|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Matt and John recent meeting revived my interest re: this topic.
I stated a few years ago that a get together with forum members would be wonderful. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting and dining with (my twin from a different mother and father) Mario and his bride a couple of months ago. Great get together to say the least.
How great would it be to have say a regional get together maybe every few years? And a bigger national meeting once every ten years or so?
Hurry up as that ten year meeting is starting to be a real stretch for some of us.
Now I'll ask for your opinions, but before you give them let me say we all know why this would be tough to organize so please dwell on the positive with your thoughts and suggestions and not why it won't work.
Thanks,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Danny,
you're a mind reader! I was just thinking the same thing.
I agree that putting it off for too long is risky, given the average age of the forum regulars. But making it too soon would exclude some because of existing vacation plans.
I think if we set a date and place about 1 or 2 years out, people will have plenty of time to plan for it. June 2015, for example, would be good for me because I will have just retired and neither time nor money would be an obstacle yet.
A good location for a SouthEastern USA meeting would be Atlanta, which is the home of at least one forum member, and in reasonable driving distance from Fla, Lousisiana, North Carolina etc.
Or, we could include the entire East coast, in which Case NC would be almost the middle. There are at least 4 or 5 forum members in NC
Other Ideas:
1) plan a cruise, and anybody who wants to come could make reservations on the same cruise. That would open it up to a much larger attendance
2) rent a beach house or mountain cabin and extend an open invitation to the forum. (it would be a good idea to get a head count in advance so the rental could be appropriately sized)
3) Maybe PGMusic would host something. I'd be willing to attend on my own dime if the official nature of the event lured a larger crowd. But it would probably be most workable for the West Coast contingency
Any of these ideas should include some provision for jamming or at least entertaining with our own trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I know of four members in the Atlanta area, including myself; I've met two and corresponded with the other. The only reason a meet might not work for me would be travel expenses, but I'd do anything I could to attend one locally.
It would be worthwhile giving some consideration on how to promote such an event outside of the forums, or they could be mighty small meetings. PG Music might or might not be willing to provide space on their site. Would craigslist be a reasonable choice?
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I'd prefer to keep it going this way, via posts on the forum, where it would be accessible to all forum members. I think Craigs List could get weird... besides which fact, 90dB might cross post our thread and make fun of us 
Last edited by Pat Marr; 06/15/13 01:07 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,939
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,939 |
I'd prefer to keep it going this way, via posts on the forum, where it would be accessible to all forum members. I think Craigs List could get weird... besides which fact, 90dB might cross post our thread and make fun of us I agree. Who knows whom we will get if this is put up on Craigs List. I would suggest this take place next year. It might be held in a large hotel with a dining room and maybe a conference room. Reservations would not be an issue if the city and place is chosen early enough. Also maybe one meeting in the East at the same time one is held in the West, possible for both the USA and Canada. Couple this with conference rooms and Tele-conferencing this might include more of us. Just a though.
Last edited by MarioD; 06/15/13 01:49 PM.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Also maybe one meeting in the East at the same time one is held in the West, possible for both the USA and Canada. Couple this with conference rooms and Tele-conferencing this might include more of us. hey that's a great idea! If the two get togethers were held at places with WI-FI, a laptop at each event plus Skype would be a very inexpensive way to make it happen! What this idea needs is someone to assume responsibility for the project (on both coasts) so things actually happen instead of just being discussed then forgotten. A solid date is the first thing to nail down so people who work can schedule vacation time well in advance. Location can come later We should also collect a list of potential attendees. That number would decide pretty quickly whether we'd need a coliseum or a beach house for the meeting. Put my name on the list as an attendee (but I'm a terrible planner)
Last edited by Pat Marr; 06/15/13 03:08 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275 |
Just a suggestion:
I see that the month of June was mentioned.
The Canadian kids are still in school that month.
Perhaps July or early August would work better.
Oh, and count me in.
I'm also retired and always on the lookout for an adventure <grin>.
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Skype is the only possibility for me but count me in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Skype is the only possibility for me but count me in. I'm not a skype user so I don't know its capabilities... is it (or any other such app) capable of connecting multiple people at thes same time? Maybe we don't even need the expense of a physical trip to meet each other. I'm imagining a Brady Bunch / Hollywood Squares interface in which we all have our own little corner of the screen, and we can throw paper airplanes at each other.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Skype is the only possibility for me but count me in. BUT.... what if the party came to YOU? Hmmm? what then? We could gang up on the bad-ministrator and dump him on the floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I realize that the subject line says "forum members," but I immediately thought of BIAB users in general, which is why I made the craigslist suggestion. Would there be interest in opening meetings up to the larger community and, if so, what would be the most effective way of spreading the word? (I have no objection to limiting it to forumites, I'm just raising the question.)
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I realize that the subject line says "forum members," but I immediately thought of BIAB users in general, which is why I made the craigslist suggestion. Would there be interest in opening meetings up to the larger community and, if so, what would be the most effective way of spreading the word? (I have no objection to limiting it to forumites, I'm just raising the question.) I can only speak for myself, but the main incentive for enduring the expense of a trip would be to meet people I feel like I know due to the many hours of interaction on the forum. I would probably not allocate precious vacation time or travel money to meet strangers just because we use the same music software. But the people on the forum have made me laugh, made me think, encouraged me when my wife died, made me say WOW to their music... I do want to meet some of them before I'm on the other side of the grass, and I'm willing to spend time and money to do so.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
http://www.guidingtech.com/8397/liveminutes-web-conferencing/a free web based multi-user video chat service (web based would make it accessible to all operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, Android, iPad etc, so nobody would be excluded)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,041
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,041 |
Well now we have a real problem - the "insert image" is apparently not working in the new forum! Anyone had success with this feature? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330 |
So far so good, however there are a few of us in the UK or other countries outside of America where travel to America becomes a nightmare or just impossible for financial or other reasons.
In our cases though either skype or other web based conferencing may well be a possibility, but do bear in mind time zone differences!
Such things as early morning West coast America, is afternoon here in the UK, and by the time you over there are having an evening drink with friends, I will have been in bed for some time.
Just thought I would throw in my two pence/cents worth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Some great ideas and thoughts . . . my favorite is to get something booked no later than 1 year or so away. You know attention span :>
I really like the regional ideas depending on the number of users who would attend.
Anyway some great ideas as thought starters, as pointed out (by I think Pat)I guess the 1st thing we need is a leader or leaders to take charge.
Personally with enough notice I would attend anything within the Atlanta area, or even any of the adjacent states. Keep the ideas coming.
Thanks all for your interest.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
so far it looks like the following ideas are in general agreement:
1) July, August or Sept 2014 would be a good target time frame
2) small regional meetings interconnected with skype or other multi-user video chat program would greatly increase the number of participants
3) European participants may be able to access the multi-user video conference remotely, and/or have their own regional get-together
4) Atlanta works as the South Eastern meeting place
5 to be determined:
a) meeting places for other parts of the country and Europe
b) a more specific date
c) software to be used for video conferencing
d) person(s) to assume responsibility of coordinating the details for each location (preferably someone local to the site)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
so far it looks like the following ideas are in general agreement:
1) July, August or Sept 2014 would be a good target time frame
2) small regional meetings interconnected with skype or other multi-user video chat program would greatly increase the number of participants
3) European participants may be able to access the multi-user video conference remotely, and/or have their own regional get-together
4) Atlanta works as the South Eastern meeting place
5 to be determined:
a) meeting places for other parts of the country and Europe
b) a more specific date
c) software to be used for video conferencing
d) person(s) to assume responsibility of coordinating the details for each location (preferably someone local to the site) Pat, I know you put a lot of thought into this (here comes da but) but what I was thinking just an informal whoever can make it type get together. No conferences, no skype hook-ups, nothing formal. Just a time and place to shake the hand and hug the ladies of the forum. Or at the most a planned big group lunch or dinner. I suggest start with a poll for us here in the Eastern or even South Eastern Region to determine the number of people who would attend, choice of location/city and date. As far as a coordinator is concerned I would hope someone from the destination city would step up and call a few shots or at least be a point man or lady. By using the outcome of the poll we can determine where, when and who is coming. Then each individual will be responsible for handling their own travel and hotel plans. Other than that we can play it by ear to determine what is done with any free time if available. I'll start by placing the following poll on the forum: Please rate your interest in attending a regional informal get together with other Forum Members sometime within the next 12 or so months. Hey who knows, we may end up with a very small luncheon for two or two hundred. Either way I am in if the dates and destination work. Make sense? Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,481
Posts805,532
Members40,127
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
), hay, that is where I live 
. So sounds like some weekend gathering at my place is in order. hehe. 
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean