Well it is almost here, TapeOpCon 2004. I'm just back from New Orleans where we were successful in securing the famous Howlin' Wolf as our host night club for the music showcases and the Sunday night post party. I have also (just tonight actually) confirmed that Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico will back up Vic Chesnut Friday night. Also it looks like Jim Dickinson will sit in with his sons, Luther and Cody, during the NMA's set Saturday night. And if that isn't enough, Drums and Tuba will be playing on Sunday night after we have all had a few hours to drink and geek out post con. See the newly redesigned performers page on the TapeOpCon.com site for more info. www.tapeopcon.com
I also got a chance to spend some more time with Cosimo Matassa and he is a truly warm and wonderful person. He has graciously agreed to let us present him with a lifetime achievement award from all of us at Tape Op after his keynote address and we are working hard to get as many of the people he has worked with to come to his address Friday night. So, you never know how much musical history will be in that room and it will definitely be a once in a lifetime event.
The fact that New Orleans has been and continues to be a source of truly original American music and yet the musicians still struggle to earn a living there is as Tape Op as it gets. We know that the total cost to attend with travel, rooms, and registration is for many of you a financial stretch. To help make it more affordable, we are holding the $350.00 price until April 30th. Dayrate registration and even a free exhibits only option are now available on the registration page. Group discounts are also a great way to get a good price and find someone to share hotel rooms. Two people can share a room for $57.00 at our host hotel and stay in style and be right in the thick of it. With a $295.00 group rate, 3 nights at 57.00 and if you act now, an under $400.00 plane ticket your at $866.00. Even with food and drink you could keep it under a grand. Sure a grand will get you that thing you have always needed for your studio but you can't learn more about recording from gear. When you compare the level of studio and recording knowledge that comes together for three days and just look at what it would cost to work with some of these people for even one hour, the total costs are quite reasonable.
It all comes down to commitment. We are committed to deliver the best TapeOpCon to date and we hope everyone who has a chance, will come down and join in and make some new lifetime friends. We stand ready at TapeOpCon Headquarters (that little back room at the studio) to assist you and answer all your questions.
Thanks for reading my lengthy post.
hillary