This is a special episode featuring International Society of Bassists 2017 Convention Chair and Artistic Director Nicholas Walker discussing plans for the upcoming convention.  This 50th anniversary convention looks like it will be outstanding, with several new developments unique to this event.  Enjoy! International Society of Bassists 2017 Convention  June 5-10 at Ithaca College, New York Other ISB-related interviews you may enjoy include: Douglas Mapp - current president of the ISB Madeleine Crouch - general manager of the ISB Tentative Convention Details Headliners Confirmed: Sébastien Dubé Etienne LaFrance Christian McBride Gary Karr (keynote speech) Tentative: Edgar Meyer Renaud Garcia-Fons 2015 Competition Winner Recitals Mike Forfia Sam Suggs 2017 Competitions will take place Sunday and Monday (6/4 and 6/5) Competition Chair - Sandor Ostlund Opening Night Celebration on June 5 June 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 - convention days Young Bassists Program organized by Gaelen McCormick Adult Learner Double Bass Program organized by Elizabeth Steves Tentative plans with Chicago Symphony principal bass Alex Hanna for a daily hourlong "orchestra repertoire throwdown" Joel Quarrington - Friday night recital a time each day where we all work out on the bass together - led by David Allen Moore dozens of presenters call for presentations will go out soon philosophical approach to the 50th anniversary convention great talk with Gary Karr about the ISB 50 years ago compared to today what connects us is that we all love and play the bass coming into contact with the instrument is one of the themes Nicholas would like to dwell on for this convention make sure that there’s something at the convention for everyone opportunity to geek out on very specific topics get the luminaries of our bass world there - we covered this topic in our Douglas Mapp interview probably have a session where people can sit down and talk with Gary Karr about his life and career the halls are fantastic - great acoustics for bass Grammy-winning sound recording technology specialist Brian Dozoretz will be recording events at the convention Brian has recorded numerous luminaries in the bass world the convention will take place mostly in one building - vendors, sessions, etc. spaces for impromptu jams after hours event on campus at the pub Ithaca is within driving distance of most of the major Northeast population centers: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cleveland, etc. bass rental/borrowing for those traveling from far away—like Zipcar for basses