The Steel Guitar Forum

As many of you know Stoney Stonecipher has decided to not do any more steel guitar shows in Knoxville, TN. A friend of mine, Barry Gilreath, has decided to step in and do a show in Chattanooga the same weekend as Stoney's show. He's even going to have Stoney help with the MC work. I am working with Barry to help get this show together and I can say it is going to be first class all the way. It will be March 30th & 31st, 2001 in Chattanooga at the Clarion Hotel downtown. This is a beautiful hotel in a great location. Several top players have already been confirmed and we will be adding several more to the list. Also, Barry is having a great backup band which is the foundation for any show to be a success. I have listed the confirmed players below and I will be updating this list in the next few days.
Confirmed players include: John Hughey, Hal Rugg, Joe Wright, Herby Wallace and also Bobby Caldwell on guitar in the staff band.

The Clarion Hotel phone number is: 423/756-5150. Barry will be printing up flyers in the next few weeks and sending a mailing. Also, I might mention that Joe Wright will be doing a seminar on Friday.

Herby Wallace

P.S. The name of the show is: Choo-Choo City Steel Guitar Reunion.

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

Hi Herby,

This is great news. I live in Trenton about 18 miles from Chattanooga. I look forward to attending this show.

Brian
Sierra Artist, Shobud LDG

Herby,
This is great news. I was disappointed with the Knoxville show going down, but, this has really made my day. I'll call all my friends and let them know to clear out that weekend, again. Can't hardly wait...Pat

I just wanted to update the Chattanooga show a little. Doug Jernigan has been confirmed to play and also Roy Rosetta has been confirmed in the staff band.

Herby Wallace

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

And I thought I knew everything that went on in CHA as far as psg was concerned! Christmas just came early for me!

I just wanted to update the info on the Chattanooga show. Jimmy Queen and Ben Brogdon have been confirmed for the staff band, which basically makes this the same staff band as St. Louis which is unbelieveable. Also, Scotty is coming as well as: Bill Ferguson, Jonathan Cullifer, Jim Cohen, Mike Sigler and others are being contacted now.

We will continually update this post as things progress. Also, I found out yesterday that steel guitarist, Billy Taylor, from Chattanooga will be hosting river boat dinner cruise in conjunction with this great show. The hotel is located in downtown Chattanooga very close to the river.

Herby Wallace

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

Herby, I think "Choo Choo" City Steel Guitar Reunion is a great name for a show. Will steel companies be distributing their steel guitars? If they are, I'd love to know. Thank you. Brett, Emmons S-10

I just wanted to update the show a little. Steel Guitarist, Junior Knight, who is one of my personal favorites has been added to the lineup, along with Peter Burak from Portland, OR who really knocked me out in St.Louis last year. Also, Mike Headrick, who is and excellent steel guitarist from South Pittsburg, TN has confirmed. Mike has worked a lot in the Chattanooga area over the years and is very well respected for his musicianship.

This is really developing into a fantastic show and I'm sure all of you withing driving distance won't want to miss it.

Also, I almost forgot, Dewitt Scott, Hall Of Fame Member, will be playing at the show and helping with the MC work.

We will keep this updated as things progress.

Herby Wallace

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

Herby:
With the failure rate of Steel Shows due to the financial burden they pose, concern on funding such a project has triggered my interest. As you may know, over here in Nashville our NTSGA is hoping to someday have an annual event such as yours in Chattanooga. Maybe you could give us some ideas on how to raise the finances to do a big show.

Nick Reed, President
North TN Steel Guitar Association

Just bumping this up.

Herby Wallace

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

Herby, this is great news. Me and my son Mike will be there. If you need any help just let me know. Is there any word about hotel room rates?

Hey Herby-Are u planning on inviting David Spires to the show?-He is who I want to see most-Man he is really phenomenal-Just wondered

To Herby or anyone else connected with this show. I called today to make reservations at the Clarion Hotel for the March 30/31 date and low and behold the hotel is sold out for this date . Can some of you enlighten us as to the best course of action to see and attend this show?

Well I'm sorry to hear that the hotel is already sold out, but I guess maybe that's a good sign for the success of the show. I will be contacting Barry Gilreath who is putting on the show and have him get me some info on other hotels in the area. Also, I might mention that flyers are at the printers right now and I should have some in a week or two. If anyone would like one email me your address and I'll be happy to send you one. My email address is: HWallac480@aol.com.

Thanks,

Herby Wallace

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

Great News! Additional rooms are now available at the Clarion Hotel in Chattanooga Tn for the ChooChoo City Steel Guitar Reunion. Be sure to ask for special choochoo city rates. (1-4 people 76.00) Additional information available by E-mail at Choochooreunion@aol.com
See you there!!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Barry G-MSA on 10 January 2001 at 01:25 PM.]</p></FONT>

I got a reservation today, after having been told two days ago that they were booked up. I had called at night and the fellow who took the call didn't seem to know too much about what was going on. The best way seems to be to call during the day and ask for the "special events" reservation person.

Yes, it seems something is going on up there.
I too, was able to get a reservation just 4 days after being told that they were completely sold out. And by the same person, Dawn, because I like to ask for a name.
This was after Barry G's post. Thanks a lot Barry. I was sure looking forward to this show.

I got my reservation yesterday too. The reservation specialist is the one you want to speak with.

BTW, speaking of players who should be included, add:

Mike "Cookie" Jones. A superb player who has never been invited to play at St. Louis for some unknown reason. He was a regular at the Knoxville show.

Bobbe Seymour: Monster tone, the best at thumb-style steel and a real entertainer.

(I know there is not enough time to include all the great players, so include some who do not get to play St. Louis.)

Frank

------------------
1980 Black Emmons Push-Pull D-10 9+4 #2783D

Could someone please post some more information about this show. I live in Athens Georgia and really want to just come up to Chattanooga for one day. I'm not interested in a hotel reservation but are tickets required? Could someone show up on the day of the show and just purchase a ticket to come in for a while? Will there be steels and acessaries for sale, vendors, lessons, etc or just performances? I've never been to one of these!

Hi, Brad:
I just got some flyers today for the show, which answers some of your questions.

I'm sure you can buy tickets at the door (Fri evening = $15; Sat. all day = $25; both days = $35), but if you order them by mail by March 20, you get reserved seating (I'm not sure what that actually means; front section, maybe?)

For lessons, Joe Wright is giving a technique building seminar on Friday from 10am to 4pm. $50. Walk-in's welcome but pre-registration guarantees you a seat.

And, yes, there will be a number of distributors on hand with steel guitars, equipment, recordings, etc.

Hope to see you there!
JC

------------------
www.jimcohen.com

------------------
CJC

Made my reservations yesterday, really looking forward to this. Hope we have a great crowd...Pat

Got my resevations today ..No problem..Just mentioned the ChooChoo City Special rates. I ha d checked out a few other close hotels..this was accually better being right there and with breakfast. It's going to be fun.Bob Hayes

------------------
Robert W Hayes

Just bumping up.

Herby

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

I am making plans to attend the show. I'm leaving for Dallas on the 4th of March and after attending that show it's on to Pensacola, Fl. to visit with family for a couple weeks, then to Chattanooga for this event, then head to Indiana to vist yet more family, then the long trek home to California. My poor old Jeep Wrangler is in for quite a ride, not to mension my kidneys. But I am looking forward to meeting all of you and my long over due vacation. See ya'll soon..........

------------------
Jim Walker
[url=http://whirlwind_band.tripod.com]The Whirlwind Band[/url]

MCI D10 8+5 / Session 400
B-Bender Telecaster / Bandit
Digitec RP3