Martinfest 2006!!!

[Eddie]

Ok, so this is not the only forum I belong to.... I also frequent the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum (UMGF). Once a year, there is a forum get together in Nazareth PA near the Martin Factory. I decided that I would take a couple of weeks off and attend this with my baby girl Abby and my best bro Billy.

My first stop on the way however, was going to be in Baltimore where I got my R7 put on the PLEK machine at Phil Jacoby's shop (www.philtone.com). Phil was a definite blast to talk to and a real cool guy. He even let me take some pics of my guitar on the "rack". She plays absolutely outstanding now!!!
http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_P8020011%7E0.JPG

After Phil finished working his magic, I headed over to Chambersburg, PA to visit some old friends. In a strange twist of fate, I wound up selling my beloved Martin D-35 to my friend. So, I continue the trek to Martinfest with no Martin! (well he DID let me borrow it, but it wasn't mine anymore). I had other ideas though!!! Once I found the Comfort Inn in Bethlehem PA, I approached the front desk to sign in. I noticed about 20 people in the lounge already jamming (we had the entire hotel all to ourselves). I quickly settled into my hotel room, fed the kid and we ran over to the lounge.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/geeman28/Martin%20Fest%205/IMG_0345.jpg

After a while, another group started out right in front of the hotel.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/geeman28/Martin%20Fest%205/IMG_0362.jpg

This lasted until the wee hours of the morning and nobody complained since we were the only residents of the hotel. There were over 200 of us.

The next morning, we all headed over to the pavilion at Nazareth Borough Park and had fingerpicking and songwriting clinics as well as some outstanding performances by Jack Lawrence and Clay Hess (2 badass pro pickers). The songwriting clinic was given by Ron Peterson (nashville songwriter) and Ed Bruce (the dude that wrote Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys and played the sheriff on the old Maverick TV series). There were many impromtu jams between us all day and then again at the hotel at night.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_P8050013.JPG

Oh... and I bought this Custom OM-35 Burst!

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_P8050019.JPG


The next day (Sunday), we got up and had a Worship Jam over at the pavilion followed by More clinics. The Kingston Trio decided to invite themselves and played for us as well. We also had an open mic going between all of the scheduled events.

Monday, we all showed up to the factory first thing in the morning and were given free tours, goodie bags, and free reign over the new Martins just released.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_P8060028.JPG

Chris Martin even bought us lunch and had a Q&A session with us:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l317/d41steve/NazFest%2006/IMG_0443.jpg

We had an outstanding time and all of my pfotos can be seen here: http://images.lilypix.com/thumbnails.php?album=945

Too many photos to post them all!!!

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_DSC_1094.jpg

One of the best times I ever had....and I got to spend it with my little girl!

[hank]

Thanks Eddie! I'm sure it was a very rewarding trip, especially with that pretty little girl.

Again, thanks for sharing.

[RnB]

Lucky You! I recognize that OM-35...nice Pic. Thanks for the photos. Looks like a lot of fun to be had by all. I'd like to go that once, maybe next year. I'm way over on the here on the West Coast...making it a little harder. Did you play any of the new Martins being released and, did you have a chance to talk to Jon Garon of MFG or hear him play?

~ Rich

[Eddie]

I did hear Jon Garon play with Clay Hess and Jack Lawrence several times. I also played some of the new releases. My favorites were D-45 and OM-45 Marquis, MK Ragpicker's Dream, and 00018GE.