Alabama Steel Guitar Association Annual Show April 18, 2009

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 14 Apr 2009 4:08 pm

Bill I hope and pray that I'll be able to make the show if these little criminals in my kidneys stay where they are, I'm going to try and make it ""LORD WILLING"" I'll see you there Sat. morning.

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » 15 Apr 2009 7:59 am

Here are the Directions to the Madison/Best Western Hotel.
I-65 from Mobile take exit 172 Herron Street Exit. Keep going straight. Hotel will be on your right. 120 Madison Ave.

I-65 from Birmingham take exit 172 Clay Street exit. Go straight down hill into Downtown Montgomery. Hotel will be on right.

I-85 from Atlanta take exit 1 Union street exit. Follow Union street to end. Take left on Madison Ave. Hotel will be on left.

Hotel Address: 120 Madison Ave
Phone: 334-264-2231

Jim Walker · Post by **Jim Walker** » 15 Apr 2009 3:42 pm

Bill, I can't make it, I really wish I could be there this weekend. Especially for Bill Simmons.

Our trip to Dallas in 07' is one of the most memorable things I've ever done. I hadn't laughed that hard in years. You and Simmons made a great comedy team. I spoke to him just a few days before he was hospitalized and we were still laughing about that road trip. I already miss him very much.

Just today I called Gary Carpenter and found out that the Black Rains D10 I got from Cottle was built for Simmons March 13th, 2005. If I remember correctly, Bill was playing it the first day we met at the 1st annual ASGA show in 06'. Needless to say there is some added sentimental value to me now for this guitar. It really has a heavenly tone.

I hope you guys have a great time this weekend. I know it's going to be a great show. Tell everyone I said hello.

JW

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 16 Apr 2009 7:36 pm

THIS GREAT SHOW THIS WEEKEND NEEDS TO BE ON TOP FOR SURE

Jeremy Drawbaugh · Post by **Jeremy Drawbaugh** » 16 Apr 2009 7:54 pm

fellas, im comin to jam fri night just not sure what time i can get there probably around 7pm. pumped and ready to go.

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 17 Apr 2009 10:11 am

LOOKIN FORWARD TO BEING THERE MYSELF AND HEARING ALL THIS GREAT PICKIN THAT'S GONNA BE THERE ANYONE IN THE AREA IF YOUR NOT AT THIS SHOW YOU ARE MISSING THE TRAIN MY FRIEND LOT'S OF GOOD FRIENDS AND SUPER PICKIN TO SAY THE LEAST HOPE THESE GRIMLINS STAY PUT TILL I GET BACK HOME SEE YOU THERE ""LORD WILLING""

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 17 Apr 2009 8:54 pm

T.T.T one more time before show time tomorrow as its 11;57 pm.

Ben ODell · Post by **Ben ODell** » 19 Apr 2009 3:58 am

I got a call from the floor of the show, and it sounded like the roof was thumping, from all that GOOD-STUFF, eminatin, in that hall.

During that call, I learned, an old friend (Herman Wainwright) took a nose dive. LITERLY !!!!

Glad to hear Herman weren't injured! Especially since he landed on both knees, (one he just had repaired)

Since Herman was the source of the call, I had to crack up as he told the story. Seems he had extended his hand (for a shake) to Mike Johnson, and missed the next step. Herman told me, that Mike was real concerned. I MAGINE !!!!!!!!!

All I can say is,,,,, I'm sure glad you didn't get hurt,,, HERMAN,,,, But if I was you, I'd be'a sittin in the eye doctor's office Monday morning.

Sure hate I missed this one !!! I was tied to the ground Friday nite, & Saturday afternoon. Maybe we can do the next one. Had several calls about How good it was !!!!

And Tommy Dodd, if you read this post, give me a call @ 601-947-6363 or email me bicker@bellsouth.net

Ben O'Dell

Jeremy Drawbaugh · Post by **Jeremy Drawbaugh** » 19 Apr 2009 12:30 pm

I had a great time! it was good to see some ole friends meet a few new faces.

Even on such a sad occasion I was blessed and felt honored to have the opportunity to meet Bill Simmons family. I know now why Bill was the kind of person he was.

Also was honored that the guys asked me to be a part of the tribute to Bill and then on top of that to get to share the stage with Mike johnson, Tommy Dodd, and Joe Turner.

again I hate that I had to leave but I had to go play a gig saturday night. but to be there friday night and watch Mike Johnson and the guys jam for hours was awesome. Maybe next year i can get there a little earlier and join in.

Everyone was so gracious and kind.

Thanks to the staff band Woody, Johnny, Jim and Wayne. My apologies to Johnny for having my amp right at his feet, the stage was a bit tight with four steels on stage at one time.

Bill Cook great job and im looking forward to next year.

Pat Coyne · Post by **Pat Coyne** » 19 Apr 2009 6:25 pm

A big thank you to Bill Cook and the MANY new friends we have made at the show...I am humbled that you would ask me to participate in the hall of fame induction for our friend Bill Simmons. This organization was one of Bill's passions in life. I enjoyed the time i was able to spend once again with my longtime friends/family Rick and Lil Simmons. Everyone made us feel at home...we look forward to attending next year. Thanks again for a wonderful day! God Bless Pat and Cathy

Rob Parker · Post by **Rob Parker** » 20 Apr 2009 9:11 am

Mr Bill Cook, and the "Bama" Gang.
I'm glad your show went well, and I sure would have liked to be there. But I had a three day show already booked for that week-end.
I hope to be invited to the next one, but PLEASE don't put it on the same week-end as that show again, next year..
Thank you and your staff for your hard work and dedication..
From the Bluegrass State,
RP...'come on in'...

Tommy Dodd · Post by **Tommy Dodd** » 20 Apr 2009 11:19 am

I too want to offer my thanks to Bill Cook and the folks with the ASGA for allowing me the honor of being a part of the tribute for my friend Bill Simmons. It was a somber yet joyous day for us all. Bill, I know, would have been very humbled by it all but that is just the type of man that he was.

My personal thanks to Jeremy Drawbaugh, Joe Turner, and of course the great Mike Johnson for helping me with the task of playing Bill's setlist during the tribute. We all were very honored to be there and playing for Bill's parents and the ASGA.

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 20 Apr 2009 2:11 pm

BILL YOU REALLY HAD A GREAT SHOW TO SAY THE LEAST,, THE TRIBUTE TO BILL SIMMONS WAS WONDERFUL ALL THAT PARTICIPATED WERE FLAWLESS, ANYONE THAT MISSED IT REALLY MISSED A FINE SHOW HOPE AND PRAY I CAN BE THERE FOR THE NEXT ONE..

Gordon Dodson · Post by **Gordon Dodson** » 20 Apr 2009 4:49 pm

Bill, The 2009 Alabama steel guitar show was great!
Thanks for letting Jean Kendall and I be a part of it.

The tribute for Bill Simmons was very touching.

Thanks again,
Gordon Dodson
Ozark, Alabama

Herby Wallace · Post by **Herby Wallace** » 21 Apr 2009 8:20 am

I just wanted to add that I thought Bill Cook did an excellent job with the show this year. I thought the hotel was great, the food was good, the backup band was great and the lineup was great. Of course, the highlight of the show was being a tribute to Bill Simmons and was very touching for a fine man.

Herby Wallace

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Alabama Steel Guitar Association Annual Show April 18, 2009

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