By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 06:28 pm:

OK gang, The fundraiser has a new name.
The official date for this incredible event is May 24 2003. I just got off the phone with Sista Millie. This is basically her show but she needs all the suggestions and help we can offer her. There have been some suggestions that seminars be held with Babbitt and Dennis and such, but it is my feeling that this first event be kept as simple and pure as possible.Lets just get as many musicians and record people together as possible and have a party. It's possible that this could turn into an annual event. If this should happen we could experiment with seminars and such.So this thread will serve as the official MCMR 2003 thread. Lets here your suggestons and those that are able, please offer help to Millie.This is going to be SOME event.

By John Lester (213.1.135.90 - 213.1.135.90) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 07:43 pm:

Ralph

Can I come please..I wont be any trouble...I promise..

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 07:52 pm:

John,
Please do come. You would be MOST wecome.

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 08:34 pm:

Since there is going to be a strong Golden World influence here, why don't we ask Barbara Mercer or someone of that ilk to perform.

By eli (152.163.207.213 - 152.163.207.213) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 08:42 pm:

Are the LOWLY Philly soulmen allowed to attend??
We will promise not to get in the way!!
We will only speak when spoken to.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 08:46 pm:

Bobby...Not only allowed, but EXPECTED. In fact in my phone converstion with Millie, she asked about you. I gave her some of your background and told her I was sure you would come. You would be a most honored guest my brother.

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 08:50 pm:

David,
It is Millie's plan as things progress to try and get as many entertainers as possible. Barbara would be terrific. Who knows what will transpire between now and next year.

By Eli (152.163.207.213 - 152.163.207.213) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 09:18 pm:

Ralph, last night I had dream that I was in Detroit in a place called Paris Studios??
and one of our Philly cohorts Richie Rome with his birds nest hair-do and all , along with Phil Hurtt, were in doing a remake of a Philly song caled Say You Love Me Too. The musicians sounded like the Funks. I told them I had to leave to go to Tera Shirma, which was located in a shopping mall next to a Pizza Hut!!!, but I was not sure if it was still there.
The engineers at Paris studio looked very "ofay" and I commented to Richie that it was "a good mix for a bunch of honkies!" And Tera Shirma should have been their studio of choice!!
A typical Eli dream, by the way.

By John Lester (213.1.133.110 - 213.1.133.110) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 09:28 pm:

Bobby.

I can see we are gonna have a lot of fun already!!

By Millie (166.90.231.47 - 166.90.231.47) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 10:05 pm:

Hey Everyone! We expect all you to be in the Motor City for this exciting event!! Whether you're in London, Philly, Glasgow, Hamtramck, or wherever, you are all welcome!! Those of you planning the trip to Detroit from ports around the world, please let me know if you'll be needing accomodations...we're thinking of holding our party at a hotel, and will reserve a block of rooms. We are all so excited about this event and hope that you are too! Imagine jamming with musicians you haven't seen since the 60's...think about it...OMG! Thanks so much to Ralph for giving our event its' own thread!!! Please support this reunion, afterall, it belongs to each one of you!

By soulboy (213.105.242.198 - 213.105.242.198) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 10:23 pm:

i'd give anything to be at an event such as this, sounds a great idea! make sure the Funks attend!

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 10:35 pm:

I would love to see Joanne and Ed Wingate there.

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 11:03 pm:

Bobby - your dream sounds just fine! I love that track by Charles Mann as well!

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 11:21 pm:

Bobby,
Can you send me a little of whatever it is you're smoking. The Pizza Hut will come in handy when it's munchie time.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 01:19 am:

Dear Millie, Ralph and all. Count me in. I will do everything that I can from Las Vegas. Which hotel were you thinking of??? This is going to be such a great event. Let me know what you need.

By thecount (65.56.184.95 - 65.56.184.95) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 01:49 am:

Wow,in only two weeks so much has changed on plans and facilities,I dont know wether to wind my ass,or scratch my watch.I would like to do everything and anything I can to help and promote,but what commities are there and will there be a board of directors?I stay in contact with EDDIE UNION,of THE VOLUMNS,and will pass this along to him.If you want my involvement,please let me know under "THE COUNT"thread,and any other issues of intrest.May 2003 just seeme so far away,it"s like waiting to hear your first recording on the radio. Steve "THE COUNT"

By Millie (209.244.88.81 - 209.244.88.81) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 03:35 am:

Hello DeAnne,
Thanks for your offer to help us out...I don't know what you can do from Las Vegas, however, your ideas and suggestions would be welcome. Maybe you can work on the "program" end of things...with Lee Alan as our MC, we need some ideas on how to manage the entertainment. Should we have a "house band" and have musicians sit in? It's still too early to know exactly who will be performing, i.e., The Reflections, The Contours, The Royaltones etc. I don't want to lose our focus. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much.
Millie

By Millie (209.244.88.81 - 209.244.88.81) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 03:40 am:

Hi Steve!
I'd rather you wind your watch! Of course I need you to work with us on this event! You've got great ideas, energy, and contacts, and you're an important part of this! At this point I've gotten together with Dennis Coffey and George Katsakis, Guy Gillis and Denny Cox. Let's you and I talk about your securing items for a "silent auction". Does that interest you? Your idea of getting the Harley to auction off is awesome. Give me a call this week and maybe we can manage to set a meeting with all of us. Thanks a lot, Steve.
Millie

By John Lester (213.1.137.57 - 213.1.137.57) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 06:48 am:

Millie....

I am seeing the Velvelettes this week, can I mention this to them?

What's a silent auction? Also, can I mention that there is stuff that some of you guys have in your garages and attics that us lot over here would die for. Demo 45's, song sheets, old reel to reel's, and things like that....I would hope we could have lots of music things in the auction cos that is what has brought us all together.

By Millie (65.59.41.149 - 65.59.41.149) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 03:46 pm:

John...
What a fabulous idea!!! I don't see why we can't have memorbilia for sale...let's talk more about it. Yes, please mention the reunion to the Velvelettes...we'd love to have them there! Besides, they belong there - they were an integral part of the Motown Sound in the 60's! Do you plan on coming to Detroit for our event?? I certainly hope so!!

A silent auction is where items are on display. If you'd like to make a bid on an item, you sign up with the amount you'd like to pay. After a certain amount of time (usually 15 minutes), whoever made the highest bid gets the item. Any other questions, just ASK MILLIE!! LOL

By John Lester (213.122.200.24 - 213.122.200.24) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 07:47 pm:

I would love to come...besides I still owe Ralph two COLD beers! If I don't come, he will think I am trying to get out of buying a drink!!

Ok, all you folks out there, go turn out your attics and find something to put in the auction...

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 08:10 pm:

John,
I'll be waiting to collect on those COLD beers pal. Hope to see you there.

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.229.223 - 212.137.229.223) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 08:44 pm:

hi count me in send me details by email, i want to meet bobby any way ,i will make it my annuel
holiday

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 09:39 pm:

Brian,
Just stay tuned to this thread. Anything regarding the plans for the MCMR will be posted here. I think this could be one vacation you won't forget.

By Ian W (213.122.143.24 - 213.122.143.24) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 09:44 pm:

Guys! Jeez, will this be the event to make me visit Detroit? I won't mention fear of flying, vicious missus etc. It sounds too good to be true!

By Dennis Coffey (62.30.112.2 - 62.30.112.2) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 10:54 pm:

Hi folks - speaking of cold and warm beers - I am here in London with BeeCool Publishing - Mike Ritson and Stuart Russell. I have been to two pubs already and I am having a great visit so far. They did a fantastic job on the book! I would like to invite the Northern Soul crowd over here to attend the event next year.

Dennis Coffey

By gittarpikker (205.188.192.171 - 205.188.192.171) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 04:32 am:

Please send the tickets today by Fed-EX!!

British Airways 6:15 pm flight out of Philly.
I had a dream about it last night, so makeit come true. I know you can do it. You're Dennis Coffey!!!

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.18.136 - 213.122.18.136) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 08:04 am:

I'm sure you ain't seen nothin' yet Dennis.

Have a ball in England!

By Eli (152.163.207.213 - 152.163.207.213) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 01:47 pm:

Dennis,
If you have a pint of Guiness, the way you can tell if it is fresh and directly from tap is:
take a key and put your initials into the foamy head and as you drink it if the initials stay there intact, you will know that is is the genuine article. This method was taugh to me by "pros" in a pub in the village of Cuckfield, not far from Brighton after watching a herd of sheep grazing outside of the recording studio where I was working at the time.

By Dennis Coffey (64.12.103.159 - 64.12.103.159) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 10:52 pm:

Hey Bobby, so far I am drinking some local ale. It tastes mighty good and is brewed near by.

Dennis Coffey

By Eli (205.188.198.32 - 205.188.198.32) on Monday, June 10, 2002 - 10:54 pm:

Where about are you?? Try that Guiness trick, as it truly works!! BTW- sorry about the weather!!

By Millie (209.244.90.103 - 209.244.90.103) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 02:35 am:

Hi Bobby!
Will you be joining us in Detroit next May for the world's largest musician's reunion? I really look forward to meeting you...Ralph's had nothing but good things to say about you and I can't wait to meet you in person!
Millie

By Eli (205.188.198.49 - 205.188.198.49) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 04:16 am:

I will be there in all my splendor, indeed. In fact, all of my alter egos will also be in attendance, although I haven't quite figured how to accomplish this feat, but maybe, just maybe i will pull it off!!
Thanks for the invite( Black Tie Optional)

By Rob & Fab (64.152.155.225 - 64.152.155.225) on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 05:50 pm:

Don't forget the ever present yalmulka!
MilliVanilli

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.167 - 63.96.230.167) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 04:08 am:

Hey Millie, you can count me being there and I'll pass the word.

By Millie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 08:19 pm:

Thanks Andy...we appreciate all the help we can get in spreading the word! Did you give my regards to Stewie?

By eli (205.188.197.174 - 205.188.197.174) on Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - 08:24 pm:

Wouldn't it be great if Esther would let us fire up the control room for old times sake??
After all, there are several us who are technically engineers, so why not. I am sure that they paid their electric bill.

By John Lester (213.1.133.125 - 213.1.133.125) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 10:21 am:

Great idea...get the Originals and the Andantes too

Then just make sure you got your boots on for that foot stompin' in the control room!!

One two three four STOMP STOMP STOMP

By Carl Dixon@melkman.com (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 10:35 am:

I can finger snap, and play a few chords on the piano and a very simple bass line (not at the same time mind). I would be happy to do some 'oooghs & aaghs' if needs be. I think I am a barrywhite or is is a baritone??

By P. Bismol (205.188.197.158 - 205.188.197.158) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 11:57 am:

Carl, it would be BARELY WHITE!!

i'll fix the hot dogs and beans as they did in Ptomaine Annies, but maybe keeping up with modern times it would be SUSHI!!

By PHILLYsoulman (205.188.197.158 - 205.188.197.158) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 - 11:59 am:

I am thriled that I can be an honourary member of the Motown Musos!!

By thecount (65.59.45.177 - 65.59.45.177) on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 04:56 pm:

NEEDED:does anybody have a good condition hollow body guitar they would like to donate to the 2003 reunion?I would like to start to KUSTOMIZE it and KUSTOM PAINT it ASAP and put it on tour at different locations and start with sale of raffle tickets as soon as project is complete.It could take me months to complete this as I am busy with other Special KUSTOM projects,but can do the Guitar in spare time.The sooner we can sell tickets,the more money we can raise,or am I out of line here? IF YOU CAN DONATE A GUITAR,strings not needed,neck must be straight. Send results to The Count .THANX

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 05:12 pm:

Nothing special, right Count? Just an old 335 laying around somewhere.

By thecount (65.59.45.177 - 65.59.45.177) on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 06:08 pm:

OKAY Ralph,that will do.Or a 1939 MARTIN D-39.Seriously,nothing of great value will be just fine,When I'am done with it,it will be worth hundreds.I KUSTOM paint some pretty KOOL guitars at times.I once cut the front end off a 1960 EDSEL and painted it MOTHER OF PEARL WHITE and installed PAUL REVIERS keyboards into it,with funtional headlites and horn.He was quite the nutzo in his time,and a very tight band.I have a 1957 FENDER PRECISION BASS I've kepy over the years,even though I dont play bass,so maybe I'll cut it up and paint it as the project. Steve "The Count"

By C. Bell/Eric (67.25.215.142 - 67.25.215.142) on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 09:04 pm:

Count,

Hey! Don't cut up that bass! I'll gladly trade you a project 1960 Fender Jazzmaster for it!

By Millie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 09:42 pm:

Hello Everyone!

We have a new date for the Musician's Reunion...the old date was a Saturday and most musicians work on Saturday nights, so we're just moving it one day later, to SUNDAY, MAY 25th! The good news is that it's Memorial Day weekend, so we'll all have Monday off! David, I hope this doesn't inconvenience you! A venue will be announced shortly.

Millie

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:06 pm:

Hi Millie

I'll be booking flights soon so if there is no more change then I'll be ok.

By Sue (152.163.204.211 - 152.163.204.211) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 10:47 pm:

David,
There'll be no more changes because you're one of the guys who has to be there!

By Millie (68.40.198.72 - 68.40.198.72) on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 12:04 am:

David,
There won't be any further changes...I didn't realize the original date was a Saturday night until George K pointed it out to me! We're in good shape now...a holiday weekend, you, the Funk Sisters...what else is there???!!!!!

Millie

By Ed Wolfrum (165.247.228.23 - 165.247.228.23) on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 12:30 am:

I think it is a bit much to ask the artists to perform.

This is supposed to be a party, not a show. Let's just allow the gang to get together again, have a nice meal together and enjoy one another's company without having to fight the noise of a performance.

I am honored that the guys from Europe want to join us, but please, just let's get together for the fun of a party. Not a show. The professionals get paid for that!!! At least not for the first time.

Those are my thoughts.

By Millie (68.40.198.72 - 68.40.198.72) on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 01:05 am:

Hello Ed!
Your thoughts are well taken...we don't really want a party that's too structured...if anyone wants to play, they can...I encourage the musicians to bring their instruments. I agree with you regarding having an affair that encourages schmoozing, eating, whatever...it's meant to be a reunion...people seeing people they haven't seen in years. However, it's the music that's brought us all together, and I think it should be an integral part of party.

Did you get my message this afternoon? Please give me a call tonight if possible. (248) 701-4395...cell.

Millie