For the love of Rally, post your highlight here!

[sgs4u]

I just didn't know how great it could be... so many priceless moments, but one will always stand out. I arrived on Fri @ 10:30am, after Michael's opening session. I sat down in the Grand Ballroom and heard someone call my name. It was a great buddy, I used to share a house with in Vancouver, 20 years ago. We'd even tried to write a song together, a long time ago. He proudly asked me if I was in the room for the opening remarks, and I told him I was bummed I missed them. He proceeded to tell me that Michael had quoted 2 things I posted here, a while back, IN THE FIRST 10 SECONDS OF HIS OPENING SPEECH. I was completely and utterly blown away. Then I heard my name being called again, behind me. It was Michael himself, welcoming me with a great big bear hug, and we'd never even met before. It's hard to describe how deeply that affected me. Those of you that know me, also know about my self-confidence issues. Let's just say, I was higher than a kite on love for the entire weekend. There were tears of joy stinging my eyes, many moments over the weekend, but that was definitely my most special. Thank you Michael Laskow, and everyone else riding the love wave at this beautiful and astounding weekend. steve soucy (a gilbert)

[crs7string]

One of the highlights for me at the Rally was getting positive affirmations from industry pros. I had a great one on one mentor session with Mattias Weber, a TV and film composer. It was a thrill to have one of my tracks played at an A&R panel and get good feedback. Both of these happened on Friday and set a great tone for the rest of the weekend. I joked with several folks that I "peaked on Friday"From that point on I spent most of my time getting to know all the "dots" and the other folks hanging around with the dots. Upon reflection, I realize that as we were hanging in the lobby, the positive collective energy was attracting other folks. Some were curious about the dots on our name badges and I even gave some dots to people who wanted to be a part of the fun and fellowship.Fortunately, I had very few conversations with people where I wish I had had a pair of scissors on me, except with some guy from Vancouver or Winnepeg or something. Much like many meetings I've attended, as much happened out of the meeting room as in the meeting room.Chuck

[davewalton]

One stood out heads and shoulders for me. Michael played a couple tracks of Matto's and one track of mine at the end of the session where we were panelists. After my track was faded out there was, of course, very nice applause from the audience. On one side of me on the panel was John Braheny (no intro needed) and Marlice Cramer (long time industry person, long time Taxi screener of whom everyone has the highest opinion). Both leaned into me during the applause and said "That was a REALLY nice song". That was SO rewarding in a way that I really can't describe.Meeting the fellow "Dots" and their their "Co-Dots" (the new term for a Dot's husband or wife ), well, I've been reliving all the moments over and over in my mind and I can't stop smiling.By the way, my friend and his son were SO impressed with everyone, their music but especially the time they took to talk to them to pass along a little advice and information. My personal thanks to everyone for that.This was my third Rally and it pays off more and more (literally and figuratively) each Rally I go to.

[matto]

I think my biggest highlight was the "secret party of the dots" , really just meeting all of you guys, like a reunion of old friends, truly something special.Okay and that award ...but that was almost a bit too overwhelming matto

[kg]

Quote:Everything about the rally sounds great. It sounds like you guys had far too much fun to miss out on, apart from the educational benefits. I'll definately be there next year.Yeah, but if you do, you totally have to come dressed as Gandolf

[onoffon]

The Presidential Suite...

[tedsingingfox]

If I can only pick one...The Dots. No question, the Dots. Yes, Friday night was mind-blowing, but it was getting to spend all weekend with the Dots.You guys are the coolest, smartest, most talented, most committed, most generous people I've met in many, many years; and the fact that you welcomed me with open arms still has me a little misty-eyed. (...yeah, like THAT's anything new )Ted

[tedsingingfox]

Oops. Just noticed the time.I have a CD release party/concert soundcheck to get to. And yet, I don't want to leave these boards right now any more than I wanted to leave the Rally.Will let you know tomorrow how the show tonight goes. Ted

[Casey H]

Here is one of my biggest highlights besides meeting Michael and all the dots... Around 2AM on Saturday nite, I was hanging out with many of the dots, all in various states of sobriety. All of a sudden, matto looked at me and said, “What’s this sh*t about you being afraid to pull the trigger and not writing much?” You obviously have it in you.” He went on to say he knew that it was costly for me because I am a non-performer but reminded me of all the help I can get by collaborating with my fellow dots with home studios. And he reminded me that I could do instrumentals… duh@me... I should know all that by now!! Matto's motivational talk was a highlight of the trip for me. Casey

[jchitty]

Quote:Hey, what is this "dot" business anyway? I've been on here two year and never heard the term and now suddenly it is in every post.OK, it appears to mean forum members. But beyond that, where did it come from, what does it stand for, etc.?Okay, you're kidding, right?