The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL

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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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: 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,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 - 05:51 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: diatonic novice
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 07:25 AM

I really enjoyed trying to follow along last Saturday. It sounded like a fairly good mix to me, too (probably better when I can play better). I'll look forward to having my G/C box in a few months and then I can figure out how to also play in D. Thanks for being so open to odd instruments and imperfect players.

This music database is really something! That's how I found the Bluegrass Shop group - by looking up the history of a song, "As We Go Rolling Home".   I looked up "Going Across the Mountain" and found some interesting history. Then I easily found lots about "The Holy Ground" that Banjer mentioned. It's a nice tune - should we try it in the future?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 09:15 PM

I will not be there due to the Crystal River reenactment, but do plan to see all the week after.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 07:57 PM

Now that's scary... Mummers with an accordion backup. "And... Kathy Lee, here comes the MetLife Banjo Balloon..." Pretty spooky, eh? We will be there this coming Saturday and looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 11:38 AM

Yeah, well you missed a pretty good session in the shop on Saturday. The experiment involving "Diatonic Novice" on pushbutton accordion made for an interesting mix in our old-time warmup to the usual bluegrass mob scene. Accordions are found in all kinds of roots music, including Cajun, Irish, and even some of Bill Monroe's earliest recordings with the Bluegrass Boys. Combined with fiddle, guitar and clawhammer, we had the gern of a good idea going there. by the time I had to leave, there were enough banjoes in the room to qualify as a mummer's parade. I'll have to miss the next two weeks, due to baseball and kayaking obligations. But I'm excited by our session's growth and diversification.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 11:17 AM

Great show at the Festival. Del McCoury and his band played for 35 minutes, then Ricky and Kentucky Thunder for over an hour during the first 4:30pm set. Same thing at the 7:30 show! In between and after the shows, Laurie and I talked to Del and sons Robbie (banjo), Ronnie (mandolin), plus Jason (fiddler). Got them to sign the photo we took in Bradenton... PLUS a special one for Elson! Can't wait to surprise him this afternoon when I drop it off. Ricky announced a new "LIVE" CD coming out March 25 with some great songs on it they have not recorded before.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 01:27 PM

Laurie and I will be missing from Saturday's session March 1. Have tickets to "Ricky Skaggs & Del McCoury" 4:30 and 7:30pm shows at the Strawberry Festival. But, see you all the week after.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 07:20 PM

I'll be interested in seeing it Saturday. Look for you then.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 11:14 AM

Well I got the Gigster bag and it is cool. But a disappointment because it is too big to fit in the upper headstock area of my case. I can put strings and stuff in it and still use it.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 08 Feb 03 - 11:24 AM

True. But with a dobro, especially, there are heavy/sharp steel bars, picks and stuff banging around inside the case compartment. This little case I pointed out above comes with wire snips, a pick case, fingernail clips, string winder and stuff for changing strings, too. Handy when you pop a string and have to change it outside your house. Let's see how good it is when it arrives. Sometimes things ain't what they appear to be, right?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 09:02 PM

That is a neat case but I'm afraid it would make me look too well organized, I have a reputation to live up to dontcha know!! I think it much easier to put a couple of picks in each pocket, that way no matter where you reach you have a pick. Makes folks think you REALLY know your stuff!! **BG**

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 11:12 AM

Here's one: Ever wish you had some sort of bag to keep picks, extra strings, etc. in your guitar or banjo case?

http://www.gigster.com/home.html

OR CLICK HERE

I ordered one and will show it to you guys at the BG Shop when I get it next week.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 04:25 PM

Last Saturday was a good one! These jams just keep getting better and better. Some day, if luck has it's chance, I will be able to hold my own on the dobro, my new found venture. This is a great group and we are glad to be part of it. Thanks Elson!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 06:05 PM

No problem, glad I could help. I will be there shortly after noon if all goes according to schedule. I am supposed to meet Fred Smith there at 11:30 and we are going to take a quick ride out to Lake Seminole Park to reconoiter the shelter situation. We shpuld ahve a date set for that shindig in the park real soon, maybe even as early as Saturday!! See you there!!

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 03:10 PM

Thanks Banjer for cleanin' up my website tips! See you Saturday. Laurie has a fiddle lesson at noon, so it'll be about 1pm when we get thar.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 05:37 PM

This will take you to the tab site

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 02:31 PM

And, for those of you who can translate tab music: http://www.alltabs.com/alltabslist.php

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Bobo
Date: 27 Jan 03 - 01:26 PM

Just got an email reply from Dick Deneve, famous custom reso/dobro luthier. I wrote him regarding the vintage of my newly acquired Deneve walnut dobro and he replied that it was made in 2001 for his own collection. Hence "0100" with the "01" as the year and "00" meaning private collection, otherwise it would have been "01." It is one of a kind with a rounded back, custom headstock and abalone trim that he has never done before. My pal Johnny (House of Guitars) talked him into selling it. BUT, today Mr. Deneve wrote me a separate note saying he would be visiting his brother who lives in Belleair this February. Would like to come visit and pick with us at the Legion and at Elson's. I eagerly encouraged him to do it and gave him my home phone number. Will be way coool if he can make it. I'll let everybody know if he contacts us.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 06:05 PM

It just occured to me that I already got Fred Smith's pictures up on the site. Go there and look at the last five pictures. They are from yesterday's session.

click here to go there

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 06:00 PM

A real laid back session it was. Bob and Laurie were there, Bill (mandolin) and I was the only banjo, although they all played things I couldn't keep up with I did get in a on few of the slower more familiar tunes. You were missed. Everyone kept asking where you were. It was not til halfway through that a bass showed up! Yes, you would have liked it. We broke up alittle early and Elson actualy got out of there around 4 PM.

Jortis explained to us why the weather has been so cold! Everyone always said that Hell would freeze over if the Bucs ever won! Enjoy your party tonight. We'll look lforward to seeing you next week.

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: GUEST,Gern
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 09:40 AM

Couldn't make it yesterday, as we had certain preparations to complete for today's festivities (Go Bucs!) What did I miss?

Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL
From: Banjer
Date: 24 Jan 03 - 07:03 PM

It will be considerably warmer at the Bluegrass Shop than at Heritage Park, I will wait to see what the weather looks like in the morning! I'll see you at the Shop one way or the other.