All this talk of adult playdays and learner gigs has got me thinking...

Basically (even though it says young uns) it could be an event to showcase talent in the forums. Whether that be your children or yourself, it would just be an opportunity to play in front of some appreciative people. ( At least thats the way I envisage it )

I have absolutely no experience in running things like this and not sure I would have the time to run it alone, but I thought it might be a nice idea to stick out there if someone is willing to either co-conspirit or co-co conspirit it, and if they are they would have my full support

What does everyone think.

If an 'old one' can have a say.....

Generally 'Forum Concerts/Events' have been open to under 18s but uptake in this age group has been fairly low. Possibly it's a parental reluctance thing. You also need to consider that under 18s would need chaperoning (including yourself) unless somebody is prepared to jump through all the Child Protection hoops.
If you are planning an event you will need parents or some other responsible adult at least nominally in charge.

Ah fair enough then, ignore me. It was just that a lot of these are have the title adult learners, but if you don't mind taking a few u-18's then I will see if I can get down to one in the future...

The 'Adult Learners' concerts are what they say but usually other events are more open. It's up to the organisers. Another thing to bear in mind if you do want to organise something is that there's always the risk that you don't get enough uptake to cover your costs.

Don't be put off - it's not as negative an experience as it might sound!

I've sent you a PM and reckon we can find an event to go to but if you do want to try to organise something there are lots of people here who can help, and lots of 'younger' people (like myself, although I'm *cough* over 18 now!) who would like to see a slightly different format of event.

Musicstand's been going to forum events for a while now with me - Emsoboe is another young 'un who goes, and her sister has also been to a few. Emsoboe's friend has also been to one. If you came they could form a jazz sax trio

Celeste'll help you out a lot.

Take note of all that's been said above, one thing I've noticed that's missing (and it's quite an important one!) is which part of the UK this would be

For much of the second half of this year, I'll be very busy, but I'll try to advise if you want such advice.

What about a "parent with concert". That way the risk of a bunch of under 18s catching trains to meet a bunch of unknown people they have only met on the internet has been illiminated.

All correspondence from this point is normally done using the royal mail (although you can still be scammed)

There is a bunch of us who have met, and having that group at the heart with child performances highest priority, their accompanying parent second priority, the old-timers who are well known third priority (at least as soloists) and anyone else on 1st come 1st served.

Then a couple of ensembles.

Just thinking and typing... I know this not too different to what normally happens, but the imprtant performers are the children.

It might also be useful for anyone involved in child protection to give any final plans the once over to check all bases are covered before advertising.

Where it will be is very dependent on who the likely kids are and who the likely organisers are. Both of those groups need to be accommodated.

What normally happens is the parent has the contact with the scary forum people in advance. They attend the concert with the child to protect them from all those rogues who attend forum events.

The adult participants usually end up being very nice normal people who are interested in music making and are good role models for the kids you are protecting At least that's been our experience. I haven't met anyone yet who I would consider a threat and even if they did turn up to a forum event there would be plenty of responsible people there to see them off.

My girls are older teens now but when they were younger the big benefit from a forum event was getting together with like minded musicians whatever their age. It was good for them to see people developing their music and still being very interested as adults. It's also one of the few places where it's possible to play with other people of a similar standard whatever you standard happens to be.

I'm going to sound all stroppy but which part of the UK are you thinking of, SaxLad?

Ditto... To get anything like this off the ground there needs to be an organising group and a venue with suitable facilities and easy road/rail access for everyone who is most likely to take part.

Barry has had a hand in many of these (as has Katyjay) so making sure they could possibly be around and finding who your market it and approaching an adult forum member who could help you is your next obvious stage along with finding the venue.

Keep it accessible.