Robben Ford Discussion

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

My birthday present from my lovely wife was the entry fee for Robben's clinic this coming January, and our xmas present to each other is a 5 day vacation to California centered around the clinic (my wife has been using the word 'spa' a lot regarding her plans for Saturday!)

Thought I'd see if anyone else from the forum will be there this time?

And for those that have been, any tips on maximizing the experience? I think I have read most of the "clinic report" threads, so I have a pretty good idea what to expect. I'll probably try to write down a few questions in advance, but beyond that I guess I'm just planning on trying to soak up as much as possible.

Any must-see/must-do suggestions for the Ojai area? We'll be spending a little time in LA, a night in Santa Barbara, and at least 2 nights in Ojai.

I guess the NAMM show is that same weekend in LA--it'd be fun to try to snare a show pass, but somehow I don't know that my wife would see that as being "fun". Smile

BTW, even without the clinic, we'd be looking forward to this trip--the high here in the Chicago area yesterday was 15, the low was 0. Shocked

Tom

PaulG · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 11:15 am Post subject:

FTT, Enjoy your stay and the clinic. I'm not much of a vacation planner, but can tell you that you should find anything you want to do. As far as what to do in SoCal, I'm not going there. Depending on your need for speed, or need to relax, you can find it both ways.
I will tell you that it's supposed to be up to about 80 degrees today. Can't promise that for January, but winter is our best weather of the year, especially along the coast. For my money, you can find plenty of mountain trails that provide peace and quiet, and possibly a great sunburn to piss off the folks back in Chicago. Ojai, Santa Barbara, or even LA has some nice day hikes with great views. The beach always gets them too.
If you're in SB Saturday night, there's a solo concert by Paul Oscher show put on by the SB Blues Society. It'll cost you a membership of $15.

As for the clinic, you've read the threads. My advice is to engage with Robben as you feel comfortable. It's very casual. And if you have any chops at all, volunteer to play with him. I don't and didn't, but wish I had.
It's a good time.
Again, enjoy your visit and the clinic! Give my regards to Maxwell St.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:14 pm Post subject:

I recommend hanging out on Sunday at Santa Barbara beach. Very interesting arts and crafts fair, and a moving memorial to our fallen Iraq War soldiers. Beautiful beach too! I would also take in a leisurely ride up the coast and back- breathtaking scenery!
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FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

Thanks for the tips guys. We'll definitely plan on some hiking in and around Ojai, and am looking forward to exploring Santa Barbara--I've been through there once, very briefly.

jconstant · Posted: Sun Jan 01, 2006 11:28 pm Post subject:

JohnnyZ · Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:17 am Post subject:

Also, a nice little breakfast diner-like place is diagonally across from the clinic site, one of the last "stores" in the shopping block. Also in that block is a restaurant/jazz(?) club (proper dress) which bluerunner usually recommends for nightly entertainment. I'm sure he'll pop back in here after his holiday trip, and name these places...
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Soul on Eleven