General Discussion - CarverFest 2026

[sea 681]

CarverFest 2026 - This is number 20.  Wow! The first was in 2007.

 

Carverfest 2026 will stretch from September 9 to September 23, 2026.  This will be Twentieth time we have gathered to honor Bob Carver's contributions to the high-end audio world.  We will be hosted again by Stonewood Cabins at their Watershed Resort about 6 miles outside of Bryson City NC.

 

We are hopeful for a good turnout.  The resort owners are promising some special events in recognition of the milestone.  As always, we remain hopeful that Bob and Peggy Carver will attend.

Edited January 27 by sea

[sea 681]

For many years we had T-Shirts made every year.  We have not done so for the past few years, but I am thinking with this being Number 20 perhaps we should.  Is there anyone out there that would volunteer to coordinate this effort?

[Kurt 3,216]

On 1/27/2026 at 4:55 PM, sea said:

For many years we had T-Shirts made every year.  We have not done so for the past few years, but I am thinking with this being Number 20 perhaps we should.  Is there anyone out there that would volunteer to coordinate this effort?

I'll help. I can propose artwork/design for the t-shirt. Here's what I got using ChatGPT for 5 minutes (not a bad start, would look good on a black colored shirt, kind of like a band concert T ).... I'm open to suggestions.

 

 

Edited January 29 by Kurt

[Kurt 3,216]

Or maybe something a little more "tech" heavy... lol.

[Rob 6,276]

I like both of those. Wonder if Bob would allow a photo of him somewhere in there? 

Edited January 29 by Rob

[Nahash5150 10,984]

5 hours ago, Rob said:

I like both of those. Wonder if Bob would allow a photo of him somewhere in there? 

 

With a knife...

[shortcake 73]

For those of us who may not be able to make it, we would LOVE to be included on the ordering. As always, we hope to be able to make it, but the long drive isn't something some of us can make due to health reasons, or other commitments, but we are always still there in heart and soul. Keep me posted if shirts are developed (any time).

[sea 681]

Thank you, Carollee.  Just keep watching this thread.  I also hope it works out that you and Harry can attend.

[Kurt 3,216]

9 hours ago, Rob said:

I like both of those. Wonder if Bob would allow a photo of him somewhere in there? 

 

 

If you can imagine it, AI can draw it.  

 

[Kurt 3,216]

or maybe like this.... 

 

 

 

[sea 681]

I like it but again, I am not sure that screen printing can do a good job on such a detailed graphic.  Ed

[Kurt 3,216]

20 hours ago, sea said:

I like it but again, I am not sure that screen printing can do a good job on such a detailed graphic.  Ed

Understood and agreed, Ed.  I can make simpler versions.  And, if you want, I can be in charge of the overall T-shirt coordination, too.  I have some time available this summer and can easily manage it. 

 

I would need to get more input on the design, though.  I certainly don't have the history that you all have.   I'd want to make sure the Carverfest founders and usual attendees can relate to the design.

[AndrewJohn 10,866]

On the other side of the spectrum..., for me, I'm pretty subtle.  Polo shirt with a very subtle breast-located single text word or two identifying the event and date.  I love it when people have to "ask" me about the story behind something subtle. 😉   I can wear that anywhere - church, golf, out to dinner, ...

 

I've kind of outgrown (literally and in my head) the big flashy rock concert t-shirts.  But that's just me.  But I might also not be alone.

 

@Kurt, don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings - that artwork is awesome!  I'd love a frameable poster of one.  Your ChatGPT skills are way beyond average!

 

 

[Kurt 3,216]

AJ, I thought about that, too.  A more "mature" shirt of some kind.  I'll leave it up to the gang.  Maybe I can run a poll here on the site to get the design input.  I'll put something together. 

 

As an aside, Jim had made some t-shirts back when he was still running the Carver business.  I bought a couple and wore one to Carverfest 2 years ago and one to Axpona.  Nice shirts.  Lots of people wondered where I got them.  I think there'd be a demand for Carver t-shirts even outside of Carverfest- here on this site and the FB site.   Not a huge demand.  And, I'm not really wanting to get into the t-shirt making business.  But, maybe we could make up a batch and sell them at a little profit which would help finance the site?  Just an idea.

[Rob 6,276]

When I was a participant years ago with a jet ski club that made an annual trip down the Michigan shoreline and collected donations for the leader Dogs school near Detroit. Every year we had both types of shirts available. T’s and Polo’s 

 

That way people had a couple choices. Don’t know how much of a problem it would be to offer that being it is a special year. I’m still the Concert T-shirt kinda guy. 
 

And possibly a sublimation process would make a better print? 

Edited January 31 by Rob

[Kurt 3,216]

Something like this @AndrewJohn ??  

  

 

[AndrewJohn 10,866]

5 hours ago, Kurt said:

Something like this @AndrewJohn ??  

 

I'm good with anything you choose.  Once chosen, I may or may not purchase one.

 

Like you, I have no interest in going into the t-shirt business - been there, done that.  Taking orders, dealing with complaints, (there always are unsatisfied).  And the stock minimums.

 

I'll send you a PM with more data I have from experience on this.

[The Raven 508]

@Kurt The captain's hat is great! Though I agree, it might be hard for the printer to print right with all the details. Personally, my vote is for the T-shirt. Nice and comfy lol

[Rob 6,276]

I’ve seen some sublimation printing that is pretty amazing compared to the regular old silkscreen. 

[Kurt 3,216]

 

16 hours ago, Rob said:

I’ve seen some sublimation printing that is pretty amazing compared to the regular old silkscreen. 

 

I've generated a somewhat simpler image for a T-shirt see below. I think we could make this work.