The Steel Guitar Forum

Can anyone give me any information regarding the country western music scene in the southwest of Oregon? Steel guitars are about as in demand as accordions where I am in the central coast of California. Venues and contacts among the C+W community would be appreciated. I'm thinking about relocating. Thanks in advance.

You should contact Todd Clinesmith, he is your man in this department.

He has told me in the past, unfortunately, that there isn’t much of a scene. Though perhaps things are changing with additional Californians moving in!

Thanks Mark. Is Todd on the forum? Maybe he will chime in.

Thanks Mark. Is Todd on the forum? Maybe he will chime in.

The steeling scene has really diminished within the periphery of Medford, due to steelers moving, passing on, aging, etc. At the moment I know of no others locally who play in public except myself now playing non-pedals twice a month at a local Senior Center Jam for one hour sessions.

John, if you want to be gigging pretty steadily, I'd suggest finding a smaller town near Portland to live in without big city traffic and hassle, seems to be quite a bit of work there, and lots of good steelers, you'd fit right in. Atascadero has lost its charm? Welcome to the PNW! I'm in Olympia, we love the life here, but it's too far from jobs, which are mostly in Portland and Seattle, both a nightmare to deal with AFAIC, I had enough of that in L.A.

John Clarke wrote:Thanks Mark. Is Todd on the forum? Maybe he will chime in.

Yes, Todd is a long time forum member. He and his family moved from Humboldt County a number of years ago and they live in a beautiful spot east of Roseburg in the mountains.

He told me not much in the way of gigs in southern Oregon, and occasionally as alluded to by John will go to Portland to play. It’s a pretty serious drive from outside of Roseburg.

The southern Oregon wineries number about 42 these days - could be some potential there. I play the occasional winery gig here in Sonoma County, but we have more wineries between here and Napa than Carter has pills.

Thanks fellas. It doesn’t look too good.