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Topic: Scotty, what if you changed the venue one time? Vegas! |
Don McClellan
From: California/Thailand
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Posted 23 Aug 2009 8:20 am
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I was just thinking, St. Louis is an ok place but not really unlike most other cities in America. Do you think if the ISGC was held in Las Vegas more people would come or fewer? More players or fewer? Would it make a difference? Might it attract big singing stars to participate?
I was reading David Hartley's thread about "what's St Louis like?" and it occurred to me if people are really concerned about other things to do while they're at the convention than maybe its not a bad idea to consider holding it at a place where there are really other things to do. If it was held in Vegas I would think it might attract many people who otherwise would never even hear about it.
I know the logistics of moving the convention are daunting and its probably impractical considering everything involved but its a thought. Hotel rooms and food are cheap (or can be) in Vegas too. Don |
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Al Marcus
From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)
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Posted 23 Aug 2009 8:59 am
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Don-That is a good suggestion. I am sure the steel guitar would get more national publicity and exposure in Las Vegas, and as you say more affordable as to Hotels and Food.
But there is one problem, Central location for easy access to most of the country is in the St. Louis area and the midwest....al:) _________________ Michigan (MSGC)Christmas Dinner and Jam on my 80th Birthday.
My Email.. almarcus@cmedic.net
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus |
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Don McClellan
From: California/Thailand
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Posted 23 Aug 2009 1:10 pm
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Al, People who now live close enough to St. Louis to drive there would have to fly if it were moved to Vegas but those who now live close enough to Vegas could drive there instead of having to fly to St. Louis. So it evens out I think. Most folks fly anyway.
As I think more about this idea it seems to me that if the ISGC was moved to Vegas maybe it could use a little face lift as well. Shorter songs with fewer and shorter solos by fiddlers, keyboardists and other non-steel guitar instrumentalists for one. A limit on how many times Mansion On The Hill and I Love You So Much It Hurts can be played and so on. Also, as much as we all like Scotty it might be nice to have a more recognizable face as MC. There must be many big country stars from the recent past who would love a chance to work in Vegas again and who might just be very qualified to MC such an event. Why not? And I really believe many tourists in Vegas would be happy to get away from the slot machines for a while and check out this Steel Guitar thing. Don |
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Steve Hitsman
From: Waterloo, IL
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Posted 23 Aug 2009 3:52 pm
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I was watching the sunset last night... there was too much pink in it... it should be changed. |
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Tay Joslin
From: Clarksvillle, Tennessee USA
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 8:38 am
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Message retracted.
Last edited by Tay Joslin on 25 Aug 2009 11:30 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Al Marcus
From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 9:01 am
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Scotty's ISG Convention in St. Louis has been so Hugely successful over the years, so why move it? Surely , he would never consider it. It is too well organized where it is.
I will give Scotty, and all his helpers, credit for putting it all together every year. Whew! It's Lot's of work, but well worth it....al.  _________________ Michigan (MSGC)Christmas Dinner and Jam on my 80th Birthday.
My Email.. almarcus@cmedic.net
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus |
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Jeremiah Hanley
From: Springfield, Missouri, USA
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 10:45 am
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Hail, O King Scotty!! He got it right......38 years is proof that he made a good decision. It works, so why try to fix it!! Just imagaine the hours of beautiful steel guitar music coupled by hours of good fellowship of people from around the world. Thanks, Mr. Scotty, we appreciate all you've done on behalf of the steel guitar family! _________________ Jerry and Venda |
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Roy Ayres
From: Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 11:10 am
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Scotty for President _________________ Pioneers of Western Swing HOF, Seattle 2005
Western Swing Music HOF, Sacramento 2006
International Steel Guitar HOF, St.Louis 2007
Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book. |
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Tony Glassman
From: The Great Northwest
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 11:44 am
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I don't enjoy going to StL at all, BUT:
1] St Louis is in the middle of the country. LV is too far for easterners and Europeans
2] LV is more expensive comparatively
3' LV provides too many non-steel guitar distractions (but that may be good for wives)
4] LV is objectionable to many, from a moral standpoint
5] StL is Scotty's stomping grounds and he's the guy who sets it all up.
That said, I would rather go to the Dallas show, based on the location alone. |
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John Fabian
From: Mesquite, Texas USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 12:29 pm Re: Scotty, what if you changed the venue one time? Vegas!
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Don McClellan wrote: |
I was just thinking, St. Louis is an ok place but not really unlike most other cities in America. Do you think if the ISGC was held in Las Vegas more people would come or fewer? More players or fewer? Would it make a difference? Might it attract big singing stars to participate?
I was reading David Hartley's thread about "what's St Louis like?" and it occurred to me if people are really concerned about other things to do while they're at the convention than maybe its not a bad idea to consider holding it at a place where there are really other things to do. If it was held in Vegas I would think it might attract many people who otherwise would never even hear about it.
I know the logistics of moving the convention are daunting and its probably impractical considering everything involved but its a thought. Hotel rooms and food are cheap (or can be) in Vegas too. Don |
I'm sure Scotty might consider it if you personally paid to have his store transported, setup, torn down, and shipped back. (Plus transportation for his family, the band, artists, staff, etc.)
It would be kind of a really expensive weekend for you.
Of course, the majority of vendors are east of the rockies and this might also thin out their attendance.
If you really think about it, a geographically central location is best for everyone. |
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Lynn Stafford
From: Ridgefield, WA USA
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 2:34 pm Reno
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To the best of my memory, I think it was back in March of 1982 that Scotty put on a Steel Convention in Reno, Nevada. I was a rank nubie then and I was overwhelmed, to say the least! It was a very exciting experience for me and it most likely was a deciding factor in my decision to take the plunge into the Word of Pedal Steel! As far as I know, Scotty never tried another Convention anywhere but St Louis. I'm really glad I went to the Reno Convention as it was easier to get to from Portland, although we drove through a snow storm to get there! But that's another story all by itself...
I'm going to attend this year's St Louis Convention with Kathy, my finance and We're really looking forward to being there! _________________ Best regards,
Lynn Stafford
STEEL GUITAR WEST
http://www.steelguitarwest.com
Steel Guitar Technician (Restoration, Set-up, Service and Repair work)
Previous Emmons Authorized Dealer & Service Technician (original factory is now closed)
ZumSteel Authorized Service Technician
---------------------------------- |
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Darvin Willhoite
From: Roxton, Tx. USA
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 2:55 pm
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This has come up several times before, and Scotty has taken a voice vote at the St. Louis show on how many want to change the location. There is always a resounding "yes" for keeping it in St. Louis.
Now for all of you folks in the western USA, there is a great show in Phoenix in January every year. I have been to it every year but last year, and I'm planning on going back next year. It's a great after Christmas break. _________________ Darvin Willhoite
MSA Millennium, Legend, and Studio Pro, Reese's restored Universal Direction guitar, a restored MSA Classic SS, several amps, new and old, and a Kemper Powerhead that I am really liking. Also a Zum D10, a Mullen RP, and a restored Rose S10, named the "Blue Bird". Also, I have acquired and restored the plexiglass D10 MSA Classic that was built as a demo in the early '70s. I also have a '74 lacquer P/P, with wood necks, and a showroom condition Sho-Bud Super Pro. |
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Duane Brown
From: Reno,Nevada USA
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 8:02 pm Reno
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Lynn, it was indeed March 1982 that we had the Reno steel guitar show in the MGM (now Grand Sierra Resort) but Scotty didn't put it on.My dear friend Ernie Hagar was the driving force and a small steel guitar dealer in Carson City Tom Johnson of Keys and Chords was the major cash sponsor. I was honored to be the only local Ernie asked to play. Saturday night I finished my gig on the road and drove all night to play Sunday. It began snowing and the road over the Sierra Nevada was closed for most of a week. A friend who came from California finally got home Friday. Scotty was emcee and I think helped a lot with it but Tom Johnson lost his shirt and we never had another show here. I would love to have a show here every year but it is a big undertaking.
Tay Joslin,As far as the "Sin City" goes, my wife and I are active members of an evangelical Southern Baptist church and we don't partake of the sin any more than anyone in any other city does."Where sin abounds grace abounds that much more." WE are in an area where there is NO advantage to being a member of any church unlike the Bible Belt where I grew up.
My daughter lives in Las Vegas and her church is growing by leaps and bounds. When we visit her it's no different than any other city, except Vegas has her bad side out in the open. But-obama told everyone not to hold conventions in Las Vegas.
I love going to Scotty's in St Louis and Dallas in March and would hate to see things change.Hopefully we can see more shows start up but why mess with a great thing?
Duane Brown |
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Gary Jones
From: Mount Vernon, Wa
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Posted 24 Aug 2009 9:39 pm
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Just a gall-darned minute there.
First of all, I want to say that moving the Convention is a bad idea. It has always been in St. Louis, and should always be so. There is a lot to be said for tradition.
If you want to come to a convention or trade - show here in Vegas, there are already plenty of them. I can personally recommend the Consumer Electronics Show, usually held in January.
All this fat-mouthing of Las Vegas is uncalled for however. My wife and I have worked here for the school district for more than 20 years (now both retired)and I can assure you that all the men here do not dress like Elvis, and all the woman are not showgirls. There are a lot of decent folks here, just trying to make a living, just like anywhere else.
I should also point out that Las Vegas has been a source of good employment for Steel Guitar players, and others musicians, for a lot of years.
So Tay, if you choose not to come here, we're good with that. We'll try to get by. We'll still be here.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to change into my jump-suit. We're having dinner at the Liberace museum.
Goodbye, and thanks for all the quarters
Gary Jones |
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Joe Casey
From: Weeki Wachee .Springs FL (population.9)
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 6:08 am
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I find it amusing that someone above wants to limit the playing time of the great staff band and other musicians who sit in..Also amusing is that certain songs be eliminated..The show is a success now and at its present format could continue its run for many years..Everyone I ran into during my five visits to the show was having a great time..I have at all times that I attended left the event,Truly enjoyed myself with the renewal of old friendships and the making of new friends..Moving the show to Vegas would bring on too many side attractions other than the main intent of its being..The gambling,the shows,the Gltter are always there..The Steel show is as itself unique and is once a year..You can't please everyone because we all have different taste..But this show is put on for the Steel Guitar community in an athmosphere all its own..The Glamour and the glitter is the display of the Talent of the players and the Instrument the reason all attend..This is the easiest place for Scotty to give all his efforts,gain support and so far whats to fix?? |
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Tay Joslin
From: Clarksvillle, Tennessee USA
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 6:09 am Las Vegas, Nevada
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Message retracted.
Last edited by Tay Joslin on 25 Aug 2009 11:28 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Don McClellan
From: California/Thailand
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 7:01 am
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Among those (with apparently questionable morals) who have worked in Las Vegas are:
Billy Graham (Reverand Billy Graham!!!!!)
Buddy Emmons
Curly Chalker
George Strait
Garth Brooks,
Dolly Parton
Buck Owens
Ray Price
Willy Nelson
Alan Jackson
Merle Hagard
George Jones
and on and on and on and on!
There is not enough time or space here to list the country stars (and their steel players) who have played in Vegas repeatedly. And that's just the country stars.
This list doesn't even scrape the surface of the musicians who come to Las Vegas. I guess those who are afraid they'll do some sinnin' in Vegas simply prefer to do their sinnin' at home. |
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Tay Joslin
From: Clarksvillle, Tennessee USA
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 8:06 am
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Message retracted.
Last edited by Tay Joslin on 25 Aug 2009 11:29 am; edited 3 times in total |
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Bob Blair
From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 10:52 am
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Post deleted.
Last edited by Bob Blair on 25 Aug 2009 11:51 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Tay Joslin
From: Clarksvillle, Tennessee USA
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 11:43 am
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Misunderstandings are inevitable when
I speak. Therefore, I have retracted
all preceding posts from this thread.
1. To get back on track, Scotty needs our
support much more than our suggestions!
2. The steel guitar needs our endorsement
rather than our fighting amongst ourselves!
Now, enough said.
With much respect,
Tay Joslin _________________ Laid-back Country picker with a laid-back Country mind; don't let the suit and tie fool you. |
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Don McClellan
From: California/Thailand
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 2:17 pm
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Tay, How can a suggestion be seen as not supportive? And what bigger endorsement could the steel guitar get than to have the ISGC held at a place that would give it the kind of visibility it would get in Vegas? People from all over the world come to Vegas.
And why did you delete your posts? That makes it difficult for others to read this thread and understand what's being talked about. Are you ashamed of what you wrote?
And most of all, what does "Now, enough said" mean? That YOU won't post again? Or that none of us should say anything more about this subject because your word is the last word?
This has been an interesting discussion and I'm sure many people agree with you. Again, why did you delete your posts? Don |
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Tay Joslin
From: Clarksvillle, Tennessee USA
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 3:00 pm
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Don,
No Sir, I am not ashamed of the things
that I said earlier. However, I am
ashamed of the aggressive manner in
which I approached your suggestion.
You were not looking for a fight, but
I gave you one, anyway. That was not
right on my part, so please accept my
apology.
Don, I still have a moral hang-up about
visiting Las Vegas; I cannot change that.
However, from a financial standpoint, your
suggestion might be profitable to Scotty.
I respectfully disagree, but it is up to
Scotty as to what he decides to do.
When I stated, "Now, enough said," that
was my way of saying that I have taken
this far enough and wish to end it here.
I did not say, "Now, the rest of you
shut-up" did I? No, and that would not
be proper.
I want all of us steel guitar enthusiasts
to band together and promote our beloved
instrument - not fight and create dissension
within our community. I am a preacher; my
approach to things is often too intense, and
this was no exception. We need to honor the
opinions and suggestions of each other as
opposed to tearing one another down. May I
close with a scripture? Romans 12:18 - "If
it be possible, as much as lieth in you,
live peaceably with all men."
Respectfully,
Tay Joslin _________________ Laid-back Country picker with a laid-back Country mind; don't let the suit and tie fool you. |
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Bob Blair
From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 3:08 pm
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Don, Tay deleted his posts at least in part I think because of a post of mine in which I (almost certainly over-reacting) took offense to something he had said. He did so because he perceived that he had offended me, which was very gracious of him. I then deleted my post as well. Thanks Tay, and I apologize for my comments.
To get things back on track here, although Las Vegas has some great things going for it as a convention destination (and in particular it has facilities to handle multiple conventions of a size that a lot of venues simply can't handle), I kind of like Scotty's the way it is. I regret that I can't go this year, but I enjoy St. Louis, I enjoy Scotty as an MC. Also, the relationship with the Millennium, which plays host to the Hall of Fame, is an important factor I'm sure. What you propose could well be a neat idea for a convention (which would not have to be Scotty's), though I fancy that the effort involved would be major and that the financial risk for the organizer(s) would be significant.
In addition to steel guitar conventions, I go pretty much annually to a convention of people who make their living doing the same esoteric thing that I do. We have had conventions in a number of Canadian cities over the life of the organization, but often the most successful ones happen in "non-destination" cities, maybe because we tend just to spend time with one another. |
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b0b
From: Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 3:20 pm
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May I cast a vote for Santa Rosa, California?
Seriously, St. Louis is fairly close to the center of the universe<sup>*</sup>, very close to Scotty's Music, and thus is the logical place for the International Steel Guitar Convention.
<sup>*</sup>the actual center of the universe is in Tulsa. _________________ -𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
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Ben Lawson
From: Brooksville Florida
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Posted 25 Aug 2009 5:25 pm
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What b0b said! |
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