The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 10:45 AM

A fine bunch of pickers we'd be if we didn't have time for "imperfect players" and "odd instruments." I'd be stopped at the door. There is a good mix at the shop, with a variety of interests and enough levels of ability to make sure everyone who wants to learn something can. I've certainly been watching when some of the bluegrass banjo players rip off leads on the upper frets, where I rarely dare to go. And I learn more of the songs in their book, while imposing some from my own old-time collection. I perform these days primarily as a traditional jazz and ragtime piano player, so I have another songlist there. With Elson's swing-style guitar, a mandolin player steeped in gospel, Banjer's Civil War ballads and a fresh infusion of Cajun, we may just cook up something new. Or at least enjoy the effort.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:02 AM

We hardly ever miss a Saturday session, but wouldn't you know we'd miss the day Banjer whooped out some Civil War ballads. Hope the accordion comes back soon, 'cause there was none there Saturday. Bob Miller reminded me of a night at the Legion when a lady with bagpipes showed. Now that was a rare and interesting jam! See you all next week. Fred should be there clawhammerin' away.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 08:18 PM

I plan to be there next Saturday. Maybe we CAN get some CW ballads or other songs out there. one that I can play fairly well is 'Marching Thru Georgia', whic was written about Sherman's retreat to the Atlantic ***BG***. It was also played by a Marine Band at the unveiling cermony of a war veterans memorial at Andersonville, GA when then President Jimmy Carter, who hails from nearby Plains took the stage! It is said he was less than enthusiastic and the band leader is still TDY to some unknown and unheard of outpost just inside Outer Mongolia. So unknown in fact that NO ONE knows where he is!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: harpgirl
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 08:32 PM

Hi Banj...I plan on being at the shop the first weekend in June. Nathan has a state bowling tournament and I'll be in Tampa by the bowling alleys all weekend. Did you make the Natural Bridge reenactment?   harpgirl

PS I'll also be at the Sertoma Ranch in Dade City (the sweetest smelling city in Florida) this weekend for the Will McLean fest.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: diatonic novice
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 07:39 AM

For anyone who's interested in "old timey" music, a Canadian group is coming to Viva la Frida's in Tampa this Wed. (March 19). They're called the Ducks and they are just fantastic. No kidding.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 18 Mar 03 - 10:44 AM

Thanks for the tip, DN. I haven't heard much around here I'd call "old timey," so this sounds great. As it happens, I won't be able to make it. Please report in at this forum if you go, and tell us about it. Hope you made it to the Cajun Festival. I didn't happen to hear anything traditional when I went Sunday. But it was fun nonetheless. I can't commit to this Saturday's jam quite yet, due to conflicts, but I'd like to make it and I hope you can too.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: diatonic novice
Date: 18 Mar 03 - 05:54 PM

I really wish I could catch the Ducks! They sound excellent but I've got to work. I keep trying to think of how I can get out of it but no great ideas.

I don't know if I'll be at the Bluegrass Shop next Saturday but I'll try to show up again sometime soon. I'm actually going to participate in a coffee house talent night in honor of Women's History Month and I'll do a group of traditional Mexican tunes.

I've got that "On Holy Ground" down pretty well now - ready to join you all (in C).

I did go to the Cajun Festival on Saturday and then to the Celtic Fling on Sunday. The entertainment was great but I did expect to see a few more instruments for sale (and better food). Looking forward to the Ft. Lauderdale Cajun Festival in May because they've got Beausoleil and some accordion workshops (yippee!).

Hope everyone has a good time next Saturday.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 19 Mar 03 - 10:58 AM

We will be missing this coming Saturday, 'cause we are headed up to Suwanee Music Park (Live Oak) for Springfest '03. Earl Scruggs, Rhonda Vincent, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and a bunch more. We have a mission to get the Peter Rowan pix we gave Elson autographed for his store. I'm confident we can do it and make him smile. Have fun, all. See you next Saturday the 29th.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 25 Mar 03 - 10:45 AM

Great weekend, Earl Scruggs, Rhonda Vincent, Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, etc. and we came home with the Peter Rowan photo signed and a real surprise for Elson... a signed photo by Rhonda Vincent and every one of the "Rage" band members. Both are a the Bluegrass Shop and you can check 'em out Saturday. We will be there.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 29 Mar 03 - 08:18 PM

Hi all, keep in mind taht on April 19 there is a jam at Heritage Village. Those that are into the old time that we do before the Bluegrass Jam may want to keep that day in mind as we will probably have most afternoon open!!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 30 Mar 03 - 10:37 AM

Been out of the loop of late, but I hope to scrape off the rust soon. Tell me about this Heritage Village jam. I've heard you mention it before, but I don't know what it's about or where it is, etc.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 30 Mar 03 - 03:02 PM

There is an antique car show at Heritage Village on April 19th and the Bluegrass hot hitters are gathering for a jam session. I thought it would be neat if we take over the session with old time music that day. I pictured you, diatonic novice, myself and whoever else comes along doing old time or whatever else falls out of our respective intruments!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: diatonic novice
Date: 30 Mar 03 - 10:34 PM

Old Timey folks,

I've met some other folks in your area who like to play old time music (fiddles, guitars, spoons). They could use a couple good old banjos. One woman (who plays mandolin and fiddle) has a 4-string and wants to learn frailing. We had a fun evening and they even played a few tunes in C. Are you guys going to that traditional music competition deal next weekend?

By the way, the Ducks are spelled Duhks and they have a website with samples of their music.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 05:51 AM

I'm not going at this point, I think I am already committed to other fun things, like doing some work at my mother's house on Saturday and taking some folks down to Ft Desoto for their first visit there on Sunday.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 10:30 AM

I'm always interested in meeting others who suffer the same distractions as I. But I've decided not to go to the competition this year. I'm simply not ready, not in shape. I do hope to make it to the Bluegrass Shop this Saturday, though, and would be glad to pick wherever these folks can meet. Let me know. Hey Banjer, where is Heritage Village?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 05:57 PM

Heritage Village is in Largo...aka. Heritage Park, just south of where Ulmerton/Walsingham Road merge. Are you planning to go to the jam or come to the Shop on that day?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 07:09 PM

I know that the person interested in frailing is going to the competition this weekend, otherwise I'd suggest she go to the shop. I'll mention that you'll be there, Gern and maybe she'll make it by.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 10:19 AM

Well, at this point, Laurie and I plan to be at the Bluegrass Shop on Saturday. See you all there.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Lauren
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 04:01 PM

Hey Guys...sorry I haven't been around at the shop much. Last week our band was playing at Heritage Village(and yes, we played real old-time music), and somewhere else the week before. I was wondering if the picnic is still on this coming weekend...I ahve not been in the loop lately. I know it is also the Seretoma BG fest, and I figure most people will be at that. or maybe not. Anyone have any news?

By the way, the oldtime champs in dade city were great. Good jamming, tough competition, and a couple good performances. Although, for those going to Seretoma this weekend, watch out for the caterpillars that drop from trees...there are tons of them, and some of us got bad rashes from them that lasted at least a week.

Maybe some time, the oldtime players can organize a seperate jam somewhere...anyone up to it?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 22 Apr 03 - 07:23 PM

The Sunday Picnic is still on, and there looks like a good crowd may appear. Elson says if you can only do one day, do Sunday. There will be a jam Saturday, too at the shop, as usual. SUNDAY: Lake Seminole Park, Shelter #3, 11am start. Bring your own food. Drinks will be available, but if you have a favorite, might bring that too. There will be a gas grille available.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 28 Apr 03 - 11:36 AM

Well, what a great picnic! Over 100 I am told that attended. Great folks. Great music and singing. We had a blast and hung out until after 5pm. Can't wait until the next one. I hear some rumblings about old time music park gatherings here and there, too. Plus, we will keep the Saturday jam going full force! Thanks Elson and all who organized this.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 06 May 03 - 12:03 PM

Yes, it was a very good time. I picked until I bled, paying the dues to sing the blues(grass.) My hand has literally not healed yet, and I haven't been able to play since. My wife was more impressed by the roving gators. Hey Banjer, what did you do with all the photos you shot? Just wanted to alert all interested parties that I am back online, having consigned my previous computer to boat anchor status. Barbara and I have just returned from Kentucky, where we shared in the high-class depravity of the Kentucky Derby. If you watched, Barbara was the one with the hat. Otherwise, lots of red-faced drunks in seersucker suits, swilling mint juleps and ripping up bet tickets. I was one of them, although I opted against the seersucker.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 22 May 03 - 11:07 AM

If banjo players must suffer to be good, Fred, you must be on the verge of becoming famous, according to your injury report. Bring that dang thang back this Saturday and stop whimpering. I heard that banjo players must suffer, or was it banjo listeners?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 22 May 03 - 01:34 PM

Hey, you don't see me using those weenie-assed fingerpicks, do ya? I believe in playing breakdowns until you actually break down. Dylan said, "you gotta play your harp until your lips bleed," but he has offered little advice to clawhammer banjo players.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 22 May 03 - 03:27 PM

Actually, when asked, Dylan said, "Uh, what was the question?" OK, OK... I admit. Fingerpicks are for wussies. But, please allow me to clarify, "wussies with remaining meat on their fingertips." By the way, are you gonna make it Saturday? If so, I'll show up early.

Last night at the Legion, several times a group of people applauded the leads I layed down on my dobro. Finally, I spoke up and said, "Thanks, but you folks will have to stop applauding because I'm running out of money." They cracked up. Hey, if you can't be a pro musician, be a comedian?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 23 May 03 - 09:38 AM

Dylan's actual quote was, "Get the hell out of my garbage can." No, it looks like holiday expectations will keep me sidelined Saturday. Am planning on next week instead. Maybe we'll see you Monday at the Reggae Fest at Janus Landing. There won't be a banjo and dobro in sight, which may itself attract a crowd.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 23 May 03 - 10:54 AM

Laurie has to work Monday (Hospitals don't care) but we might drift down that way in the evening. I'll be the guy in the beautiful Hawaiian shirt.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 24 May 03 - 03:24 AM

Hi folks, now that things have slowed down a bit in my hectic corner of the world, I am getting back on track with the idea that was born at our April 27th picnic/jam. How about getting together wome of the folks that would like an Old Time oriented session. Are there any suggestions for a place that we could meet that would be convinient and centraly located,and possibly well shaded or covered, like maybe a local park or other facility?

I will be at the jam Saturday (24 May) and hope to find some others there that may want to join us.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 24 May 03 - 10:20 AM

I'm interested, and open for suggestions on location.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 24 May 03 - 05:24 PM

Hi Gern...I talked with Bobo and others at Elson's Sat PM...Bobo and I agreed to meet there next Saturday at 12 noon for at least an hour of old time stuff. Richard the fiddler also said he was interested but didn't thnk that hooking the two sessions together was wise as it made it too long for those that want to attend both! There were also two others, both fiddlers who expressed an interest in an old time session. What we can do, You, Bobo, Laurie and myself is to try next Saturday and see what works up. Who knows, if we get enough of a group we may be able to justify our own 'time slot' Let's give it a try and see!!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 24 May 03 - 08:03 PM

Let's try next Saturday at Noon. It would be better for another time, probably. But the question is when and where. Laurie and I would be available Tuesdays or Fridays at night without conflicting with lessons and the Wednesday night jam at the Legion. So, in addition to playing, we can kick around ideas this coming Saturday.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 24 May 03 - 08:59 PM

Yes, that's what I ahd in mind, a building session, where we can enjoy the company, make the music, and the plans for the future.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 27 May 03 - 01:06 PM

The 12-1pm slot will work, if you only want an hour to play. Is that enough? Three hours is too long, two is just about right.

The regular bluegrass guys show up at 12:45-1pm, and as you all have noticed, within an hour there are a dozen pickers or more. Currently being the only dobro player, that's fine with me for that session. But what about others who either want to play old time music, dulcimers, clawhammer, etc? Or those who really don't have the playing experience who are shy and don't get a chance to hop in... unless it's intimidating, which it can be with the big boys.

Being insane, it doesn't bother me, but the answer can't be noon till 1pm on Saturday, in my opinion. Need about 2 hours somehow...and I don't think Elson would agree to 11am or 11:30 because it would disrupt guitar lessons, right? Well, guess we can discuss this Saturday, eh?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 28 May 03 - 10:32 AM

There's no easy answers here, but the group has grown into something monstrous. Anytime 4 or more banjoes gather in a single room, you've got troubles. It's my own fault, but I'm just beating my hands bloody trying to join in. My hearing also cannot discriminate when 15 or more are playing. Since part of the "big boys" is a nucleus of a regular band, their material and harmonies are worked out in advance and the rest of us can do little more than chord along. Dulcimers don't stand a chance. Elson often has students until 12:30, and I usually just play softly to myself until this is over. Just how much interest is there in an old-time session?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 28 May 03 - 03:18 PM

That's a good question, I think. Laurie wouldn't mind a session where it's not so intimidating. I will attend a noon-ish session just to pick and grin with you Fred.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 28 May 03 - 03:37 PM

I would like a noon time old time session because as Bobo has said, I cannot fit in with the big guns but would still like to be able to play sometime. Gern and I have done a couple of songs together but I need more practice and experience under my belt. I may never be able to 'run with the Big Dogs, but I don't plan to 'stay on the porch either!!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 29 May 03 - 11:10 AM

Why don't we set up an "Old Timey" picnic in the park session? Out at Ft. Desoto, or Lake Seminole Park? Hot? Well, that's why we all live here in Florida, isn't it? Actually, in the shade at Ft. Desoto, it's pleasant with a breeze. It will be too hot in late July and August, but now it's possible.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 29 May 03 - 11:27 AM

Plus, including me, once football season gets started, I stay home and watch the games on Sunday. The picnic idea has already been kicked around by Banjer and others... let's just do it. We can talk Saturday. Planning on Noon arrival.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 31 May 03 - 05:39 AM

Likewise planning on noon!!! See all there!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 08:59 AM

Well, it's back up. Hello to the group. Noon on Saturday June 7th? We will be there.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Bobo
Date: 07 Jun 03 - 07:46 PM

Don't know why it sees me as a guest since I registered back in November. Hmmm.

In any case, we are all for doing a Sunday picnic.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 07 Jun 03 - 07:56 PM

Had to log in and reset the cookie. Now it knows me. Wonder if anybody else got zapped?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 01:41 PM

Saturday, I will try to get to the jam at Noon. Laurie is working the entire weekend. See you there on June 14. I'll be the one in the beautiful shirt.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 02:28 PM

I currently intend to do the same, although the one who designs my social calendar has yet to check in. See you then.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 08:45 PM

Gern, are you saying yu too will be in a beautiful shirt?? Whoa, I may have to find my shades!! Two in one room...the glare will be overwhelming!!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 12 Jun 03 - 11:53 AM

Banjer, jus' pull that hat down over yore eyes...

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Saturday, June 28?
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 03:46 PM

Any plans to arrive at Noon for a prelim/oldie session this Saturday? Hope Elson is doing OK and will be back. It's a tough trip for him.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 10:56 AM

It is a tough trip indeed; one I've taken fairly recently. I'm tentatively planning to show up this Saturday around noon. I expect a few others will check in as well.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 29 Jun 03 - 12:53 AM

Guest, we looked and saw no one that resembled a Mudcatter at the Shop on Saturday. Were you there??

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Bobo
Date: 29 Jun 03 - 09:24 AM

We still await the "Old Timey" group to show up. Clawhammer, fiddle and a dobro doesn't define it, although we have fun. If people are apprehensive to play in the company of others, well... dang, this is the chance to fix that. Laurie is trying and you don't get more shy than she was. Getting bolder. Old Timers... where are you?