New Philadelphia, OHIO: Celebration 2008 Steel Guitar Show

[Rick Troyer]

This year saw 2 new staff band members . Chaz Mechenbier and Sam Hoof from Columbus . For not ever working a show like this they seemed to know exactly what was needed . Great job guys .
As good as it was to have these two great additions, the talents of Mr. Chuck Spires was greatly missed . Feel better soon my friend . Hope to see you again at the 2010 show .
In addition to these great staffers there were a couple of surprise players from the guests . Linda Torre from the Athens area was there to help out on the keys and did a great job . And really saved the day on Sunday as Greg was performing at another concert Sunday morning and Brian Burrell was crammed for time between jobs as well . Thanks Linda ! The other guest was Kitty Watts from Nashville. Kitty's been coming to the shows for the past several years making it an event as well as reunion . Somehow Phil Perry managed to get her to play drums for his set . She did an awesome job for him and her smile is contagious . Thanks Kitten ! (still more )

[Rick Troyer]

Well that leaves us the artists . The reason the the people turn out for these shows .
Mike Meese. From the National Anthem to start the Saturday show to great arrangements of tunes backed up by his band "Broken Reign" . Pro all the way !
Wayne Hetzler . Wonderful set with his wife on vocals and bass and band mate Jake Jacoby on guitar . I can always count on Wayne to get me with his "Jimmy Crawford Chicken Pickin'" lick . One of these days I'm gonna learn that thing . Probably not but I can dream !
Al Moss . New to the show . What a fresh sound With his band mate Bill Watson on upright bass. Al is a member of "Hillbilly Idol" a great regional band specialising in "Rock a billy" . Al brought plenty of that and a whole lot more plus vocals!
Dick Cochran. So good to have him back on the show after an 8 year absense . With his wife on vocals and rhythm guitar as well as a stage of his friends and band mates it was a perfect setting for a classic set . Classics from Tom Brumley to Dick Curliss and Bob Wills. Loved it !
Jim Thompson . A great set as always . And another guest I forgot to mention ,Jennifer Jean on bass . And to close his set a tribute to his hero and friend, "Look at Us" . Nerves of steel . I just cried .
Chuck Campbell . What dedication ! 2 days after surgery he's on stage playin' his heart out . Classic tones and great songs with help on vocals from his "younger" brother Sam . Super guy and player . Hope to see you at your show this year .
Well that's all for now . It's going on 2 AM . Time to get some sleep . I'll try to finish up tomorrow . If you missed the show this description does in no way do it justice .You've got to experience it ! (more to follow ) RT

[Rick Troyer]

I'm back ........
Mike Sigler. What can you say that hasn't already been said ? A wonderful set . Featuring of course his lightening fast speed. But allot of feeling in his ballads as well . Best tone I've heard him have . And it's always good ! Also nice to see Sally looking so well . 2 genuine good folks .
Herby Wallace. As most of you know Herby is my personal favorite steel player on the planet . So my observations may be biased . In my opinion I felt he played better than I had heard him since the stroke . Even "All of Me" and "Home in Indiana" were excellent and although not full "Herby" speed , very lively . Definate signs that he is still on the road of recovery. I get pretty emotional when I think of what he must be going through . Just imagine not being able to do the things that at one time were so effortless . I am SO thankful for his dedication and drive not to give up . Keep pickin' Herby ! As always it was great to see Bunny (his wife) by his side . Sorry I didn't get much time to socialize this show . Look forward to seeing you at someone elses show so I can just hang out with you guys .
Scotty . The "World Ambassador of the Steel Guitar". Or as Uncle Don put it, The "God Father" of the Steel . It amazes me how he coaxes those Byrd and Little Roy tones out of that "Scotty" Frypan . The impromptu interview with He and Mr. Helms was priceless . The wealth of knowledge that was on the stage between those 2 may not be equaled anywhere . Even though Scotty was not at 100%, as his leg and hip were bothering him he still made the show . Humbling ! Thanks to Mary and DeWitt for making the trip as well . I'm sure it's a comfort to Scotty knowing you were on the bass DeWitt. And Mary we could never keep Scotty in line without you ! ha ha ha ha ...

[Rick Troyer]

Still more !!!
Sonny Curtis. Was it just me or is Sonny coming out of his shell ? The first time Sonny did our show he said very few words . This show he was telling jokes and cutting up like Joe Wright .......well not that bad! Seriously though what a wonderful job. Classic tone! You thought you were at a George or Tammy recording . So nice to see his wife Barbara again. She was looking great and seemed to be doing fine after a tuff year of health issues and the loss of her Mother . Hope she finds her song again and favors us with a few selections ! Two classy people .
Dave Decker. What an enjoyable set! From "Nameless Shuffle" to "Dance With Me" . All performed to perfection by he and the band he assembled .Whatever the "it" is that we talk about when we describe someone's playing , he has "it" . Not only a great show but a hard working staff member . Not sure but he may of had to take his own equiptment back to the room . ha ha ha ha .
Don Helms . One simply must be there in person to feel the presence of such a legend . Not only is he still playing great at age 81, but to understand that here is the man and the steel that started a revolution of sounds for the steel guitar is to know why everyone, even Scotty pays tribute to his accomplishments . As if that weren't enough , He and Miss Hazel are just the sweetest ! 63 years together and still in love . God Bless them both !
Well I'm Fading fast . Another long day but I'm getting back a little each day . I'll finish the report tomorrow . Joe and Buck are on deck . RT

[KENNY KRUPNICK]

It's always good to see Sonny. Now we need a basket of chips,and a bowl of salsa.

[Rick Troyer]

Where was I ??????????
Oh yeah,Theawfuless! No matter how many times I've seen his act Joe still cracks me up ! He had the crowd and staff roarin' with laughter . What a great entertainer ! Oh by the way he plays great steel guitar . Perhaps his entertaining majesty over shadows his playing to the general public . But he was flat out rippin' that steel guitar . Not only the rock things that he's noted for but great country chops as well . During the "super jam" I was impressed everytime he took a ride whether it was a country ballad or a swing tune . He played great and more "comercial" country sounding than I ever heard him play . One highlight was when he suggested they all (Buck, Mike and Joe) play "Look At Us" for "Poppa John" . Pure emotion . A side we don't often see from Joe . Man he made me feel it ! Great to meet his wife Connie . I didn't get to spend allot of time with them but those who did Commented on how nice she was . Thanks to the both of them for making the show !
Last but certainly not least, Mr. Buck Reid . I guess if you love the great styles of a Buddy Emmons,Jimmy Crawford, Curly Chalker Maybe a little Jimmy Day thrown in here and there you'd have to love Buck ! What a player ! Great emotion from his ballads like "Kelsey's Song" that he wrote for his daughter . And incredible speed and accuracy on his C6th tunes like "Eastern Swing" and "Scrapple From the Apple" . Not to mention Fire alarm triggering speed on his E9th tunes like "Alabama Jubilee" . And as amazing as he plays he's even a nicer person . So humble and gracious . Gotta love him !
Well that's all for this show . If you missed it you missed one of the best we've ever had Top to bottom . Make plans for 2010 . It will be here before you know it ! RT

[Mike Meese]

Rick, your playing on Friday during the jam was great but you're set with the Clarks during the Sunday gospel hour was some of the best music I've heard EVER!! The show is and always has been a success because of you. Scotty knows what he's talkin' 'bout!
We all love you.

[Mike Meese]

I certainly agree with your review. Everyone played great and it was a pleasure to be there. 2010 will be here soon.

[Glen E. Lanning]

I am now back home. I don't need to repeat all the good things said about the steelers. What a weekend! Rick and the Clark Family were a welcome addition. It let Rick "shine" and even though I have heard him many times, I thought he was on top of it with the Clark Family.
Thanks for letting me be a small part of a great weekend!!!

[Bob Taillefer]

Rick and staff, we want to thank you for a great weekend! The level of musicianship was very high and we are looking forward to 2010!!!

Bob and Debra

[Herby Wallace]

Well, I must say that Rick Troyer has pulled off another great show. I have played everyone of Rick's shows since they started in 1996 and I must say they are some of the finest steel guitar shows in the Country. First, Rick is one of the finest people I have ever known as a person and he is a fantastic musician too. Everything about his shows are first class in every way. The band was great and this helps me even more than I can tell you after having a stroke 2 years ago. In other words, even though my playing is still not 100%, the better the band the better it makes me play. I attempted some tunes at this show, because I had confidence that the band would be there for me and, believe me, they were. Next, the crew that works for Rick is the best I have ever seen for getting our equipment on and off stage. I have done some shows where I had to carry everything myself and by the time I was set up ready to play, I was worn out. The venue and location was excellent. The lineup of players was great, so believe me, if you missed this show, you missed a great one. I better shut up now, but I get carried away when I talk about Rick Troyer and his steel guitar show.

Herby Wallace