The Steel Guitar Forum

My Atascadero steel-playing friend John Clarke has access to a great venue to host a jam session, or a teaching seminar (I'd be teaching), or even a combo of both.

We're not sure how many players on California's central coast might be interested, so we're looking for signs of interest, and ideas for the possible event, here on the forum.

Atascadero is a picturesque town smack dab in the middle between San Francisco and L.A., just 15 minutes north of San Luis Obispo, about 4 hours from each urban center, so it's easily reachable by lots of California players.

John can actually rent a couple of rooms in his beautiful vintage 2-story home, adjacent to the venue, and there are very reasonable motels in town. Some players may wish to arrive the night before, and if the event becomes a full weekend, lodging would obviously need to be available.

If you think you might be interested in an event like this, please post here, indicating if you prefer jam session only, seminar only, or both, and your current level of playing, beginner/intermediate/pro (just rate yourself however you see fit!). This will only happen if there's enough serious intent to try it.

As far as the instruction aspect and my credentials: I've been teaching E9 for 18 years in Los Angeles, including two 15-session "E9 101" classes (6 students per class) last year that were very successful. My chief goal is to train musicians who happen to play pedal steel, so you'll learn how to listen and understand song structure and melody, and then how to find correct chords and melodies based on that analytical understanding and ear training.

Thanks for your feedback and ideas!

I think it's a great idea. Would love to jam, maybe even a lesson too. I have family and friends I could stay with. Maybe we can make it a mini convention and get a few hotshots to do some showcases.

Dave

Dave, a convention is not a bad idea! It's certainly odd that California so far has never had a big show/convention like Dallas or St. Louis.

And Atascadero or somewhere near there makes logistical sense, midway between the big urban areas.

However...if we do this, our intention is just to start with a small event to test the waters. Where it goes from there is anyone's guess.

Tom Bradshaw has hosted some past CA conventions... I went to the one in Walnut Creek (east bay area), players were greats, Scotty, Herb Remington, Jimmy Day... ect..., but that was in 1995 (I know, I met Bud Carter and ended up ordering my S12 (thank god ).

So much for ancient history..., I would absolutely love to have a jam in that area... Pismo Beach is my favorite little corner of the world (other than my mountain canyon ).

Great idea John... and for you N. steelers who don't know John... he would be THE man to take steel lessons from, a truly complete knowledge of both E9th and C6th.

.... and then there's that winery manager in Avilla Beach, who used to play steel for Jamie Frickie

John et all, yup I'd come on down for this. And Dave, you are one of those "hotshots" that will now get to do one of those showcasey things.

SS

Thanks Steve but I think of myself more as a humble side man that get's the job done. I was thinking JayDee and Bobby Black would be a better choice for a steel showcase.

Anyhow Steve, I'm playing over the hill from you at Moe's Alley on the 17th of April. I'll buy your beer!

Keep us posted John!

DZ

How can I resist free beer to listen to you Dave?
I'll see you there!

SS

You'll put up with anything for free beer......

John My rating would be intermediate. Is there a possibility of doing C6 seminars if there is enough interest?
DZ

Mr. Wren, thanks for the very kind compliments. Truth be told, I'm very strong on E9, and way behind on C6...so I teach E9 and leave it at that, at least for now!

Keep those cards and letters coming, folks.

Count me in....

Danny

Danny, are you the winery manager referenced above? If so, which winery? Aren't you the recent immigrant from Texas? How's Avila Beach treating you? Great little town. They scraped away all the bad sand a few years back, right?

ban the dupes! How'd that happen?

ban the dupes! How'd that happen?

Yes... Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards in See Canyon. Avila is great and the music scene is nice as well. Although I've been coming here for 30 years, I've never paid close attention to the music scene here (other than a few pickup gigs here and there), but have been pleasantly surprised.

The Atascadero deal sounds fun. Let me know how I can help.

///

Great idea! I'd be interested in seminar and jam. When were you thinking of doing this?

Yes, I'm interested

Ditto, do you have a date in mind?
Ed

I'm a rank beginner, but I'm very interested and would sure try to make it. maybe some of us Norcal guys could car pool.

Ross

It's a long drive, but I might be able to attend a one-day jam in Atascadero.

I might be up for this too.

Depending on the date, I may be able to attend the jam also.

Kerry

This is looking good! I think it's a great idea! Hey Jim Eaton... this isn't toooo far from your stompin' grounds Hey Dave Zirbel, you could ride down with b0b

Thanks for instigating this John! Hope it pans out.

John,
I'll be there....

Terry

Depending on the time and my health, I'd be interested in lessons...and some jamming.

Beginner level, of course.

Sounds like fun...

Gordy