The Steel Guitar Forum

My wife and I are going to Washington DC around the last week of October starting the 27th. I was wondering if there were any good country bands with a steel player that plays around that area maybe even around Arlington or Baltimore. I just want to go hear some instead of play it for a change.

Dean, the DC area is plentiful with accomplished steel players but for a good country band recommendation, well, I never venture out to see whos who. For sure, two working steel players that are a must to see are Curry Coster and Tommy Auldrige. I don't know Curry's band De Jour but I do know Tommy plays with a SUPERB guitar player, Chic Hall. Having not heard Tommy's band or Curry's association, I've had the privilege to hear and jam with them both, as we have frequent garage jams. Those two guys play their rears off....
I'm playing bluegrass if you'd like to hear some cutting edge atonal banjo picN
gL

Hi Gary; you haven't quit playing steel have you? I hope that you are still performing with your psg. I have always enjoyed listening to you.

Charles,
I played steel with a swing group (Django, big band jazz pop) for about two years called String Theory, but they disbanded about 5 months ago or so...To answer your question, I have not given up on steel as the challenge requires my continued attention. One day I'll know what, why, where and how.....

Gary, I'd like to hear your playing with the Gypsy jazz group; got any mp3s or vids you can share?
Cheers,
Jim

Recorded on a Zoom hand held doohicky, strategically placed by my amp for later on review and learning purposes....Not a stellar mix....

https://soundcloud.com/gary-lee/49west

https://soundcloud.com/gary-lee/zs


https://soundcloud.com/gary-lee/faithless-love

I was just in dc and Baltimore . Saw Susan alcorn playing an amazing set of improvised music last night . There is a country karioki thing at a place called madams organ in dc i think on wed nights . I didn't check if they used a steel player though. Check what is going on at iota and the birchmere in va. Many of he touring acts use steel .

The Birchmere and Iota are more like concert type venues with out of pocket entrance fees, large like. And I believe Dean's said time period indicates NO "good country band's" booked at either of Bob's suggestion. Two clubs that feature country music catering to two steppers, if that is your cup of tea, are Nick's http://www.nicksnightclub.com/ and Cancun Cantina http://cancuncantina.com/
Just to reiterate, find out if Curry and Tommy are playing during your visit, you won't be disappointed as they play good country music catering to their tastes, not two steppers.

I was trying to find the video he put up a while ago, but the band Gary mentioned with Tommy Auldridge and Chick Hall features Tom Gray on bass. I'd seen 'em on Tom's FB wall, but I just came up empty. Good stuff

I play at a place called Madam's Organ in the Adam's Morgan neighborhood (clever name, eh?) every other Wednesday and my calendar shows I'll be there October 30th. I'm a pretty mediocre steel player but we play great songs (classic/outlaw country, Waylon, Willie, Hank Sr. & Jr., George Jones) and a little classic rock like Little Feat and The Band. Madam's is a great bar with a real stage, though I warn on Wednesdays when we play there's a $4 cover, which goes to pay the band. I'll be playing poorly executed Ralph Mooney licks on steel and half-decently executed James Burton licks on guitar all night.

Thanks for all your suggestions guys. I don't get to go out and hear live music very often as I play six nights a week myself. Some people would think why in the world would I want to go hear music if I play six nights a week. Getting to hear some music in a different atmosphere especially in DC will be a treat.

There's a nightclub in Alexandria called Nick's, the band may or may not have a steel player, as they change every week. I'll be there this coming weekend.

Is the Tin Dipper/Big Dipper still going on US1 in Beltsville Md?

Keep up the good work, Travis. You can't go wrong with Mooney and Burton.

Check out JV’s Restaurant, probably the last surviving real honky tonk in Northern Virginia, just across the Potomac from DC. Music can be hit or miss there, but when its hit, its really good. Here’s the link - http://www.jvsrestaurant.com/home.html

Tommy's playing with Patsy Stephen's band with the Hall Brothers. I'd Google her to see what her schedule is like.

As far as I know Tommy and I are the only "regular" steelers that play JV's with our respective bands.

Now, Sara Jory played there a couple of weeks ago. That was killer!!

h

Oh...

Does your stay extend to Nov 13? The Time Jumpers play the Birchmere in Alexandria.

What's there not to like?

h

As far as I know Tommy and I are the only "regular" steelers that play JV's with our respective bands.

Howard,
I'm working JV's on the 20th, an unregular, on banjo....ISNT THAT SOMETHING, doesn't that count?

Gary Lee Gimble wrote: Howard,
I'm working JV's on the 20th, an unregular, on banjo....ISNT THAT SOMETHING, doesn't that count?

hmmm..Can I get back to you on that?

h

Howard – let me know next time you’re playing at JV’s and I’ll stop in. I missed Sara Jory because I had out of town guests and JV’s wasn’t on the agenda. I had plans to see the Time Jumpers next month, but just got word from work this week that I need to be on a plane as the Time Jumpers are taking the stage at the Birchmere. Need to improve my luck, although I did get to see them a few years back at the Station Inn when John Hughey was with them.

Will do Jerry.

Fair warning that Gunsmoke and Cheap Perfume does not play much classic country. We are basically a roots rock/alternative bunch. Whatever that is.

We do manage to sneak in a shuffle or 2 and/or swing to shock to crowd.

I'm "Howard Parker" on Facebook if you are so inclined. I'll add you to the event invite list.

cheers

h

Howard - sure, please add me to the list.