SYNTHZONE JAM - MID ATLANTIC REGION

DATE: SUNDAY - JULY 20, 2015

LOCATION: GARY DIAMOND'S HOME

TIME: 12 NOON TILL

BRING: WIFE, GIRLFRIEND, BOTH, KEYBOARD - I HAVE THREE AMPS AVAILABLE.

Menu - grilled kielbasa, burgers, dogs, fillet mignon shish-ka-bob, potato salad, macaroni salad, chips, dips, crakers, crab cakes, etc...

Booze: I have a fully stocked bar, but if you want something special, you'll have to bring it yourself. Beer - Coors Light, Sam Adams. Soda will also be available.

I need a head count by no later than July 15th so I can go shopping for the essentials.

I have room for up to 35 or 40 guests indoors, and up to 1,000 outdoors. No problem parking, and I'll be more than happy to email anyone that doesn't have a GPS detailed directions how to get here. If you have a GPS, it's a piece of cake and I'm just 14 miles from I-95 and situated about 30 miles north of Baltimore.

Gonna be fun,

Gary

That's fantastic Gary. I only wish I was on that side of the country or I would be there. But anyone on the East Coast really should try to make it. What a great get together it will be. I attended one on the West Coast some years ago and it was a great time.

... IT'S ON THE CALENDAR !!! ...

But Gary ... you had better add some Italian sausage from Little Italy in Baltimore to that list or Donny will have to bring some down from NJ !!! ...

Room for up to 1,000 - wow, you must have a big back yard or field! I'm in central North Carolina, I'll have to explore how much of a 'trek' that would be - sounds like it'll be a fun event!

(are there any other NC-based folks that might want to car/van-pool?)

Jim

It's a long way from Louisiana, but . . . who knows?

If I were as wealthy as the Capn', I would put you on my private jet and fly you up here.

Gary

Even further from Texas! BUT, we can do this Mason!

That's the kind of spirit we need DonP ...

You guys should just get to Atlanta and get in chas' super road vehicle and come up together - and pick up Russ at the airport ...

BTW ... when Gary said 'room for 1000' what he meant was 50 rows of bodies, each stacked 20 high ...

Keep in mind that I mow a 2.5 acre lawn every week, plus I own another 3 acres behind my home. And all that butts up to 2900 acres of woodlands. Tony, I also enlarged the deck since you and Lydia were here. The deck is now 58 feet long and supported by 6 X 6s every 8 feet. You could park a truck on my deck without any fear of collapse. Hell, my grill weighs as much as a truck.

If I get more people here than will fit on my 5.5 acres, I sure couldn't afford to provide the food and beverages, too.

Gary

lets hope for a sunny day!!

If it rains, we can still hold everything indoors for up to 45 more people. The family room is 28 X 36 feet, which is pretty spacious. Plus much of the deck and patio are covered. I think we'll be just fine.

Gary

I remember from previous trip to your estate...
Rain or Shine baby....we gonna jam.

Gary ... you KNOW I'm just bustin' on ya ... I have been to the "Diamond Estate" ...

Sorry, my "super road vehicle" only has room for me and Diki. He's bringing both of his G70's and even a large diesel motorhome has it's weight limits . BTW, we'll be arriving early and leaving late. Can't wait to do a duet with Donny of 'round midnight - I'm anxious to see how his S950 handles a Dim7th IV . Also, I'm preparing a note for note presentation of Monk's MYSTERIOSO for everyone's listening pleasure. I assume everyone is contributing something, so should I bring weed or crack - I'm flexible. Sadly, my wife won't be able to make it, uh, ankle monitor and all, but she'll be with us in spirit. See you guys there, can't wait.

chas


PS: Oh, stop worrying Gary. My wife and I will be in Hawaii for the entire month (we're settling on our house there (Big Island) and using that as an excuse for a visit (we still have lots of friends there) and vacation.

DAMN!!! ... just when I was thinking this party would be REALLY interesting ...

My gas grill is big enough to roast Diki - no problem. Actually, I wish I could meet up with you Chas, but I'm betting you'll have lots of fun on the Big Island. Maybe the next time I sail down the coast, you could come to southeast Georgia and enjoy a day on the boat. Not till 2015, though.

Gary

Sounds like fun Gary, but at our age we'd better concentrate on trying to MAKE it to 2015 first.



chas

Phooey to that.....I'm allergic to food and I pass out just "smelling" booze.

But I'll come if you can arrange to have the Dallas Cheerleaders, or the Hooter's Girls, or maybe just some plain old topless waitresses on the premises. Even a German Shepherd disguised as Lady GaGa might do it for me!

Grrrr .. "OUTSIDE" .... we'll have to see. I hate playing outside.

????your always out by the pool...lol

Not with my keyboard or guitar!

... so play someone else's ...

JUST BE THERE !!!

Sun, sticky, sweaty old guys .... yuk

stop being a party pooper in your old age ....
it's gonna be a fun time for sure.
And make sure the old man Fran is there also...

Old age? You're older than I am, pally.
I just hate outdoor parties ... nothing to do with my eternal youth!

Life is short Dave,.......I've always enjoyed every single get together with fellow musicians in my life & I've met many of them....don't miss the once in a life time opportunities you'll regret later on when Its too late.....but hey what can I say ....
I'll be there and I will have a good time.

Donny, my world is so much more complicated than you can imagine. I live each day to it's fullest and cherish those near to me always. My off days are very rare and precious, and I can't imagine anyone enjoying my company if "I'm" not having a good time, myself. I'm just not a BBQ and booze kinda guy, and I won't play outdoors, so ... it's not something I can afford to devote a whole day and a tank of gas to. Doesn't mean I love my synthzone buddies any less. I just don't have that freedom in my lifestyle anymore. Go, have fun and tell me all about it.

I think the outdoors part was only in case of an overload. There will NOT be that many show up.

so thats a big no? oh well

If you don't go, they will talk about you!

What is nearest airport?
$338. round trip from Shreveport to Baltimore. Can't drive that cheap!

http://www.bwiairport.com/en

well .......

That's a great price Don ....hope to see you there ...
oh baby this is gonna be a Goood time! You need a vacation son!

Dave, there's no sense in you comin if you're not gonna have a good time. Stay home! And, yes, we will talk about you, make fun of you, wolf down a filet mignon that would have been yoursm, and maybe drink a toast to you for not coming.

Bottom's up,

Gary

Mark, that's FABULOUS!

If I make it, I'll be topless, for sure!

WOOF, WOOF (LOL)!

R.

Well guys and gals, I now have a commitment from AJ, who will also be attending and providing a workshop showcasing both AJAMSONIC AUDYA/5 and AJAMSONIC Midjay PRO and other KETRON related products. Looks like this will be an educational and fun jam at the same time.

For Donny, I have one of my old Barbetta Sona 32SCs available. The for rest of us I have a pair of Bose L1 Compacts. However, I no longer use a mixer, so if someone has one available, I would really appreciate them bringing it.

Russ, If you're coming topless, does this mean I can cancel the redheaded Hooters Girls I ordered up for Uncle Dave.

Gary

Gary great news....hey no prob for me I'll use anything available, be nice to reunite myself with a Barbetta and try the Bose again for sure.......a mixer I can bring no problem,...and my S-950 thumb drive to use on your S-950 gary ......
Talked to Dan O' will he'll let me know asap if he is attending hope he brings the SD-1+ too, as is Fran too,....will be good to see Prince AJ again also & check out the
NEW Ajamsonic.....last time I saw him at the lab it was in it's infancy...good to see it blossom.
Common people make it happen, mark your calenders, get on a plane, train or automobile and let Gary know that your coming also ASAP.

Gary, at my jams I had two mixers, a 16-channel and a 12-channel for a sub mixer. All channels were in use!

Don Hurry!!

I don't know now. I was looking at where Gary lives on Google maps and I noticed a sign at the city limits that said:


"CHECK ALL GUNS, HOOTERS GIRLS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE BEFORE PROCEEDING"

Weeeeeel, if you're going to all that trouble ....

I just talked to Ray Bastianelli, who has been lurking on the site for years, and also Gary Alesandro, another local player who lurks here once in a while. Ray is coming for sure, but still not sure about Gary Alesandro yet. Also hoping to get Johnny Walker to come, who is one of the best left hand bass players I've come across, ever.

Gary

For anyone that needs a place to stay, and you wish to save lots of bucks, you can spend the night on the sailing yacht - no charge. I has everything you need, sleeps 6 comfortably, air conditioned, refrigerator/freezer, bathroom (head) with shower, dinette, gas stove with oven, internet connection via WI-FI at the marina, swimming pool 50 feet from the pier.



Gary

Gary you can add 2 more to the list, my wife and I will be coming, just cleared the date and unless something unforeseen were to happen will be there.

Looking forward to learning from you guys who have been gigging for years.

You're on Steve.

Gary

Steve ... that's great news ... this party is shaping up pretty well ...

Looks like Eddie Shoemaker and Carol may be attending too - (fingers crossed), and my daughter Laura and grandson Luke will be here as well. Laura is a great singer.

Gary

If things work out I would like to attend with my wife. It's about a six hour drive.

Could be another Woodstock. I was there in '69.

Regards,

Jerryghr

A few years ago I flew to Shreveport for a few days for the KB jam and it was one of the best times I ever had.......common peopel get in your cars, planes, boats and get to Garys house SUNDAY JULY 20th

I drove to Shreveport the following year for the next jam.

Gary

Sucha deal I have for attendees. I have 7, count em, 7 tuxedo shirts, one still in the box, with bow ties, tux buttons, etc..., size 17/ 17-1/2 - 34/35 free for those that can still fit into this size. Plus, a couple custom vests, one specifically for St. Patty's Day and the other a real sharp design silk, size XL. All are free for those that attend. You guys can fight over them, but I rarely have to wear a tux anymore, and when I do I wear one of my silk shirts and special vests. I may even have a couple cummerbunds, silk, to go with the shirts.

So far, the list includes:

DNJ and spouse
Steve and spouse
Tony Mads and spouse
Prince AJ
Maybe Dan01
Maybe Eddie (btweengigs) and lady friend
Johnny Walker and spouse
Ray Bastianelli and spouse
Gary Alesadro and spouse
Me and the crazy lady that puts up with me.

Should be a good day at the ranch.

Gary

... one disappointment is that I don't see Don Mason's name on that list YET !!! ...

BTW ... is Johhny Walker married to Ann Isette ?!?

BTW #2 ... Gary ... I wore those sizes when I was a senior in high school !!!

Maybe for me.
Surely Fran and Uncle Dave can make it.

Bill Lewis?....Cape May?

Johnny Walker is a local player that has been around this area for many, many years, and it's his stage name. His real name is John Redding. Johnny Walker is also the name of a controversial DJ that was on Baltimore radio.

Tony, you gotta get down to slim and trim again - those shirts fit me just fine when I was about 200 pounds, which is still 25 pounds too much for me. Yeah, I gotta get skinnier too.

Anyone that wants to come to the jam is more than welcome, just let me know so I can have enough food and drinks on hand for the occasion. UD and Fran have both said they cannot attend. I wish they would reconsider, but I understand their reluctance to drive two hours and cross the Mason/Dixon Line. Damned Yankees!

One thing for certain, we're gonna have fun, and that's what life's all about.

Gary

See you there Gary, bring a bottle

Possibly, have to wait for schedules

Fran ain't coming?

There could be a conflict...My wife's 50th anniversary

I don't know if there is a surprise party..you know how kids are..

If the date becomes clear, I will cross that Mason/Dixon line..and bring my wife too...maybe my girlfriend too

Bill, if I can haul my wife, girlfriend, G70 and a pair of Cubes...you can grab that 20 pound BK9 and come on down..

17-17.5 shirt 34/35 sleeve, You have a possible customer here

read my other post

Fran, I sincerely hope you and that very attractive, young gal you're married to are able to make it down to the jam. I would love to see you both again, and I'm confident she would have an enjoyable day here at the ranch.

As for Uncle Dave, it's too late - I already canceled the three redheads from Hooters. And they were so looking forward to singing with you.

Gary

[quote=Fran Carango]There could be a conflict...My wife's 50th anniversary

Fran isn't it YOUR 50th Anniversary too ? Just sayin LOL

I may have to get a real job this summer so don't know anything yet.

So now I'm really confused is FRAN coming or not?

It's a remote possibility, Donny - keep your fingers crossed.

Gary

Steve,if Fran shows up, he may be a contender for the shirts as well - but I must confess I haven't seen him in a few years, so things may have changed in the size category.

Gary

I am not coming if I have to wear one of those shirts and vests!

You could show up buck neked and we'd still be happy to see ya!

Gary

WHOA!!! ...speak for yourself Gary ...
Don, you need at least a towel ...

That really sucks

doubtful.

Gary no worries, if I keep eating the way I have the last few months I may not fit in them come July.



Let's see Philly to Gary's in MD. about 81 miles
Providence to Gary's in MD 350 miles 81 miles is a day trip. Just sayin'

I think it's more then just the mileage?

I'm trying to shift my Key West trip around so I can come

Joe

Joe I would love to have you and your lovely wife here as well. Gonna be a fun time at the Diamond Ranch.

Gary

Donny, be sure to bring your rig with you when you come so we can compare, test and evaluate the different settings, especially with the vocal harmonies and EQ settings.

Gary

Is Fran bringing his G70, Steves T5/Pa3x, Tony pa900, & Prince Aj's Audya, so we can all A/B these arrangers...?

My Pa900 will be there ... ...
Too bad there's not enough room in the beemer, I would bring the kn6000 too !!!

If the date is clear for me..you can bet I will bring my G70 and a pair of cubes...I will make believers out of you guys.

Just KEEP it clear, like the rest of us have ...
... And I'd LOVE to be made a believer ...

... and the MidJay PRO .....

Donny, I will bring one or the other. We're doing a 4 day road trip staying in hotels, I don't want to have to be hauling 2 boards in and out of the hotels. Since Tony will be bringing the PA900, I'm thinking the T5 may be the better choice. Doesn't matter to me which one I bring.

Start packing Fran.............oh baby!!

Here's the grill I have on my deck. I thought it was about 8 feet long, but I was wrong, it's only 6 feet long. It weighs about 300 pounds, though and all stainless. I can grill up about 40 or 50 burgers at a time on it, and a dozen steaks at a time. It also has a radiant broiler burner in the back, which really does a great job on burgers and steaks, but quickly burns dogs and sausage to a crisp, so I can't use it for them. How do you like your fillet mignon grilled, Fran?



Gary

I just removed six pound of salmon fillets from my smoker, cuts that I brined in a special brine solution for a week in the refrigerator, then after baking for 25 minutes at 350 degrees, the cuts were placed in the smoker for 3 hours with hickory chips. I haven't done this in about 5 years, and hoped everything would come out OK. Well, that first little piece that I savored could only be categorized as OUTSTANDING!. So, when it's time for the Synthzone Jam, I'll add 10 pounds of my smoked salmon to the menu. OH YEAH!

Looking forward to this one,

Gary

Love smoked salmon!

... do we have to play and sing at this jam, or can we just EAT ? ...

The nice thing about this one is you can do anything you wish. If you don't want to play or sing, it's fine with me. I'm happy as a clam because we can all get together again before we all take the dirt nap.

Gary

Hey Donny, I was thinking about you when I went to the grocery store yesterday. I picked up 5-pounds of Vidalia onions, a 1-pound bag of fresh garlic, and a few other ingredients, and today, spent the last three hours making a quart of Roasted Garlic and Onion Marmalade. OH YEAH! I remember that you and Nancy both enjoyed it, so it has now been added to the menu for July 20th.

Here's the recipe for those of you who enjoy creative cooking:

ROASTED GARLIC & ONION MARMALADE

2 Tblsp. Beef broth
12 cups thinly sliced red and yellow onions (or Vadalia onions)
1/4-cup roasted garlic
1/4-cup balsamic vinegar
3 cups cane sugar
1-1/2 cups water
1 pkg. Sure-Gel or Fruit Pectin
2 Tblsp. Orange Juice
1 Tsp. Black pepper

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm broth, add onions and garlic, cover and cook until translucent and very soft (about 45 minutes). Add sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Uncover, lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring periodically. Add vinegar and cook until the onion is caramelized, about 45 minutes longer. Add pepper, water and orange juice, bring to a strong boil, then stir in Sure-Gel and cook about one additional minute at high boil. Remove from heat, place in sterilized jars and seal while hot to prevent spoilage. NOTE: This recipe is adapted from an onion marmalade recipe and should be adjusted to suit your taste. You may wish to add more sugar, garlic or vinegar. Serve over cream cheese with crackers or use as a glaze for any type of roast. Enjoy!

Gary

Gary....
I LOVED THAT!! it was so freakin' delicious & very addictive !!!

Oh baby!

Having read the recipe I couldn't help but think that if you sang a song just after eating that, your microphone might MELT!!!

Tony, you will absolutely love this stuff! I'll put extra garlic in the next batch just for you Italian guys.

Gary

Tonight, right after supper, I cooked up another batch of my Roasted Garlic & Onion Marmalade, about a quart. This time, though, instead of the quarter cup of roasted garlic the recipe calls for, I used a full cup. WOW! If you love the taste of roasted garlic, you're gonna love this batch. OH, I still have one jar of the first batch left, and I'll keep that for the Synthzone Jam next month - just in case the ladies might like the milder version.

Cheers,

Gary

Us latin guys will appreciate the extra garlic as well. Best tonic on God's earth.

Joe

Joe, I just did my second batch of smoked salmon this month - damned it tastes good. I'll be sure to have some on hand for the jam.

Gary

Gary called me today...and I swear I could smell the garlic through the phone.
Eddie

With the winds blowing out of the People's Republic of Maryland, we get the aroma here in New England. There's an area here nicknamed "Garlic Mountain", aka Federal Hill that is wall to wall Italian restaurants blends in perfectly with Gary's batch of marmalade.

... hotel reservation has been made ... can't wait !!! ...

Just a month away guys and gals. We're gonna have a blast!

Gary

Ready here

I'm struggling with some personal & health issues now,
hope to be there also.

Donny, Hope your issues get resolved and hope you can be there, after all these years of talking with you on the phone or via e-mail..........don't let us down!

Still on my Calendar & in my GPS.

Donny, the only excuse for YOU not showing up is you couldn't find enough people to carry your casket!

Donny ... I hope everything works out for you and you join us at Gary's ...

Donny...
Pack your bag and wait by the curb. I'll pick you up on my way from Florida.

Eddie

Donny I hope you can come. L'd love to see you again!

Joe

Just 17 more days till the Jam, I just got a propane refill for the gas grill, and next week I'll smoke 10 pounds of salmon fillets. I've already made a quart of Donny's favorite, Roasted Garlic & Onion Marmalade, I have a couple boxes of Johnsonville Grillers (bacon & cheddar flavor) in the freezer, some Johnsonville Bratwurst, and I'll pick up the other Jack Daniels pulled pork BBQ and Filet Mignon next week. Hopefully, the weather will be a bit cooler. This past week has been brutal.

Cheers,

Gary

... WOW ... is that better than tobacco or ???



After complaining about the weather all winter, don't say a WORD about the heat !!!


17 days - can't wait !!!

Yea, sounds great sounds like a real smorgasbord of food.

I'll take this heat versus this past brutal winter.

If anyone takes some video, please upload it to Youtube and post the link to it on the forum.

My cough still wont go away....next week I have an appt. with another ENT specialist for more tests,....gotta get to the bottom of this ....to be continued.....

I know how you feel about the cough!

Don,

Many blood pressure meds can cause the cough and fluid retention too. Tell your Doc.

Bill G

Good idea. They have run just about every test possible. I did change bp med.

Donny and Don ... I am very sorry to hear that you are both suffering with a cough, and I REALLY hope it does not keep you from attending the jam ...
Some of Gary's Garlic and Onion Marmalade should take care of anything that ails you ...

Gary,

I may have missed this but .. what is the address please?

Thanks

AJ

AJ, I emailed it to you several weeks ago, but just in case you've lost it, I just PM'd it to you again.

Gary

Gary,

I just retrieved it from the old PM you had sent me which I forgot about - sorry (I was searching through emails but it wasn't there)

Got it.

Any update on the schedule,time slots for presentation ... etc?

Thanks,

AJ

At this SynthZone Jam, we will be showing the following:-

* KETRON AJAMSONIC AUDYA 5 (with Ver.3 and the new SUPER STYLES - soon to be release). Also included will be the new OS5.0E software ...

* New KETRON MIDIJAY PRO AJAMSONIC (controlled with a YAMAHA TYROS 5 - 61). This will also present a good way to A/B Yamaha & Ketron Sounds, Styles ... etc., since they will all be connected to the same sound system. If interested further, contact Dan O at the PIANOMAN in Cattonsville, MD or Frank at Audio Works, CT.

* New KETRON GP1 PORTABLE GRAND PIANO (with the new firmware). This unit is now available in Catonsville, MD (contact Dan O), or Frank at Audio Works, CT.

* Collecting suggestions and ideas from customers to enhance current products and ideas for the new.

For those interested in the KETRON PRESENTATION, please try and get there early!

Thanks and see you all ... in 2 days!!!

We're pretty flexible, AJ. Anytime after 12 noon is fine. We'll be having fun all day and well into the evening.

Gary

My wife and I finally have made it to as Gary calls it the "Peoples Republic of Maryland." It was a fight to the finish!! Trip should have been a little over 6 hours. Instead it took just over 8 hours. Hit 5 major traffic jams 1 in Stamford, Ct., 1 On the Tappan Zee Bridge, 2 on the New Jersey Turnpike ( one probably around DNJs exit at BrickTownship) and finally one on the approach to the Delaware Watergap Bridge. Some years ago we traveled 7000 miles touring the USA and never once were we in traffic this jammed up!

Of course it's all worth it to meet up with the "pros", hoping they can teach a slow learner like me a little something.

I hit the traffic all day long - to and from today's job, which was just 29 miles away, was a three-hour ordeal. Fortunately, the weekends are a lot better driving on I-95. By Saturday, all of the crazies are at the Maryland, Delaware and Jersey shores, however, they do begin heading home on Sunday night, thus jamming I-95 to capacity.

Tomorrow, I have a job from 2 till 3 p.m.and will be home by 4:30 at the latest. I have to leave home about 12:30 in order to be sure I'm on time for the job. Therefore, anyone that wishes to bring their gear can do it in the morning from 9 till noon and after 4:30 p.m. and till 10:00 p.m.. The bar is fully stocked, the snacks are ready for tomorrow evening's cocktail hour for those who may wish to imbibe, and the fartherest you will have to haul your gear is from your car to the tractor cart, about 2 feet at most. How's that for a deal.

I don't have to go back to work till Monday evening, so there is not a problem leaving your equipment here till Monday if you wish to head home on that day to avoid the Sunday traffic jams. If you're sticking around till Wednesday, you can go sailing with me (weather depending).

Gary
___________________

snif ... sniff ... do I smell happy hour starting down south?