2012 Rick Alexander Non-Pedal Sessions-March 9 &10 2012

[Jeff Strouse]

Everyone please mark your calenders for the 2012 TSGA Convention in Dallas, Texas, this March!

More information about the Jamboree can be found here: http://texassteelguitar.org/

Although the convention runs for 4 days, the Non-Pedal Sessions will only be on Fri (9th) and Sat (10th), just like in prior years. If we get the room set up in time on Thursday, we may even have an informal jam on Thursday night, if there is interest.

This year has flown by fast, and it's hard to believe it's a little less than 4 months away. Planning for the 2012 celebration is well underway, and I hope everyone who loves NP steel can join us.

I'm still organizing the line up, so probably won't post that until we get closer. We'll have some familiar faces as well as some new ones.

We'll have artist performances during the day, and informal jams at night. Everyone is welcome to participate in the jams. This is to encourage players of all levels to have fun and join in the music. There's no better way to learn steel than watching the masters play “up close” in person.

Last show, we experimented with a live webcast, and will be doing that again. Rick Alexander's widow was able to see the show, as well as many folks who live abroad and couldn't make it in person. More details will come on how it will work this time around.

As you know, the event is totally run by volunteers who want to promote and preserve the steel guitar. We have no income, and no one gets paid…everyone chips in as they can to help celebrate the steel guitar. Admission at the door is free; and to keep it that way, donations are needed to keep the event going. Donations can be given as cash in person, or sent via PayPal to: ranonpedal@gmail.com

We have 3 vendor tables still open, and hope to fill them by convention time. If you're a vendor, this is a good time to show off steel guitar merchandise. There is a table fee, which is standard for any vendor at the convention. Email me for details.

I may post some more needs as we go along, but for now, we need help in the following areas (I'll keep this section updated by editing the post):

-2 or 3 music stands (preferably the black sturdy ones like schools use)
-A volunteer to run the live webcast, with a computer and webcam.
-Musicians who can read charts for back up

Please email me at the link in this thread if anyone can help out. That’s about all I can think of right now. Hopefully folks who have attended in the past can share their stories about the event.

Howard and I are looking forward to seeing everyone again. Thanks, and stay tuned for more info!

[HowardR]

We're doing this again?????......

[Mark Roeder]

Jeff
I think a workshop one evening would be really cool if someone is willing....

[Ray Montee]

HOWARD you are to be commended for jumping-in and overcoming all of the many challenges of putting on a program, such as this.

It's amazing how you were able to secure the able assistance of Jeff. Has he aquired those black and white wing tips that were discussed last year?

Looking forward to seeing you two, once again.

[Jeff Strouse]

Hi Mark - I'm hoping to get something set up for 2013 after talking with some folks at the convention. Several folks have asked about it, and it would add dimension to the program.


Ray, would you believe I went to the mall, to see if the shoes were still there, but the entire shoe shop was gone! Another merchant was in it's place. I hadn't been to the mall in so long, quite a bit changed...But I still have my eyes peeled for the shoes...

[Mark Roeder]

Ray, I hope you are willing to perform this year

[HowardR]

Thank you Ray.....but the lion's share of the organizing goes to Jeff......without Jeff, well......let's not even think about it........

[Alan Brookes]

It's great that Jeff and Howard take on the organization of this event. I appreciate it, even though I haven't had the opportunity to turn up yet. In the past I didn't have enough leave left from work, and I'm usually in England most of March. Now I'm retired so that the leave won't be a problem. The main problem is now the reduced income that retirement creates, and the fact that the event always occurs when I'm out of the country.
When Rick was organizing the event I promised that I would turn up when I could. Unfortunately he won't get an opportunity to witness it, though I'm sure he's with you in spirit.

[Bob Blair]

Thanks for doing this again you guys! I've booked my hotel room and look forward to seeing you all.

[Mark Roeder]

Time to start booking your room!

[Charles Kleinert]

Thanks for doing this again; I've booked my room and will be in Thursday if you need a strong? back and weak mind;

chuck

[Jeff Repp]

I'll be getting in Thursday afternoon as well - send me a PM if you would like some help setting up. Looking forward to it and thanks again for your efforts!

Jeff

[Mark Roeder]

Is this a good time to mention how helpful donations are to keeping this get event happening? If you can't make it this year it would go along way to keeping it alive until you can.

I know that wasn't much of a sales pitch, it isn't one of my strengths.

[HowardR]

This is a perfect time to mention it Mark.......we're less than 2 months away......

This show has really become a mecca for non pedal players and enthusiasts with some of the most talented and versatile non pedal steel players around today......it's a friendly casual atmosphere where you can talk steel with friends and pros......and certainly make new friends.....

The music is varied.....from country, to western swing, to jazz, Hawaiian, bluegrass, pop, fusion.....and this year CAJUN!.....

Can't make it to the show.....we plan on live stream again this year.....and plan for the entire weekend....you can sit back in your living room, crack a beer, and see all the non pedal steel you can stand.....

AND IT'S FREE......and we enjoy doing this.....and for us to continue.....we need your help......what started out as a "pot luck" type of event has now become a main event......and in order to keep the quality of The Rick Alexander Non Pedal Sessions to the standard that we really appreciate...we've come a long way from the three piece ukulele rhythm section....to the top notch Carco Clave & Friends being the foundation......again, we need and appreciate your help......

Times are tough, we know this.....anything that anybody can do, helps and is greatly appreciated.....please don't think that if you can only spare $5 or $10,....that it wouldn't make any difference, because it does.....there's strength in numbers.....and if your comfort level is more, that great, because we want to keep this going.....so many people look forward to this annual event....I know that we all do....

Take a look at our website.....there are photos of past performances.....and check us out on youtube for video.....

http://ra-nonpedalsessions.com/Donations.html

Check out Cindy Cashdollar at The Rick Alexander Non Pedal Sessions.....from there you can click onto my channel and see all the videos over the past 3 years....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4bEh7X8 ... ature=plcp

[George Piburn]

I just sent in my donation, quick and painless.
It is the pleasure for GeorgeBoards Lap Steel Guitars for the Stars to Support this event Financially and in the Great Aloha Spirit.

[HowardR]

Thank you Mr. Boards.....it's very much appreciated....along with your and PJ's donation of time & expertise last year in the streaming dept.....that made many people very happy......

[Jeff Strouse]

Thanks Jeff and Chuck, we look foward to seeing you in a few weeks!

Also, a big thanks to Mark Roeder, Bob Blair, Billy Gilbert, and George "Mr. Boards" Piburn for their donations. Every litte bit helps us to put on the show.

We still need help & volunteers in the following areas. Please email me via the forum link if anyone can help out with these items:

Bass players - we need at least 3 more to rotate, so no one gets worn out
Rhythm guitar players - we need at least 3 more so players can rotate
Music Stands - preferably 4 or 5 - Maybe someone local could see if a school/church would let us borrow some for the weekend?
Vendors - we have full and half table options, depending on the space needed. This is a great time for builders to showcase their guitars and steel guitar merchandise.
Electric Guitar - for back up musicians to use.

We have a great line up of players this year, including John Ely, Carco Clave, Billy Robinson, Tony Locke, Margie Mays, Chuck Lettes, Herb Steiner, Dan Tyack, Reece Anderson, Scotty, and many more. I won't have the playing schedule finished for a few more weeks yet...I have to coordinate some players with the main stage schedule, and I still need confirmation from a couple of artists who won't know until February.

If you've never been to the TSGA Jamboree before, there's so much to do and see. Besides the non-pedal room, there's also the main stage, and many vendors, with more music going on in some of the vendor rooms. Here's the TSGA website for info on the convention itself: http://texassteelguitar.org/

We're only about 7 weeks away...and I'm getting hungry for pizza!

[HowardR]

I would also like to add to our line up.....Murnel Babineaux, our Cajun Connection (and perhaps his friends Richard Comeaux & Joe Rogers, we're hoping) and Carroll Benoit & band with Eddie Ortego on dobro.......

Again, anybody in the area who can help us with the items requested by Jeff would be doing the show a great favor......don't make me play bass.....

[Joe Snow]

Jeff,
I can bring 2 stands for the weekend if that would help. I'm also willing and able to play guitar if you still need anyone. I'm local and plan to be there Friday and Saturday.

[Mark Moseley]

It is like that old Ray Price and Johnny Bush song
"I'll be there!". Thanks guys for pulling this together. I can bring an amp, electric guitar and an acoustic. Till then. I believe that is another song.....

[Jeff Strouse]

...Yes...and one of my favorite songs by the Mills Brothers!


Actually, I was already including your guitars Mark. I appreciate you bringing them and the amp!

It might be good to have one more guitar for folks to use.

Thanks again for your support Joe and Mark! It will be good to see you again.

[Billy Gilbert]

Jeff, I can bring a Telecaster.

[Kevin Brown]

Just wanted to let you all know it was with great joy and much lightening of the pocket that I booked my flights for the show today. I'm getting fired up already and pinging mails off to all my buddies. I have had enquiries regarding teaching on the weiss, especially for 6 string C sharp minor ( down a tone to D ) This was main tuning For Home and Dry , my Shackdusters release earlier this year. Im offering a free download of the album to any students who would like a lesson on any of the Shackdusters material. You may listen here.
http://kevinbrown1.bandcamp.com/album/home-and-dry
I am setting Thursday aside specifically for this, but will be available over the weekend also for one to one lessons. Please email me for details. Very much looking forward to seeing you all again, Jeff it is now truly an 'international' event again !!

[Mark Roeder]

Kevin, great to hear that you will be coming this year!

[Mike Neer]

I'm bummed that I can't do it this year--just too many things going on here. I know it'll be fantastic and I will miss it.