Exceptional Gesture

Tommy Dodd · Post by **Tommy Dodd** » 16 May 2005 8:36 am

I wanted to publicly recognize a gesture made this past weekend at the Southern Steel Guitar jam in Saluda. The crowd at the show on Sunday was a little smaller than some but the "players" turned out in force. Before too long we had more performers than time slots to put them in. One of the late arrivals to sign up to play was my buddy Brett Day. With no room on the schedule I knew how disappointed Brett would be if he didn't have a chance to show-off that red GFI. Without any second thoughts, one of the strongest proponents of this long-running show stepped up and volunteered to drop off the schedule to make room for Brett (and some other late comers). I know I have kidded around a lot with my arch-rival, steel playing, buddy Bill Ferguson over the years, but, his overwhelming act of generosity stepping out of the line-up was gracious indeed. Bill didn't even get to play one note on Sunday and still managed to help MC and co-host the show with Steve Gambrell all day.

We have a very close-knit steel guitar community and brotherhood here. And, we are fortunate to have folks like Bill Ferguson in it. I am thankful for being able to call him a friend for many years. <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Tommy Dodd on 17 May 2005 at 06:55 AM.]</p></FONT>

Stoney Stonecipher · Post by **Stoney Stonecipher** » 16 May 2005 8:49 am

You are correct in saying that Bill Ferguson is one of the greatest people around. He is one of the biggest backers of the Steel Guitar Shows and in helping other steel guitar players. We know that he has been one of the biggest fans and backers of Brett Day too. We salute you Bill and we appreciate you............Stoney

Deb Day · Post by **Deb Day** » 16 May 2005 9:13 am

Hi Bill! We are so very sorry that you had to give up your time slot!! Charles invited Brett to play at Saluda when we went to the Manning show and we had no idea that he wasn't on the schedule. You mean so much to all of us and have been a major influence on Brett and have done so much to help him! This is just one more example of your love and kindness to our family. Please accept our love and sincerest apologies!!

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 16 May 2005 6:58 pm

It is truly an honor to have Brett Day on our stage at Saluda. Brett, consider yourself PERMANENTLY signed up!!!
All those other guys will just have to line up behind you!

Ernest Cawby · Post by **Ernest Cawby** » 16 May 2005 7:50 pm

Tommy what is a (frind),Bret does that mean you are a type error. Wish I could have been there but will see you guys at Hollonville. cheers

ernie

Larry Self · Post by **Larry Self** » 16 May 2005 7:57 pm

Nice post Tommy. Bill is exactly like 98% of every Steel player I've ever met. he is top notch. good people.---Larry

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 18 May 2005 7:09 am

Tommy, Thank you for the kind words. It was my honor to give up my spot for Brett. This young man is an inspiration to all of us and needs to be on stage every chance he gets.

We do kid around with each other, but your friendship is important to me.

Saluda is a great show and our open door policy for players signing up is great. However with so many players wanting to perform in the short 8 hours of the show, we will all have to begin considering playing every other show, but still to come and support the other players.

Bill