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Topic: steelin for hearts 16 |
Jay Jessup
From:
Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Posted 19 Jan 2004 1:44 pm |
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| I haven't been on the forum much recently, is the Steel Jam at the Birchmere on this year? I seems like it should be coming up soon if it is. |
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Chris Forbes
From:
Beltsville, MD, USA
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Posted 20 Jan 2004 3:19 am
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| I believe it's usually in the spring, isn't it? But the good news is I won't be playing at it so it'll be safe to attend!!!! |
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Dave Van Allen
From:
Souderton, PA , US , Earth
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Posted 20 Jan 2004 12:31 pm
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| usually 'round Easter time. Haven't heard anything about it yet from Dean Black... maybe I'll give that boy a call |
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Chris Forbes
From:
Beltsville, MD, USA
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Posted 21 Jan 2004 3:16 am
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| I hope he's enjoying the weather down there more than I am up here. I called one of my buddies that used to work with him in Myrtle Beach and he was complaining because it was down to 45, he got no sympathy from me. |
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Jay Jessup
From:
Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Posted 26 Jan 2004 10:57 am
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For some reason I thought it happened in January last year but I do seem to remember it being warm in the prior years up in Jessup (no relation) Md.
Since posting this thread I have received an unofficial note that it may not happen at all this year which would be a shame as it had turned into a wonderful event, very well run with some great music and great camraderie for DC area steel types from several eras.
If it is happening this year I would think the planning for it would have to be well underway by now, so someone should know about it.
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 27 Jan 2004 4:28 am
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| Traditionally, the show is in April. A number of people (myself included) complained about the last venue, Washington D.C.'s "Birchmere" club. I've attended all but two or three of the past fifteen shows, but I won't brave the idiocy of D.C. traffic and the poor service at the Birchmere, for another. |
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 27 Jan 2004 6:00 am
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For a counterpoint, let me say that I (and several others) have found the Birchmere to be far superior to the previous venue (basically a smoky bar) and know several people who will not go to Latella's but will gladly make the trip down to the Birchmere. I know Donny disagrees, but hey, that's what makes the world go round!  Anyway, I hope they keep the jam going, wherever it is. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 27 Jan 2004 1:54 pm
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I understand your feelings, Jim. You were a performer there, and had a hospitality room to adjourn to, replete with food and refreshments. On the other hand, I was in the audience, and got the attention a waiter twice in 5 hours.
Each of our opinions has validity.
The (theater-like) Birchmere is a great venue for just sitting and watching, and while I'd love to see someone like Judy Collins perform there, the atmosphere is far too cold and impersonal for what I feel a steel jam/show should be. The usual comraderie and society evident at steel shows just did not exist there for me. It was like listening to music in a library.
Latella's (I've been familiar with that place since the early '60s, when it was "Dairyland") is a dump, but it is a nice large dump, ideally suited to socialization and conversation.
I too, hope the show keeps going, and I thank Dean Black for all his efforts, and all the local steeler's for supporting the show!  |
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Gary Lee Gimble
From:
Fredericksburg, VA.
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Posted 27 Jan 2004 3:12 pm
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"had a hospitality room to adjourn to, replete with food and refreshments."
I supplied hand made bagels and whipped cream cheese and a medium bodied Zin that had just enough bite. This was last year and I don't believe Jim attended the last show. Anyway, I enjoy the theater like atmosphere and the lack of society schmoozing at the Birchmere was really not anyone's fault. Folks could have easily walked around to chat if they wanted to even though Birchmere management doesn't allow that during other events. Service must not have been that bad, Herby Wallace managed to purchase two bowls of 5 alarm chile during the course of the evening.
" nice large dump"
Well, not to make any interpretation out of context, your choice of words sums that joint up real well.
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Jay Jessup
From:
Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Posted 28 Jan 2004 10:06 am
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I think the Latella's vs the Birchmere topic was pretty fully explored in advance of the first year of the change. I have been to both for the shows and was able to get plenty of visiting in at both venues and I don't recall having any problems getting enough to eat or drink at either one, although I did miss last year and so didn't get to hear Gary Lee's set and Buddy C's one-of-a-kind bolt on Zum!
Anyway I am more interested in whether or not it's going to happen, Gary do you think Paul V would weigh in on this?
Jay |
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Chris Forbes
From:
Beltsville, MD, USA
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Posted 29 Jan 2004 3:21 am
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| I'll get a hold of Paul today and see what he says. |
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Paul E Vendemmia
From:
Olney Maryland Mongomery
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Posted 30 Jan 2004 12:54 pm
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sorry but no show for this year we need a break. And the birchmere is out they were a little on the rude side last year. Also the support was down by about 100 people it's hard to run a show like this with the lost of a hundred people. But if you want another show please let dean black know. And also let him know what you want in a show.
Paul Vendemmia stage manager steel'in for hearts. |
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BobG
From:
Holmdel, NJ
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Posted 30 Jan 2004 4:49 pm
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Paul, Last year was the first show I missed in a long time.. I missed it because the drive to the Bircmere from the NYC area is simply out of my range for a day trip.
I think it's possible others from this area felt the same way and also elected to pass.. That could be a contributing factor in the less then expected turnout.
My suggestion would be to find another venue further north , say closer to Baltimore.
You'd probably get more of us yankees showing up that way.
On a personal note i'd also like to say that you did a great job on the show Paul. And thanks for all the help you gave me when I lived in the area.. I appreciate it.
------------------
Bob Grado, Williams D10 (lefty), Peavey 1000,
Profex ll.
[This message was edited by BobG on 30 January 2004 at 04:59 PM.] |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 1 Feb 2004 9:18 am
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Paul..."Martin's East" is a venue that might be worth looking into. It's a classy place, big room, good service, plenty of parking, and the Baltimore beltway's not nearly as bad (traffic-wise) as the D.C. beltway.  |
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Chris Forbes
From:
Beltsville, MD, USA
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Posted 1 Feb 2004 11:33 am
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| Donny, I've heard they're possibly looking into a place in Gaithersburg. Which for you is a muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch easier drive than Alexandria. |
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Gary Lee Gimble
From:
Fredericksburg, VA.
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Posted 1 Feb 2004 1:43 pm
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| How about the Tasty Diner on Highway 1 in Laurel? [This message was edited by Gary Lee Gimble on 01 February 2004 at 02:52 PM.] |
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Chris Forbes
From:
Beltsville, MD, USA
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Posted 2 Feb 2004 3:14 am
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| Ugh, I used to play that joint. |
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Dave Van Allen
From:
Souderton, PA , US , Earth
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Posted 2 Feb 2004 7:30 pm
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Hey Paul..
ask Dean, how's about we get one together at Wheaton VFW...
get back to our roots... |
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Jay Jessup
From:
Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Posted 3 Feb 2004 8:41 am
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Sorry to hear it's not happening this year. This event had turned into a first class one day show both from the backup band and the organization point of view and of course teh line up of steelers always continued to improve. For DC area old-timers like my self it was a great chance to get back and catch up with old friends even though I couldn't always make it every year. I am up for anywhere in the Balt/Wash area if the event could be restarted. Latella's was a little too smokey for me but I would even go back there if that turns out to be the best spot. Does Dean have an e-mail address?
Gary and Chris, I've been to quite a few of the DC area TD's in the old days, did one of them actually have live music?
[This message was edited by Jay Jessup on 03 February 2004 at 08:48 AM.] |
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Gary Lee Gimble
From:
Fredericksburg, VA.
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Posted 3 Feb 2004 9:23 am
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| Danny Denver and Johnny Hopkins, to name just a couple of local stars that entertained the health out of all at the Laurel, MD, Tasty Diner. I played there too about 20 years ago but I ain't no star, just a causality of Tasty Diner cuisine, |
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Chris Forbes
From:
Beltsville, MD, USA
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Posted 3 Feb 2004 9:25 am
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| Yeah, the one in Laurel had a lounge/bar in back. We used to do 8:45-2:30 friday and saturday nights, my voice would be soooooooore come sunday. |
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