The Steel Guitar Forum

"It takes a village"....as it is said....

Mark, thank you for providing back up....you have an invite to join us anytime....

Jeff and I also want to thank Mark Roeder & Kristy Larsen for driving all the way from Wisconson with a PA system, amps, & a bass.....that made such a huge difference in the quality of sound compared to the system that we had last year.....

We very much appreciate the combined participation of everyone.....and more of this later from Jeff, after he finishes his back to back shifts......

What a great thread, Mike. Thanks for starting it. I felt some ghosts in the room that weekend too. But where else would those ghosts want to be with all the great music we had going on there?!

Mike, thanks for all your help and superb playing this weekend. Your steel sets were as hot as your rhythm and lead guitar solos. We all like the contrast of tunes you do - it really shows the versatility of of the steel. It was especially nice to hear two of my favorites, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy and Little Red Wagon - I can remember fiddlin' Ray Wade doing that tune...remember him? (All smiles and some smokin' swing fiddle!)!

We had so many great players and supporters, and I'd like to thank everyone here in a little bit...I still need to work a few more nights...I have some free time next week, so hope to get to it then, after compiling some notes. It might take me a bit to make sure I include everyone. Sorry for the delay...I slept for about two solid days and nights when I got home...then it was back to the old grind.

But it was worth every minute. Howard's on 'internet watch' for the time being. Which is good, because he has the video and pics. He spent 12 hours a day on his feet, so I'm sure is glad to be sitting for a change!

For folks who attended, please keep sharing stories about the experience. It will hopefully encourage others to come to the convention, too.

One person told me it reminded him of a family reunion this year. Too bad we all don't live closer, so we could have a non-pedal get together more often!

Jeff Strouse wrote:What a great thread, Mike. Thanks for starting it. One person told me it reminded him of a family reunion

Hopefully,...not the Manson Family.....

Yes, like a family reunion without all of the dysfunction.

I guess my point is, there are a good number of us and I'm sure we each have different goals in terms of playing styles, etc., but getting together for that weekend is, in a sense, like sharing in the things we have in common. It is the one opportunity I have all year long to play some of the standard repertoire. I hope that in the future more players will feel emboldened to take chances and play a little of what they do that is outside of the box--it is a very supportive environment to do so.

It is funny, because I had worked up a few solo pieces and some stuff that I would play with percussion loops, but I scrapped it when I remembered that what it really is all about for me is playing with other musicians. I love being part of a band vibe.

Your point is well taken Mike in this thoughtful thread....I'm penning this phrase for the RA Non Pedal Sessions website....

The Rick Alexander Non Pedal Sessions

"A Congress Of Styles And Genres"

very cool guys! - wish I was there this year...

As for non-pedal at the ISGC St. Louis - you bet

Though maybe you'll see it billed more as the "Hawai'ian Room" there is some fine playing and Bobby Black on his Fender D8 thru a blackface Princeton amp last year was some of the best non-pedal tone I've heard, anywhere, ever

I finally got the chance to thank some folks and give a little bit of my perspective of the convention. I put over here in this thread:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=202362

It's kind of long, so thanks for reading!