Many thanks to those who participated in the Jam on Saturday, May 6, on the Porch of Fontana Village's Adventure Center, and to those who gave so generously to the Tipitina Foundation. $268 was raised, initially. sndwave and I will supplement that to bring it to an even $300 donation.

The Off Topic Band roster:

markvibari: bari sax
chrisneal: guitar, vocals
Hugo (MI): guitar, vocals
SpiderX: guitar, vocals
Mully 1217: harmonica
MINIclo: rhythm instruments, vocals
Rhonda (Mrs. TheWrks): tambourine, vocals
Louispup: drums, vocals
magicmini: percussion
LouiefromStLou: maracas, vocals
lot15: technical director
Greatbear: drum
sndwave: plenty o' cowbell

We plan to continue the Jam tradition at MOTD-2007. There will be a few pre-Jam rehearsals, to put together a songlist and plan some fun sing-alongs. We got off to a good start and next year will be even better. Maybe we'll do a tee-shirt to raise funds for Tipitina's...to be determined.

 

I’ll start off the song list with Kazoo wa ditty ditty dum ditty do.

 

I'll be sure to get you a professional kazoo to play along with the cowbell, sweetie!

 

We had a great time here are some photos I took if anyone wants send me an email for the huge photo...





Joel and Maggie dancing away




there is some more TheWrks MOTD4 Photo's

 

Rehearsals for a jam?

I think next year we need a Frampton-style voice box!

What song was it that we played that morphed into "All Along The Watchtower"? Now that was a jam!

Very cool about the generous Tipitina donations.

 

I also suggest "Sunglasses at Night" in honor of Clover!

 

YES! Rehearsals to lead a jam where additional musicians and singers will join us. We were just getting into the groove at the Dragon Jam and had to stop to get to Midnight on the Dragon. Hey, I've been to jams that lasted days...literally.

The other option would be karaoke!

 

Those glasses are transitions, so the flashbulbs make them go dark!

 

i had a great time at the jam!! and even though there were a few pre-jam jitters, i think everything worked out really well and people seemed to enjoy themselves! definitely count me in for next year ...maybe i'll bring my turntables!

 

I enjoyed myself as well. Thanks to "TheWrks" for taking all those photos (I've emailed you with a request for the full-res versions of a number of them from your Flickr gallery).

Looking forward to next year!

- Mark

 

Of course, I just realized that Flickr allows you to d/l the original image...

 

Drat... They're only 72 dpi.

Re-emailing you for the full-res images!

 

Mark
Check PM

I have the list still, I'll send 2 per email to make sure you get them...

 

Anyone get a set list? I'd forgotten about the Hendrix piece.

 

I dunno...

We were playing and *we* didn't even have a set list

 

Excellent, Scott.

Thanks

 

Dear Tipitina's,

As part of the fourth annual MINIs On The Dragon (MOTD-2006), the largest annual grassroots meeting of MINI Cooper car enthusiasts in North America, *MKO organized "The Off Topic Band Dragon Jam" to raise money for your foundation in support of the musicians of New Orleans.

"Off Topic" is a forum on www.NorthAmericanMotoring.com, the premier website serving the North American MINI Cooper auto enthusiast community, and where the idea of the Off Topic Band Dragon Jam arose.

The Tail of the Dragon is a section of Hwy. 129 that runs through the North Carolina and Tennessee border in the Smoky Mountains that has 318 curves in 11 miles. It is considered one of the best road of twisties for motorcycles and sports cars enthusiasts in the US!

Here is the copy we used to register attendees and musicians for the Dragon Jam on www.northamericanmotoring.com

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




When the weekend’s over, you’re going to remember more than the drive. One event you will never forget will be the Off Topic Band Dragon Jam! When true talent, raw talent, wannabe talent and no talent-at-all get together, we’re in for one wild musical event!

Do you enjoy singing and playing guitar, ukelele, congas, bongos, triangle, flute, violin, recorder, or the always-popular cowbell? Or do you suck at playing music, but make up for your lack of talent with volume?

Either way, pack up your favorite instruments, whatever they are, into your MINIs and Minis, for a musical night to remember. Come join us for some fun sing-alongs and jams on the covered porch of Fontana Village’s Rec Hall, Saturday, May 6, from 8:30 – 10:30 PM, immediately after the Farewell Dinner.

The Tipitina Tip Jar will be passed around to raise donations for The Tipitina Fund in support of New Orleans musicians who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. We ask that those attending please donate a minimum of $5. All money collected at The Jam will go directly to The Tipitina Foundation

All are invited to come and have fun hanging out, listening to, and making merry music to support a worthy American cultural cause! (Bring your own folding chair and favorite beverage!)

The Dragon Jam is being sponsored by MKO (MINI Koopers Offline). lot15 is the technical director; MINIclo and sndwave are the producers

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

Here is a link to a short clip of the Jam, shot by the wife of one of the percussionists: http://www.magicmini.com/Videos/off%20topic%20band2.wmv

I live in Los Angeles and have been traveling the US in my MINI Cooper since early April. I'll be in New Orleans next week, May 23-25, and would like to personally deliver the $300 raised to Tipitina's.

Do you have a preference as to how the money order/cashier's check should be designated and who to deliver it to? Please let me know. I will be taking the cash to a bank tomorrow to have the money order cut.

I hope that in some small (mini) way, our Jam aids musicians in New Orleans, whether in helping purchase a replacement musical instrument or with housing expenses.

Sincerely,
Ms. Clover ("MINIclo") Butte
Co-Producer of The Dragon Jam
Co-Founder of *MKO (MINI Koopers Offline)

************************************************** ******

And the response:


Hi Clover,

Thanks for contacting the Tipitina’s Foundation. Thanks for sending the description of the event and the links. It never ceases to amaze me how many groups step up to the plate to help in the rebuilding process of our city’s great musical culture.

The check or money order can be made out to the Tipitina’s Foundation. The best place during those days to drop it off would be at the Tipitina’s venue located at 501 Napoleon Avenue in Uptown New Orleans. It is located on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Napoleon if you are familiar with the area. Give them a call in advance and I’m sure either Bill Taylor or Adam Shipley will be able to meet you for the donation. The number at the club is 504-895-8477.

Thanks again for choosing our organization. Believe me, every amount helps in some way!

Best,
Dean Howard
Tipitina's Foundation
Development Coordinator
800 Baronne Street
New Orleans, LA 70113
dhoward@tipitinas.com
www.tipitinasfoundation.org
www.tipitinas.com

 

 

Great pics Clo

 

Yes...Zak is a very talented photographer. I was very fortunate to have his artful eye behind the camera. *grin*

 

Hey Clo, good to see your having a good time. The Wife and I had a fantastic time at the Jam... Say hi to Zak we miss him up here in MI..

 

It was a very fun night, and raising money for a good cause made it great

Mark

 

Lovely pics, Clo. Thanks for letting Dragon rookies take part too. Your efforts and sweet spirit extend farther than you know.

 

the pics are awesome, clo! so happy i was able to participate!