The Steel Guitar Forum

Just a reminder that our start time on Friday, June 11 will be at 5 PM and the catfish dinner will be served from 5:30 till about nine PM. Our Saturday event starts at 11:50 with Hal Higgins playing our National Anthem then the lovely and growing up fast and beautifully Miss Cayla Ann Kelton will show and tell all of us how she loves and appreciates our AMERICA. I am honored to play "America, The Beautiful" during her recitation. Then "Big" Will Stewart will get us off to a grand start at high noon. This man shows more determination in playing our instrument than any one I have ever known and he is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all for this wonderful support.
Roy Rosetta will be here to cement our band stand and the "jewel" he provides lights the way for all of us.
Bill Stafford

Bill....got to make sure this stays close to the top so that no one will forget what a great show this is going to be....this coming weekend, June 11 & 12. This is a great line-up of some of the finest players and people in the business of steel guitar. I'm very excited to be a small part of this great show on the gulf-coast. Hope to see all of you there!

Hal, with friends and players of your category on stage-that is what makes my efforts worthwhile.
I received a call this afternoon from the local TV station here in Biloxi-WLOX. I will be on their 4 PM news show with my steel. Will be talking about the players coming down and how fortunate we are here on the coast to be graced with all the major talent coming down and with all the talent we have here locally and in adjacent states. Had to start earlier on Friday evening due to all the additions.
Catfish dinner will be served from 5:30 till about nine pm on Friday. We have been receiving calls from all over this country of ours about this program. I am so proud of all you guys for making it possible for our local players and fans a chance to meet, greet and hear you all play.
Gordon Dodson and his Julian Tharpe tuned 14 string EXCEL Superb 14 string, 25 1/2" scale will excite all of us, and especially when he brings his gorgeous pre teen niece on stage to play her steel with Gordon switching to guitar and singing a few songs. Like his playing, Gordon's voice is amazing also. Our steel future is in good hands with Jean Kendall Dodson and her Uncle Gordon.
Can not forget about Cayla Ann Kendall either. This young lady will be on our stage all during both days of entertainment. She is currently taking guitar lessons. I will have her sitting along side the great Bob Saxton for some special tutoring all during the program. She is our young America personified-Makes us all proud about America's future-and no better place for that to happen than in our VFW Post here in Gulfport.
See you all soon.

Bill STafford

Need a room for myself and wife at Ramada for Fri and Sat If anyone is cancelling for any reason.
Doc Rickles

Have room now. Thank you and see you Friday.
Doc

I know guys this will be a great show and hate i have got to miss it. Bill always has a good show and ill be thinking about all of you having that fun.

Linda and I will be leaving Atlanta around 7am EST tomorrow to head for the Deep South.
We are excited about being a part of this show and being able to see many of our great friends.

Bill

Yep, getting real close now. Scotty is probably checking into the Ramada as I type this. Rob Parker is almost here too. My friends and I worked all afternoon setting up the Hall. Corky Tittle is set up and waiting on pins and needles. Hank Corwin is anxious to play and I am anxious to sit and watch and listen to this absolute master. Ronnie Miley called and he is enroute from Nashville as he tours with David Frizell and Shelly West. What a line up we have to enjoy this weekend. Show time at 5 pm tomorrow....Thanks for all this excitement and support.
Bill STafford

It's with the deepest regrets that I make this post. Something has come up that can't be avoided and I will not be able to make Fri. or Sat. of this great event. I'm really bummed out about this....But, y'all have a great time. Maybe I'll be able to make the next one.

With much regret, I will not be able to attend . I truly am upset and will miss everyone. Love to all.
Miss (Mini) Minnie Pearl
Cayla

Another great show in Gulfport by Bill Stafford. All of the talent was excellent. Herby, Doug & Joe were perfect as usual. The gentlemen from Louisiana playing the Rittenberrys was great also. I don't want to try to list everybody's name because I'll forget somebody by accident. Staff band was excellent also. Finally got to meet Bill Ferguson from Georgia also. Fine player as well. My hats off to Bill Stafford on another great show on the coast. Good to see everybody!