Saluda Steel Guitar Convention Highlights

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 17 Nov 2003 10:05 am

Don Helms Steels the Show.

Don was absolutely Fantastic! And his Show held this crowd absolutely silent and no less that 4 standing ovations. Rob Parker was Marvelous with his vocals on Mr Dons Show. Mr Don also was able to give me some news on My old Friend George Edwards, said George is Doing Well. Mr Don Drves George to his Therapy Session every Wednesday. Thats the kind of man Mr Don is. A super guy in all respects.

Mr Don has a young Fan named Jeb Baldwin who is a lefty and was speechless when Don let him take his Sierra lap steel to the tuneup room and play it. It was Great to see a Living Legend Be so kind and considerate to a new and upoming Steeler like Jeb. You are going to hear more from Jeb, Mark my words. Mr Don just jump started him on his way to becoming a top notch Steel Guitarist.

The Battle of the Bands Between Country River and Timeless Highway came out as I predicted with the Audience the Winner.

I thought I had heard a ghost when a quiet gentleman named Clyde Bloodworth play a Sunday morning Show. He doesn't say much, but his playing says a lot about him. Some of the most marvelous C6th playing I have heard in a long time. I'm sure Curly was looking down and smiling. Great Show and He will be back in February and he will have one of the top spots on the Sunday afternoon show. WOW!!!

Joe Wright Showed up totally unanounced and blew the Crowd away with his comedy and playing.

Herby Wallace put on another Fantastic show, as usual, When Herby Gets on stage every thing moves up another level or two. Always great.

Brett Day was there and Saw Rob Parker Changing his strings for him. Rob is a super Dude too. Brett is Everybody's hero.

Bill Ferguson Did a super job of The MC Chores. His Steeling playing ain't bad either

All of the Georgia Gang were super, Bill Nicholson, Roger Crawford. Larry Moore and get better evry time I hear them.

I can't say enough about the Staff Band, Show after show they raise the standard of music to anew level. Worth the price of Admission alone.

This was Buddy Walker and Charles Reece's 67th Show, WOW again. They always get better and better. Relaxed atmosphere and you never know who will show up.

A Steal at $10 Admission.

------------------
<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_7_3.gif' border=0></a><a target='_blank' href='http://www.mymailsignature.com'>
<img src='http://www.mymailsignature.com/fwpdata/ ... CFAsig.png' border=0></a>[This message was edited by John Floyd on 17 November 2003 at 07:07 PM.]

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 17 Nov 2003 10:23 am

And a big thanks to you, John, for changing your schedule to be sure the sound was right! I'm already looking forward to February when John Hughey and Jeff Newman will be there![This message was edited by Roger Crawford on 17 November 2003 at 10:24 AM.]

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 17 Nov 2003 11:18 am

Thank you John for the kind comments and your hard work yesterday.

Yep it was a GREAT day. The band dispute was a fun thing and yes the audience was the winner.

I think we "CRB" have one of the best dance bands around. Timeless Highway is probably the best show band there is. So the audience got 2 treats.

I feel that the level of playing yesterday was the best it has ever been in Saluda. Not a bad picker or even close to bad all day.

Wow, Buddy and Charlie really know how to do it right.

This show is the best kept secret around.

Bill

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 17 Nov 2003 11:30 am

Roger
Just had a chance to listen to your show, youre getting better and better, shows that you've been doing some serious woodshedding.

Bill , Your Band and especially your tone is terrific. Great Job on the MC Work and The "Dispute" <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/37.gif' border=0></a> between you and Tommy was handled with the Grace of True Gentlemen.What in the world Was that guy in your band doing as Sylvia's guitar player, she should have been his roadie <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_4_105.gif' border=0></a>

I can't say enough good things about this show. They just keep getting better. The Players go home after the show and work hard to get ready for the next one. It shows up in their playing from show to show. You can actually hear and see their development with each show.

Good Music, Good Fun and all for a most worthy cause. The Shriners Childrens Hospitals.

If you can have fun, while you are doing good for the children of this country, then you are truly blessed.

Buddy Walker and Charles Reece have something special going here.

The recording of the show came out good and I will have Cd's for each player in Feb when I come back.

I have people in the audience that ask at every show I attend to get a copy, either as a gift or buy a copy. I cannot do this. This music is the property of the players and writers of the songs. When I told Mr Don that I do not pass out copies of anybodys show to assure him that his work would not be given away. He said" you have my confidence". That is special to me to have everyones confidence and especially Don Helms.

If the individual player chooses to give away or sell a copy of his show that is between him and the staff band. The Shows I have recorded are going to be placed in an Archive with Buddy Walker and Charles Reece as the Custodians.

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 17 November 2003 at 01:58 PM.]

Clyde Bloodworth · Post by **Clyde Bloodworth** » 17 Nov 2003 2:22 pm

John,
Thank you very much for the kind words,they mean a lot this old soldier. This was one of the most enjoyable weekends I have ever experienced. Just being in the same building with legends like Don Helms and super picker Herby Wallace(one of my very favorite C6 players) and all the other great players I heard was enough to scare the daylights out of me. It is so nice when people still make room for old folks to play. I hope I get the opportunity to do so again.Thanks again!
Clyde

Bob Strum · Post by **Bob Strum** » 17 Nov 2003 6:27 pm

I can only say that this show was one to remember. Don brought tears to this old guy with a touch that really gives the heart a tug. When Joe "just" drops in and brings Ben Brogdan, well you know good times get even better. Thanks Buddy and Charlie

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 17 Nov 2003 6:33 pm

John, great overview of the Saluda show! It was so nice seeing the face behind the smiley-face with the toupe!

Your cheerleading efforts in the weeks prior to the show were a lot of fun! And I think you described the show perfectly!

I always enjoy Timeless Highway - don't tell anyone, but I have a major crush on their steel player!

Regarding, Country River - I so was thrilled to finally hear them for the first time. It's always great to hear Bill play with that BIG SMILE on his face!

Taking photos of him in action is tough! Seriously, Country River IS a super dance band, and I enjoyed them even without dancing one step!
Both singers were excellent, too.

I'll be posting my pictures sometime this week, which include quite a few of Brett Day!! With just a handful of folks still in the building, Rob Parker helped Bret with his tuning and other adjustments - then carried his gorgeous Emmons single-neck to the stage and set it next to Joe Wright's guitar. Brett beamed with joy as he sat down to play The Star Spangled Banner. He carefully struggled to position his new bar (from Ann & John Fabian)in his crippled hand and WOWED the audience to tears! I might add that he got a standing ovation - and Deb (mom) seemed pretty proud of her son!
Roger - thanks for the photographic assistance with Tommy's camera! Where was my buddy, Don??
Bill, as always you did an exceptional job as emcee - and great to visit with Linda.
I also agree that the talent was the best I've personally seen at this show, as well!

Buddy, so glad you are feeling better. Kudos to everyone who worked so unselfishly to make it the huge success it was. (ESPECIALLY THE LADY WHO MADE THE LEMON POUND CAKE!)
Donna[This message was edited by Donna Dodd on 18 November 2003 at 01:57 AM.]

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 17 Nov 2003 6:52 pm

You Know we missed one group of folks who were there, didn't get to see much, if any of the show, but they were turning out that great BBQ, Hot Dogs, Fries and Soft Drinks. Thats one of the toughest jobs around, feeding that many people.
Buddy
please convey our thanks to the entire kitchen crew, They did a super job and as fast as any fast food resturant around. [This message was edited by John Floyd on 17 November 2003 at 06:55 PM.]

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 18 Nov 2003 9:22 am

Thanks, Donna! I'll get word to Mr. Bagwell(I HATE when he makes me call him that!), and it was great meeting you, and always a pleasure seeing and hearing Tommy(or is that Mr. Dodd?). And my Friend, who's Name is Jesus, says hello as well! To quote our buddy Carl Dixon:
MAY HIS BLESSINGS ALWAYS BE YOURS!!

Larry Moore · Post by **Larry Moore** » 18 Nov 2003 11:33 am

Yes I would like to add also Saturday night at the Jam I got the pleasure of playing some Hank Sr. tunes along with "The Man Don Helms".
And Sunday was a good day of pickers.I met some new friends.
Always the back up band.... well word cannot express how good they will make you sound,
I want to Thank you the Staff Band

Wayne Stowers-Drums
Wayne Smith-Bass
Woody Ledford-on Leag Guitar
Johnny Thomas-on Leag Guitar
Bob Strickland-on Leag Guitar
Larry

Jeb Baldwin · Post by **Jeb Baldwin** » 18 Nov 2003 2:08 pm

YES! I had areally good time. Meeting Don Helms was the highlight of the weekend. He showed me two parts of two different songs I was trying to play. He is definantly one of my heros, needless to say, and a super guy at that.

John, Thanks for the nice words. I choked pretty bad on saturday night because I did not know half of the songs. I'm going to have to get busy and learn those melodies. And as usual, I made a lot of friends and seen a few from the bristol show. Allen, thanks for the pictures you took and Clyde Bloodsworth, awesome c6 Playing as usual. Ill see you two at the Fayettville show this weekend.
I got to see my friend Joe Turner also.Wow what a musician, and a great person. I have been truly blessed to make friends and learn things from all the people at these steel shows. Thanks to everyone that has helped me in so many ways and been there as a friend.

Jeb Baldwin

------------------

Vernon Hester · Post by **Vernon Hester** » 18 Nov 2003 9:27 pm

John,
Was good to see you at Saluda and a nice write-up about the show. Don Helms and Rob Parker was about as good as it gets.
Vern