The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 08:02 PM

Hi M. the early group starts to gather around 12:00. There are very few right now, but we hope to grow. Come see us next Saturday if you are so inclined, we'd love to have you! Our goal is to do 'old time' more than bluegrass until the powerhouses come in. If we can start at noon, we have about one and a half hours, and who knows, if it grows it may develop into something! Gern, when he is able to join us, sits in and then leaves around two. Don't feel like you HAVE to stay!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: mmb
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 06:17 PM

I am intrigued by the mentions of "the early group," and would like to hear more about what time you start.
    I attended the 1:30 session a few times last Fall, and didn't enjoy it at all when the group was large but seemed dominated by the same few.
    If the earlier session is smaller and more egalitarian, I might try again. Any observations on my impressions, or info about the early group?   Thanks. M.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 05:55 PM

Sounds like I missed the first half of a brewing broohaha!! The person you all are refering to is exactly the reason I leave my banjo in the case more often than not. I KNOW I can't play worth diddly, and I don't need to be told. I will admit he is a good scruggs type player, but I don't think he can do anything but! I did catch the latter part where Bobo was told he couldn't stay in time. Oh well, Pete and Ed will both be back soon!

What if???? We went next door and sat in the corner and played. It would be away from the mainstream and be free entertaiment for the hot dog store! (and maybe an occasional free hot dog, of course for ME to stop playing it would cost him more than a hotdog!, you guys can name your own terms also!)

Let's not take it too seriously, it will pass. See whomever next Saturday!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 03:53 PM

Anything done in moderation cannot be that much fun. In perspective, better than no fun, however.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 03:40 PM

That's exactly how it goes. But we enjoy it, in moderation...

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 03:27 PM

But just think how quiet it will be in two weeks. Until then, you are the Entertainment Committee, right?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 03:06 PM

I've been called lots of four-letter words, but never a 'hoot.' I won't be there this Saturday, and maybe not the next either. The latest influx of in-laws starts this weekend, and it may take time to kick them all out.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 02:32 PM

No, it's not your problem. It's manners. Well you missed the real fun when that same person insulted me for being "off time" on that old bass. He said, it was not the instrument it was my timing and then started telling me how to play it and I said, "After 35 years of playing bass, I don't think I need lessons." Actually I should have said "...from someone who can't play bass..." But, I try to ignore that. Next time we just say, "Do you mind waiting until we are done?" Heck, we ain't shy. What little we did squeeze in was fun. Would have been more fun for another half hour or so. Laurie likes our early sessions so she can experiment with tunes and timing. Thinks you are a hoot. Next week or a fortnight from now?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 10:18 AM

I guess I was a little annoyed, singing a song only to have someone burst in the shop and start playing a tape. Didn't feel particularly appreciated at that point. Those who come later sometimes act like we don't count, or that the real show doesn't start until 1:30 or so. I'm sure it's inadvertant, and probably more my problem than theirs. It's still nice to have a place to play.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 20 Jul 03 - 10:37 PM

Saturday was not the best session we have had. No bass player, and I found it impossible to play the one in the corner of the shop. Everybody that tried felt the same. Got a major blister on my right hand in just two songs trying to generate some volume by picking hard and keep the timing... which I didn't. Frustrating. Gern was there but left before we had finished having a good time. Enjoyed what we did share anyways. Next Saturday, Laurie is working. However, I will be there. Probably 12:30-ish.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 14 Jul 03 - 09:37 PM

Ah, grasshopper... but can the tamales avoid you? What is the sound of one colon clapping?

See you there!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 14 Jul 03 - 07:46 PM

I will probably be there with my openback banjo...Hopefully we'll get to pick a little. Bobo is right, this past Saturday's jam was one of the better ones in recent memory! Some of the close harmony we heard in those gospel numbers was outstanding. When they did 'Are You Washed In The Blood?' it was fanatstic with the multi part singing. Pete will be away for about four weeks, hope Big Jim can cover the lead vocals for him! We amy all have to try to do lead for Bob's tenor...

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 14 Jul 03 - 10:39 AM

I'd like to think I'll be there, although I plan this time to avoid the tamales next door.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 14 Jul 03 - 09:54 AM

Had a great time jamming with the group, plus Mike Godwin on Saturday! What a treat. Mike is one of the best musicians around these parts, and a great human being to boot! Laurie and I plan to arrive noonish on Saturday, July 19 for the "early" group. Anybody else?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Earl Jr.
Date: 13 Jul 03 - 12:35 PM

Hey. I just turned on the computer. Yesterday was rough. Went to breakfast with Lureen, Delmar and Bud and we got drunk. Kind of lasted all day, or something. You remember Bubba, the left handed mandolin player? But I will be in town until the middle of August. Next week I will try to make it.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Big Red
Date: 13 Jul 03 - 12:32 PM

Earl, Jr... where were you? I saw several new faces, but not yours.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Big Red
Date: 12 Jul 03 - 11:11 AM

Hey Earl, Jr., are you the picker in "Bluegrass Express"? I have your last CD and you're larupin' good! By the by, I believe we might have met each other back in '84 in Rosine. Hope to see you at the jam.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Earl Jr.
Date: 12 Jul 03 - 10:05 AM

Hey Banjer. In town from Rosine, Kentucky. Planning to be there today. Can you take some time before or after the jam to show me some licks and songs? See you there.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 11 Jul 03 - 10:00 PM

Yes, Wes, we did miss ya...I had hoped to meet you, but it was not to be...maybe next year!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Wesley S
Date: 10 Jul 03 - 01:26 PM

I had hoped to pop in and say hello last Saturday since the family was in town from Texas. We stayed down on Johns Pass for the week for a family reunion. Unfortunatly my wife had booked our travel days for Saturday. So while y'all were playing I was going through security over at Tampa airport. It was good to be back home again and see some of the places I grew up, but I sorry I couldn't fit in a visit. Perhaps next year. I didn't even get to Haslams book store.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Bobo
Date: 09 Jul 03 - 10:33 PM

I am planning on 12:30ish. Congrats there Gern! You would'a won if you had used a dobro and wuz wearin' a beautiful Hawaiian shirt. Kayaks like that. Go faster.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 09 Jul 03 - 06:13 PM

I didn't know Treasure Island nah kayak races. Congratulations on you fifth place finish! I don't know why you would stuff the banjo into the hatch...isn't that what you use to paddle with?

Bobo, I have to run some errands Saturday morning, and cannot promise that I can make it right at twelve. I will say that I will be there as soon as I can get there. I will have my kayak paddle banjo with me!

I have to take a dog to the vet and possibly take my mother to look at refrigerators at the Sears and Roebuck scratch and dent warehouse. (If my nerves are still intatct after that outing I will be there soon as I get done)

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Gern
Date: 09 Jul 03 - 10:25 AM

Can't make it this week; I'll be paddling down in Sanibel. Did I mention finishing 5th in the Treasure Island Kayak race last week? I might have won, but I was weighed down by the banjo stuffed into my hatch.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Bobo
Date: 08 Jul 03 - 10:56 PM

OK, now do we meet at The Bluegrass Shop early, like noon, or what? We will arrive 12:30 or slightly later unless somebody speaks up...

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 02 Jul 03 - 03:40 PM

I'm game...see you then!!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Bobo
Date: 02 Jul 03 - 09:29 AM

Well, let's fix that. You are missing out on a lot of fun and that's not right. So, maybe we can tackle the problem this week! I am determined to get you pickin'.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 07:31 PM

I do use open G tuning...I have a QWIK TUNE tuner with clip on cable...but whenever we play I don't sound in tune with the others...We'll have to try it one Saturday when I can get there early!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Bobo
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 09:54 AM

Tune it to standard open G banjo tuning. Use one of the CA-30 Korg tuners. Buy a capo. Now, here you go: 75% of the songs are in G or A. The rest are in B, Bb or D. And an occasional F.

However... learning G and A patterns will allow you to play 3 out of 4 songs. Capo at the second fret for A key songs. And with Fred, Laurie and me... G & A allows you more like 95%.

That will be $5 please, please move up to the next window...

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 29 Jun 03 - 09:51 AM

If I can ever get my banjo to playin the same key as what you guys are in, we could have taht also :)

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?

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Banjer
Date: 31 May 03 - 05:39 AM

Likewise planning on noon!!! See all there!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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!!