Wintergrass in WA

[mbruno]

Hey all - really excited for Wintergrass this year (it'll be my first!). I'm close enough to not need a hotel but planning on coming most days.

What's the jamming like there? If anyone's been to Great 48 in CA, is it similar to that?

[Willem]

There is no lack of jamming at Wintergrass. There are dozens of smaller jams and many larger ones happening 24 hours a day for the most part. They take place all over the lobby and halls of the hotel, in some of the smaller conference rooms on several floors of the hotel, and a dedicated jam room hosted by OBA. The biggest challenge is in deciding where to park and pick for a while.

[Kenny]

I’ve been wanting to go there but I staff a booth at a trade show on the same weekend every year. The time is nigh to flip my priority. Y’all enjoy that event, hear?

[Josh Levine]

I will be there and CAN’T WAIT. I have 2 young kids and they will be in Portland with my wonderful wife. Jamming is everywhere, all the time. Great jams on the suite floor. (2nd Floor I think?) I didn’t go last year so I know there were a few changes but in the past OBA, WAMA, Montana, and Neckville Banjos have all had suites with jamming that goes into the wee hours and starts in the AM. During the late nights it is out in the hallways and everywhere. People picking in rooms and there are jams literally happening all over the hotel. It is SOO fun. Friday night my band, The Filthy Skillets are playing a showcase in OBA at 10:30. Come check us out.

[Mandobart]

Jamming suites open to everyone are 3rd floor Olympic Tower. There are also lots of conference rooms on that floor and 3rd floor of the Cascade tower. Under the stairs going up to the 3rd floor Cascades tower, top of the escalator 2nd floor Olympic and scattered all over.

There are festival sponsored jams you can find on the website. Wintergrass has pretty much been a highlight of the year for me for the past 10 years or more.

[Bill McCall]

Wintergrass jamming holds fond memories for me. It’s where I first saw my wife.

Josh, we’ll try to stay up late enough to catch your show.

[Josh Levine]

Tomorrow!

[Mandobart]

Tomorrow!

I'm in my room at the Hyatt right now!

[Josh Levine]

Winter appears to have thrown a wrench in my Wintergrass. Hoping to make it up there out of this blanket of snow in Portland...

[Bill McCall]

We’re on our way. Tried to get a jump on conditions yesterday. Five hours from Forest Grove to Vancouver yesterday, typically one hour. Going through Portland was awful, spun out buses, etc. I’m using all my Buffalo/Syracuse experience in my AWD. I’ve been in more snow but not more hassle, so many cars unequipped for the conditions.

Patience is a virtue.

[Mandobart]

Portland is a mess per the news. My workshop with Paul Kowert has been delayed - he couldn't get here.

Other changes - no shows in the Evergreen Ballroom! This has always been the best most intimate venue at the festival. That's now where the builders/luthiers will be.

There are now several shows at the Westin - longer walk over the skybridge past Lincoln square. Vendors are still going to be in the Oly tower.

[Mandobart]

Ok no need to panic - there's still an Evergreen concert venue, just a little rearranged. Great shows last night! Jammed til 01:30 then turned in early. Gotta pace yourself.

[mbruno]

The Westin Walk isn't great - but well worth it to see Darol Anger and Pas De Cinq - great, albeit different, show

Jamming so far has been great too. Lots of folks from the Seattle jams are there along with tons of others! Great start so far. I'm bummed I couldn't make it this AM, but excited to head back tonight. I'll be there probably around 5p

[marbelizer]

I'm late to this thread. I was there for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
I was amused by the designated jam spots at the Westin. So inspiring!
I think the board of directors need to read the room when it comes to festival ambiance. I never saw anyone jamming in the jam spots.
They're new to the Wintergrass thing over at the Westin.

[tiltman]

I was amused by the designated jam spots at the Westin. So inspiring!

Ha - we thought that was pretty amusing as well.
The contrarian in me wanted to go jam next to the "jam spot"...

Kirk

[Bill McCall]

.......I was amused by the designated jam spots at the Westin. So inspiring!

I did see folks in one of those designated spots, once.

And of course the typical elevator jam on Saturday night. Fortunately we only went 1 floor. Banjos need more than social distancing.

[mrmando]

Argh. I figured the vintage showcase would be on Saturday, like it has been for as long as I can remember. Didn't realize it was on Friday. Missed the whole thing.

[Bill McCall]

Argh. I figured the vintage showcase would be on Saturday, like it has been for as long as I can remember. Didn't realize it was on Friday. Missed the whole thing.

I hate to make it worse, but they exhibited most of the instruments in a room at the Westin in 2 sessions, one Friday afternoon and one Saturday afternoon. At least one of the fellows was very graciously allowing folks to play his wonderful instruments.

[mrmando]

I hate to make it worse, but they exhibited most of the instruments in a room at the Westin in 2 sessions, one Friday afternoon and one Saturday afternoon. At least one of the fellows was very graciously allowing folks to play his wonderful instruments.

Yeah. In a good year I'm one of those fellows, but I totally whiffed this year. Ah well.

[doc holiday]

As always Mark Demaray did a fabulous job curating the Vintage Instruments Workshop sponsored by Jason Verlinde's Fretboard Journal..... & new strings provided by D'addario. Matt Flinner & Darrell Scott played some very fine music as one instrument after another was put into their hands. There were many standouts.....

[marbelizer]

"As always Mark Demaray did a fabulous job curating the Vintage Instruments Workshop sponsored by Jason Verlinde's Fretboard Journal..... & new strings provided by D'addario. Matt Flinner & Darrell Scott played some very fine music as one instrument after another was put into their hands. There were many standouts....."

Looks like I missed a great WG event. I saw part of that three years ago. A great idea.

[doc holiday]

"As always Mark Demaray did a fabulous job curating the Vintage Instruments Workshop sponsored by Jason Verlinde's Fretboard Journal..... & new strings provided by D'addario. Matt Flinner & Darrell Scott played some very fine music as one instrument after another was put into their hands. There were many standouts....."

Looks like I missed a great WG event. I saw part of that three years ago. A great idea.

. Mark Demaray and ? and obligatory Lloyd Loar mandolins....