I had read in an earlier thread that Les Paul plays every Monday night at Iridium and that he would sign autographs after the show. I am going to NYC in May and would love to bring back an autograph for my husband, but here is my problem.
The people I am travelling with are definitely not jazz or blues fans and we have a limited amount of time in NYC. Is it possible to get into the Iridium after the show to get an autograph? My husband would be so surprised and treasure it forever! I am not trying to be disrespectful to the artists who play there and if I had more time I would love to check out a performance. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

Hello? Anybody out there have any answers. I would really appreciate some feed-back.

I doubt anyone here has tried to get in the club and procure an autograph without having seen the show, and I doubt it's feasible without a plan. I suggest calling the Iridium and asking.

If you want an autograph from the man who invited the electric guitar to give to your husband who would "treasure it forever" -- and if you are "not trying to be disrespectful" to this important artist, then it surely is a small price to pay for you to buy a ticket and go get an autograph after the show. If you don't want to do that, then I'm sure you could write him and just ask for one. By your own admittance, this autograph is a thing of value, and his price for giving it is paid admission to his show. Sounds like the answer to your missive is obvious to anyone who respects art.

While I absolutely agree that artists like Les Paul are entitled to their due, Atilla's problem here is that she can't drag her traveling companions to hear the show (philistines!) and their time is short. It's also questionable whether she should undertake the trip to the Iridium alone after the show. And reservations are probably needed.

Here's what I suggest: call the Iridium and ask if you can come in toward the end of his show -- that you are more than willing to pay the admission fee even though won't be able to be there for the entire show -- and perhaps convince another member of your group who might want to consider Paul's importance in musical history to come with you and pay admission for your husband's sake. He/she might actually enjoy his mellow sound!!!

Finally, Les Paul not only was a pioneer re: the electric guitar but made over-dubbing (in effect, recording yourself as you play and sing along with a prior recording of yourself) a basis of modern musical recording technique. A gratuitous comment: how is it gangsta rap is creating celebrated "heroes" and no one knows about this man -- we finally got Doc Watson recognition at the Grammies, how long will it take?

Thankyou cassandra. You are absolutely right and I am more than willing to pay for this privelege, my problem is time.
tandoori girl: I do respect art and my original question pointed that out. My husband is also an artist so I know first hand how hard it is to get respect let alone an income from such an endeavor. Money was never the issue.

Why don't you check out ebay? they probably have tons of signed memorabilia for Les Paul.

good thinking bugswife!

atilla,
They sell T-shirts etc. that Les will autograph - I bought 3 of them and he personalized every one. I framed one of them along with a photo taken at the same time with our family. Some people even brought their guitars for him to sign. I do believe that you may be able to purchase some things on line at Iridium's web site.
To answer your original question, I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to just show up after the performance and get an autograph. Why don't you just go to the show, My wife and I went with our teen-age sons and they got a huge kick out of it. He really crosses all music forms. One funny story - Les kept talking about his friendship with Bing Crosby throughout the show. Afterward my younger son asked me "Who's Bing Crosby?"

Thank you JoeG, great information and funny story. I think I may have to reprioritize and catch the show. Sounds like something well worth seeing.

How 'bout surprising your husband with a trip to NYC for his B-day or V-day and bring him to meet Les in person?

Hi Loki
As much as I would love to do that, it is not logistically possible at this time. We are spending his B-Day in Jasper Canada and unfortunately, can't travel as much as we would like to.
I have had second thoughts though and have decided to buy tickets for Les Paul's show (very much looking forward to it) and I am taking one of my travelling companions along with me.
So, new question, is it advisable to buy the tickets in advance, does it sell out? I will be there Monday May 17th.
Thanks for all the in-put!

atilla,
Go to their website >www.iridiumjazzclub.com/< You can purchase tickets on line. You'll have a great time in the presence of a living legend. Bring your camera.
JoeG

Thanks again JoeG. You obviously had a fabulous time and I'm betting that I will too, with camera in hand!