• From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Topic: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

Hey guys,

I'll be going to the Durham show this fall with one of the meet and greet packages. Can anybody walk me through the meet and greet process with average times that things get rolling and the normal rules of the road. We are staying at a hotel close to the venue and I'm wondering if I'll have time to run things back to the hotel after the M&G. We are also travelling by train so that may limit what I bring. This is a new experience for me and I would like to be prepared as possible. Thanks everyone in advance.

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.

2 Reply by misthunter210 (edited by misthunter210 2016-07-09 12:16:02)

  • From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

Tamara said to contact her in October for final details. . Like you were saying I Planned on making reservations for dinner either before or after and would also like to take the signed items back to the hotel room so I don't have to lug them around during the show. Does he normally have a pretty good merchandise booth setup with reasonable prices or is it better to buy stuff before the concert on the site?

p.s doubt I get tongue tied but if I do your getting an honorable mention. I've never done a meet and greet with a band and never had the opportunity or desire to approach a celebrity so it will be interesting.

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.
  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2015-08-25
  • Posts: 148

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

We did a meet and greet in April.  We were instructed to be at the entrance at 5:00 and then got the run down on what to do and not do.  The line moved fairly quickly through and there was a lot of time to go back to our hotel to drop off the items we had signed and then get back for the show.  But as everyone will tell you, make sure you are back on time because Joe will start the show at EXACTLY 8:00!

4 Reply by misthunter210 (edited by misthunter210 2016-07-10 12:01:47)

  • From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

leanne wrote:

We did a meet and greet in April.  We were instructed to be at the entrance at 5:00 and then got the run down on what to do and not do.  The line moved fairly quickly through and there was a lot of time to go back to our hotel to drop off the items we had signed and then get back for the show.  But as everyone will tell you, make sure you are back on time because Joe will start the show at EXACTLY 8:00!

Thanks for the reply Leanne. I'll have to pick up the tickets too before the show since I got the dvd package.

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.

5 Reply by ohiodawg13 (edited by ohiodawg13 2016-07-10 14:03:16)

  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

Well 10 years ago the process went something like this. Happen to walk up to the casino venue in Lake Tahoe as Joe's bus pulls up just after lunch. Walk inside to pick up my will called ticket to beat the showtime rush. Over hear his former road mgr. asking if they have stagehands to help load in. When I hear they don't I offer my assistance and road mgr. says wow, you'd do that? Me, why not? Takes all of 10 minutes to roll all the gear into the stage area. Road mgr. says thanks man, why don't you come by about 4:30 to meet Joe after sound check. I show up and Joe finishes tweaking the sound and we meet. He lets me stick my head in his guitar vaults and we guitar talk for a bit. After that I pull out my copy of Bloodline and ask him to autograph it, Joe says wow a blast from the past as the autograph reads. Then he asks me where I'm from and tell him Benicia, Ca. in the North Bay Area. He has no clue so I ask him if he uses any Dunlop products that are made here. Joe: Dude do you know those guys? Me: The whole family Joe: Can you hook me up? Me: I'll see what I can do. The rest of that conversation is history now. Then his road mgr. sends me off with an arm load of SWAG. Ahh, I miss those simpler days!

                                                                                           Think Green,

                                                                                           J Dawg

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint

6 Reply by timb (edited by timb 2016-07-10 17:02:06)

  • timb
  • timb
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  • From: Central Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-05-09
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Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

misthunter210 wrote:
leanne wrote:

We did a meet and greet in April.  We were instructed to be at the entrance at 5:00 and then got the run down on what to do and not do.  The line moved fairly quickly through and there was a lot of time to go back to our hotel to drop off the items we had signed and then get back for the show.  But as everyone will tell you, make sure you are back on time because Joe will start the show at EXACTLY 8:00!

Thanks for the reply Leanne. I'll have to pick up the tickets too before the show since I got the dvd package.

I've done a few. Show up at "will call" a bit before 5. I've always done that and gotten my tickets first.

Then Joe's merchandising manager (Bob Witt I think) will show up with a list of names and armbands. He'll give you the rules:

- two item limit, not including any the pics that benefit KTBA
  - they usually have 8x10 pics you can buy (benefits KTBA) to get signed, $20 each.
  - he won't sign people or prosthetic devices
- he's a guitarist, not a hockey player. No crushing handshakes. smile
- save your life story. Send it in an email
- When it's your turn, give your camera to Clay, and he will take 1 picture per group.
- if you're bringing a guitar, they'll want it out of the case when you get in line to save time
  - if you want the case itself signed, still have the guitar out
- Joe will have his own pens. I've seen black and silver.
  - no paint-pens.

ask any followups if you'd like, but this along with the others' comments cover it pretty well.

Then he will find your name on the list, and give you an armband. Bring a copy of Tamara's email as a backup, but I've never been left off the list.

After everyone has wristbands, he will have everyone with an armband line up starting at a portable backdrop for the pictures. Then Joe will show up, and they'll start the meeting and greeting. The last time there were lots of people to get through, so I think it was only 30 seconds or so.

timb's Website

  • From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

Thanks everyone for the replies. Does Joe have a nice merchandise booth setup before the meet and greet and if so how are the prices?

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.
  • From: Washington State
  • Registered: 2015-08-25
  • Posts: 148

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

misthunter210 wrote:

Thanks everyone for the replies. Does Joe have a nice merchandise booth setup before the meet and greet and if so how are the prices?

We picked up our tickets around 3:00 and returned at 5:00 (also had the dvd package).  They did have merch set up but they were also selling nice 8 1/2 x 11 photos of Joe for $10 that he will sign and the proceeds go to his Keeping the Blues Alive charity.

  • Registered: 2013-04-05
  • Posts: 157

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

misthunter210 wrote:

Thanks everyone for the replies. Does Joe have a nice merchandise booth setup before the meet and greet and if so how are the prices?

We weren't allowed to buy anything from the merch table. The 8x10 they sell is petty cool though. A lot of people brought their own stuff, guitars, guitar cases, picture frames, ect...   Just a heads up, you are only allowed one picture per GROUP not per person..... And we're seating with everyone else from the M&G, 10th row center. Ended up being a great seat to have and enjoy the show. I'd say it was worth every penny since you got the DVD's and great seats AND the M&G

  • timb
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  • From: Central Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-05-09
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Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

leanne wrote:
misthunter210 wrote:

Thanks everyone for the replies. Does Joe have a nice merchandise booth setup before the meet and greet and if so how are the prices?

We picked up our tickets around 3:00 and returned at 5:00 (also had the dvd package).  They did have merch set up but they were also selling nice 8 1/2 x 11 photos of Joe for $10 that he will sign and the proceeds go to his Keeping the Blues Alive charity.

They're $20 now. I don't think they sell merchandise during the M&G, since Bob is busy running that, but maybe if they had something specific you wanted signed and had exact change, it's worth asking. For example, in providence RI my son wanted the venue-specific poster, and we bought that later. Had I known about it during the M&G and that my kid wanted one, I'd have asked quickly if he could grab one for me to get signed.

The last M&G felt a bit rushed, but they had a lot of people to get through. Since it's a bonus add-on for most, with the real perk being the artist-reserved show passes, I didn't mind.

timb's Website

  • From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

timb wrote:
leanne wrote:
misthunter210 wrote:

Thanks everyone for the replies. Does Joe have a nice merchandise booth setup before the meet and greet and if so how are the prices?

We picked up our tickets around 3:00 and returned at 5:00 (also had the dvd package).  They did have merch set up but they were also selling nice 8 1/2 x 11 photos of Joe for $10 that he will sign and the proceeds go to his Keeping the Blues Alive charity.

They're $20 now. I don't think they sell merchandise during the M&G, since Bob is busy running that, but maybe if they had something specific you wanted signed and had exact change, it's worth asking. For example, in providence RI my son wanted the venue-specific poster, and we bought that later. Had I known about it during the M&G and that my kid wanted one, I'd have asked quickly if he could grab one for me to get signed.

The last M&G felt a bit rushed, but they had a lot of people to get through. Since it's a bonus add-on for most, with the real perk being the artist-reserved show passes, I didn't mind.

They have venue specific posters? That would be awesome to have signed. That would be a little more personal. I would love to have one of them for my music room.  I'll ask Tamara about it when I message her.

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.
  • timb
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Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

misthunter210 wrote:

They have venue specific posters? That would be awesome to have signed. That would be a little more personal. I would love to have one of them for my music room.  I'll ask Tamara about it when I message her.

They did for PPAC in Providence. I didn't see any for The Hanover in Worcester, but I wasn't really looking.

timb's Website

  • From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

Can anybody give me a quick answer. I'm worried since I'll be going to the Black Friday show in a Durham that I will need reservations at restaurants. If I'm told to be at the meet and greet at 5, is it expected to be done before 6pm? The place we are going to eat is right next to the venue so there will be no real travel time. Thanks for anyone that can answer.

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.
  • From: Maryland
  • Registered: 2012-05-13
  • Posts: 2,790

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

misthunter210 wrote:

Can anybody give me a quick answer. I'm worried since I'll be going to the Black Friday show in a Durham that I will need reservations at restaurants. If I'm told to be at the meet and greet at 5, is it expected to be done before 6pm? The place we are going to eat is right next to the venue so there will be no real travel time. Thanks for anyone that can answer.

M&G often run late. It depends on when Joe shows up and how many people in line. If you are at the front of the line you should be done by 6, but no guarantee if you are at the back.

  • From: Central North Carolina
  • Registered: 2014-12-31
  • Posts: 166

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

nmagcorn wrote:
misthunter210 wrote:

Can anybody give me a quick answer. I'm worried since I'll be going to the Black Friday show in a Durham that I will need reservations at restaurants. If I'm told to be at the meet and greet at 5, is it expected to be done before 6pm? The place we are going to eat is right next to the venue so there will be no real travel time. Thanks for anyone that can answer.

M&G often run late. It depends on when Joe shows up and how many people in line. If you are at the front of the line you should be done by 6, but no guarantee if you are at the back.

Thanks Natasha.

Guitars: Gibson 2015 LP Traditional in Honeyburst, Gibson LP Studio Deluxe, Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, MIM Fender Strat with Dimarzio Areas, MIM Fender Hss Strat,  Epiphone Sheraton II, Breedlove Acoustic
Amplitube 4 with Scarlett 6i6 and 2i4 interfaces through studio monitors.
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

misthunter210 wrote:
nmagcorn wrote:
misthunter210 wrote:

Can anybody give me a quick answer. I'm worried since I'll be going to the Black Friday show in a Durham that I will need reservations at restaurants. If I'm told to be at the meet and greet at 5, is it expected to be done before 6pm? The place we are going to eat is right next to the venue so there will be no real travel time. Thanks for anyone that can answer.

M&G often run late. It depends on when Joe shows up and how many people in line. If you are at the front of the line you should be done by 6, but no guarantee if you are at the back.

Thanks Natasha.

Last nights last line started at 5:30 and was done by 5:55. About 60 people in and out quick

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
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  • DougH
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Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

wow 60 people .. Ron
think the biggest I've heard was about 75.

Karen told us in Toronto they only had 12 for the MnG..
yet there were 6 of us around the corner in the restaurant in Toronto that would have loved to gone to the MnG..
I would have brought my Sienna burst Strat to sign..
Wonder why so little at the countries largest city.. an a average size AM city gets 60 .. hmm

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

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)

18 Reply by Jem 777 (edited by Jem 777 2016-11-22 20:19:06)

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-17
  • Posts: 74

Re: Walkthrough of the Meet and Greet Process

I was at the meet & greet in Kitchener on Nov 15th and it was a really small group .. just 6 of us.
There was no line up, just the group of us taken backstage by the merchandise manager? (didn't catch his name?).
We were told not more than 2 items for signing, but Joe did sign several vinyl records for one fan, probably because we were such a small group. He signed my guitar for me so I was ecstatic about that as well as my blu ray box set.
I did not see any 8x10 photos for purchase or I would have bought one or two for sure.
It was incredibly exciting thing for my wife & I, we have never done a celebrity meet & greet before. But alas it was over in a flash. Oh .. and Joe's mum and dad were there, I completely missed that, my wife pointed it out or I would have said hello.

1998 Ovation CS247 Celebrity Deluxe
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