My Favorite Things at Road Rally 2010

[japaneseprincess]

[japaneseprincess]

loved hanging out with my new family !! it was a SAVAGE weekend.

[roland]

I was actually on the forum last night and just couldn't post yet. Not sure if it was the lack of sleep, or still trying to process that my first Rally was over, but I didn't even know where to begin. All I know is that I felt a little emotional...

Based on everything I'd read, I was sure that it was going to be a great weekend, but the Rally was infinitely better than I could have ever expected.
Trying to summarize my favourite (Canadian spelling... ) things:

(1) The Classes: absolutely brilliant!!!... the instructors couldn't have been better... I learned so many invaluable things, from production tips to marketing ideas to "doing rather than thinking" to striving for perfection to knowing what perfection is.

(2) The People: I've never met so many incredible people... so approachable, so kind, and so generous... before the Rally I felt quite alone when it came to my music... I now feel part of a supportive family of fellow musicians / songwriters / composers, there to encourage me and inspire me towards what I've now seen is possible.

Thank you so much, Michael, for TAXI and the Rally! I took it as a good sign that you were actually the first person I met at the Rally, and the weekend was in fact a life-changing experience.
And thanks to everyone here! My only regrets this weekend were that I didn't meet all of you on the first day, and that I actually needed some sleep and couldn't spend even more time with you. I'm looking forward to staying in touch as much as possible, and to seeing everyone again next year!

All the best,
Roland

[zssheldon]

It was my first Taxi Road Rally and I came from Sydney Australia with my husband Pal.

We both loved it - the people, the teaching, the pitch sessions, the quality of the songwriting we heard from members and the mentor sessions - the networking and meeting future collaborators. Hanging out and having TOO MUCH FUN!

It was all good.

Hope I can come back again next year.

[remmet]

This was my 2nd Rally, and for me too, the vibe felt different - more relaxed, looser, friendlier, more celebratory. In my only encounter with Michael (who actually knows my name!), I commented on how amazingly relaxed he appeared, especially in light of what must have been some crushing pressure in putting all this together. That sense of serenity and grace seemed to permeate the entire event, even amid the occasional chaos.

Favorite moments:

Listening to Jason Blume speak (it almost doesn't matter what the topic is; his presence and communication style are inspirational).

Being in the same room with one of the writers of Stop in the Name of Love. (That would be the classical equivalent of J.S. Bach showing up to talk about the St. Matthew Passion.)

Being totally surprised by the songs the panelists wanted copies of, which so often seemed to be outside their genre (or what I assumed was their genre). It was a major revelation to learn how open these people were to good music, regardless of style.

Being present for the video game panel. (I missed it last year). And realizing that I'm not that far from having the skills to do that type of work.

Having one of my instrumental pieces played by a panel and getting a positive reaction, with Michael himself pointing out its similarity to Harry Potter music (which was exactly my intention in writing it).

And last but not least, hanging out until ridiculously late hours in the lounge with other Taxi members, connecting with friends, making new ones, sharing stories and laughs, and basking in the glow of kindred spirits.

Thank you so much, Michael. You create magic, change lives, and make it look easy.

Richard

[jlizerbram]

Only 51 weeks until Road Rally 2011....!

[crs7string]

FINALLY!!!

A picture of me at the Rally with a glass of wine!!!!!

Thanks Taeko

Chuckuhachi

[suzdoyle]

I posted a summary elsewhere, but will add here:

1. Generosity/ Joy/ YUM of amazing Taxi co-horts!
2. Inspiring speakers galore, especially the Taxi members panel/ Chuck's talk/ Bob Baker & Pooki / The Video Game & Ad Panels
3. Meeting the book agent/ editor of the Jumpin' Jim Ukulele books - how cool is that? (Thanks, Joanne Braheny!)
4. The proliferation of Ukulele Consciousness - Stairway to Heaven w/ Neil/ meeting the Kuai Uke fest folks/ watching all kinds of folks ROCK OUT on my uke!
5. Spontaneous jam sessions abounding -- Phantom of the Opera on uke w/ Tommy FISH? !! How crazy is that!
6. Accordions/ Brasilian guitarists & singers/ Chuck cooking on the uke & guitar /
7. Bette singing her sexy santa song

8. The AMAZING Michael Laskow and staff who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this Taxi Road Rally experience possible. These guys need snacks next year -- they barely ate!

I am so grateful to have met so many of you in person, and to be a part of this heartful, generous community of creative souls.

BIG HUGS TO ALL!
Suz

[christig]

Once again I had a wonderful time at the Rally.

It's hard to list my favorite things because it's the entire experience that makes it so great.

I always enjoy meeting up with old friends and making new ones.

I love the energy! It's so positive and motivational!

Michael and staff: the care and hard work you guys put into this really shows. Always great panels and panelists!

I can't thank you enough!

[bete]

My only regrets this weekend were that I didn't meet all of you on the first day, and that I actually needed some sleep and couldn't spend even more time with you.

I'm looking forward to staying in touch as much as possible, and to seeing everyone again next year!
Roland

Yes, that sleep thing always cuts into the fun time.

I console myself by remembering that next year is only 12 months away. Glad I met you this year.

Bette