My view on this years ISGA

Bob Russell · Post by **Bob Russell** » 6 Sep 2011 5:39 pm

As for there being no "Wow factor" at ISGC 2011... if Doug Jernigan, Dave Easley, Joe Wright and Steve Palousek (among others) don't make you go "Wow", then you must be fairly un-wowable!

The lost legends of yesteryear are never "lost" in our memories, but they do unavoidably leave us in one way or another. We have to be careful that, in worshiping their memories, we don't ignore the next batch of legends who are playing for us right now! If steel is to survive, we have to encourage younger players, and the way to do that is not by reminding them that they'll never be Buddy or Hughey or Jerry or whoever. Correspondingly, a great way to turn off younger players is to keep reminding them that whatever non-hard-country type of music they like sucks.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 6 Sep 2011 5:58 pm

Bob Russell wrote:... If steel is to survive, we have to encourage younger players, and the way to do that is not by reminding them that they'll never be Buddy or Hughey or Jerry or whoever. Correspondingly, a great way to turn off younger players is to keep reminding them that whatever non-hard-country type of music they like sucks.

Amen, brother. Amen.

jackie harmon · Post by **jackie harmon** » 7 Sep 2011 5:33 am

I had a great time got to see a lot of friends .The best part was getting to sing on Steve Palousek set
he is a true friend .

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 7 Sep 2011 8:25 am

I would just say if you've never been, go. If you haven't been 10 times, go. After that, even if they were all the same you never will be.

The instrument (pedal steel) is young enough that we're now seeing the pioneers retire, on one way or another. Other more mature instruments have gotten beyond that, and our beloved PSG will too.

I plan to return next year... but I also need to go to Dallas one day too.

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 7 Sep 2011 9:18 am

Another high light for me was Eddie Lange. Watch out for this this young man!

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 8 Sep 2011 12:51 am

[quote="Nick Reed"] I really do appreciate Scotty's efforts to keep this thing a float, but it looks as if the St. Louis Steel Guitar Covention as we once knew it is dying.

For the past seventeen consecutive years, I've faithfully attended Scotty's show.
And for the last eight of them I've assisted the nice folks at Peterson Strobe tuners in demonstrating their products.
(Tuners I use and believe in)
I have great memories of those wonderful times at the conventions in years past.

This year I chose not to attend. Family health matters were the main reason. The only real regret
I have is not being able to say "hello" to those friends whom I only see there every year.

Some of the things that I have read and been told about this years show do make me wonder if I will
schedule a return trip next year though $:\$

If it is really true that Scotty MADE all the vendors in the rooms close down for the "Flag Ceremony",(or, perhaps it was the H.O.F. Induction) then I feel that shows some despiration on his part. And if indeed the south elevators were shut down to getting to the lower convention level, I can see that being a real hassle for anybody staying in the south end of the hotel especially for the vendors. No reason for that even if it lets a few non-paying scabs get in. (Like there wasn't a problem with lack of elevators there to begin with)

I understand the motive for moving the main entry point to by the escalators in effort to make sure those who attend did pay. One friend who has attended for more years than I have was a bit distressed that they would not let his wife past the escalator area. She had come down a day later than he did and had not yet gotten an admission badge. How does one pay for their admission and get a badge to enter when the entry point precludes anyone from going past there to go where you have to go to pay your admission? DUH

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 8 Sep 2011 4:31 am

Paul Warnick wrote: ...they would not let his wife past the escalator area. She had come down a day later than he did and had not yet gotten an admission badge. How does one pay for their admission and get a badge to enter when the entry point precludes anyone from going past there to go where you have to go to pay your admission? DUH

Paul, I think you may be mistaken on your last point: the bottom of the escalator was the place where you buy a badge this year. (It was moved from down the hall and around the corner, where it used to be in previous years.)

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 8 Sep 2011 8:15 pm

Jim C-Perhaps what I said of my friends problem with entry pass was an "isolated" incident. I have since spoken to others who had no issues with the passes being obtained by the escalators.

Paul Warnik · Post by **Paul Warnik** » 8 Sep 2011 8:59 pm

[quote="Jim Cohen" (It was moved from down the hall and around the corner, where it used to be in previous years.)
That would make sense then-disregard my previous "Duh"

I have received another distressing bit of info though $:\$
The House of Hunan Restaurant has apparently closed it's doors for good

It was a good place to chow on some Chineese(a few blocks away from the downtown center square) and get away from the "hotel food"

Rick Jackson · Post by **Rick Jackson** » 9 Sep 2011 3:42 pm

In my humble opionion, the best vibe going at any show is the Southwest Steel Guitar show in Phoenix each January. Not too big of a show to lose it's intimacy and not too small a show to draw top drawer talent. Hope to see a lot of you there in January. By the way, usually around 70 degrees that time of year and outstanding Mexican food available! You also get to hear Ray Harrison sing!!

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 9 Sep 2011 4:09 pm

Very tempting description, Rick. Can you book Tommy Detamore and/or Ricky Davis?

Rick Jackson · Post by **Rick Jackson** » 9 Sep 2011 4:12 pm

Billy Easton are you listening???????

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 12 Sep 2011 11:45 am

When the economy is in the decline, what evidence will there be? Hmmmm..... Let's see......

Thank You Scotty for keepin' the flame alive.

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 12 Sep 2011 12:29 pm

Thank you Rick Jackson - I just forwarded this to Billy Easton.

We just had our board of director's meeting this past weekend and the show is shaping up.

We are adding a non pedal session because people have asked for it.

We are going to be at a larger, newer - hotel (the Sheraton Cresent in Phoenix ) so we can have more vendors and room for classes and sessions.

Come see us in January

Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com

Don Lanier · Post by **Don Lanier** » 12 Sep 2011 12:56 pm

From someone whose not an Old timer, Ive worked for Scotty for about 6-7 years doing the Sound, Ive seen amazing Players at ISGC and Ive seen the Legends, Im not a Nashville guy and came from the Rock and Roll touring world, Ive seen the Convention lose some folks and many who I had just made freinds with, Papa John Hughey was one person Id give anything to have sat and watched him play more times The year I finally went to his booth and shook his hand and talked to him, he remebered my name, Buddy, Paul F, and others Legends who were gone before I came along....Ive heard the storys of Tomfoolery and FUN, Of wild nites and Jams and Hot stage licks and Ive seen a group of people who do one simple thing. ENJOY THE STEEL GUITAR and each other !!!....I think saying the ISGC Is dying is a misnomer, ISGC has fallen on hard times just like America, But its not dead, nor dying its rebirth to a new generation is unfolding, New Young Players such as Austin Are coming for the Throne, and many of the Older Generation just cant make it there due to money being tight, health or etc. But If Steelers dont support the ISGC after 40 years of support from Scotty and his family I think thats like turning your back.

While some areas of the country experience growth in these shows the ISGC is clawing its way thru a economic downturn, deaths of the LEGENDS, an older population thats not travelling as much and the dislikes of some to what Newer styles of Pickers are bringing forward, Ugh that rock and roll....But I saw more folks there this year, and I saw many great moments, God I miss Bobby he was a freind that will be hard to replace and I only knew him fro the steel show, a gentleman picker, But Dino Strunk is filling those big shoes and doing it with a smile, Guys like Dave Easley and Steve P and Austin and Joe are bringing new forms and style of playing and new music and it deserves a listen, because theyve worked hard to be on that stage just as Buddy or Lloyd did....Gospel, Jazz, Rock, Old Country, New Country its all got a place at this show...

Some folks would like to see the ISGC fail and I think thats terrible because THIS SHOW brought forward the Ideas, the Pickers, the Prosperity that Steel shows everywhere have, it deserves support from Old and New fans, I had heard Steel Guitars before but I didnt know the Players, I never saw many of them Legends, Speedy, Jimmie Day, etc...but those I have seen, Herbie, Larry, John, Joe and Dave all left a mark on me, and I became a fan of this STEEL GUITAR....Lets not judge the course of a 40 year old Institution by a few bad years in a bad economy.....Please continue to support the Instrument, the event and your memories of a great Convention. The International Steel Guitar Convention....after all its the People that make any event succesful and the Instrument you Love, the STEEL GUITAR

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 12 Sep 2011 2:12 pm

Amen.

JERRY THURMOND · Post by **JERRY THURMOND** » 12 Sep 2011 2:47 pm

I have been to all 40 of Scotty's conv, an some before he Started calling it ISGC. Funny thing I didn't know back in the late 60's an 70's that I was listening to Legends, they didn't become Legends till the 90's an 2000. An so goes some of the new ones we listen to today will be Legends in 20 years. There was many Legend, in the 60's an 70's an almost every one of them played at Scotty's show one time are another, but there gone now an so is some of the 90's Legends, but they all played Scotty show right up to the end of there life. Ok maybe a few today doesn't come an so they no longer want to be in the spot light, we have a lot of new ones takeing there place, they just haven't become Legends yet. Trouble is some folks can't see the forest for the trees. I just think of all the great players I have seen in the last 40 years, an wonder, would you an me got see all of them if it wasn't for Scotty shows. I don't think so. Most of the steels shows we have today are not even 20 years old.
Jerry

Olli Haavisto · Post by **Olli Haavisto** » 13 Sep 2011 5:19 am

What Don said !

Dave A. Burley · Post by **Dave A. Burley** » 13 Sep 2011 9:33 pm

I attended again this year. Two in a row. Because of finances I could only attend one day and I hate the fact that I couldn't be there on Sat. I really enjoyed the nine hours I was there. I was really impressed with Steve Polousek(sp). Of course, spending time with Doug Jernigan and Herby Wallace is worth any trip. The Dodd guy really put's on a show. Reminds me a lot of Julian Tharpe back in the day. I didn't have the opportunity to talk to Jim Cohen which I hated. He has always been one of my favorites.
We have to consider the economy. I know that I had to. Do I have a complaint? If anything it would be the cost of parking and the cost of the hotel. I didn't stay but did have to pay $15.00 for parking. Gas was $100.00 and convention ticket was $35.00. Not complaing just stating that I am a poor man and cannot afford many outings like that. This is Scotty's baby and he is doing it the way he thinks is right and God bless him for doing it. I did miss the fact that we don't see hardly any young steel players.
Thanks for a great one day you all.
Dave A. Burley

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 14 Sep 2011 1:08 am

I was not able to attend this year but would have liked to. Please don't flame Nick, he is just sharing his view from within. Others obviously see it differently.

I had attended 4 or 5 conventions between 02 and 08 , had a good time at each but did notice, even pre-economy that attendance had been falling off. One year I also worked for Carter on and off over the 3 days . The first one I attended the place was amazingly totally packed..no room to stand in the big room on Fri night, no room to stand Saturday afternoon through Sat night. I'm talking NO ROOM TO STAND, let alone sit down. The last one I attended, E was playing Sunday afternoon and I walked in and sat in one of the first rows on the side wing seats.

Hearing that vendors have dropped out is probably a main point of contention, understanding why they are dropping out is ( thank you herb ) important.

One thing that always confused me was the Jazz room scheduled while others are playing on the main stage, we had to decide which to go to. Two concerts at the same time. If Doug or Paul etc..are playing in the Jazz room, who would go into the main room to see a new player who may be brilliant ? I like it all but that always appeared to be a conflict for me, others may not agree with this.

This is an important show , Scotty has done an amazing thing here, I wish him continued success.

t

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 14 Sep 2011 3:32 am

I agree with most of the theories. I budget myself throughout the year to attend the St Louis show. And, I've been attending since the mid 70's. To sum up my observations:
Steel players are a victim of the times. The number of Nashville session players is few compared to 30+ yrs ago. The number of contemporary Country artists using steel guitar on the road has diminished. The average age of steel players has risen. The average age of attendees at St Louis has risen. The economy is in the tank. This is also true on the local music scene in Iowa.

Dave A. Burley · Post by **Dave A. Burley** » 14 Sep 2011 9:48 am

When Scotty started the Convention, it was the only show, besides the DJ Convention in Nashville, where you could see all of your heroes in one place. In 1976 We started to do JamFests, taking Emmons, Jernigan, Tharpe, Maurice, sometimes Curly along with Jimmy Bryant to different venues on the road. Scotty told me that this was the first for these kind of shows. These shows are where my cd's came from. This was before the advent of the steel guitar clubs. Then the steel guitar clubs started up and they put on shows in their respective areas where you could go and see several of the great steel players at one place.......It all took it's toll. All of you steel players could buy your favorite albums at the steel guitar club shows. There is no doubt that the steel guitar clubs have taken many of the fans from Scotty's Convention. When you can see your heroes a few miles from home and buy their product you think twice about the expense of going to St. Louis every year.
Your steel players will not sell as much product because the product might have already been bought at one of the steel guitar club shows. Your steel guitar companies do their promotions at club shows closer to home to save expenses.
Scotty does a great job and I hope it continues but the above reasons, along with the economy, have taken their toll on the International Steel Guitar Convention. Just my opinion.
Dave A. Burley

Herby Wallace · Post by **Herby Wallace** » 14 Sep 2011 10:17 am

I have already commented about the Convention but I do agree that the Jazz show, Gospel show and non-pedal shows should not be going on during the main show as it is a direct conflict with the main show and to me is unfair that the people have to make a choice and then it is not fair to whoever is on stage. I don't know what the answer is but this is just my opinion too.

Herby Wallace

bruce fischer · Post by **bruce fischer** » 16 Sep 2011 12:54 pm

God Bless scotty for all he has done for us. while we have missed some shows due to family illness, it has always been Christmas in august for us. also we have always celebrated our wedding anniversary there.
hopefully we will be back next year! bruce & lynn

bob drawbaugh · Post by **bob drawbaugh** » 17 Sep 2011 8:40 am

I think I know what Nick was trying to say. Zane King had the same reaction after a long absent from the ISGC. It was magical on Friday nights when the lights were lowered and Scotty announced The Big E. When a young player sat there on Friday nights he was star struck. But, some of the magic has gone. I think some of this has to do with we have matured as individuals and as players. We're not easily star struck, and of course all the Legends we've lost. Now don't get me wrong I still love going to the ISGC and seeing all the players and all our friends. That will never get old to me. Every year there are many people that raise their hands saying this is their first time going to the ISGC. So for them I'm sure it's magical. I hope the ISGG is still going long after I'm not.

As far as the shows in the side rooms, I think there're great. It gives the consumer options. and I think it makes the ISGC better. If you go in the Jazz room you know what your going to get. Jazz and not the first Ray Price shuffle. Now if I was on the main stage while this was going on and the Ball room was half empty, I may not like it either. I think in any business feature you have to keep the consumer happy for the show to go on,as they say.

Thanks to Scotty and his Family for all their hard work. Keep it up!!!!

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