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07 Sep 02 - 05:26 PM (#778797) Subject: The Bluegrass Shop From: Banjer Just came home from a wonderful afternoon at a place known as The Bluegrass Shop. It is where my grandson takes guitar lessons. I discovered some other folks interested in the lap dulcimer and several folks that play guitar and we all met at the shop at 2PM and had a good time for about two hours. Elson, the proprietor enjoyed it so much he said we need to make this a weekly thing. I am already looking forward to next Saturday. Great bunch of folks and much good music! Just had to share this with somebody that would understand!! |
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08 Sep 02 - 06:15 AM (#779008) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bullfrog Jones You might like to share your experience in this discussion, too Banjer -- not obvious from the thread title: I deal with........., because........ BJ |
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08 Sep 02 - 10:06 AM (#779066) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Thanks BF, I would never have opened this thread if you had not given me the headsup on it. |
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08 Sep 02 - 10:43 AM (#779077) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Hey, Banjer, I live in St. Pete and I don't know where this place is. Could you give us an address? |
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08 Sep 02 - 11:32 AM (#779094) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Gern, more than happy to give Elson a plug! Go in a visit with him, look at the pictures on the walls and get him to tell some stories, its an interesting place. He just opened and is still trying to stock it so don't be disappointed by the low number of instruments he has hanging right now, he is expanding rapidly! The adddress is 4125 66th st n. His phone # is 302-9470. If you do get out to see him, let me know what you think of the place and of Elson. BTW, right now he is on abbreviated hours, he still works another job the better part of the day. He is usually open from 4 to 7 in the PM weekdays and 10 - 5 on Saturdays. I will probably be there around two on Saturday. |
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09 Sep 02 - 10:54 PM (#780181) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,mmb I also live in St. Pete, and would enjoy playing, and possibly singing, with an informal group. I will not be able to drop by the shop this coming weekend, but will check back next week to see if anything seems to be developing. Thanks for the info. M. |
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10 Sep 02 - 06:07 AM (#780273) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer mmb, since last Saturday was just the first get-together of what I hope bnecomes a regular thing, it was very informal. I suppose as time goes on there will develop a group of 'regulars' and a bit of system. Last week those present would just be talking about a certain song and the guitar player would start to strum and I would join with my dulcimer and another guitar would join in...very unstructured and NICE....I suppose as it grows a bit we will do a song circle type of arrangement, each choosing what he/she wants to play in some form of order. I will be there from about 1:30 to 4 on Saturday, barring any unforseen catastrophe. Look forward to your visit! |
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10 Sep 02 - 08:17 PM (#780892) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer If I remember I will wear my Mudcat t-shirt. |
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14 Sep 02 - 06:43 AM (#783734) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer It's Saturday again!!! Only about 7 hours to go! So looking forward to it...... |
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14 Sep 02 - 07:15 PM (#784100) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Well, what an afternoon. What started out last week as a small impromtu gathering continued this week as a pretty good jam. Gern made it and SingSong and her hubby came up from Bradenton to visit with us. There were also some more folks, guitar, banjo and dulcimer all were represented. We need a mandolin player to join us and the set will be complete! So, not only a good gathering for the Bluegrass Shop but a Mini-Mudgather as well. I was very impressed, as were others, with Gern's banjo playing. He plays both three finger and clawhammer. He also belts out some good singing on bluegrass numbers. He also has some other talents and abilities which I will let him release here on the Mudcat when and if he sees fit. My dulcimer (and my playing ability) were both hugely outclassed so I was more a spectator and applauder than anything else, but had a real good time. Looking forward to next Saturday already! |
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15 Sep 02 - 11:48 AM (#784410) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Outclassed? You made it happen, Banjer. But let's send out an APB to get more pickers. I'm hearing impaired, and really need a strong rhythm section to keep my tempo under control. Any bass players in the Tampa Bay area? A strong mandolin chop would help too. Any fiddlers around? We've got the nucleus for a good session here, but more is needed. While I won't be able to make it every week, I too look forward to my next chance to play there. I thought I would miss out on this sort of thing when I left Kentuckiana to come to Florida. But, like West Nile virus, good old-time mountain music is everywhere! |
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15 Sep 02 - 09:53 PM (#784788) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'm looking forward to next Saturday already! It was a blast. Maybe I'll bring my banjo next week. I have two, a resonated and an open back for old time. I cna;t play either well, but I am working on it. I have too many irons in the fire I suppose. I am also getting my old Kay ready to restring..Cleaning and waxing and touching up bad spots, etc. It currently has nylon strings but it originally had steel, which it will again. I also glued up those loose parts on the Guild today, that project worked out real well! I've been doing much reading today and really enjoy it! |
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15 Sep 02 - 09:55 PM (#784790) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer BTW, Gern...If you desire to e-mail just put reanes@ using the same ISP you have! Later. |
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16 Sep 02 - 08:43 PM (#785613) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Anybody else in or around St. Pete feel free to drop in at the Bluegrass Shop this Saturday. I plan to be there around 1:30! |
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17 Sep 02 - 04:22 PM (#786091) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Wesley S I'm living in Texas now but I grew up in Largo on Indian Rocks Blvd. We have plans to visit St Pete Beach some weekend next summer so you might get that mandolin chop you were looking for. I'll let you know if our visit pans out. Best wishes to everyone at the session. |
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27 Sep 02 - 05:10 AM (#792247) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Just a reminder to those in the area...Saturday afternoon around 1:30 we'll be cranking up again! |
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27 Sep 02 - 10:41 AM (#792379) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern I'm aiming at it, but we'll have to see. After my first gig at the nursing home, I've been predictably sick all week. If I can make it, I'll bring my Deering. but I'll never fit the piano into my Pontiac. |
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27 Sep 02 - 11:08 PM (#792773) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Two trips?? |
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28 Sep 02 - 06:19 PM (#793174) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Boy what a good afternoon!!! Gern was there playing two banjos, in one song he played them both!!! A fellow I had met some time ago and then lost track of, Bob Miller, a left handed banjo player with a custom built left handed Mastertone was there along with a bass player and another guitar player. Another fellow from another jam I used to go to years ago was also there. My grandson and several others made up the group, and what fun we had. Wish you all could have been there!! |
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28 Sep 02 - 06:41 PM (#793179) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl ...hey banj...I'll be at Boyd Hill Nature Center the second week of October for Sunshine State Music Camp. If you give me directions, I'll try to drop by....harpgirl |
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28 Sep 02 - 07:19 PM (#793200) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes!!! That would be the 12th of October wouldn't it? I'll be more than happy to give directions. You can finf US 19 or 34th St (one and the same) with no throuble. Go north (you will be coming from the south end of town if you are at the Boyd Hill Park) on US 19 to 38th Avenue North, turn left (headed west). Go to 66th St and turn right. Then follow 66th St to 41st Avenue and you'll see the Bluegrass Shop on your right after 41st Avenue. The address is 4125 66th St No. The phone number should you get turned around and need talked in is 727-302-9740. Please come to see us!!
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29 Sep 02 - 11:19 AM (#793437) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Yeah, c'mon down, Harpgirl, and show us what they taught you. I'll second Banjer's assessment: a fine session. Four banjos on the premesis (sp?), which is enough to require an Environmental Impact Statement. The store owner is an accomplished guitarist and hospitable host. I must say, though, that there were too many unpacked guitars and modest mandolinists. My example should prove to you that you don't have to be good to be fearless. Doesn't anybody in Florida play the fiddle? I'm not sure I'll make it next week: I'm supposed to be kayaking and camping in the Keys. But with Lili troubling the waters, some bluegrass bonding may be called for. |
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29 Sep 02 - 11:37 AM (#793448) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer The grandson has told me that next week he will unpack his guitar earlier and I promised him that I also would try to get my hand back in on the guitar. He has been told the best way to get into it is to just follow along until he loses it, then pick it back up where he can. I will use the same logic to get my playing honed once again...it has been so many years!! Look forward to next Satutrday already..!! |
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30 Sep 02 - 04:14 PM (#794223) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Lauren Hi, Ive been following this thread with interest. I will try to come by next Saturday. I play the fiddle. I play mainly oldtimey music, so don't know a lot of bluegrass tunes. However, last month, I spent a few days in Mountain View, AR, and fell in love with playing bluegrass music, so I'm starting to quickly get into it. What a perfect way to learn some new stuff. Hope to see you all then. Lauren |
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30 Sep 02 - 08:07 PM (#794420) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes Lauren, a fiddle is greatly needed at the jam. I hope you can make it on Saturday. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. The folk at the jam would love to hear some old time and I'm sure would even be able to play some. I am looking forward to seeing you there this weekend. Folks start gathering around 1:30 or so and it usually runs til around 5 PM. |
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01 Oct 02 - 10:29 AM (#794762) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Mountain View, AR? Hey, any home to Grandpa Jones sounds like home to me. Lauren, I'm a clawhammer banjo picker into old-time, and I come to the shop evey one or two weeks. Would sure love to have a fiddle join in. Can't say for sure about this Saturday, but others will be there. Hope to see you soon. |
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01 Oct 02 - 10:37 AM (#794766) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl ...oh joy! I love to play with fiddlers! I expect to be there and thanks for the directions, ya'll! I'm a Guest at Sunshine State Music camp so I'll probably go to the mando classes only, and hope to play the concert Saturday night! More fun to jam with the St. Pete bluegrassers! hg |
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01 Oct 02 - 07:44 PM (#795121) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Sounds like a good session building up here...Am I correct in figuring you for the 12th Of October? If Gern can make it that day and Lauren can be there we could have a mini-mudgather right here in St Petersburg....Neat!! |
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02 Oct 02 - 01:16 AM (#795271) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: BigDaddy I may even swing down from my current home in Pasco County. Probably the 12th not the 5th. Sorry, no fiddle. |
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02 Oct 02 - 05:56 AM (#795343) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer OK Big Daddy...Like they say on one of those old TV shows....Come on dowwnnnnnn!!...No fiddle, no problem. I sit and listen more than I play most of the time also, just getting into it a little at a time. But like I said in an earlier post I promised the grandson I would start trying harder if he would. This may grow to something great!! |
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02 Oct 02 - 07:54 AM (#795387) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl Yup on the 12th! |
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03 Oct 02 - 04:45 AM (#796015) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'm waiting patiently (well, maybe not very patiently) for Saturday. Gern, what has the storm Lili done with your kayaking plans? Is she far enough northwest to allow the trip, or are the Keys still under threat? That is one of the biggest and most well defined hurricanes in recent years. One of those mixed emotion things....glad she passed us by but feel bad for those that are about to get her! Either way we'll see all that can be there Saturday around 1:30. |
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04 Oct 02 - 07:09 PM (#797111) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Waiting with baited breath........ |
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06 Oct 02 - 01:10 PM (#797677) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I was flabbergasted!! This lady with a fiddle case whom I recognized as a performer from several past musical festivals at a place near us known as Heritage Park walked in the door. It was Lauren. What surprised me that we were able to meet close up at The Bluegrass Shop by means of the Mudcat! She plays a real nice Old Time fiddle and we had a good session. I couldn't get the dulcimer in tune with any one else....well, I was in tune but no one could pinpoint what I was tune to...(**BG**)...So I just borrowed one of the consignment banjos and plucke on it every now and then. Good to meet ya, Lauren, and as we told ya, do come back again! |
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07 Oct 02 - 10:25 AM (#798288) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Yeah, I was plowing thru the Keys while you all were picking. Managed to stay upright and even picked a little with a street musician at Key West. I hope to see everybody on the 12th. |
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07 Oct 02 - 08:53 PM (#798561) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer OK, so you 'plowed' through the keys and managed to stay upright....Kewl...But did you get a chance to do any kayaking?? |
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07 Oct 02 - 09:02 PM (#798572) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl Banj, try tuning DAD on your dulcimer. That tuning should allow you to play lots of stuff with everyone else! |
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07 Oct 02 - 09:38 PM (#798604) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer OK, I'll try it during the week. If I can't seem to get it hopefuly you will be able to make it on the 12th and show me!! Looking forward to it. |
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07 Oct 02 - 10:12 PM (#798623) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl I expect to be there. I'm playing the concert Saturday night along with about fifty other people! I'm hoping to mend fences with my old Doneygal partner. Wish me luck! |
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08 Oct 02 - 05:39 AM (#798780) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer OK, good luck with whatever you undertake to do! I've tried several different tunings and all seem to have their good and bad for different melodies. Just need to experiment farther. Is your event open to the public or is it a closed camp? Might be interesting to go to see. |
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12 Oct 02 - 05:37 PM (#801914) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Well, I did it!! I met Harpgirl after lo these many years of chatiing here on this forum. She is a delight to listen to. Harpy, I'm glad ya made it!! So we had Gern, Harpgirl and a new member that has been attending the sessions, he signed on as Stoney Creek. That makes four of us, does qualify as a 'Mudgather'? |
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13 Oct 02 - 06:59 PM (#802507) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl ...that was a great session, Banj! I had a lot of fun. Thanks for telling me about it! Banj has a very cool Ford truck with lots of reenactment stickers and a handsome grandson! All the men were so cute! |
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20 Oct 02 - 05:03 PM (#807356) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: mmb I have a way of forgetting things, even things I really want to do, and completely forgot about Mudcat, which is why I haven't shown up at any of the gathern's. Housecleaning my inbox I came across the original link that my daughter had sent me, and now that I've read down the postings since then and know the shop's address, there is really no excuse for not at least stopping by: I'm only about a ten-minute drive from the Shop! My voice is my primary instrument, and I'm pretty good at harmonizing. I'm a fair-to-middlin' basic rhythm guitarist, and also have an old Oscar Schmidt autoharp. I am desperately in need of help finishing a re-stringing project if I can just find the box with the strings! And if anyone is into Celtic tunes, I'm very out of practice but after a week's instruction and practice with Craob Rua's bodhran player back in '95, I was told that I have some talent in that area, as well. (For those who don't know, klutzy and/or insensitive bodhran playing is like fingernails on a chalkboard to good string groups.) So why haven't I gotten out to any FOFF events or club events, etc? I have attended some gatherin's and gone to some concerts, but have been forced to leave with severe headaches and/or nausea because the room and its occupants were not smoke and fragrance free. If someone is a cigar smoker with the residue on (most likely his)hair and clothing, I'm history. It's not practical to expect public events to ask paying customers not to wear their favorite smelly stuff, but I'm hoping that if I find a small group of musical folks with similar interests, they may be willing to accommodate my hypersensitivity. If this offends any of the established members of the group, please let me know and I'll keep looking elsewhere. I can be reached directly as mmbryan on roadrunner. I hope to see y'all next week! M. |
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26 Oct 02 - 05:56 PM (#812021) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi mmb, it was a pleasure to meet you this afternoon. Hopefuly you found the 'abbreviated' group fun. As I told you we had a few folks missing at another event. I myself will be gone next weekend and possibly the weekend after as well. It's the season for Civil War reenacting, you know. Hope you will join us again and often. Maybe next time you come Gern will be there as well. Since your interest is largely in old time music he will keep you entertained for sure! |
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26 Oct 02 - 10:35 PM (#812165) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: mmb Hey, Banj - - It was really a pleasure meeting the group and jammin' for a bit today. I realized while I was playing how "gone" my callouses are, and now typing is reminding me again! Good motivation to practice and build them up again. Your note made me realize that my Old Songs pin left an incorrect - or, rather - incomplete impression of my musical preferences. The Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance has been held in the Albany (NY) area for nearly 30 years, and encompasses music and dance from a wide variety of traditions, but mostly from North and South America and the British Isles, although African culture is frequently represented, as well. Given my druthers, I spend most of Saturday and Sunday mornings at the shape note/Sacred Harp singing, which draws anywhere from 150-200 voices (mostly from New England, NY, NJ and PA) singing shape-note hymns in 4-part a capella harmony. Other than that, I tend to divide my time among the workshops, a staggering challenge, since there are 5 or 6 areas, running simultaneous sessions at intervals of 60 or 90 minutes! If there's Celtic music available,whether vocal or instrumental, I'll hit that first; traditional ballads come in a close second. Traditional string-band music is next, with Bluegrass just slightly ahead of what is commonly thought of as "old-timey" music. Saturday nights after the Main Concert ends there are two primary large gatherings from 11-ish to whenever people drop: Contra Dancing at one end of the grounds and an a capella sing at Creature Comforts, the area where all the performers, festival staff, and their families are fed for the three days of the festival. Other, smaller, groups gather at campsites in the end of the campground that is not reserved for those who want to sleep (BG): strolling along, you can hear Bluegrass, Old-timey, Blues, and one genre I can never label - a group that likes to do the "pop" tunes of the 20's and 30's. About three years ago I found a St. Pete group that enjoys playing contradance tunes. They're really a nice group of folks, but one of the regular members plays a bodhran like a bass drum in 3/4 time on all the waltzes, and has no idea how it should be played on the other tunes. It's just too painful to ignore. They were together long before I came along, and I didn't feel it was appropriate to criticize someone they obviously accept, so I just drifted away. The nearest regular shape-note singing takes place down in Fort Lonesome only in months when there is a fifth Sunday. Otherwise, joining in on my most favorite singing requires driving to either Ocala, Micanopy, or Gainesville, or worse yet, to Tallahassee or Georgia! I've heard that there will be a day-long sing during the Pinellas Folk Arts Festival, and you can bet I'll be there! Sorry to blather on . . . I really did enjoy today, and will try to brush up on my guitar over the next few weeks, as well as haul out some selections that I may be able to lead sometime. I wrote to Becca when I got home today and thanked her for bringing us all together. Enjoy your re-enactment next weekend. See you whenever! M. |
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27 Oct 02 - 10:28 AM (#812439) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Sorry to miss the bluegrass bonding this weekend. I was out rocking my nursing home fans with some ragtime piano, on the occasion of their 'senior' prom. Great idea, isn't it? Local teens even donated old prom gowns, which had to be taken in considerably to accomodate the older gals. Hope the pickin' was productive. Given the absence of hell and high water, I intend to attend next Saturday, Nov. 2. Banjer, you gonna be there, or will you be sleeping in the mud and eating hardtack? |
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27 Oct 02 - 10:40 AM (#812449) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Next weekend will find me on the shores of Lake Weir living in a tent. That will be the last event for us until mid-January. I may or may not have a date with the cannon on Nov 9th, (the following weekend) but that is not for sure yet. I will be there every Saturday after that until our January event! |
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02 Nov 02 - 03:17 AM (#816649) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Lauren I will be there this afternoon! I've been gone and busy these last few weeks...but I expect to come...and other members of our oldtime band were planning to stop by too (not sure if they will play though). See you all then! |
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22 Nov 02 - 07:00 PM (#832982) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Tomorrow, (Nov. 23) the "big boys" are playing at a picnic. So, the attendance at the Bluegrass jam will be a bit smaller than in the past few weeks. If you have been shy about hopping in, tomorrow could be your day. I will bring bass and drag along a banjo. Gonna be fun. |
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22 Nov 02 - 07:21 PM (#832997) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Good to hear it guys!! I am looking forward to it as well! Sounds like it's building up to be a good 'Old Time' session.....Don't know if I'll have my open back banjo with me..Elderly upset my applecart. I ordered sets of nylon strings for it last Sunday on their website and just tonight (11-22) got an e-mail that they had just sent them out. Five days to put three lousy sets of strings in an envelope and mail them!! I've half a mind to refuse shipmant when they get here! Anyhow, I'll be there with the dulcimer at least. I plan to be there around noon, see ya all there! |
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24 Nov 02 - 04:07 PM (#834039) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: mmb Hi, Banj - - I haven't been able to be there for the past two weeks, and the one before that, there was scarcely standing room! Is there likely to be a session next week, with the Holiday? I will try to make time to view your tape before next week. So little time . . . Take care. M. |
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24 Nov 02 - 05:18 PM (#834067) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, mmb, there is a |
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29 Nov 02 - 04:11 PM (#837369) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Couple of thoughts... Banjer, get used to Elderly's slow shipping time, because that is just the way they do it. We have bought lots of stuff from them and it is always 3 to 5 days for them to ship. No diff if it's an instrument or set of strings. Ridiculous isn't it? For those of you folks who want to sit at the Saturday jams: Bring a folding chair. We always bring two for Laurie and I and sometimes a stool if I am playing bass and want a resting perch. Elson only has a few. |
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29 Nov 02 - 04:52 PM (#837399) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo By the way, if you want "fast," try Stewart-McDonald, which is where lots of professional luthiers and musicians shop. www.stewmac.com and you will get your stuff about 2-3 days after you order. Elson has one of their catalogs. |
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29 Nov 02 - 06:54 PM (#837444) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Thanks Bobo, I'll see you at Elson's Saturday. We will probably have a great turnout again! I took two folding chairs to the shop and just left them there. If I can locate some more that aren't being used I will gather them up as well. |
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30 Nov 02 - 10:00 PM (#838073) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Great session today... and my roasted fingers prove it. I started off playing upright bass many years ago in Memphis. Played bass for most of my music career, but not too much in the past 10 years or so. Result: wussy fingers. And these are Supernil nylon strings. Could be worse with all steel. Couple of more jams on bass and I will survive. Good singing today! Thanks to Elson for his hospitality. Tell everybody about this place, 'cause we want to see him make it. |
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30 Nov 02 - 11:04 PM (#838093) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I tell everyone I know that I think would be even remotely iterested in music about Elson's Bluegrass Shop. It would probably be helpful if we could get more people to take lessons from him. I really look forward to the sessions each Saturday. I won't however be able to make next Saturday. I have a commitment to a reenacting event. Your fingers will heal soon enough I'm sure, they did look rather like achunk of raw meat today! Like we were saying, once the calouses build back up you'll be good for many hours at a time! |
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01 Dec 02 - 12:45 PM (#838304) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo A good game plan would be to get Mike Godwin there twice a week instead of just Tuesdays. And increasing the students of Mike and Elson will provide some help. However, there is a flaw with how he is set up. I mentioned that he should consider changing his fee structure, just like alll the other teachers and schools, and have the students pre-pay for the month. The premise is simple: You reserve the time and it's yours. If you don't show, then the school and instructor don't lose the income that could have been with another student. The monthly class fee is due no later than the first lesson of the month. If you don't pay, then they sell the time slot to a new student. Bringe Music does this, Tom Henderson does this, and so does Laurie's violin teacher and every other teacher I know. If the teacher can't attend the class, then the student gets a credit for the following month. This would be the way to solidify income and allow Elson to predict income for the month. Paying as you go is rough, especially during the holidays. If people have paid, they will show up. If not, there are always excuses. Meanwhile, the rent and light bill continues. Having run karate studios for 20 years, it's the only way to keep the lights on. Pay as you go does not work. |
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01 Dec 02 - 03:02 PM (#838390) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, that would work in most cases. I think if he could get three fourths of his students on the prepay plan it would help. You have to consider the few that can't pay a month in advance. I'm sure there are some that work from paycheck to paycheck but want the lessons bad enough that they will continue on. Those should be accounted for as well. We'll just have to keep harping on this until he listens! |
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22 Dec 02 - 03:03 AM (#852068) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,a long lost picker...errr bower Hey guys...It's Lauren. I haven't been jamming over there forever. It's been a crazy couple of months and things are finally starting to settle down, so I should get over there soon. I've been working on my bluegrass repertoire in the meantime, so I hope I can join in on more songs now. I can't wait to jam again! |
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22 Dec 02 - 04:58 AM (#852085) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Lauren, good to hear from you! They were asking about you at Saturdays session, wondering what had become of you. Gern and Elson and I had a good 'old time' hour before the Bluegrass session kicked off yesterday. We have been meeting around 12 or 12:30 and doing 'our thing'. I was even able to get in on some banjo with Gern yesterday. Gern won't be there next Staurday, he is going North for Christmas. He did say we would see him Saturday following New Year. Don't let his not being there deter you though. I could try to keep up with some of the old time you have and I'm sure Elson would enjoy it as well. Merry Christmas to you and yours. See you soon. |
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27 Dec 02 - 09:35 PM (#854347) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Just a reminder, tomorrow around 12:30 I will be at Elson's for the old time portion of the session. Regular Bluegrass session begins approximately at 1:30. See ya'll there!! |
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28 Dec 02 - 01:00 AM (#854411) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Unfortunately I will not be able to make it tomorrow even though I had planned to. I am attending a funeral at 1:30 tomorrow. Hopefully the week after, I will be able to come. |
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28 Dec 02 - 01:18 AM (#854415) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Am I correct in assuming that the GUEST is Lauren??? Sorry to hear that you won't be with us. Look for you next Saturday. |
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30 Dec 02 - 06:50 PM (#855565) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo We missed 2 weeks jamming...darn. Just got back from a trip to Nashville area to visit family. While there, we visited Tim Scheerhorn, the number one luthier for building resonator/dobro style guitars... and Jerry Douglas' builder, among other top pros. Tim is a nice man who builds about 40 guitars a year, all one at a time and totally custom by him...by hand. Makes them out of curly maple, koa, walnut and even Brazilian rosewood if you have the money. Says he discourages Brazilian because it is almost extinct. His shop is in Dickson, TN which is 40 miles west of Nashville out in the country. He talked to us and played about 6 or 7 instruments for over an hour and a half. Even offered us coffee. I forgot how nice people are back home. I dropped off a photo of Scheerhorn playing one of his "dobros" with Elson who will hang it on the wall. His prices begin at $4,000 and there is a 3 year waiting list. See you all Saturday at about 2pm (will be running late). |
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30 Dec 02 - 07:05 PM (#855576) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Bobo, yes, I saw the picture tonight. I was down at the shop for a while to see Fred Smith about some CD's. It is a good picture. Glad to hear you will be back Saturday, see you then! |
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31 Dec 02 - 05:45 AM (#855818) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: BlueJay Banjer- After reading this thread, all I can say is congratulations, and enjoy. It sounds like a rare treat- the community of players you have assembled at the Bluegrass Shop. I have only been lucky enough to share such a regular yet fluid setting a few times in my life. I live in Colorado, and play quite a bit, but reading this thread makes me yearn for the good old days of the Purgatoire Cafe in Trinidad. But that's another story). Carry on, I applaud your enthusiasm. And if I ever find myself anywhere near Florida, I know where to go. Thanks, BlueJay |
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31 Dec 02 - 06:36 PM (#856291) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Well, BlueJay, you would be more than welcome to come visit with us!! Even though I don't play that much yet, (still learning) I do feel very fortunate to be surronded by so many talented folks. None look down their noses at anyone, all realize that they too started somewhere. I have been in places where if you are not at least a virtuoso on two instruments you may as well not be there!! Yes, I do consider myself VERY fortunate to have stumbled onto this group!! Who knows, some of their knowledge and talent may even rub off on me after a while! |
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04 Jan 03 - 08:07 PM (#858833) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Pictures of The Bluegrass Shop and some of the sessions that have been held there are available at this link: Click here There are no captions on them yet, that will come later, but for now there are pictures of the shop and some of the participants. |
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06 Jan 03 - 05:22 AM (#859633) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Some pictures taken with a different camera have been added. I will try to get captions on mnost of them by Wednesday. |
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07 Jan 03 - 12:17 PM (#860752) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Thanks Banjer for capturing the craziness. In his photos, you can see how the average Saturday progresses from peacefulness to riot conditions when pickers are allowed inside. And now that we have a photographic record of these events, my wife can see that I really am going off to pick some music each Saturday. |
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10 Jan 03 - 08:21 PM (#864008) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Boy what a crazy day at work today was!! I can't wait to lose myself inthe good music tomorrow afternoon and the jam. Ya'll come on now, hear? Lauren, how about you? Looking forward to it! |
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11 Jan 03 - 07:48 PM (#864811) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Drop back to my post of 04 Jan 03 - 08:07 PM and click on the link to see the newest pictures, taken this afternoon by one of the guys at the Bluegrass Shop. The last five pics are new. The steel player is Bobo, he posted here 30 Dec 02 - 06:50 PM. |
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12 Jan 03 - 07:07 PM (#865479) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Lauren, were have you been hiding? We miss you at the Shop. Gern, several folks came early this Saturday to play some old time with you, you were missed! Had a good crowd for the full blown session though. Wish more 'Catters lived in the area. |
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19 Jan 03 - 01:09 PM (#869984) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo We sat 3 rows back, stage floor level in the center last night at DEL McCOURY concert. Awesome. I have some pix I will print out of Del & The Boys for Elson's wall collection. Saw Bill Truax and a couple of other buddies there, including Tom Henderson. The show was absolutely stunning! Talked to him outside later and can report Del McCoury is a truly nice gentleman. The concert was at Neel Auditorium on campus at Manatee Community College. They will be playing March 1 at the Strawberry Festival with Ricky Skaggs. Plus, a couple of other dates in Florida this year. delmccouryband.com for details. See ya! |
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22 Jan 03 - 10:43 AM (#872241) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Don't have Fred's email, or several others for that matter, that attend the jam sessions on Saturday. BUT, I just stumbled over this link that is an incredible source for lyrics: http://www.bluegrasslyrics.com/all_index.cfm.htm Please pass it on! |
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22 Jan 03 - 10:47 AM (#872248) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Another good site. There must be 100 Carter Family songs alone. This might prevent me from humming the second verses to all the songs I do. |
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22 Jan 03 - 06:29 PM (#872437) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Guys, yes Bobo that is a good site indeed! This will take you to it without copying or pasting for those who would like to go that way. click here I just posted a new idea at the Bluegrass Shop today. It was at Bob Miller's suggestion. We will try an e-mail notification letter about every two weeks listing upcoming events, who is playing where, sessions that may be of interest, and even occasional specials at the store if you can tell Elson you saw it in the newsletter. I wonder how the weekend will play out with the weather being predicted. It is supposed to get into the twenties this Friday and Saturday. That may well put a kibosh on much jamming at Heritage Park and bring some folks in at the Chop. Are you guys planning on the Bluegrass Shop? I plan on Heritage Park in the morning until about 1:00 and then maybe grace Elson with my presence afterwards. |
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23 Jan 03 - 11:42 AM (#872914) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo We are planning to be at The Bluegrass Shop at 12:30-ish, although Laurie has to take the Florida Kindergarten Certification Exam at 8am over in Tampa. That will certify her K-6 for teaching. I will probably come over and just have her meet me there. Might be cold outside, but we can keep warm inside. |
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24 Jan 03 - 07:03 PM (#874218) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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. |
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26 Jan 03 - 09:40 AM (#875143) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern Couldn't make it yesterday, as we had certain preparations to complete for today's festivities (Go Bucs!) What did I miss? |
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26 Jan 03 - 06:00 PM (#875410) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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. |
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26 Jan 03 - 06:05 PM (#875412) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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 |
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27 Jan 03 - 01:26 PM (#875889) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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29 Jan 03 - 02:31 PM (#877801) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo And, for those of you who can translate tab music: http://www.alltabs.com/alltabslist.php |
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29 Jan 03 - 05:37 PM (#877931) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer This will take you to the tab site |
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30 Jan 03 - 03:10 PM (#878558) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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30 Jan 03 - 06:05 PM (#878663) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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!! |
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04 Feb 03 - 04:25 PM (#882559) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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! |
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07 Feb 03 - 11:12 AM (#884795) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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07 Feb 03 - 09:02 PM (#885233) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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** |
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08 Feb 03 - 11:24 AM (#885523) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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? |
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14 Feb 03 - 11:14 AM (#890333) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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14 Feb 03 - 07:20 PM (#890657) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'll be interested in seeing it Saturday. Look for you then. |
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24 Feb 03 - 01:27 PM (#897469) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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03 Mar 03 - 11:17 AM (#902392) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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03 Mar 03 - 11:38 AM (#902418) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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03 Mar 03 - 07:57 PM (#902805) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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03 Mar 03 - 09:15 PM (#902836) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I will not be there due to the Crystal River reenactment, but do plan to see all the week after. |
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05 Mar 03 - 07:25 AM (#903872) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: diatonic novice 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? |
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05 Mar 03 - 10:45 AM (#903979) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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09 Mar 03 - 11:02 AM (#905858) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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09 Mar 03 - 08:18 PM (#906159) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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! |
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09 Mar 03 - 08:32 PM (#906162) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: harpgirl 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. |
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17 Mar 03 - 07:39 AM (#911786) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: diatonic novice 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. |
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18 Mar 03 - 10:44 AM (#912573) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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18 Mar 03 - 05:54 PM (#912943) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: diatonic novice 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. |
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19 Mar 03 - 10:58 AM (#913436) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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25 Mar 03 - 10:45 AM (#917912) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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29 Mar 03 - 08:18 PM (#921478) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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!! |
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30 Mar 03 - 10:37 AM (#921742) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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30 Mar 03 - 03:02 PM (#921934) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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! |
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30 Mar 03 - 10:34 PM (#922205) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: diatonic novice 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. |
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31 Mar 03 - 05:51 AM (#922329) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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. |
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31 Mar 03 - 10:30 AM (#922525) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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? |
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31 Mar 03 - 05:57 PM (#922950) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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? |
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31 Mar 03 - 07:09 PM (#923003) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST 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. |
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16 Apr 03 - 10:19 AM (#934717) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Well, at this point, Laurie and I plan to be at the Bluegrass Shop on Saturday. See you all there. |
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21 Apr 03 - 04:01 PM (#937289) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Lauren 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? |
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22 Apr 03 - 07:23 PM (#938098) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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28 Apr 03 - 11:36 AM (#941918) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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06 May 03 - 12:03 PM (#947045) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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22 May 03 - 11:07 AM (#957674) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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? |
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22 May 03 - 01:34 PM (#957760) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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22 May 03 - 03:27 PM (#957824) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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? |
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23 May 03 - 09:38 AM (#958180) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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. |
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23 May 03 - 10:54 AM (#958220) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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24 May 03 - 03:24 AM (#958565) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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. |
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24 May 03 - 10:20 AM (#958642) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern I'm interested, and open for suggestions on location. |
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24 May 03 - 05:24 PM (#958815) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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!! |
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24 May 03 - 08:03 PM (#958859) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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24 May 03 - 08:59 PM (#958868) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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. |
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27 May 03 - 01:06 PM (#959846) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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? |
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28 May 03 - 10:32 AM (#960488) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Gern 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? |
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28 May 03 - 03:18 PM (#960704) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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28 May 03 - 03:37 PM (#960714) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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!! |
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29 May 03 - 11:10 AM (#961278) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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29 May 03 - 11:27 AM (#961290) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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31 May 03 - 05:39 AM (#962427) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Likewise planning on noon!!! See all there! |
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06 Jun 03 - 08:59 AM (#963172) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Well, it's back up. Hello to the group. Noon on Saturday June 7th? We will be there. |
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07 Jun 03 - 07:46 PM (#963804) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bobo 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. |
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07 Jun 03 - 07:56 PM (#963810) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Had to log in and reset the cookie. Now it knows me. Wonder if anybody else got zapped? |
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11 Jun 03 - 01:41 PM (#965926) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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11 Jun 03 - 02:28 PM (#965956) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I currently intend to do the same, although the one who designs my social calendar has yet to check in. See you then. |
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11 Jun 03 - 08:45 PM (#966174) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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!! |
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12 Jun 03 - 11:53 AM (#966427) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Banjer, jus' pull that hat down over yore eyes... |
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24 Jun 03 - 03:46 PM (#971742) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Saturday, June 28? 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. |
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25 Jun 03 - 10:56 AM (#972138) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern 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. |
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29 Jun 03 - 12:53 AM (#974131) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Guest, we looked and saw no one that resembled a Mudcatter at the Shop on Saturday. Were you there?? |
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29 Jun 03 - 09:24 AM (#974197) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bobo 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? |
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29 Jun 03 - 09:51 AM (#974199) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer If I can ever get my banjo to playin the same key as what you guys are in, we could have taht also :) |
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30 Jun 03 - 09:54 AM (#974610) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bobo 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... |
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30 Jun 03 - 07:31 PM (#974751) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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! |
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02 Jul 03 - 09:29 AM (#975120) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bobo 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'. |
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02 Jul 03 - 03:40 PM (#975408) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'm game...see you then!! |
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08 Jul 03 - 10:56 PM (#979454) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bobo 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... |
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09 Jul 03 - 10:25 AM (#979768) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern 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. |
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09 Jul 03 - 06:13 PM (#980149) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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 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) |
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09 Jul 03 - 10:33 PM (#980263) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bobo 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. |
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10 Jul 03 - 01:26 PM (#980706) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Wesley S 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. |
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11 Jul 03 - 10:00 PM (#981610) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, Wes, we did miss ya...I had hoped to meet you, but it was not to be...maybe next year! |
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12 Jul 03 - 10:05 AM (#981797) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Earl Jr. 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. |
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12 Jul 03 - 11:11 AM (#981829) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Big Red 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. |
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13 Jul 03 - 12:32 PM (#982385) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Big Red Earl, Jr... where were you? I saw several new faces, but not yours. |
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13 Jul 03 - 12:35 PM (#982387) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Earl Jr. 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. |
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14 Jul 03 - 09:54 AM (#982897) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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? |
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14 Jul 03 - 10:39 AM (#982945) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I'd like to think I'll be there, although I plan this time to avoid the tamales next door. |
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14 Jul 03 - 07:46 PM (#983381) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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... |
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14 Jul 03 - 09:37 PM (#983453) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Ah, grasshopper... but can the tamales avoid you? What is the sound of one colon clapping? See you there! |
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20 Jul 03 - 10:37 PM (#987240) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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. |
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21 Jul 03 - 10:18 AM (#987470) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern 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. |
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21 Jul 03 - 02:32 PM (#987598) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo 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? |
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21 Jul 03 - 03:06 PM (#987617) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern 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. |
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21 Jul 03 - 03:27 PM (#987628) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo But just think how quiet it will be in two weeks. Until then, you are the Entertainment Committee, right? |
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21 Jul 03 - 03:40 PM (#987643) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern That's exactly how it goes. But we enjoy it, in moderation... |
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21 Jul 03 - 03:53 PM (#987654) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Anything done in moderation cannot be that much fun. In perspective, better than no fun, however. |
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21 Jul 03 - 05:55 PM (#987710) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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! |
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21 Jul 03 - 06:17 PM (#987719) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: mmb 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. |
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21 Jul 03 - 08:02 PM (#987780) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer 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! |
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22 Jul 03 - 10:54 AM (#988120) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I agree about taking nothing seriously. I just wrote in my latest 'About the Author' profile for the next bluegrass book, "Hill's recently downsized goal in life is to stay out of everybody's way." I clearly have yet to succeed. The early group does endeavor toward openness, hoping to be user-friendly for developing instrumentalists (i.e. it's OK to suck at what you do. Most of us are playing our second-or-third best instruments, and some of us are new at them, and that should be OK.) I find it necessary because my clawhammer cannot project over multiple finger-picked resonator banjos, while still allowing practice on three-finger picking. We try also to expand beyond the usual repertoire (well-rehearsed by those dominating the 2:00 session) and I try to include more offbeat, underplayed old-time stuff. I'm usually there every other Saturday, and try to touch base here at Mudcat when I'm on my way. But I believe you'll find somebody waiting to play about any Saturday. Maybe next door is the answer, although I won't work for tamales. |
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22 Jul 03 - 02:38 PM (#988281) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Not a brewing broohaha, just some comments made that were not appreciated. However, seeing that I respect their musical talents, I do appreciate their willingness to let people jump in and play. Sometimes you just have to wade in and ignore egos, opinions and comments. Hard for me to remember sometimes, being an old grumpy crumudgeonly person. This is a gift to have the opportunity. Now as far as next door? Why not. Noon-1:30 or something? We can work for tamales to give to Gern. |
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22 Jul 03 - 05:39 PM (#988383) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Well since you guys left the door open, I wil have 'to go there'!! I don't work for tamale either, I just live for today! We should probably ask next door before setting up shop, but hey, they have all to gain and nothing to lose. Just think, for a short while on Saturdays, they could be the only hot dog stand with a floor show! |
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23 Jul 03 - 10:30 PM (#989285) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Don't do today what you can put off till tamale. |
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25 Jul 03 - 09:51 AM (#990397) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo I am planning to arrive at 12:00 if anybody wants to play early. I hear that Marcie, the bass player, is coming at 1:30pm so that would give us a full hour and a half before the big jam starts. Hmmmm? |
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25 Jul 03 - 06:26 PM (#990772) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I will try my very best to be there at noon. I have a previous commitment to take my mother to Sears warehouse to pick up a refrigerator....pray for me!! |
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25 Jul 03 - 11:07 PM (#990878) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Done. |
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28 Jul 03 - 04:33 PM (#992194) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo For Saturday, August 2, it looks like the attendance will be light. So, it may be that chance for the old timey group to play for a couple of hours. Laurie and I will be there. Banjer said he would be, unless that has changed. SO, if you want a chance to play... may not be a lot of singing... come on out at Noon. Somebody wake Gern up, OK? Don't shake him too hard just in case he's been into the tamales again. |
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28 Jul 03 - 07:13 PM (#992294) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, I plan to be there at about noon..I too think that the old time will have a chance this weekend. Let's try it! |
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30 Jul 03 - 10:10 PM (#993885) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Ran into Bill the gospel mando guy and he will be there. Plus he will bring a young lady who plays bass guitar, acoustic. Sounds like this will be fun. Different. |
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01 Aug 03 - 03:29 PM (#995208) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo "Oh Gernie Boy, the tamales, tamales they are calling..." |
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03 Aug 03 - 11:31 AM (#995937) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I guess the call of the tamales was not strong enough to entice Gern to the jam! Just want you to know, Gern, that you missed one heck of a good time. Just a bunch of folks doing wahtever came to mind..it was fun. I even drug out the banjo and did a little bit with it. I learned that I have a long way to go to be able to keep up with even the basic stuuf, but with time it will happen. |
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03 Aug 03 - 12:18 PM (#995956) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Well, we learn by doing. How come all the "good" jams are the ones I miss, and vice versa. And which vice is versa, as Groucho used to ask? |
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03 Aug 03 - 04:17 PM (#996049) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Well certainly your absence is not what costitutes a 'good' jam....Although you are right... you're always not there when they are good! :) Maybe the next one will have your smiling countenance present! |
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05 Aug 03 - 11:33 AM (#997145) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Just got a new Hawaiian Weissenborn-style guitar for the oldie group. Will fit in nicely with Gern's clawhammer, dulcimers, fiddles, etc. Will bring it this week to show you. Neat sound... different from a dobro... more of a "haunting" resonance to it. The neck is hollow! |
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05 Aug 03 - 08:27 PM (#997534) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I remember you telling us about it, looking forward to seeing it!! I will have to leave no later than 4 on Saturday, but I plan to be there early. See you then! |
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05 Aug 03 - 10:26 PM (#997589) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo We will be there around 12:15-12:30pm. |
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06 Aug 03 - 05:49 PM (#998176) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I plan to get there some time between 12 and 1...depending upon the grandson who wants to come with me this weekend. He has been progressing nicely and thinks he may be ready to try to sit in a little bit!! (He is sounding much better here lately) But we will have to leave earlier to pick up the other grandson from his weekend reserve. See you then!! |
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06 Aug 03 - 08:58 PM (#998262) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: marthabees Since I live in Tallahassee, I was real interested in hearing about this group....even though you're 5 hours away. What was especially interesting to me in reading this whole thread was seeing the evolution of the sessions from friendly, open, accepting to one where a small, practiced group powerhoused out some of the others. I noticed that happening to the group I attended in town, too. I'm not new to the music biz, but I'm new to the conventions of a jam/pick-up session, so I didn't really know what to do or expect. While I can keep up with most folks on the rhythm guitar or upright bass, I can't do it (yet) with my mando which I'm still quite a novice at. It was pretty clear that my little chop chords wouldn't be much good/appreciated. It just wasn't friendly - it's billed "open" seesion but it really wasn't. It certainly wasn't inclusive-feeling. I mean, everybody whaled away at the same time, but there was not a real feeling of joy or inclusion by the purported session leader which lightly poisoned the session - not completely poisoned it.... I love playing too much. Sounds like what happened here is consistent with your experiences. If I get down that way, I'll look you early-timers up. Not tamale, but maybe soon.... Martha |
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06 Aug 03 - 09:27 PM (#998271) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I hope I didn't give a wrong impression...yes there are some powerhouses that coul dbe billed as semi-professional....and they ARE GOOD!! The thing is that for a novice, not yet familiar with many facets of music, it can be very intimidating, they do attempt to include everyone, but some of us feel better when we can go a slow pace and lean more towards 'old time' sessions.The Buegrass Jam sessions are Fnatastic and I would not miss them for the world...Let us know when you are planning to be down and we will make sure we ahve some oldtime stuff ready! |
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06 Aug 03 - 09:50 PM (#998279) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: marthabees Banjer.... I understood you correctly. The other folks are delightful to listen to and aspire to play like even...but the intimidation factor is present and it's not necessarily even something they're aware of. There is a difference in old-time and bluegrass sessions fer shure, it seems to me. And for what I like to do, I'll take oldtime. Until I get to be a powerhouse (hee hee hee). Thanks, Martha |
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06 Aug 03 - 10:02 PM (#998282) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Martha, please allow me to state my opinion and maybe help to clear your mind. The sessions are open, but with 15 musicians in the room, everybody does tend to hammer away trying to be heard. There is a core group that know when to play, and better yet... when NOT to play. The "leader" tries to keep control, but it's tough. He is really a good guy and more than willing to ask anyone to step up. If I remember who you were, he asked you, right? But when I start moaning about not having a chance, which we all do... I remember. This is a learning experience and we are fortunate to have the semi-pros there to learn from. Jam etiquite requires a person to work their way into the group and earn some acceptance, maybe one song lead one week... gradually increasing your presence. Beginners mix with intermediate and mix with advanced players. Kinda like music soup. I consider myself a beginner, although I have been playing bass and guitar since I was 13... 46 years ago. My dobro is 7 months old. SO, I take leads when they are offered and nod them off if I am not sure I can pull it off. THAT is the experience you can garner! That is open to anyone who has the heart to try. Come back and do it again. The old timey group is still forming and hopefully it will be a solid mass in the next couple of months to offer alternatives to those of us who are poking around and experimenting. Hope this helps, and did not offend. IF so, sorry. |
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07 Aug 03 - 02:41 PM (#998491) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo ...and now that Martha thinks I'm an arrogant idiot or something... What the heck. Gern already knew it. |
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07 Aug 03 - 07:41 PM (#998643) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Not at all, Bobo! I think you have covered all the points very well. I love to hear the big boys playing and only wish that I could join in! But until I can, if ever, I also enjoy trying my hand at slow stuff just to gain the experience. I have noticed the last few months I am not afraid to pick up a banjo in the shop and start a few songs in MY STYLE when others are present! That simple act used to terrify the beejezus out of me!! I think it is because I have developed the attitude that I don't care what they think, I am enjoying myself! Marthabees, DO come on over one Saturday< we'd love to have you! |
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08 Aug 03 - 09:43 AM (#998940) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Yes, for God's sake, don't let my grousing discourage you. My style (clawhammer banjo) and hearing troubles (over 60% loss in both ears) make me a difficult match for any group of pickers. No one at any time has made me feel unwelcome or unworthy. But the oldtime sessions are more inclusive, and give me a chance to break up the usual routine of bluegrass standards. Complicating our setup is a nucleus of an established band, who bring their repertiore, worked harmonies, etc. to each session. No harm intended here, but it relegates the rest of us to chording backups. This can all be worked out. In the meantime, we have a great weekly opportunity to mix, listen and develop. Perhaps I have not voiced my appreciation for this enough. Or perhaps I am part of a not so elite group: musicians with ego problems. Ever met one of these? |
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08 Aug 03 - 02:36 PM (#999065) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo A musician with an ego? Naaah. Music to me an my wife is more than a hobby, it is an obsession from day to day. But, likely not a way to earn a living. So when we realize we are being too serious, we stop and laugh. Hey, we are doing this for fun. If it stops being fun, then it becomes work or something. It is all a journey, grasshopper. We never reach the destination and must enjoy the scenery along the way. That is our attitude! Right Gern, you old tamale eater, you. |
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10 Aug 03 - 08:54 AM (#999632) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Even without a bass, yesterday's jam was one of the best ever. Big Jim and Bob harmonize so well and the music was clean, tight and considerate. Lots of handing off split leads which always sounds great. Small crowd, high quality! 'Ceptin we wuz missin dad bern Gern. |
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10 Aug 03 - 09:22 AM (#999637) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I had planned to make it, actually, but was having hearing troubles. Seems my days off are your days on. Elson called to tell me about some old timer who came by, but I couldn't make it. Next week? |
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10 Aug 03 - 09:29 AM (#999639) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, Gern was having some health concerns from what I was told. Hopefuly he will be able to join us soon...if not we will storm his house one day...if it keeps raining like it is here we can all climb on board that bass in the store and use our banjos for paddles to get here! (You've got to visualize this with me folks), Bobo in his Hawiian shirt standing at the helm, acting as sort of a warning light at the bow (with the shirt I'm thinking of he could be seen for miles, even in a dense fog), with the rest of us piled on behind, paddling with whatever form of banjo or madolin we can muster!! I'm sitting here at the keyboard giggling all by my lonesome, except for the dog who thinks I've finally lost it!! :) |
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10 Aug 03 - 10:44 AM (#999663) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo In the next week or two, Leon Poindexter will come up from Sarasota and jam with us. He and his brother Frank, who is our buddy, are two of the best dobro players in the business. Their sister up in North Carolina is the mother to the Rice brothers. Yes, Tony Rice and his brothers. Maybe next week, or the following, but he has emailed me they are coming. Started to come yesterday but the storms turned them back home. I will be at Elson's at noon. |
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10 Aug 03 - 02:12 PM (#999767) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I will be there as well...what a nice visit that will be! If teis keeps up and word keeps spreading we will have to get Elson to get rid of all the display cases and book racks to make room for us!! :) WOW..Leon Poindexter..not an unfamiliar name at all! |
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10 Aug 03 - 10:52 PM (#1000046) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Yep, Leon is known by Mike Godwin, Charlie Hamrick and others. He and Frank recorded "HIGHWAY CALL" with the Allman Brothers and Dickie Betts a while back. Frank says he will be down in January and will attend the Legion and BG Shop jam. Cool. |
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13 Aug 03 - 03:04 PM (#1001390) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo I am hoping Leon will be there NEXT Saturday, August 23 since Laurie has to work this weekend. But I will email him and try to post his response. Heard that Pete is back! Great. Missed his singing. |
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13 Aug 03 - 03:44 PM (#1001423) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo TONIGHT ON WUSF TV-16: Wednesday, August 13th, 2003 8:00 p.m. All*Star Bluegrass Celebration II brings together familiar favorites plus some fresh new faces and sounds, originating from the historic stage of the Grand Ole Opryhouse in Nashville, Tennessee. If you miss this, sorry. We just heard about it at 3:30pm. It will repeat. |
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13 Aug 03 - 09:09 PM (#1001608) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I am watching it now...some good stuff...some not so good stuff...but it's all Bluegrass! Dr. Ralph Stanley is looking good!! |
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14 Aug 03 - 11:32 AM (#1001948) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Good mix of new and old. Prefer the old. Glad we taped it so we can FF past the subscription pounding they handed out. Jeez. |
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16 Aug 03 - 10:50 PM (#1003436) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I think we had a pretty good mix today at the jam! The newcomer Gene has a good repoitere of 'Golden Oldie' country songs. It was a lso god to see Gern there again! What would you all think, and how would we go about it so no one gets upset if we change the schedule of the jam just a bit? Here's what I propose: Noon to 1:45 Old Time (Folks like Gern and Bobo and Laurie and others interested could gather and do 'thier thing') 1:30 to 2:45 Golden Oldie Country Music (Here the folks that like the slower pace of country and old time could come in and join the already in progress old time session and it would then fade from Old Time to Country) 2:30 to 5:00 Bluegrass (Here the full blown Bluegrass Jam would get under way with any of the C&W guys that want joining in) Sort of a 'something for everyone schedule'...I think most all would like having their own genre of music highlighted. What do you think? |
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18 Aug 03 - 01:06 PM (#1004109) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo So, the final consensus was to leave it 1:30pm till 4-ish? That's what I expected since this time was originally "established" by the Bluegrass group as to when they like to come and go. There is still room for an Old Time group, or Golden Oldie group if people decide to show up at noon. And, BTW, Gern... you were great in there with the group! Wish you could'a stayed a bit longer. But your heart strings were pulling... |
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18 Aug 03 - 02:14 PM (#1004149) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I enjoyed playing Jimmie Rodgers songs with Elson, as well as the usual assortment with the usual suspects. Sorry Banjer's idea didn't fly, although I've only heard two objections. Apparently that's enough. I've got another kayak race coming up this weekend--it's some sort of middle-of-life crisis thing... |
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18 Aug 03 - 03:04 PM (#1004169) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Gern, I know of 5 votes saying "leave it alone." |
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18 Aug 03 - 05:43 PM (#1004225) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes it was an huge success in the flop department! Well it was just an idea. If we never have ideas we will stagnate in our own juices. Later maybe we will be able to expand the time that we can meet and we'll see where it goes! Gern, try to remember what that nylon string openback sounded like, I made some changes in it and I think I improved it!! |
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19 Aug 03 - 11:04 AM (#1004684) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Should be easier on the hands, which is a matter of some interest to me. How does it do for volume? Any difference between clawhammer and picking? With your permission, I'd like to try it out one of these days. As to your idea, I still think it's valid, but bluegrassers are a conservative lot. Perhaps we'll just show up early and whoever wants to play plays whatever they want to play. |
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19 Aug 03 - 06:04 PM (#1004875) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer No problem playing anytime you want to try it. As for volume or difference between styles, I'll let you judge that for yourself. Showing up early and doing whatever we want is about the only way we will get to do that! See you there! |
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23 Aug 03 - 10:03 PM (#1007167) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer We had a visitor to the Bluegrass Shop jam today!! Leon Poindexter came to jam with us!! Thanks to Bobo for inviting him! It was a great jam. Leon is one heck of a good dobro player! He did a Jimmy Rodgers song complete with yodels! Great time!!! |
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24 Aug 03 - 09:55 PM (#1007579) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: marthabees To Bobo et al : I really appreciate the quick version of jam session 'etiquette.' Knowing the conventions helps. I'll try to get up to speed on a few more tunes and then when they nod to me, I'll go for it. I'm close to it now.... You all sound like winners to me. Keep pluckin' along! Martha |
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25 Aug 03 - 03:15 PM (#1007898) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Martha, come on back! When it's time to take a lead, just go for it! If you mess up... so what. Happens all the time, even to some of the seasoned pros there, and people kid you in good fun. You gotta laugh and say, "Next time." We all enjoy trying. I have frozen up totally a couple of times and just shook it off. Grumbled and went home and practiced. |
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25 Aug 03 - 03:18 PM (#1007901) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Yeah, I made a mistake once myself. This should be a pressure-free situation. Many of us are new to our instruments, or playing our second or third best instrument. And we learn best by screwing up, which is something I had to remind myself frequently while I was a high school teacher. Everyone is welcome anytime. |
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25 Aug 03 - 05:56 PM (#1007974) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer But Gern, isn't it true that when you were a High School teacher they only had two subjects? Since it hadn't happened yet, history was not one of them! If, like you say, we learn best by screwing up, then I am a very learned individual, for all the screwups I can claim! |
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25 Aug 03 - 10:46 PM (#1008103) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Shoot, I heard that when Gern was a teacher, they hadn't invented math yet. |
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29 Aug 03 - 10:28 AM (#1010217) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Will not be at the jam this Saturday to contribute my normal amount of bad notes. We are attending the Sertoma Youth Ranch Bluegrass Festival in beautiful... slow down I think we missed it... Dade City. However, we will be back next Saturday the 6th. If it will help, I will create a cassette and send it for this weekend and you can play it in the background with any song in any key, which is the normal way I follow along anyways. Don't matter none. |
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29 Aug 03 - 08:47 PM (#1010517) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Keys, keys...??? We don't need no stinkin' keys....ain't no locks on the doors anyway!! We will miss your smiling countenance and bright, battery powered shirts...Heck, we may even have to turn the lights on to see this week! I wonder how many others will also be going to the Dade City event? Oh well, we will amuse ourselves with whatever comes along! |
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02 Sep 03 - 04:56 AM (#1011047) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer AS it turned out it was a real neat session...the 'big boys' went elsewhere for the Labor Day weekend and some of the regulars just sat around and did whatever came to mind. King Richard cut loose on guitar and did some blues stuff, there were some old time songs played and I even got into the mix with the openback! Look forward to the full house again next weekend, but it was different for a change! |
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02 Sep 03 - 04:05 PM (#1011473) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Had a great time in beautiful... slow down, I think we missed it... Dade City. Met and talked to Eddie Adcock for over an hour, twice. He even showed me his picking patterns and how he uses his picks a little differently than Earl. Martha was a great lady, too. Charlie Hamrick's Flatland Band was a big hit. Laurie and I got a chance to sit with them while they were practicing for the shows at a private practice and meet the members of the band. Great folks. Bit hit was "Wildwood Valley Boys" who tore the house down. I have pix sent to Fred and Elson. See you Saturday. No more blues. Bluegrass rulez. |
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03 Sep 03 - 04:56 AM (#1011857) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'm glad to hear that you had a good time...but I do think you are being unfair in your assesment of Dade City. I have been there and I know they have at least one traffic light!! |
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03 Sep 03 - 09:53 AM (#1011975) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Alas, you're right. We sat at that light. And, they have a Village Inn which fed us breakfast on Saturday. |
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03 Sep 03 - 07:13 PM (#1012323) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Did they feed you while you were waiting for that one light to change? See ya Saturday!! |
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04 Sep 03 - 10:37 AM (#1012636) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern OK, wise guys, what's this "no more blues" business? Just how do you spell bluegrass anyway? Blues is essential to bluegrass; intimately related, as its best practitioners have proven. Bill Monroe's first gigs were with black blues guitarist Arnold Schultz, and Bill pondered a blues career thereafter. Jimmy Roders, lauded founder of modern country music and songs performed for yuears on bluegrass stages, wrote and performed dozens of strictly blues compositions: T for Texas, Blue Yodel #1-79, No Hard Time Blues, etc. etc. Even your own oft-cited influence, Uncle Josh, played blues on nearly every solo. Exclude the blues and you eliminate a lot of bluegrass standards. Ex.--Bill Monroe: Muleskinner Blues, Rocky Road Blues, True Life Blues. Carter Family: Jealous Hearted Me, Coal Miner's Blues. Earl Scruggs: Lonesome Road Blues, Mama Blues, Take this Hammer.Jimmy Martin: Freeborn Man, Sitting on Top of the World. Doc Watson: Deep River Blues and dozens of other recordings. I wouldn't suggest a Stevie Ray Vaughan jam, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater (one of my favorite expressions, by the way.)The purest purist in bluegrass couldn't separate blues from bluegrass. Neither should we. |
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04 Sep 03 - 01:23 PM (#1012741) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo I'm not separating blues from bluegrass. Just for the record, the modern version of a clawhamamer is drop forged, heat treated steel with a rubber grip handle... maybe 1.25 pounds or so. So where do you come off claiming to play clawhammer, eh? |
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04 Sep 03 - 01:50 PM (#1012760) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern ...Ralph Stanley vocals on "Oh Death", "Limehouse Blues" recorded by Don Reno and Eddie Adcock, whom you were just discussing, Bill Monroe's "I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome Too," and I haven't even mentioned Roscoe Holcomb and Dock Boggs ... |
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04 Sep 03 - 03:36 PM (#1012810) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Do you have any sense of humor, blues expert? By the way, I grew up in Memphis and played in our BLUES group with 10 pieces, including 3 black singers who played horns. Belonged to the American Fed of Musicians AFL/CIO when I was 18. Played with BB King one eve, played many times with Wilson Pickett, Bobby Blue Bland and others downtown on Beale Street. My point: The shop, last I looked, is "The Bluegrass Shop." I could be wrong. |
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04 Sep 03 - 07:01 PM (#1012947) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Blue-grass, that is. And how's your sense of humor? A lot of people underestimate the influence of various musical genres on bluegrass. Bill Monroe was working on a rap session, for example, to be called "Killa' Bill." He only finished two cuts for this album, a reamke entitled "Pretty Polly was a Ho" and a fusion classic called "Bake Them Hotcakes, B***ch." He was to team up with Eminem and Marilyn Manson to record "Eminem, MM and M." Apparently Bill preferred not to be called 'BM'. Others too have utilized influences from modern contemporary music. Who could forget at the CMT Video Awards, when Allison Krauss planted an open-mouthed kiss on Mother Maybelle Carter? Mrs. Carter, who had been dead for years, had no comment. So, as you can see, bluegrass is a diverse entity. I too have blues credentials, but prefer to give folks good-natured shit. |
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04 Sep 03 - 08:44 PM (#1013015) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo And you do, and I love it. Don't ever change! ;-} |
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04 Sep 03 - 11:06 PM (#1013075) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo And, by the way, you need to cut down on the caffeine. |
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05 Sep 03 - 08:43 AM (#1013271) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I don't need no stinkin' caffeine... but I am sorry for any confusion. Clearly too much time on my hands when the water's too rough to kayak (another 5th place finish at the race in Ruskin last week!) I'm often chided as a purist, which is a little odd for someone who listens to Coltrane, Zappa and Yellowman. My wife isn't always pleased with my musical tastes. So I kid others, but honestly know less than most of the musicians I play with. I should have mentioned Earl Scruggs' foray into punk rock, though. Remember his work with fuzz box on the Ramones' bluegrass-punk classic, "Baby Let Me Whip Your Cow"? And that duet by Alison Kraus and Mother Maybelle was actually the older, traditional version of Madonna's first hit. This Kentucky ballad was originally entitled "What's a Virgin?" I'll probably see you all Saturday, if the roads are open. |
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05 Sep 03 - 01:49 PM (#1013463) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Should be fun. Bring yore banjer. I'll drag along the guitar with hubcap. We will butcher some music. Hope to be there 12:30-ish but can come earlier if anyone will be there. My music tastes: Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, BB King, ZZ Top, Patty Loveless, Natalie McMaster, Mark O'Connor, Itzak Pearlman, Jerry Douglas, Andres Segovia, The Country Gentlemen, Merle Haggard, Nancy Griffith, George Jones, Reno & Smiley, Blue Highway, Ricky Skaggs, Pavarotti, Leon Redbone. In other words, I don't have a clue. |
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05 Sep 03 - 06:35 PM (#1013606) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Looks to me like Bobo's tastes are a whole smorgasbord. A veritable cafeteria of musical tastes!! I'll try to be there by 12:30 at the latest, see you all then! |
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06 Sep 03 - 10:07 AM (#1013874) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Saw this on the Jerry Douglas BB: HOW TO SING THE BLUES by Lame Mango Washington (attributed to Memphis Earlene Gray with help from Uncle Plunky, revisions by Little Blind Patti D. and Dr. Stevie Franklin) 1. Most Blues begin, "Woke up this morning." 2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the Blues, 'less you stick something nasty in the next line, like " I got a good woman, with the meanest face in town." 3. The Blues is simple. After you get the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes ... sort of: "Got a good woman - with the meanest face in town. Got teeth like Margaret Thatcher - and she weigh 500 pound." 4. The Blues are not about choice. You stuck in a ditch, you stuck in a ditch; ain't no way out. 5. Blues cars: Chevys and Cadillacs and broken-down trucks. Blues don't travel in Volvos, BMWs, or Sport Utility Vehicles. Most Blues transportation is a Greyhound bus or a southbound train. Jet aircraft an' state-sponsored motor pools ain't even in the running. Walkin' plays a major part in the blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die. 6. Teenagers can't sing the Blues. They ain't fixin' to die yet. Adults sing the Blues. In Blues, " adulthood" means being old enough to get the electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis. 7. Blues can take place in New York City but not in Hawaii or any place in Canada. Hard times in St. Paul or Tucson is just depression. Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City still the best places to have the Blues. You cannot have the blues in any place that don't get rain. 8. A man with male pattern baldness ain't the blues. A woman with male pattern baldness is. Breaking your leg cuz you skiing is not the blues. Breaking your leg cuz an alligator be chomping on it is. 9. You can't have no Blues in an office or a shopping mall. The lighting is wrong. Go outside to the parking lot or sit by the dumpster. 10. Good places for the Blues: a. highway b. jailhouse c. empty bed d. bottom of a whiskey glass Bad places: a. Ashrams b. gallery openings c. Ivy League institutions d. golf courses 11. No one will believe it's the Blues if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be an old ethnic person, and you slept in it. 12. Do you have the right to sing the Blues? Yes, if: a. you're older than dirt b. you're blind c. you shot a man in Memphis d. you can't be satisfied No, if: a. you have all your teeth b. you were once blind but now can see c. the man in Memphis lived. d. you have a retirement plan or trust fund. 13. Blues is not a matter of color. It's a matter of bad luck. Tiger Woods cannot sing the blues. Gary Coleman could. Ugly white people also got a leg up on the blues. 14. If you ask for water and Baby give you gasoline, it's the Blues. Other acceptable Blues beverages are: a. wine b. whiskey or bourbon c. muddy water d. black coffee The following are NOT Blues beverages: a. mixed drinks b. kosher wine c. Snapple d. sparkling water 15. If it occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a Blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is another Blues way to die. So is the electric chair, substance abuse, and dying lonely on a broken down cot. You can't have a Blues death if you die during a tennis match or getting liposuction. 16. Some Blues names for women: a. Sadie b. Big Mama c. Bessie d. Fat River Dumpling 17. Some Blues names for men: a. Joe b. Willie c. Little Willie d. Big Willie 18. Persons with names like Sierra, Sequoia, Auburn, and Rainbow can't sing the Blues no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis. 19. Make your own Blues name (starter kit): a. name of physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Lame, etc.) b. first name (see above) plus name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi,etc.) c. last name of President (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.) For example, Blind Lime Jefferson, or Cripple Kiwi Fillmore, etc. (Well, maybe not "Kiwi.") 20. I don't care how tragic your life: you own a computer, you cannot sing the blues. You best destroy it. Fire, a spilled bottle of Mad Dog, or get out a shotgun. I don't care. |
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09 Sep 03 - 01:50 PM (#1015596) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo And, now that you know all this, please allow me to introduce myself: Nearly-Lame Crabapple Lincoln Bobby, if you please. Wrote a song about it... want to hear it? Here it go... |
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15 Sep 03 - 10:49 PM (#1019629) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Superbowl Champs is spelled with an "a" not an "i." |
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16 Sep 03 - 08:58 PM (#1020322) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Did I miss something here?? |
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16 Sep 03 - 10:04 PM (#1020378) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Champs with an "i" is Chimps. That is the way the Bucs played. You missed nothing, even if you watched the game. Feel adjusted now? |
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16 Sep 03 - 11:09 PM (#1020414) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Oh, I don't follow that stuff, but from what the boys and my wife have been saying I would use the letter 'u'...I think! |
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17 Sep 03 - 10:44 AM (#1020756) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Wait a minute... you are gonna be playing the part of a yankee in the next re-enactment... and you don't follow football? You just might be one of them red Chinese commie agitators? I'm keepin' an eye on you... Actually, and seriously, the letter "u" is what Laurie said, too. |
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17 Sep 03 - 08:37 PM (#1021112) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Can I buy a vowel, Pat??? |
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18 Sep 03 - 01:14 PM (#1021549) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo No. But, you can get plenty of "R" letters up in New England. They don't use them. See you Saturday 12:30-ish. Leave some tamales out for bait and maybe Gern will show. |
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18 Sep 03 - 04:02 PM (#1021654) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Probably shouldn't expect me. Saturday morning is the Race for the Cure, which I'm hoping will find a cure for middle-aged exhaustion to apply to me after the race. It's early, but I typically need several hours of oxygen after these things. Belt out a few sour yodels on my behalf. |
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23 Sep 03 - 06:00 PM (#1023865) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Just to remind any that are within distance of us there will be a picnic/jam at Lake Seminole Park on OCT 5, shelter #3, beginning around 11:00 AM....Bring what you like to eat, drinks will be furnished by the Bluegrass Shop. Grilles on site as well! Come one, come all!! |
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24 Sep 03 - 02:13 PM (#1024422) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo We are coming* all the way from Maine to attend! *Coming as in "returning" from a trip to the great white north. |
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24 Sep 03 - 08:35 PM (#1024661) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Here's wishing you a safe journey and speedy return!! See you when you get back! |
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06 Oct 03 - 04:48 PM (#1030791) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Gotta say the picnic was a blast. Congrats to Elson and his elves (Ray, Fred & Co.) Great there were two big groups of pickers... one old timey/country and the other bluegrassers. Awesome! ...and we are looking forward to the next one. I think I heard November 22nd? |
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06 Oct 03 - 05:38 PM (#1030827) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, Bobo, November 22nd, shelter #13 with more room and much more parking facilities. The official headcount had 125 souls at one time. It seemed like everyone did have a good time and the two groups worked well. See you Saturday at the Shop! |
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08 Oct 03 - 07:24 AM (#1031692) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer For those interested note that the November 22nd date is a SATURDAY this time. See you there!! |
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12 Oct 03 - 10:28 AM (#1034068) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Ideas please...it has been decided that Decmber 20th will be the Bluegrass Shop Christmas Party. Any suggestions for the party would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Also don't forget that 22 November will see us at the Lake Seminole Park again. See you all there! |
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13 Oct 03 - 10:43 AM (#1034628) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo What sort of party do you imagine? Like outside the shop in the park or something? Or at the store... |
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13 Oct 03 - 09:20 PM (#1034990) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bee-dubya-ell Hi guys! Just a note that I'll be selling pottery at an arts & crafts festival in Ybor City on Nov. 22 & 23 and I will bring a guitar along. Hammer dulcimer player Marcille Wallis will also be at the show peddling her CD's and she'll probably talk some friends (like fiddler Frances Pisacane) into coming out. I'm requesting adjoining booths with Marcille and we'll probably make a big jam session out of it. Come out, say "Howdy", play some Irish music. Bruce |
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14 Oct 03 - 06:08 AM (#1035225) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Bobo...I think they have in mind at the shop. Probably will be a cookies/drinks kind of thing. I heard a suggestion for a 'secret Santa' type thing...you know, drawing names from a hat...with limits as to amounts...more like a gag gift type exchange I guess...We have a little time to develop whatever! Well, Bruce....That Saturday is the date for our Jam/Picnic in the Park, but possibly Sunday is do-able! Where are you usualy headquartered? Do you live in Florida? You might get by tho visit us at the Bluegrass Shop if you aren't too far away! You coul dlisten to 'Irish' Bluegrass music!! :) |
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14 Oct 03 - 11:10 AM (#1035377) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Maybe we can get a group to go over and pick on that Sunday the 23rd? |
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14 Oct 03 - 11:31 AM (#1035393) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bee-dubya-ell I'm in Florida, but in the Pensacola area - about as far away from Tampa/St. Pete as you can get and still be in Florida. But our son recently moved to Tampa and we're planning on doing several art shows in the area (like Gasparilla). The 11/22-23 show is probably just the first of many. Will try to get by the Shop sometime. |
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15 Oct 03 - 04:41 AM (#1035941) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Bobo, that sounds like a good idea!! Let's start promoting it this Saturday and knowing that parking is often times hard in Ybor, maybe we can set up some sort of car pool thing! Bruce, is Irish music all you do or would Bluegrass also be welcome. Some of our guys do only Bluegrass and others are a little more diversified in their playing. Sounds like a good time starting to build here! What a weekend that could be...picnic jam on Saturday and Ybor City on Sunday!! Bruce, if any of your folks would like to and feel they can get away Saturday afternoon, all are welcome at the Lake Seminole Picnic/Jam as well! It is scheduled from 11 AM to whenever, (usually starts breaking up around 4) There will be at least two distict groups there as far as I know...Bluegrass and Old Time...you could add Irish to the list if you like!! I can give you directions if yu want! Please think about it!! |
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15 Oct 03 - 02:45 PM (#1036232) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Headed up to Magnoliafest this weekend, Banjer. So you'll have to start promoting the Ybor Trek yourself. See you on the 25th. |
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15 Oct 03 - 07:57 PM (#1036447) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Won't see this soldier on the 25th! Our unit will be deployed to Sarasota's Hunsader Farms to help repel the invading hordes! I won't see you now til November 1. |
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21 Oct 03 - 02:00 PM (#1039069) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Photos from Magnoliafest 2003 if you want to take a peek: Resonator Guitarist Photo Gallery |
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23 Oct 03 - 03:54 PM (#1040591) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo SATURDAY OCTOBER 25: I hear that Bob (banjo) and Pete will be playing at a gig on Saturday. I will be there and have asked Doug and others to show so we can jam. It'll be fun. |
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23 Oct 03 - 06:01 PM (#1040643) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Saturday Ocotober 25th I will be south of the Skyway, see you Nov 1! |
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27 Oct 03 - 02:19 PM (#1042722) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo What a great jam on Saturday the 25th! Buddy showed up to sing, Elson, Gern, Doug, Mike and the hammer dulcimer guy. Plus a new bass player we haven't seen before. Nice and clean for 1-1/2 hours! Then... there was the arrival of the brightly colored kiddie xylophone... another story. Overall, awesome session. |
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28 Oct 03 - 05:28 AM (#1043057) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer "the brightly colored kiddie xylophone"? Oh Bobo...I can't wait til Saturday to hear this one! Please spill it!! I will be there this next Saturday....we had a wonderful time at the Manatee County event. |
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28 Oct 03 - 01:44 PM (#1043284) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Well, you see... "somebody" who comes from time to time, plays fiddle, but shows up with unusual (really unusual) instruments... well, he showed up and started plinking the kiddie xylophone with a little plastic hammer while we were playing and while Buddy was singing. "SKRINK!" I looked down and stopped playing, thinking something was broken on my dobro. Saw nothing... then it happened again. "SKRINK!" I looked again. Maybe I was hitting the coverplate or something with a pick? Sounded really weird. Then, it happened again "SKRINK!" and I looked at Doug and he was checking out his banjo to see what just broke. Doug looked back at me. After a dozen times or so, we noticed the xylophone. Aha. So, when the music stopped, I said, "Wanna do us a favor and leave that damned xylophone on the floor?" He agreed. Good, cause I already looked it up: They call it justifiable homicide in Florida. |
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28 Oct 03 - 08:53 PM (#1043511) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I guess I will have to wait 'til Saturday for someone to tell me what really happened! I see you are back to making things up!! :) I know of whom you speak and somehow it doesn't surprise me. Remember the little four string gourd thing with the yellow ribbon?? I didn't think he could top that one! |
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29 Oct 03 - 03:48 PM (#1044018) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo That is what really happened, 'cept we didn't kill him. I made that part up. YES! I remember the gourd of death. |
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30 Oct 03 - 05:43 AM (#1044376) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I miss ALL the good ones!! :( I guess his heart is in the right place and he has more nerve than I do...Can't help but wonder what folks say about my playing when I'm not there!! :) See you Saturday...I will be there as close to noon as possible, but have some things to do that may run me a bit late! |
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31 Oct 03 - 02:31 PM (#1045432) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo I don't think he deliberately disrupts for the sake of disruption, because he doesn't seem to be a bad person. Strange, yes. Unfortunately, someone will probably pin his ears back and hurt his feelings. We can try a few hints and maybe prevent that. Now, as far as you are concerned, that's easy. We take your pictures when you are not there and use markers to black out your teeth, draw funny glasses, big ears and mustaches on them. But, Elson makes sure they are thrown away before you come back. But you didn't hear that from me. |
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01 Nov 03 - 08:34 AM (#1045755) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer HA ha...I just looked at one of my regular pictures and from what I see you don't have to alter too much to arrive at what you described! Very little, matter of fact...on closer observation those changes you mentioned may be an improvement! See you Saturday!! |
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05 Nov 03 - 01:32 PM (#1048542) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Woah. I just saw your regular picture, too. It's highly irregular. Put one in the shed and we ain't had no rats for a week now. |
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06 Nov 03 - 01:02 AM (#1048973) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'll give ya one better'n that! Record my banjo on that little recording device of yours and you kin exterminate the whole danged neighborhood! |
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12 Nov 03 - 04:23 PM (#1052676) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo You play xylophone, doncha? No? Ukelele? Gourd-thangs? Untuned fiddle? What? |
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13 Nov 03 - 08:42 PM (#1053443) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Untuned banjer...tha's what...will there be any celebrities visiting this weekend? The visit from Charley Groth was exciting...He and Buddy and Elson did some good stuff afer you guys left! See you Saturday! |
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14 Nov 03 - 10:12 PM (#1053945) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Yep, I heard. Had to go downtown and meet Laurie's brother and wife at Tropicana Field. Just barely made it before the nephew's band performed. We heard 4 groups and that was plenty. See you tomorrow. |
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16 Nov 03 - 08:54 AM (#1054659) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Just a reminder to any that use this forum for information...Lauren and MM and others.. Next Saturday, 22 November, the picnic/jam will be at Lake Seminole Park, shelter # 13, 11 AM till whenever! THERE WILL BE NO JAM AT THE SHOP THAT WEEKEND! Elson will be closing the shop early to be able to join us. Please, as usual, bring what you would like to eat, drinks will be furnished by the BLUEGRASS SHOP and there are grills on site! See you all there!! |
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17 Nov 03 - 01:13 PM (#1055595) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo That is the only bad part about doing this on a Saturday: Elson having to close the shop early. In the future, if that has to be the case, I'd vote for Sunday picnics. The Bucs on TV won't be a conflict for a few more years. Just my 2 cents. |
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17 Nov 03 - 08:48 PM (#1055837) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I know, that's why I liked Sundays also, but quite a few wanted Saturday picnic/jams...so we try one! There is not that much business missed on Saturday afternoons...I took some signs by the shop this PM for Elson to put up and inform folks that he will be closing early on Saturday, and inviting them to the park at the same time! When he closes is open and up to him! Just between you and me I don't see the Bucs as a conflict anytime!:) See you there!! |
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21 Nov 03 - 01:15 PM (#1058618) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo You know, thanks for the info, but I already figured out that the openings and closings are Elson's decision. Unless somebody else is chipping in on the rent, that is usually the case. |
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21 Nov 03 - 06:11 PM (#1058784) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer NO, you misread that Bobo, what I said was that it's up to him when he closes Saturday afternoon to join us at the park! That's why I didn't put a time on the sign for him! That's why it says: When he closes is open and up to him |
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24 Nov 03 - 06:31 PM (#1060153) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo What kind of language is that, boy? Like, "He ain't just up to being down right now, or at this time, either, too." Great picnic. Huge crowd and wide spectrum of music. Congrats to the organizers and Happy Thanksgiving. |
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25 Nov 03 - 06:16 AM (#1060465) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Bobo....Congrats to oganizers are appreciated, but without all the wonderful people like yourself that attend these things, it would be for naught! SO!! THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO ATTENDED!! Look forward to seeing you all at the next one, same park, March 21, shelter number 9! It was really great to see our many winter visitors also attend, since the late year get together was planned with them in mind! |
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01 Dec 03 - 06:03 AM (#1063535) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer With the Sertoma BG festival in Dade City this past weekend poopulation at the jam was sparse. However there were enough folk to put together a real good session. We didn't stick to pure Blue Grass but included some old time country and even some folk into the mix. A friend of Elsons' stopped by to visit. He and Elson played together on one of the shows here in Florida, back in 1956! An interesting renuinon! I even sat in on some of the songs with the banjo!! Look forward to seeing everyone next week! |
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01 Dec 03 - 11:50 AM (#1063746) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Certainly glad to hear that "poopulation" was sparse. Must be the Prilosec. |
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01 Dec 03 - 03:57 PM (#1063895) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo I'm thinking Immodium will cut it way back, too. I am also betting the sparse poopulation was due to Banjer playing, eh? Gotta be part of it. |
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01 Dec 03 - 06:04 PM (#1063993) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I'm sure it helped...my playing can stop anything!! If we could only figure a way to can it and market it!! |
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02 Dec 03 - 03:27 PM (#1064620) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo We package up a sound track. I will record it for you. We market it on the internet under "pest control products." Now, the way I figger it... we get rich. Then spend all our money gettin' you banjo lessons. Back to square one. Dang. |
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02 Dec 03 - 05:56 PM (#1064710) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yeah, but if you get me banjo lessons there will eventualy nothing to package,and there goes your golden cow! |
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02 Dec 03 - 06:11 PM (#1064724) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Strupag Just want to be the 300th post to this thread - Good thread though! |
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04 Dec 03 - 11:28 AM (#1065501) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Well, thanks for posting the 300th. We all appreciate it. You have been so involved, it wouldn't be right any other way. See you folks Saturday. |
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04 Dec 03 - 03:10 PM (#1065627) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Banjer at work Some folks just aren't happy unless they get in the spotlight. Did any body tell this clown that since he was the 300th poster he now owes all those who posted here US$300?? I may not be at the jam this weeekend, I have some JROTC commitments coming up! We'll see! |
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04 Dec 03 - 03:54 PM (#1065673) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Jurassic Rotten Old Tired Confederates group? |
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04 Dec 03 - 08:47 PM (#1065763) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Close...:) (I love the Old Tired Confederates part!!) Really the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is having a drill competition at University Of Tampa and needed help in concession and scoring so I volunteered. Since I am VP of the JROTC Boosters Club at Dixie Hollins High School I felt that my presence would be nice! See you after if we get back in time! The following Saturday I will be at Safety Harbor in full uniform from 12 to 5, helping the Safety Harbor Museum in their Historical tour of homes, (and I am supposed to be at Madiera Beach at 5 for a Christmas get together of reenactors)....'Tis the season, huh? (Hope I survive it :) ) |
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16 Dec 03 - 02:51 PM (#1073913) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Had a great trip to North Carolina and met, and played, with some great Bluegrass musicians. Got pix and recordings. Planning on jamming Saturday, but not sure. Depends on errands between now and then. Merry Christmas to all! |
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16 Dec 03 - 06:24 PM (#1074059) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Will be looking forward to seeing you if you make it! Saw teh pics you posted. Sounds like a good time! |
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23 Dec 03 - 03:35 PM (#1078690) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Well, we missed December 20. However, will be there early on Saturday, Dec. 27 FOR SURE!!! Happy Holidays to all jammers and visitors! |
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23 Dec 03 - 04:45 PM (#1078724) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer We will be looking forward to seeing you again! It has been so long we have had to go to the pictures on the wall to try to remember what you looked like!! Don't know who all else will be there but as usual we will have a good time! See you then! |
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24 Dec 03 - 09:03 AM (#1079157) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I may make it over there myself. Have had hearing aid troubles, which should soon be resolved by spending a lot of money to hear my mistakes more clearly. Happy Holidays to all. |
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24 Dec 03 - 11:38 AM (#1079245) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo As my friend Rod once said, "One of the great gifts for music is good hearing. One of the great curses is really good hearing." |
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24 Dec 03 - 06:47 PM (#1079409) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Didn't they warn you about that 'aural' sex?....that what causes hearing aids!! Look forward to seeing you there, don't know who else will be there because of the hoildaze....but we will have fun no matter who shows up! |
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29 Dec 03 - 10:32 AM (#1081508) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo One of the best sessions ever! I walked in at 12:25 and they were already cranked up. Lee's family are a great bunch, aren't they. The Grand Daughter at age 15 can sing and play mando like Rhonda. Will miss this weekend because we are going to a wedding. Will be there Jan. 4. |
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30 Dec 03 - 01:24 PM (#1082512) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Make that "will be there January 10th." Wrong calendar, oops. |
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05 Jan 04 - 04:35 PM (#1086572) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo It was snowing when we landed at Logan Airport in Boston. Snowing even harder up in Maine. 30s degree weather all weekend. Wedding party with disco and dance music. But, we got back Sunday... 74 degrees, got in the car and cranked up Lonesome River Band on the CD player... Laurie said, "Ah...bluegrass... we are back!" See you all Saturday. |
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06 Jan 04 - 07:38 AM (#1086985) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Good to have you back...sorry you had to suffer so at the hands of the Yankees! Disco and dance....you should have taken your dobro and Laurie her fiddle and showed them what REAL music sounds like! See you at he next jam... |
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06 Jan 04 - 10:17 AM (#1087083) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Didn't even check bags, never mind drag instruments around. The security was really backed up and we were glad to just be able to carry on our luggage. In Boston, there was a line waiting to get in the security line. Aaagh. In Atlanta, the hike from gate to gate changing planes is like 1/2 mile hike through solid people. Using my remaining brain, I decided my solid walnut dobro is like dragging an anchor. We survived the disco, barely. The bluegrass music injection on the way home revived us. Will see you all Saturday! |
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08 Jan 04 - 09:04 PM (#1089127) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Well you are back in Bluegrass Country!! Glad to hear you survived your harrowing ordeal! Look forward to you and Laurie at the shop for some R&R therapy! See you Saturday |
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10 Jan 04 - 09:25 AM (#1089944) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo "I tell you, there's trouble, right here in river city. That start's with T and that rhymes with B, and that stands for Bluegrass..." |
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14 Jan 04 - 03:50 PM (#1092747) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Hey Bob, that Reeltime Travelers CD is great! I've only listened to one, but it's exactly the stuff I like the best. They remind me strongly of the Freight Hoppers, a hot group on Rounder Records that seems to have split up lately. Same intricate work, same mix of young voices; check them out. I notice that in addition to a gourmet collection of old tunes, they mixed in "Hard Times in New York Town." That's the oldest known recording by Bob Dylan, and they make it sound like hillbilly stuff. Others like "Walking in the Parlor" and "Rock the Cradle Lucy" come straight from the Skillet Lickers and other like-minded footstompers. John Hermann, who writes brief liner notes on the 2nd CD is one of the outstanding clawhammer scratchers of our time. All in all, a good time. Thanks for turning me on to it. Did you go see Peter Rowan and Reggaebilly last week? |
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15 Jan 04 - 01:38 PM (#1093485) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Glad you enjoyed it! Both CDs are killer. The Reeltime Travelers are nice folks, too. Laurie and I talked to all of them up at Magnoliafest after their performance and they told us about their homes, education and personal careers. Heidi Andrade, the fiddler, has a MA in Music Ed. Laurie asked Heidi, who looked 20 years old, how long she had been playing. She said 25 years. So, she's more like 32 or 35 or something! See, music does keep you young. They have a website: www.reeltimetravelers.com so go check them out. We did not see Peter Rowan but have seen that act before several times, recently at Magnoliafest. I recorded on my Mini Disk it if you want to hear it. Imagine "Little Maggie" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky" sung to Reggae beat. Woah! |
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25 Jan 04 - 04:56 PM (#1101142) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Yo, Gern... know Mark Johnson's work? We just got home from Chiefland at an invitation only jam/festival. Met up with Mark and were amazed for over 48 hours. Clawhammer AAAA+ in grand style. Larry Rice, Frank & Leon Poindexter, Mark Johnson and about a dozen more. Awesome! IF you don't know about Mark, you will. Just released his 3rd CD titled "Acoustic Campaign" with Emory Lester and he and gave us a copy. One of his CDs was with the Rice Brothers. I have live Mini Disc recording with him, Frank Poindexter and our own Mike Godwin jamming for about 3 hours Saturday eve in our hotel room after we left the party... long day. I did not hop in because Frank wanted to work on smoothing out the songs they were doing, which are about to be recorded on a new CD of Frank Poindexter's very shortly. No sense in muddying up the sound with another dobro... of much less quality than Frank's. See you Saturday? |
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26 Jan 04 - 09:44 AM (#1101675) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Yes, I met him and heard him play at IBMA a couple of years back. I recall that he was really dextrous and spent a lot of time up around the 25th fret. Although clawhammer traditionally stays in first position with lots of open strings, his work was interesting and really difficult. Wasn't Uncle Ben one of the Rice Brothers? Been working on some fiddle lately (the neighbors are SO glad) and saw Beausoleil, a blazing hot Cajun group in Tampa this weekend. I'll probably make it Saturday. |
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26 Jan 04 - 11:06 AM (#1101758) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Big Jim Furniss was learning fiddle and his wife and kids said, "Can you go outside." That worked until the neighbors said, "Can you go back inside?" Hey, congrats! I admire your quest for the fiddle. Laurie has been learning for 4 years now and the cats don't run away anymore. The walk slowly... grumbling... tails down. Mark's current music is lots of open strings, but incredible touch and knowledge of the fretboard from fret 1 all the way up and beyond 25. We are still amazed. He is playing a beautiful Deering banjo. Uncle Ben was not one of the Rice Brothers. He was their great uncle, or at least some of the brothers thought so. Some thought he was an average uncle. |
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01 Feb 04 - 12:15 PM (#1106581) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Boy you just never know who'll pop in at a bluegrass jam. There I was a-watchin that guy's banjo break when in walks the Gipsy Kings!! Suddenly, Flamenco music lights up the shop. You don't see these things pickin' at Bean Blossom, I'll tell you that. The guy playing lead on that nylon stringed guitar was great, but there wasn't much room for a banjo. An' Ol' Maw woulda hurt something if she'd tried to clog to it. |
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03 Feb 04 - 01:23 PM (#1108365) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST That was a unique moment, wasn't it? Don't know if they were just brain dead and oblivious to the jam they interrupted and stopped. Or, hoping we'd notice and be impressed? In any case, it was funny but thanks to Fred for herding them into the sound room. The only thing wrong was not having Bob & Pete to see their faces. Woo woo! |
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06 Feb 04 - 09:24 AM (#1110714) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Indeed, I also wondered what their reaction would be. As to the perpetrators (SP?), perhaps they were intimidated by a roomful of hillbillies like ourselves. It wouldn't be the first time someone felt unwelcome at our table. That would be a shame, I think. |
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06 Feb 04 - 02:23 PM (#1110878) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST I am sure they felt immensely unwanted based on their music versus ours. But, hillbillies that we are... most of us have teeth, wear shoes and don't smell too bad. Well, not too bad. And I was wearing a civilized shirt. Dang. Bet that if you and I went into any store and started playing louder than the ambient jam of a dozen people going on, you'd get a funny look. The sign said, "NO STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!" Tip: Don't bust a jam in a small town unless you want to become "whereabouts unknown." See you soon? |
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10 Feb 04 - 06:38 AM (#1113160) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Guys, just catching up on this thread after a bit of an absence. Those boys did have a style all their own, yes! Amazing what some folks can do with a guitar! Did you watch the older players fingers? Seemed he had no control of the right hand the way it was flailing, but the beat and the music told you he knew exactly what he was doing! Gern did put a finger on it when he observed that they were potential future customers. Hope they come back and buy something! I will be absent the next two weekends. I will be traveling with the JROTC group to Palmetto for a big drill meet there and the weekend following I will be at Ft Desoto for a CW reenactment. Come on down and visit on Sunday! |
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10 Feb 04 - 06:39 AM (#1113161) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer That's Sunday the 22nd, not next weekend! Hopefully see you there! |
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10 Feb 04 - 11:56 AM (#1113412) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Hey, we might just do that. My wife just got a digital camera, and she's busy taking pictures of everything that moves. She'll like to see you guys in action. What unit are you with, and where will you be? |
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11 Feb 04 - 11:04 PM (#1114578) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST I heard they will be called "Battlefield Cemetery" and "Hostages." Easy to find. |
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17 Feb 04 - 06:28 AM (#1117596) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi Gern...we are our own unit, the 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, D Battery. We will be somewhere in front of the fort, you can't miss the camps. Once there, just ask anyone for directions to our camp. All know us! Here is a link to our website: 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, D Battery What kind of "digi" did she get? Bring a banjo and you can do some Civil War era 'Old Time' stuff (or I will have one there you can use, open G tuning)...folks will love it! I will also introduce you to at least one of the 97th Regimentalk String Badn...don't know if any of teh others will attend, but I know Rick will be there. Look forward to your visit!! |
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17 Feb 04 - 11:40 AM (#1117782) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern I don't know about those things--it's a Hewlett Packard, with zooms and buttons and horns and whistles. She's thrilled of course, liking the instant gratification of digital. she takes pictures of everything that moves these days, which usually leaves me quite safe. I may just haul out the ol' banjo for Ft. De Soto if the weather agrees. Just don't try to feed me no hardtack. |
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18 Feb 04 - 04:20 PM (#1118647) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer You guys still don't get it do you?? It's not the hardtack youeat, that breaks your teeth! What you do is place the hardtack in a frying pan over the fire...wait for the bugs to evacuate and catch and eat them...then you put the hardtack back in its storage box to draw more bugs! It's a never ending food source that way! |
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01 Mar 04 - 06:22 AM (#1126808) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST That explains a lot. How 'bout a Tic Tac? |
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07 Mar 04 - 09:03 AM (#1130815) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern So Bobo, how's it going? Are you now hip? Half-hipped? Half-witted? Half-assed? Hope all is going well, and that you asked the doctor "Will I be able to play fiddle after this is over?" if so, maybe I'll try the operation. See you at the picnic next week? |
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08 Mar 04 - 10:25 AM (#1131443) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Alas, I am now known as B5... Bionic Ball Bearing Butt Bobby. Healing quite well and guilty of trying to overdo it. But, the Doc is happy with progress. We go for hip #2 (left) in June. Full of anticipation, I picked up Laurie's fiddle and tried to play it. Sounded like an ambulance or perhaps a small creature being tortured. Horrible. Maybe after hip #2? Meanwhile I will keep butchering dobro music. Yes, will be at the Picnic on the 21st. This coming Saturday, Bob & Pete are likely not to be there. Come on over. |
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15 Mar 04 - 11:36 AM (#1137056) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Pete told me yesterday that he, Bob and Walter will be playing a gig next Sunday and will miss the BG Shop picnic. |
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16 Mar 04 - 10:59 AM (#1138150) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Does this mean I can play with the big kids? |
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19 Mar 04 - 04:10 PM (#1141193) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST NEWS FLASH! They are coming to the shop and the picnic. The Auburndale gig is cancelled. Come play anyways. |
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20 Mar 04 - 04:10 AM (#1141507) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Oh oh....I told several folks at last weeks Roberts Park Fish Fry and Bluegrass extravaganza that the big guns would not be there...so they could play...well we will just have to split off in to different groups again. Maybe Gern could head up the group for old time and slow players...I would join that one! Maybe he could show me some of his frailing technigue and I might finally get it! See you all there! |
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20 Mar 04 - 09:26 AM (#1141655) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Be glad to lead the counter-group. Sad that we can only entice open participation by advertising who won't be there. Has it really come to this? Are we still an open group when some are allowed to intimidate others, without of course intending to. When an elite is permitted to dominate, even post "rules" for others to abide by. "Rules" that permit them to censor??? What have we created here? Let's tell EVERYONE that they are welcome and their contributions are appreciated. |
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20 Mar 04 - 12:12 PM (#1141739) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer What happened at the fish fry was that I observed one fellow taking his banjo and guitar back to his car. I asked why he wasn't playing and he told me he couldn't keep up with those big guys. I told him that I had heard that some of our top guns would be at Auburndale next weekend and asked him to come on over. We might look at the possibility of workshops for the less than able, (like me) to help get us up to speed so we won't feel insecure when we get around the top guns! |
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22 Mar 04 - 03:58 PM (#1143212) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST This is always a fun conversation here. But, boys... this stinking horse died a while back. 1. Being able to play with the "big boys" is an opportunity. 2. Don't agree? Then try to find another group like we have with these big guns. 3. It is an open jam. Always was. But the thing that built the popularity was having the "big guys" hop in. 4. The rules, I think you refer to (?), are common courtesy for jams. 5. The fish fry was 50% organized by the "big guys." Now, dang it Gern, you know this stuff. Go over to Auburndale or Zephyrhills, or even Tom Henderson's in Tampa to an open jam and guess what you find: 1. People who feel comfortable playing with each other, playing with each other. 2. Same rules of courtesy. 3. People that feel surpassed keep their axe in the case. So, there. Go ahead and fire it up. I can take it... sort of. Take the top 10 players away from the jams and what do you have? 10 more that can play better than the next 10, etc. Practice. |
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22 Mar 04 - 04:00 PM (#1143213) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Banjer, you are required to read this. I want a report on my desk by tomorrow. |
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23 Mar 04 - 06:39 AM (#1143658) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer If I knew where your desk was you would have your report on it! Failing that, I will enter my report here! I have no problem with the "big guns", I enjoy their playing. I think my continued presence at the jams supports that. I wouldn't spend time somewhere that I did not feel comfortable. What I would like to see is a small group of less than "big guns", "little pistols" if you will, be able to get together and practice together, so that one day we too may become big guns. I had an opportunity to play at the Picnic/Jam with Gern and a few others...I even took a lead for one of the songs we played! That built my confidence immensely...but I KNOW that I cannot keep up with some of the bigger guns, yet. Maybe one day, maybe my version of "Old Time" will NEVER blend with what we hear at the Bluegrass Shop, but what is important to me is that I have fun doing what I do. As for a specific answer to all your points: 1. Being able to play with the "big boys" is an opportunity. YES, It is...just some of us 'Ain't quite ready for prime time'. 2. Don't agree? Then try to find another group like we have with these big guns. Exactly right, the group is unlike any other I have ever seen or heard. 3. It is an open jam. Always was. But the thing that built the popularity was having the "big guys" hop in. Yes, the BIG GUYS did popularize the jam and keeping in mind that one of the reasons for the jams is to promote business for the shop, this is a good thing! 4. The rules, I think you refer to (?), are common courtesy for jams. I would agree that there needs to be an observed 'ettiquette' for keeping some sense of order. 5. The fish fry was 50% organized by the "big guys." Didn't know that!! |
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23 Mar 04 - 09:23 AM (#1143781) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern The horse is still stinking, I would have to say. When even veterans of the jam complain of a lack of openness and an excess of arrogance, then something is wrong. To suggest I can counter this frustration by "practicing" seems to blame my lack of ability for this problem. Bullshit. Those rules were commonsense, yes, but pandering in tone and utterly unnecessary. And the ones who "popularize" the jam--how do you know who that was? I do not resent those with superior ability, as you seem to imply. In fact, I spend my time at these jams trying to ecourage others who seem to need it, as I do. Can all participants say the same? Yes I do know this stuff, and have long-running jam experience, as others do in our group(s). I've been in groups where no one feels alienated, where no one is put down and where the contributions of all are accepted without censorship or smugness. Sorry my complaints sound like old news to you. I guess that means that we can't or shouldn't do better. No, I don't agree. |
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23 Mar 04 - 10:11 AM (#1143812) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Now that's my boy, Gern. Knew I could count on you for a good sparring match. Hope you take this as an open conversation, and not bitter comments from me. But, I hate to see this intrigue continue. Answer: I know the ones that popularized the jam because Wayne Sweeney, Laurie, Elson and I were the first jam. Wayne helped Elson drag in the display cases. Since day 1, I have done all of his fliers and logo, donated merchandise for him to stock the shelves, many times without reimbursement, etc. Being from a marketing world, we wanted a jam to get local musicians to discover the shop. Laurie said, "Let's just do it... starting this Saturday." We just did it. That was 2 years ago. It was a long time since that first day before we saw you and lots of others, and by that point Bob, Pete, Harvey and others had been invited, attended and loved it. That is when the attendance skyrocketed. Ask Elson. Reality: This core group wants to play bluegrass. Only bluegrass, although they do tolerate cowboy and country music as an occasional song. Attitudes? Yes. Egos? Yes. Now, tell me you ain't packing one of each, too. Clarification: I am not implying you resent those with superior ability, nor am I suggesting you are of inferior ability. If you are taking my comments that way, then you are off base but I apologize. But, I do have a question... what would make you and the "veterans" who are complaining happy? Frankly, I have not heard anyone complain, so it must be way off to the side. If you or anyone feels alienated, what do you suggest to fix it? Opportunity: I cannot imagine a better learning environment to learn bluegras than playing with real bluegrass die hards. I've said it, I say it again, and will continue to say it. Playing alone at home on the couch don't cut it. Similar situation and attitude came up at the American Legion not long ago. After bickering and arguing for a couple of weeks, the solution was for the core bluegrass group to withdraw from the Legion and practice at private jams, by invitation only. This is the same core group that offend you, apparently. I promise to refrain from responding to subsequent comments about the "big boys," et al. Only makes me seem narrow minded. Maybe I am. |
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23 Mar 04 - 10:34 AM (#1143828) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern So why did you suggest that I "practice?" /what's that supposed to mean? You want suggestions? Don't ask me. I'm the one that "sings too loud," that "plays songs that ain't bluegrass." When one of your big guns was asked to back off on one of my songs, he answered "Well, I don't like his style anyway." Another plays his boombox while I'm singing. Our group is immediately interrupted when the stars arrive. I don't deny that this is a good opportunity for some, but others have gone home hurt. If you haven't noticed this, than you aren't watching. If you want to assume that this is all some fantasy generated by my alleged ego/attitude, then go ahead. I played music Sunday with a bunch of people of varied abilities who enjoyed themselves and didn't seem to find a place with the other group. Some of them said so, at least, without the prompting of my ego. They seem to sense that our "open jam" becomes merely a showcase/practice session for a rehearsing band, instead of an open exchange where all are equal. But since I wasn't there on opening day, I should just shut up and let them go. OK, I can do that. |
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23 Mar 04 - 11:41 AM (#1143908) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST I am not looking for suggestions, just wonder why there is such an attitude toward the bluegrass "big boys." And, yes, maybe I am not watching. You are probably right. But, the "old timey" group doesn't show up every week, and before you take offense to that too... yes, I know you can't do it. But how can that group establish a time if it's there one week, not the next? The core group are 99% always there. If you think the jams are a band practice, then please explain how that works. Bob & Pete are in a band. I'm not. Big Jim is not. Doug is not. Walter plays with them once and a while. I will not apologize for bad manners of anyone insulting you. If I want to do that, I will do it myself! Some people are just rude and that is a shame. But, before you identify rude people, there are some others there with a grudge and constantly criticize and undermine anything done by this group. I refuse to identify them. Not worth the heartache, but we all know who they are and just deal with it. Sunday, I played under the pavilion. You guys stayed out in a separate group. That was cool. Instead of having 36 instruments in one mud pit where nobody can hear anybody. By the way, my suggestion on "practice" was not for you. But, if someone can't keep up, there is nothing that will fix it other than practice... with a group... hiding in the shadows and figuring it out. Right? Reality: A beginner cannot hop in and take a break on a song that is 200 mph. Although you were not there on day one, you have been an incredible addition to the color of the group and I can say 99% appreciate your attendance. Your turn... By the way, Banjer. You get an A+ on your report. Thanks! We will be missing Saturday due to Springfest... up seeing Del McCoury, Tony Rice, etc. |
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23 Mar 04 - 11:57 AM (#1143921) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST I relinquish the balance of my time, and space on this board, to someone else. See ya. |
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23 Mar 04 - 12:14 PM (#1143938) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Nice to hear. I've honestly doubted that 99% figure, and still do. But I'll gladly accept any positive feedback I can get. No denying my ego problem is written all over this issue, but it's really not just me. And the band practice point is legit: it dictates much of the song selection, keys performed in, harmonies and leads alotted. That's very different from a free and open jam session, after all. Two groups are definitely better than one in terms of clutter; too bad it isn't practical. My hearing issues make me useless in the big band settings. I have trouble accepting that, just as I have trouble accepting musical and other limitations. It wrecks my illusion of omnipotence. |
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23 Mar 04 - 01:40 PM (#1144027) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST You really are well liked, really. Although I can't figure out why. The keys are determined by the singer, right? So, there is a new guy from Kentucky that came in named Don. Wears a red ball cap. He wants to sing in B, Bb, D, C, G, E & F. We do itm in his key of choice. Now since when does that differ from "open?" How can you say, "OK... do 'Why Do You Wander,' but don't do it in B... do it in G?" You'd get a weird look. Which you are probably used to. I am. You are right about several songs where harmonies are allocated, and keys are dictated though. That is their standard play list. But, kinda like Mike Godwin and me doing "Reuben" yesterday for 10 minutes... it's gotten to be our song dammit, and we do it in D. However, I will give you a break if you want one. John Richard took a break on fiddle. Doug DeMaire took one on banjo. Age will wreck your illusion of omnipotence, too. I am now convinced that I will never be great on dobro. Not enough time left on Earth. I will settle for "...he does OK," or something. |
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24 Mar 04 - 05:57 AM (#1144656) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer I just wish that there could be some way worked out that those of us that have limited talents could get together and practice amongst ourselves. It would help me immensely if I could work on some songs with others, as I have no one to practice with but myself when not at the shop, and we all know that 'playing with yourself' doesn't produce good results. :-) I do hope that the jams continue as they have been and if possible even grow, and that I may grow with them...of course that would mean a second jam developing at another time or even annother place, because I know that my style will never mix with the purists. |
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24 Mar 04 - 09:17 AM (#1144789) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern "Purists" be damned: if they had had their way, there'd be no Bill Monroe, no Jimmie Rodgers, no Doc Watson, no Ralph Stanley, no other innovators who have enriched our traditions. You done fine Banjer; all we have to do is get you to count off the chord changes to comer in at the right time. Everyone struggles with this at first, and a conscious counting will soon become instinctive. Yes there should be a place for those of varying abilities, and I could use this as well. How can it be done? |
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24 Mar 04 - 10:51 AM (#1144858) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Banjer How can this be done? I would think that gathering at a different palce and time could cure part of the problem. Counting chord changes??? Tell me more.... |
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24 Mar 04 - 11:32 AM (#1144885) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Your lead rushed the chord changes. instead of waiting for the G chord to come around, you came right in. As I said, absolutely everybody does this at first. The best cure is to count 1-2-3-4 with the beats. A lead player will simjply noodle around a bit until the change happens. Others, like the guy on my left during Sundays jam, changes whenever the mood strikes him. I could tell you heard the chord changes, you just rushed them a bit. Practice with a tape player helps, or better still, with live musicians. But as we can all see, this is hard ta arrange sometimes. Does this make any sense? |
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24 Mar 04 - 04:48 PM (#1145166) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer You mean play and think at the same time...yeah right!! I have trouble walking and chewing gum simultaneously! But seriously, there is the point...I have no expereinced players to gather with. I also need to bone up on theory and develop am ear..none of which can be accomplished by oneself. |
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25 Mar 04 - 10:25 AM (#1145789) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST My thought, which I apparently did not convey worth crap, is to pull out your banjo and try to follow along with the main jam. You can stay back in the shadows, which is what I did for years, which is what Laurie is doing now, but try to follow along. That is the way to learn the chord changes and timings. If you leave the banjo in the case, it won't work. Play lightly if you feel like (a) You are interfering, or (b) afraid to make a mistake. You gotta get over the fear of screwing up, if that's the case. Trust me. Gern? |
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25 Mar 04 - 11:49 AM (#1145868) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST It's not the case of being afraid of screwing up that bothers me...I know everyuone will, sooner or later, but the way the main crowd reacts to it. I have seen them in action before when others much better than I have messed up..the resulting remarks...like...'Boy, if he shows up here again I am not going to come again,' etc....There seems to be no tolerance for foul ups. I can list examples if needed! |
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25 Mar 04 - 11:57 AM (#1145882) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Merely part of what I've been bitching about. But he's right. You can play on the boundary of the group, loud enough to know when you're right and when you're not. I've been working on the fiddle since January, and believe me it needs work. When it's ready, I'll do the same thing. Meanwhile, joining along with a recording works too. Lots of them hillbillies play in G and A only. You only legitimately distract a group when you are 1)Wrong and 2)Loud when doing so. Somebody gave everybody else the chance to learn; now it's yours (and mine and others) I believe that Elson wants us there too. |
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28 Mar 04 - 07:01 AM (#1148112) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Hi guys, had a real good session yesterday...Bob and Pete were both gone to a benefit and I guess our resident dobro and Walter's mando went with them. Buddy Holly was pretty much center stage after he got there and the new fellow, Don (with the red cap) was also a font of good music, lots of old timey stuff and other lesser known songs thrown into the mix. There is a move afoot from what I gathered to try to put together a seprate session for this type of music....let's see where if anywhere it goes! Missed you guys! |
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29 Mar 04 - 03:11 PM (#1149277) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Actually, if I am "resident dobro," we were at Springfest up yonder in Live Oak. Saw Tony Rice, Del McCoury, Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Guy Clark and others. Got some great recordings. We got home late yesterday (Sunday), whooped and needing to get back to work and get some rest. |
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29 Mar 04 - 05:45 PM (#1149450) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, you are the resident Dobro I was referring to and I just re-read my earlier post...mia culpa....not Holly, but Moody!! Buddy Moody! What happened to Ed, the bass player? Did he indeed move away from here as has been reported? I think Fred Smith and Rick were up there as well....or at one of those festivals... |
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30 Mar 04 - 04:20 PM (#1150368) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Ed didn't move away, but has been out of town, mainly in North Carolina looking for a job. He still has his family in Clearwater. I hear from him occasionally and will pass everyone's regards. Now, if Buddy Holly DID show up, I'd rather have been at the shop. But, since you were on drugs or herbs (apparently), maybe it was Buddy Moody, eh? If Fred and Rick were at Springfest, we never ran into them, but it was a huge crowd. Guessing 30,000 based on what we have seen in prior years. Packed! Did see Charlie Hamrick and we had dinner in his camper Friday night... Hamrick-style BBQ Ribs! Saw Wayne Sweeney and Bronna there, too. |
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02 Apr 04 - 01:24 PM (#1152877) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo And, once again I reset my password. Me not Guest... me bobo. Jam tomorrow should be fun. Big Jim says he is coming, even with the Spring break traffic. He misses us. Should be a full house. |
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02 Apr 04 - 03:31 PM (#1153012) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Banjer (at work goofing off) Yes, I have a feeling Saturday will be a good day also. I am putting brakes on the truck Saturday morning and hope to be all back together in time to get there early. Look forward to seeing Big Jim again! |
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02 Apr 04 - 03:40 PM (#1153021) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Saw him last Wednesday and he said you emailed him and missed him. That was a nice gesture. He is one of my favorite people. |
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02 Apr 04 - 08:41 PM (#1153259) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Gern Tell himn I'm sorry we missed the chance to sing happy birthday to his mom. Anyone who lives to 100 should get anything she wants. |
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05 Apr 04 - 10:26 AM (#1154845) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Frank P. told us that he read about a man that lived to be 114. (The man was a Floridian). When asked his secret for long life, he said, "Whenever I can, I sit instead of standing. And, I lie down instead of sitting." |
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09 Apr 04 - 02:26 PM (#1158006) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Banjer, that Jim Eanes can't be related to you. He has talent. |
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09 Apr 04 - 03:18 PM (#1158054) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Banjer (at work, goofing off) Yes, that is probably true!! It's a shame some of his talent didn't rub off or trickle down to me! See you Saturday? |
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16 Apr 04 - 11:01 PM (#1163671) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Bobo Tomorrow ought to be a full house. We will be there and next week, too. The following is Merlefest time. Can't wait! See y'all tomorrow. |
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17 Apr 04 - 10:02 PM (#1164120) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: Banjer Yes, it was a full house! I was glad to see that Big Jim was back amongst us....unfortunately I had a bunch of things going on that caused me to be in and out a lot. Hopefully next weekend wil be more tame! |
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24 Aug 04 - 07:31 PM (#1255754) Subject: Magnoliafest Tickets From: GUEST,Blessed Be Anyone interested in Magfest tickets in Live Oak, FL? Two for sale on ebay at : cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2264986493 |
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03 Sep 04 - 01:07 AM (#1263142) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,Bob in Alberta Elson told me about a fellow by the name of Christian Davis, that plays a Docy Mandolin. Does anyone know how I might contact him. I want to get his views/feelings on the mandolin. The phone number I have doesn't work. Or anyone else that plays a DOCY mandolin, I would be interested in chatting with. I am thinking of getting one and would like some feed back. The fellow that is selling them is not a player and so can't give an objective opinion. Thanks all and keep picking down south and hoep all is well on the storm front. |
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11 Sep 05 - 12:53 PM (#1561114) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,FloridaBob Christian has a new custom made mando and is not playing the Docy much anymore. We have a Docy that my wife played for a while before going to fiddle. Can't beat the price and value. Mr. Docy died last year at 94. Built them right up to the end. |
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03 May 08 - 02:33 PM (#2332148) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST,laura docy Hello, I am looking for a docy mandoline. james docy is my grandfather. and he has recently passes away. i have always wanted on. And my mother always seemed to prevent it. Maybe just maybe you know where i can get one. Thankyou, for any help you may have. Laura richlexington@yahoo.com |
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24 Feb 12 - 10:16 AM (#3312690) Subject: RE: The Bluegrass Shop, St Petersburg FL From: GUEST Please help me. I have a collection of about 500 casssettes that are Bluegrass and Country. I'm trying to find a home for this collection. Contact me at wjs@tampabay.rr.com. This thread has attracted a lot of spam since it was active. If you wish to reopen it for musical remarks, contact a moderator. ---mudelf |