The Steel Guitar Forum

IABA (Illinois Associated Band Activities) was an educational organization dedicated primarily to support the honest and established music studios in the region.When I went it was held in the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago.I went when I was 8 and 9 years old but I still remember much about it.I remember there were several steel players in competition during the weekend. Is there anyone else here that took part? I don't know how long it went on but it started in 1940 so surely someone on the forum might have participated.I would like to hear your stories!

I was in the I.A.B.A. in the 70's. I was a guitar student at Peg Nelson Guitar Center in Beloit, Wisconsin. Her students did real well in those competitions. We were in the I.G.L. too. (Illinois Guitar League) Becouse of my success in those organizations I was invited to compete in the Nationals 3 times, winning it at the age of 15 in 1977. Then I got a pedal steel and I've been a mess ever since! (you can hear me playing steel on Tracy Lawrence's new CD "The Rock" or see me on the road w/Tanya Tucker)