The Steel Guitar Forum

Hello Everyone,

I'm interested in possibly relocating to South Carolina upon retirement next year. Our daughter and family may also be interested in moving to the Greenville, SC area.

Can anyone give me the scoop on the steel guitar community and/or scene in South Carolina? I remember attending a show in Saluda, SC some years ago. Is that still going on?

In addition, I'd like to hear from anyone who currently lives or has lived in South Carolina regarding best places to live, things to stay away from, etc.

Thanks,

Don

Don, as far as the Southern Steel Guitar Convention-it is no longer happening, but there are a few steel guitar players in South Carolina. There's a great steel player named Mike Bagwell in Greenville, I've lived in Greenville and Greer. The Southern Steel Guitar Convention moved from Saluda to Belvedere, SC, but now there's a smaller version called the South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention in Columbia, SC at a place called Bill's Pickin' Parlor, but this year, they couldn't do the show. In Starr, South Carolina, there's a great steel guitarist named Joe Turner, he's not only a great steel player, but a great friend of mine.

Thanks Brett!

Joe Turner currently plays with the Malpass Brothers. He is a great player and a long time friend.

Thanks Clyde!

I dunno---I'd give anything to live in Texas...maybe you should rethink this. I would think DFW is a mecca for steel music. Certainly ain't in Florida.

The grass is always greener somewhere else. Texas has a slew of fine steel players who are often looking for work. It's spread out big time. I would be shocked if South Carolina or any state has a lively steel scene. Branson Mo was at one time, not much anymore. Same with Pigeon Forge Tennessee and Nashville. With all the members on here, I wonder who can make that claim? I hope you find an answer.

I live in Asheville. There is little interest in steel guitar in the Greenville/Asheville corridor. Very few country music venues, very few country bands. A few project bands that do an occasional Ronstadt or EmmyLou/Gram type things once or twice a year. Very disappointing.

you didn't exactly pick the best year to make your assessment, Stephen! there's quite a few steel players in Asheville and until 2020 came along there was plenty of country music to take in.

things should pick up again in 2021, fingers crossed.

Scott, though I only moved here this past March, I have been coming to Western North Carolina for 20 years on regular business trips. And I always sought out some form of country/Americana music.

I also am basing my statement on comments from some very long term high profile musicians in the neighborhood.

Just my two cents as I don't expect to play out too much in 2021 (though I do have a few tentative gigs in March)

S

well I've lived here for most of the past 25 years and I can say that Asheville had more steel and country music happening in 2019 than I'd ever seen. and I can name at least 15 steel players off the top of my head.

in addition to regular gigs with the 3 or 4 country bands I play with, I've helped organize or participated in annual tributes to Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and many more. the Gram tribute is me too, this year would have been our 12th annual.

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next year or two and how many venues survive.

And Scott I do defer to you as the resident who would know a lot more than I do. Who are some of the players besides Tom? (the guy from ALL)

Lynn Netherton is the local legend, he's had some health issues the past couple years. there's also

Matt Smith
JJ Tourville
Jackson Dulaney
Gerry Brown
Marty Lewis
James Saulpaugh
Ryan Stigmon
Rebecca Branson-Jones
Larry Weaver
Brian Landrum
Scott Sharpe
Jed Willis
Christian Funk
Bill Fleming

I'm surely forgetting a few and know a few other guys just getting started as well

btw
John Swain is in Newberry, SC. I figured he'd have chimed in by now

and in addition to Mike Bagwell, there's also Steve Garrison in the G/SP region

All those folks play pedal steel Scott?

'deed dey do!

Lynn Netherton took it one step further and built his own psg. guy's a genius

And after 43 great years in Nashville, I've come home to South Carolina. I'm in DeBordeiu Colony, a beachfront community south of Pawley's Island. Great live music scene here in the Low Country before the pandemic, hoping to play a bit when things open up more. Till then guess I'll just play golf and fish!