The Texas fingerstyle guys are "open to the public" a couple or three times a week. Mostly they keep the room locked. Mostly they do so in order to keep the style of music focused on what they want. I have been there when it is "open" and inevitably someone will take their turn and sing a John Mellencamp song or something. I, too, have played a couple of instrumentals, and, as Dave said above, they are gracious about accepting such. There are some very good thumb style players and, while I would not want a steady diet of it, they do a wonderful job there. I recommend to anyone who likes to hear really acoomplished guitar playing in the "Texas Finger Style" to stop in when it is open. I have never seen anything there but very polite behavior, also refreshing.

As a sidebar, many of you know I play on paltalk quite abit. Paltalk can be a bit much at times, but I have found that if I open a room and act as the "admin" (introducing each player, etc) it keeps the room focused on the music. Many rooms are set up where one player passes the mic to the next, and the room eventually takes on the personality of those who are there, which may or may not be in keeping with everyone's desires. My point is, when mudcatters open a room for, say folk music, work the room a bit to keep it focused, and it will soon be very enjoyable for you, as others come to understand what the room's purpose is. Case in point, if you like acoustic blues music, and want to hear just that, there is a room on Sunday nights (Mudcat time - around 9 PM) that is really good. I believe it is called Acoustic Blues for Your Sunday Groove. Both recorded music by lots of blues masters as well as live playing of acoustic blues. The people there are very nice. Hope to see some of you.

Reggie, one night my friend Sawman Welch will come over and play on Pal. He is a 2nd generation saw player - a claim few can make, I dare say. I will give you a heads up.

DW