THE BIG TOP COMES TO TOWN

Next weekend (October 26-27) is the Annual running of the Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase. What may sound to some like a presumptuous hoity-toity name for a small event in a small music centric town is, in all honesty, a very apt and accurate name.

While it did begin, just 5 years ago as a humble and small event catering to a very specific audience, each year it grows further and more decidedly into a ‘destination event’ for many of the industry elite, while at the same time providing a platform for very local and regional artisans and maker of the finest stringed instruments.

There is a very fine article in this week’s Woodstock Times, written by my friend Brian Hollander and featuring my other friend, and the founder of the event, Baker Rorick. Baker’s photo even adorns the front page of the paper (much to his chagrin, but I think it's a great photo). The article, can be found here.

 Each year the event is better attended by both those who come to display and demonstrate their fine instruments, as well as those who come to ogle and try them. There is a fine lineup of top level musicians who come to play these instruments in small and intimate settings that grows and is varied every year. My observation is that some of the playing to be heard behind the tables and out in the aisles of the show floor is just as good or even better than what can be heard on stage. It’s all a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

To be sure, the bulk of the instruments on display are not at all what you might find in Guitar Center or any other music shop. These are all handmade custom instruments, many garnering prices well out of my range by a factor of 10. So why, you ask, would I want to go and look at a bunch of stuff I could never afford? Well the truth is, most of these instruments are works of art and a joy to behold. In addition, in many cases, if you ask nicely, the builders may actually let you sit down and try them out. Playing an instrument of such high quality brings its own reward, and it is nice to dream a little bit, isn’t it? Besides, it’s not all super huge price tags. There are a few things to be had by those of us who don’t come in with a pocket full of cash.

 Then there is the music. These are intimate venues where a large part of the audience are players and those on stage are certainly putting their best foot forward for such a knowledgeable audience. Some magic can be anticipated at any point in the weekend. The are several events scheduled at other locations to handle larger crowds, check the schedule. Here is one of my favorite videos from a few years back at this show. It's a tease, becaue it ends too soon, but you will certainly get the idea:

 There are plenty of videos to watch on the Show's website (see below).

 One of the things I enjoy at this show is crowd watching because you never know who might be shuffling up the aisle behind you. Just putting together the location with the local population can bring out some folks you may not be used to running into. Keep your eyes and ears open when you go and you might meet some neat folks.

Several workshops are available through the course of the weekend by very talented and well known players. Even if you are not the type of player that can grasp what a top flight performer would share, you are bound to learn some things that will help you along.

All in all, this event is one that often gets overlooked by many because they are not in the market for a high priced instrument. I urge you to reconsider that point of view. Each time I go, I learn something of value, I meet new people that I like, and I have a great time. No I have never bought, or contracted for an instrument, but I always had a good time and supported a local event that brings in a great deal of money to the town.

I spoke to Baker briefly last night and one of his concerns going forward is that the demand for space by vendors is increasing at a rate that may outstrip the available space (which is at capacity). Baker started this as a community event to help the shop owners in town and increase visitors from outside the area. Keeping it to a manageable size appears to be his biggest challenge going forward. The last thing he wants is to be forced to find a bigger place outside of town.

So come on down and check it out, but before you do, go to the website and check out the schedule which can be found here. Also, don’t forget to read that article in the Woodstock Times.

Oh yeah, and if you see Baker, tell him I sent you.
Keep the Beat,
Tom