*****South of England Steel Guitar Festival - 2017*****

[HarryBohay]

Hello chaps!

Sorry I've been quiet on this front but it's been mad busy at my end, full time job and few tours, nonetheless, HELLO!

So far as batting order is concerned, I haven't really got much of a repertoire together for this Saturday, just the two songs I'm afraid, but being somewhat inexperienced I mostly wanted to attend in order to watch, learn and most of all Listen!

If I can get another track organised I will.

I'm very much looking forward to it and meeting you all.

H

[mick hearn]

Anything played will sound better than what I have. One pedal steel set and one lap steel set. I will be bringing plenty of toilet paper as most of my stuff does not even sound like the originals so will be s******g myself. And the eyes will be on us as someone said.

Right - setting off in five minutes. Gonna call at a a travel lodge for the night as I get close. See you all there.

[bobhcot]

Indeed Mick, see you there.................

Toilet roll, good idea..............

):

[Danny Mitchell]

Calling all attendees!
Hope you ALL have a blast
And look forward to some reports

[dessa]

Have a blast guys. We all have nerves!!

[David Hartley]

Yep. Have fun.. someone say helloooo to Digers.. tell him i got another IP C to set up but i will have a go myself...

[Donny Johnston]

C'mon lads, let's know how you got on.

[Ken Byng]

What a cracker of a weekend!! It was a brilliant social event as well as a musical one. I have to thank Mr Ron Kew for making all of the arrangements and everything after Digby dropped out. For many of the players, it was their first time in front of an audience, but they all did a great job. Absolutely no competing, just everyone giving plenty of encouragement to each performer. Ron's brainwave of having an MC on hand throughout the day added a touch of professionalism. Thanks also to go to Mr Jimmy Pritchard for acting as soundman and providing a PA for the weekend. Great job Jimmy! Best wishes go to Spencer Scott who was unable to make the show due to having a knee operation two days before the weekend. Spence was unable to drive and couldn't find a chauffeur to take him. Try to arrange your medical procedures in good time next year Spence.

Great to have some young'uns turn up and perform too (in the shape of Jon and Harry), making some of us veterans look really old in the process!

There was a vast array of different guitars and amps being used. This gave great opportunities for everyone to have a look round different steels and under the skirts of guitars that they had never seen before. Lots of pics were taken, and hopefully will be posted on here.

From a personal perspective, I always enjoy watching and listening to Basil and Pat Henriques. This year was no exception, and the banter between the two of them was hilarious at times with Pat firmly putting Baz in his place. Basil is what I call a very 'correct' musician, and by that I mean that he doesn't bluff his way through classic tunes by putting alternative chords in them. He uses the correct chords, no matter how complex they are. I like that.

After last year's debacle where only 3 players turned up, this weekend can only be described as a real success story and something to build on. Using the stage with it's really good lighting was very professional. The catering was first class, and the ladies concerned have to be congratulated for keeping the attendees fed and watered.

Plans are already underway for next year's show on the 9th & 10th June 2018. Ron and I will get our heads together at some stage to see where we can tweak things to make proceedings run even smoother next time. I have some ideas, and I'm sure that between us we will eclipse this year's show. Who knows - we may even be able to attract some overseas visitors, even if they are from the Isle of Wight!

[Danny Mitchell]

Sounds like a great weekend was had. Thanks for the report Ken.

Anyone shoot any vids, or take pics?

[Ken Byng]

There were loads of pics and vids taken Danny, but I think that the players will want to see any videos with sound first to make sure they are happy.

See if you can get down to next year's show.