The Steel Guitar Forum

Monday morning the day after. I am sitting here remembering all the great steel playing I heard this weekend in Siloam Springs. I have to say this steel guitar club thing is really working! I have heard all the newer players improve so much since I had heard them last time. Congrats all of you! Your hard work practicing in really paying off.
I am sitting here listening to THE SHOE. Wow what an album Curt has put together here. A must have for your cd collection! I have several more cds to listen to. Thanks to all the SSSG club for treating us so great the whole weekend.
Your hard work for the show really paid off! One of the best I have ever been to.
Thanks SSSSG
Doug and Betty Hudson

Hi Doug and Betty. It was so good to see you this weekend. I enjoyed your playing Doug, as well as many others. I would leave someone off if I tried to list names.

We too had such a great time at the show. A big thanks to Roger and the club for having us. Thanks also to Terry Bethel for taking so much of his time to instruct Austin and help him learn more about his music. Terry was kind enough to let Austin play on his last set. Austin doesn't let things like that show, but it meant a lot to him to share the stage with such a wonderful picker. He told me several times after the show, that his heart was beating really fast and he was having trouble breathing. He never admits to being nervous, so he must have really been shaking up there. LOL.

Thanks again to everyone. The band behind Austin and Dad are some of the best at what they do. Thanks guys. We love this steel guitar family.

Doug.....D I T T O ! ! ! Dana, you have a special son....gifted. I thought everyone did their sets very well...I guess we all have our favorites but I want to especially single out the ladies and Deb Carger in particular for the awesome job of keeping the kitchen stocked with wonderful homemade casseroles and desserts. A special appreciation to President Roger Osbourn for his leadership and uncompromised commitment to the Siloam Springs Steel Guitar Association.

thanks every one here i apreciate letting me playing. i loved to see my buddy auston he is my . thank at let me play SSSG.

If I may chime in with my 2 cents...I had a wonderful time in Siloam and thank the club for their hospitality.

A lot a great talent showed up for a weekend of sharing music, licks, stories, and fellowship. It was my pleasure to introduce some of the great pickers like Terry Bethel, Buck Grantham, and David Wright. WOW! Always an honor for me to do that. And...I got to hear some Merle to boot!!!

Terry Bethel is a superb player and even better person. Always willing to help along a new player, support the exposure of the steel guitar, and simply do what he loves most - play his guitar. Thank you Terry for playing Rainbows for me. Your harmonics are still the best and stEEl my breath every time. Terry's set on Sunday with Austin was incredible. As Terry put it 'that kid is going to be a monster player' and he is so right.

Austin did a steller job all weekend even with running Grandpa off the stage. A show stEEler! I wish ya'll could have heard him take it away on Workin' Man Blues. YEAH!!!

Buck Grantham amazes me every time between playing lead with so many pickers and playing his steel. To hear Buck, or simply be in the same room with him, is a real treat. And Ms. Mitzi is the sweetest lady in the world. She has more famous pictures than any art gallery! I just love you two.

David Wright's entertainment was unmatchable. And what a beautiful guitar! The control he has over that MSA is astonishing. Clear, strong sounds poured through the speakers with such soul. David is a universal player jumping from traditional country (thanks for the Merle tune!!) to the classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow, to California Blues. Absolutely fabulous! Always a pleasure to hear David. Hope you and Cindy had a safe trip back to California, see ya in St. Louis!!

I have to mention Kathy Smith and her band. She was the first to play Merle and did an awesome job on Always Wanting You. Great music selection and performance Kathy, I'm glad I got to meet you.

Ronnie Neighbors blew the audience away with that speed pickin stuff. WOW! What an attention grabber and crowd pleaser. David was right - there should have been a speed limit imposed! That guitar was smokin' after Ronnie was finished. I do think it blew the power supply too!

Another treat was to hear Curt Shoemaker play. Very smooth and clear sound. Excellent touch and tone. If ya'll didn't get his CD The Shoe-get it NOW! You'll find out just what we all heard in Siloam. Hopefully we'll see you in St. Louis.

Fred Justice had a great set with his Rains guitar. What a beauty! And the music was good too. That was the first time I really got a chance to hear Fred play and I'm glad I did. Wonderful!

We all got a little scared when the Undercarriage Taker showed up. The Grim Steeler crept on stage but then blew everyone away with the classic 4/4 sound. Keith Hilton and the guys really had a ball and couldn't help but involve the audience. Sometimes you just never know who's going to show up at these shows and what they're gonna do!

I got to hillbilly it a little when Scott Henderson took the stage. Oh wait, that's Jazzabilly not hillbilly! Seriously though, Scott's set was great. Never knew he could sing. That just goes to show ya'll how talented these players are. It's not easy to be able to sing and steel at the same time. For some of us (me), it isn't easy to either by itself!

As I said, there was a ton of talent at the Siloam show and I could go on and on about these players. BUT - ya'll are just going to have to catch the next show to see what I mean. Great location, the venue was perfect, and the hospitality - Southern at its best!

Thanks again to Roger and the gang for having me and I simply love my birthday present. So thoughtful and really not necessary. I am honored.

Delores - thanks for the cake lady. YUMMY!!!!

Deb - you worked your bottom off in that hospitality room and it was much appreciated.

To the band that backed these great musicians - high five. Larry on bass, Dwain on drums, and Buck on lead - what a team of professionals. That's hard work. I hope Dwain has recovered from David, Austin, and Ronnie's sets.

Most importantly, thanks to all the folks that came up and asked me about my accident, commented on my Forum posts, and just said hello. It was my pleasure to meet all of you.

One more big thanks to Terry Bethel who drove me this show. Not only was it a pleasure to ride in style but to spend all that time in the car just learning from Terry. A wealth of information, expertise, and class.

Last but not least - Thank you Kenny for all your help! Couldn't do it without buddy.

I'll see you next time!

Miss Lana

Thanks Doug, everything you said about the show is so true. I would like to thank Roger Osbourn, and his staff for the hospitality shown to us this past weekend. What can a say to the back-up band other than THANKS! what a great job. All the players done a superb job as well.I really enjoyed talking with all the pickers. A big thanks to the steel "Fans" for your support.Without you it would be impossible.

Along with all the fellowship and fun I had, I gained 8 lbs. They know how to feed you! Right Scotty H. A Great Show! Shoe

Just wanted to say my thanks to the Siloam Club for a great show. I think it was your best yet. Thanks to the band and the sound man. Thanks to Roger for the cabins to stay in. To all that help Austin I want to say a BIG THANKS. I sat there Saturday with tears in my eyes watching Austin play with Terry. That was a real treat. Glad you got to come Lana. See you in Tulsa I guess. Good to see Buck & Mitzi, Wayne & Perciline, Fred & Brenda, Curt & Dixie, David & Cindy, Ronnie & Faye and all the rest too. Thanks to Deb in the kitchen too. I'm sure I left someone out. Hope to see most of you in Tulsa. Donna

Yes it was ( as a cajun would say) a very large time that we had at the SSSG show. It's a treet for Mitzi and I to get to come up there every year and renew our friendships with everyone ,and get to play with all our picking buddies. I liked everyone's show a lot. I think the stars of the show were Jerry and Venda Hanley with their church service. They do such a great job every year and it is a big job hauling all their equippment in and getting it set up. Roger allways gets everything together and makes it work. Our hats are off to him and the club for the professional way the show is handled.Austin and Jerry did an outstanding job on their part of the show. Austin is a very special young man that we're very proud of. All in all I think it was the best show we've had up there and we're already looking forward to the next one.

I want to say a big thank you to Dwain, Larry, Buck, Pat, and Bob for playing on everybody sets. (You too Ronnie...great guitar pickin' not to mention steelin) All the members of the SSSGA are a great team. Keep up the great work. I know I speak for all the steelers we appreciate you more than you will ever know. Keep it going and we will be there to support you!!!! I want to especially thank the "Memory Makers" for coming up and making Saturday night so special for Teresa and me along with everyone else. ( Can someone say new CD in the future???) Kieth hilton you are an absolute prince loved your out of the box thinking, your playing, and your passion for what you do. Shoe and Dix always a pleasure. Fred, you played great and I so much enjoyed meeting your wife. and thanks for the new toys!!! So many more to brag on but easier and shorter to just say it was an awesome weekend!!!!!Now who ate all my licorice???? hehehehehehe Love ya TB!!!!
See you all in Tulsa and next time again in Siloam Springs America!!!!!!!

------------------
Steelin' away in the ozarks and life,
Scott www.scottyhenderson.com

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Scott Henderson on 25 April 2006 at 04:59 AM.]</p></FONT>

Next time---life got in the way this time!
Oh well! I sure am looking forward to next time! Glad the show was top shelf, as it is always! Missed ya'll.

Gotta put my 2cents worth in here. A great time was had by everyone. All the musicians and singers were "great". Lots of fans and supporters there also. Jeff Tatum & company did a great job on sound again this year. Lots of hard work by the backbone of the SSSGC(Virgil, Donley, Larry, Norma Jean and other members). Food and hospitality was second to none! I've got to agree with Donna as the showstopper was when Terry Bethel let Austin play with him. Terry, you gave that young man some memories that he'll never forget. Thank you my friend for being you! Thanks Roger and the SSSGC. Ray

------------------
Ray Qualls
President(KSGA) www.rayqualls.com

I knew I would forget someone. I don't know how I forgot Jerry and Venda. The church service was a good one. I even think Jerry and Austin are going to steel one of their gospel songs!!!!!!! Hope they want mind. Donna

I forgto and don't want to leave him out. Big thank you to Mac for playing rythm on the sets. I appreciate you coming all the way from down yonder!!!!!
thanks buddy

------------------
Steelin' away in the ozarks and life,
Scott
www.scottyhenderson.com

As we left the show driving down the highway, many memories swirled in our heads. And they still linger today. One of the greatest scenes was to watch Roger Osborne make sure everyone and every thing was attended to. He and his wife and all the crew made everyone feel so welcome. Right now I'm thinking about Jerry Lee Newberry and his fine expertise on the steel guitar. His playing is good and solid and adventuresome. Always has something new to listen to. Austin sure must be really thankful to Grandpa, his mentor, for all the hours and patience and knowledge that has been invested in his life. Curt Shoemaker, the first guy that made us feel welcome at the Tulsa show many years ago, has improved tremendously. If you close your eyes while he's playing, you'll think it's one of the top stars of Nashville. Tim McCutchen is another one who comes to mind. I heard him for the first time in Baxter Springs as I sat on the front row listening to him, I thought, perfect sound, tremendous execution and good choice of songs. Now there's Buck and Mitzi, you just can't have a steel guitar show without them. His playing was fresh, exciting, and demanded your attention. Can you imagine playing all day long with the stamina that he exhibited? I sure wish he would make a CD so all of us could take him home with us instead of relying on our memory to what a great player he is. Of course the sweet sacred sounds of Wayne Smith's fingers, steel, amplifier, and pleasant demeanor, I'm sure was noticed by all. I'm glad he's still my friend even though I joke with him a lot. Perceline and Wayne are tops in my book. Then there's Terry Bethel, my oh my what pickin'! He's probably forgotten more on the steel guitar than I'll ever know. He can play all of it, country, jazz, western swing, gospel. There's not a note or chord that he doesn't know and he uses them with great ability. And thanks, Terry, for dedicating those religious songs to us. It meant a lot. Prior to the show Venda and I wondered who Lana was. Now we've found out. We enjoyed our visits with her and we hope the Steel Radio continues its dedication to the steel guitar world because any music is better with a steel guitar. Kenny, Terry's helper, is a real joy to be around. He seems to have a real knowledge of steel guitardom (is that a word?) oh, well, you get my drift. He is so helpful and kind. So, thanks, Roger, for letting us have a small part in that great weekend!

Most people will never know how much work it is to put on a show like Siloam Springs. Everyone one of us who attended owes a special thanks to Roger Osbourn. I am very aware of all the hard work Roger went through to put this show on. Roger, I want to thank you for making the Siloam Springs Show a great event. THANKS-- from me and Beverly.

Howdy folks, Brenda and I just got home about two hours ago, wore out but well blessed.
We had such a wonderful time visiting with everyone and hearing the great steel guitar music all weekend. The food, fellowship, friends and family just can't be beat at this show, I love it!
Still got that van to unload but tomorrow morning sounds good enough for me.
Thank you back up band for a job well done, and thank you Roger and Deloris and all the SSSGA staff for all your hard work and thank you wives for the great food all weekend. We are all blessed to have a place to go to like this to enjoy our beloved instrument and have such a wonderful time with our friends, thank you all.
--------------------
Fred & Brenda Justice

------------------
Fred Justice,
Fred's Music www.fredjusticemusic.com
Rains Steel Guitars

Thanks to Rodger and Deloris for a great time!!!! good seeing ol friends and makeing new ones.....David & Cindy.....

Fred, glad that you and Brenda had a safe trip home. Really enjoyed visiting with you guys and Brenda is a "Sweetheart". Get rested and "get back to work"!!! Love you guys! Ray

------------------
Ray Qualls
President(KSGA) www.rayqualls.com

don't far get the local steelplayers and talent. they all work at the show.

What a great weekend! Thanks, Roger and SSSGC, for all your work that made another success we all enjoyed.

Thanks, Scotty, for your nice mention. Backing up all the great steel players in Siloam is a highlight of my year.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Mac

I am a new fan of David Wright. David you are a great player, I really liked what you played. Thanks for coming to the Show David. Does anyone have a picture of me in the judge's robe and Amish hat? We put the hat on Buck Grantham and he looked really cool.

Lavelle, you are so right and the SSSG is doing a great job in the development of its players. I was amazed at the progress Larry Garrett has made in a year. I was in the setup room when I heard him playing and I asked who was playing and was thrilled when I was told it was Larry. He is playing great. As always Virgil Pitman sounded great and without question my buddy Tim McCutchen had as good a set as anyone I heard. I really don't like to start naming names and leaving someone out but I was totally impressed with these guys and Lavelle, probably not many in attendance knew that you were recovering from a stroke which caused you to start all over and re-learn to play and you are doing just great!
I too want to thank Roger for letting me be a part of the show. I do apologize for my poor playing. I was playing a brand new guitar which I took delivery on Friday night and took it from the case to the stage without doing any tweaking and adjustments. That was very unfair to a great Rains guitar. The 6th string was constantly drifting out of tune and all I needed to do was slightly tighten the lower return spring (after I made a mess of my playing over the weekend) when I got home and checked it out. I can't wait for another chance to show off this great Rains guitar. Thanks again Roger and the SSSG.
Jerry

Jerry Roller, you did not make a mess of your picking. I enjoyed both your sets very much, and I mean that. I also appreciate you helping out Austin and Dad with your dobro. I might get in trouble with Dad and Austin for saying this, but the dobro is really my favorite instrument to listen to.

thanks jerry you ar my favorite. thanks far the kind words.

I guess all of you noticed that when Fred Justice got home he was going to waite untill tomorrow to unload the van,well I can gurantee you he was going to eat first,thats all that boy duz is eat and pick and both very well I might add.
Fred tell Terry Bethel that Pete Byam said to tell him hey,he missed Terry while he was in Branson cause he was in Silom Springs
Ray

------------------
Steeling is still legal in Arizona