AM
sounds like May or June would be better months.

I think this can happen if we all chip in some effort, we all know someone


mike

Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on October 30, 2010, 06:02:06 AM
Definitely!
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: rollo on October 30, 2010, 07:28:22 AM
 Our LI club the Audiosyndrome would support the event as well. Need Volenteers ? Great idea.


charles
president
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: dave slagle on October 31, 2010, 07:29:25 PM
I personally don't see the AXPONA show as a conflict and as pointed out, the next weekend is Easter.  In the near future there will be a show every other week trying to suck $3000 out of the small manufacturers pocket and obviously they cannot all survive.  I think the concept of a free local supported show is extremely powerful and will bring us back to the basics in audio and leave the bulk of the BS that exists today behind. 
I don't want to see it go into May for two reasons,  First the Lone Star Audio Fest is the 13-15th and in essence it is the inspiration for this so that is the last show I want to infringe on.  Second as the weather gets better, many of our minds leave audio.

I think moving it up a week earlier to the 7th brings it too close to the Montreal show which is a bigger draw for people in the northeast, but April 29th 30th and may 1st seems plausible. 

Going beyond that weekend I think we would need to look at mid september for the next possible dates.  Then we would need to stay a month before RMAF.

The ultimate goal is to have this be completely self promoted... If you plan on getting a room, you need to tell people.  If you know of a local small manufacturer, you need to tell them.  I don't see this as a show in the traditional sense of the word where you go to hawk your product.  As I mentioned earlier there are plenty of places to do that and they will be happy to charge you dearly for that privilege.  The lack of financial commitment will allow a number of people who are sitting on the fence to get into the mix and people already in the mix to try something new with little to no risk. 

Look at it this way.  Take two guys, to split a room for two nights and you are at a little over $100 each.  During the day set up a system and have fun or go out and listen to other rooms and have fun.  To cover the cost of the room bring your spare stuff records, cables or whatever and set up a table.  Have 4-5 local friends who don't have a room do the same and it becomes a partial audio flea market. Leave a list on the door of what is available inside and a cell number or time when you will be in the room and buyers and sellers can meet up without being tethered to a room for 8 hours.  These "non-audio" rooms will nicely fill the spaces between the audio rooms and you could actually leave with some $$ in your pocket.  The key is to get people there.  With nearly 100+million people in the northeast corridor I don't expect traffic to be a problem as long as people know about it. 

Beyond the traffic, the thing that will help the small guys is the "online press" covering the event.  I see this more like a (very) large meeting of friends with a common passion than groups of fanboys getting together.

dave
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Werd on October 31, 2010, 08:10:45 PM
I'll go and set up a booth devoted to all things "werd"
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: dave slagle on November 03, 2010, 05:48:19 PM
How about looking at a month before RMAF?  It looks like the spring is overcrowded and Sept. 9-11th could serve as a good primer.

dave
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on November 03, 2010, 06:04:54 PM
September is beautiful weather, students are back in the city for college so they might come check us out. Looks good to me, no holidays other than Labor Day on the 5th.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Lizard_king on November 03, 2010, 07:43:10 PM
I Look forward to this.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: tmazz on November 03, 2010, 08:19:59 PM
How about looking at a month before RMAF?  It looks like the spring is overcrowded and Sept. 9-11th could serve as a good primer.

I hate to put a damper on this but that weekend will be the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It will be a very busy weekend in and around NYC making travel a bit on the rough side. (Not to mention all of the extra security measures that I am sure will be in place that weekend. I'm not sure how close to the City the place that you are planning on using is, but if it is anywhere near the city at all that weekend may not be as empty as it might normally be. I also think a lot of folks might be a bit spooked about flying that weekend.

Just a thought. I love the whole idea and look forwad to attending , but I would hate to see you guys put a lot of work into this only to have things get really complicated by this at the last minute.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: goldlizsts on November 04, 2010, 03:12:57 AM
How about looking at a month before RMAF?  It looks like the spring is overcrowded and Sept. 9-11th could serve as a good primer.

dave

IMO a month before RMAF would give people the impression that "I'd have to choose.... can't go to both....".  So, either show may suffer in terms of attendance, more likely for the 3-day orgy :mrgreen:.  Why not come springtime?  May/June.... when schools/colleges are out, and we haven't yet gone on our sojourns to the far corners for family vacations, etc....  :thumb:

Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: drews_hifi on November 04, 2010, 10:16:57 AM
i dont really care when it is.  we haven't had a good stereo show since VTV in Jersey, when was that?

i would pay $150 admission, maybe more, for a 3 day show w good manuf representation in the ny area.  i would prob go all 3 days, as i did for the stereophile shows.  its either that or spend a lot more to attend Montreal or RMAF.

Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: dave slagle on November 04, 2010, 01:57:10 PM
Does anybody have a problem with labor day weekend?  Since the goal is to gain exposure for the smaller guys, having the Monday off to recover might be a good thing.

dave
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Barry (NJ) on November 04, 2010, 03:01:21 PM
I'm usually around for Labor Day weekend.
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: dave slagle on November 04, 2010, 03:29:51 PM
Plus the long weekend makes it much easier to "sneak out" for a day / late night and keep the family happy.

dave
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: richidoo on November 04, 2010, 03:32:20 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: lonewolfny42 on November 04, 2010, 03:32:45 PM
Quote
The hotel has 200+ suites that are 90% vacant on weekends in swampland NJ 30 minutes from EWR and 45 minutes from NYC.

But....what about Labor Day ???
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Werd on November 04, 2010, 06:33:40 PM
Quote
The hotel has 200+ suites that are 90% vacant on weekends in swampland NJ 30 minutes from EWR and 45 minutes from NYC.

But....what about Labor Day ???

So did you go from being lonewolf to lonekittie?
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: topround on November 04, 2010, 07:49:59 PM
Werd,
what does that mean?

you can be cryptic

topgun
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Werd on November 05, 2010, 12:28:16 AM
Check out his avatar....
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: topround on November 05, 2010, 02:47:47 AM
sometimes the obvious eludes us... :duh
Title: Re: 3 day rave.
Post by: Listens2tubes on November 05, 2010, 06:42:19 AM
OK so we went from spring to fall to spring/summer #-o I'm getting dizzy :shock:

Whenever it is I'M IN!!! :drool: =P~ :beer: :D/ [-o< :yay2: aa 8) :thumb: