Allen, It looks as if I will not be able to join the group this time around. I will still attempt to shift things around in my schedule, but it's iffy at best. You've done a boatload (or, is that guitarload) of work, and I know I will be missing an awesome gathering. Will let you know if things change. Thanks for all that you have done for this gathering. Billy Boy

Alright folks, we're just a little over a month out from the gathering. This promises to be the best one ever. Mark it on your calendars and get ye to Austin at the end of September. I think it's going to be a blast.

Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to:

- Meet Edison Sam, the founder and owner of the Collings Forum.
- Fingerstyle workshop with Ace Batacan.
- Bluegrass workshop with Fred Coates.
- Hill Country Guitars and Quincy's Guitars combined inventory showcase. Both of these dealers have a huge supply of Collings guitars on hand for this showcase.
- A songwriting workshop with a popular artist to be determined. Last I talked to Kevin it was actually looking favorable as far as having Ray Wylie Hubbard for this one. I can't tell you how excited I would be with that if it comes to pass.
- Tour of Collings factory. Meet Bill Collings and all the great Collings luthiers. A better bunch of folks you will never meet.
- Acoustic jam at Quincy's Guitars in Austin followed by a tour of the famous 6th Street music venues.
- Tour of Kinscherff guitars. Meet Jamie and check out his workshop.
- Meet me.

It's going to be a lot of fun. I hope we see you here.

Allen

Hey everyone.
I just wanted to say that the Gathering is getting close and so far we only have a few people certain to show up. Has everyone else backed out??? I thought this was being billed as the best ever. That can't happen with only 3 people showing up. Allen has really put in so much time and effort into this and it would be a shame if the Gathering turned out to be a bust. C'mon and join the fun. There's still time and lots of room at Wimberly. Allen's got a great schedule of events lined up.

Where's that Collings spirit?

(If you are on the Attendee list, at least confirm with Allen if you are still coming. We at least owe him that.)

-----------------------------------------

i will be unable to come for the entire period thus i haven't made reservations. but i do intend to drive there for at least one day and perhaps stay overnight for another day. it's just that i can't predict the exact day(s).

what can i say for excuse? blame it on the joys of the modern computer world and working crisis-to-crisis vs 8-to-5.

/guy

No need to explain, guy. I hope you can find time to make it down for some of the gathering though.

What we really need to do is to get a headcount for each of the three clinics we are having. Other than that we'll just play it all by ear.

Since there apparently will only be a few of us staying in Wimberley I am going to cancel the Thursday night dinner and the Friday morning pre-factory-tour breakfast. Those of us in Wimberley will just decide where to eat when it is time to eat. Also, we are likely going to cancel the HCG and Quincy's combined inventory showcase since we will be visiting both shops during the course of the weekend anyway.

I've had several emails from local folks who will be joining us at various times through the weekend. I need those folks to let me know if they intend to attend any of the clinics so I can start getting a total headcount for those.

Thanks,
Allen

just got off the phone with julie and was assigned rm#5 for friday night.

i absolutely don't want to miss eiko's workshop friday and hopefully i can stay long enough saturday for the other clinics.

tks again allen for doing all the grunt work. looking forward to seeing you guys.

ps: she asked me if i knew steven mcreary? is he one of the folks playing on the collings cd?

/guy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: golftango,

Allen -


I'm confirming for all events and all clinics - the boss owes me a day, and I'm going to take it. Not staying in Wimberly, but I'll stay late!

David

And why are these replies linking to every page? I'm looking forward to the Gathering, but I'm not THAT eager!

I plan to be there on Saturday, and attend the songwriting and bluegrass workshops if they are on that day. As it gets closer, if I can squeeze in Friday as well, I will do that too.

Bill

quote:

Originally posted by David Ely:
Allen -


I'm confirming for all events and all clinics - the boss owes me a day, and I'm going to take it. Not staying in Wimberly, but I'll stay late!

David

And why are these replies linking to every page? I'm looking forward to the Gathering, but I'm not THAT eager!

I featured this post in all forums to gather more attention! Lucky you your boss owes you a day.. My Boss abandon all my AL for this year... now I am very sad about this situation.

I hate you won't be able to make it, Ed. I know a lot of us were really looking forward to meeting you in person. Maybe next year.

Allen

Sorry for disappointing everyone!! I really wish to make it this year and have been planning for all year. I feel sad about it as well. Unless I quit my job, I don't think there’s a chance for me to escape the 1st of Oct project deadline (The company I worked for acquired another company earlier this year and the first milestone of the integration is 1st of Oct, what a coincident... I guess its too late to change the date of the Gathering? ). I still hope everyone committed earlier can make it this year... There’s lots of effort from Allen and others and I am sure its going to be fun!

BTW, there’s a lot of happening for me next year! I will be stepping into another stage of my life! I successfully proposed to my gf and will be getting marry on 3rd of Nov 2006!! May I introduce my fiancée to you all (My precious guitar friends!) I want you all to know that the Forum means a lot to me and really want to share it with you all!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ed,

Ed, let me be the first to offer my congratulations. What a beautiful young lady!

Also, I didn't intend to make you feel bad about you not being able to make it to the gathering. We certainly understand priorities.

Best Regards,
Allen