Suggestions for some new additions to our festivals

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

ok, not quite the condemnation of my own honest opinions i expected, Billy i take our point re turning it into a country music ferstival, i was thinking re singers, more of a cameo type appearance, maybe , i dont know, half a dozen songs rather than a full set, doesn't have to be a big name, there are a lot of GOOD relatively unknown singers who would love to perform, and paul, im delighted to learn Charlie Arkins is now part of the house band, thats only in the last couple of years, in which i didnt attend, and absolutely delighted to know you will have a VERY GOOD singer with you on your set, Ray Murtagh, who im looking forward to hearing, and yes you will be very wise to utilise Charlie, cos he will enhance your steel playing, two instruments made for each other, i cant wait, and what you plan for your set is EXACTLY the point i was trying to get accross, where are you based in Ireland paul? re festivals and lesser get togethers, far from knocking the efforts of the organisers, im merely stating my opinion, which im fully entitled to, and its not a case of 'if you dont organise one yourself, just shut up and put up' i dont organise them, cos i dont want to, never have, never will, people who do organise them do so cos they want to, and cos they have the time to do so, not out of some sense of duty, and thats fine, im glad they do organise them, but i can have my input, and if enough people agree with me, a good organiser will at least listen to others views, i have to agree with your views, Steve, for the most part, i much prefer to hear a steel in backing mode, rather than in yer face wall to wall steel mode, less is definately more,

[Basil Henriques]

Vocalists at a Steel Guitar festivals/event should be at the very least up to the same standard as the steel player they are singing with in my opinion.
I think Ray Murtagh is a top professional with superb pitching/phrasing and delivery, very few if any (that I've heard at these events) come even close to his level.

We have enough grief backing mediocre wannabes at gigs/broadcasts/recordings etc.
Most of the players at these events are top players in their respective fields, whereas the vocalists are more often than not somewhat lower down the chain of competence and renown.

It COULD be argued that when we have (As we do have frequently) an average singer, the steel part will sound so much better, somewhat like a relief, a relief I'd much prefer without the tension prior to it.

I'm much more in favour of getting better headline artists on the Steel Guitar and rotating them so as not to be too repetitive.

The top echelon of the USA players can be brought over, but the likes of Paul franklin, Buddy Emmons and Maurice Anderson have had bad experiences at USA conventions and are reluctant to participate any-more. To bring them here would be a scoop, but NOT impossible.
There would be no point in doing so if the event didn't have the fullest support from the Steel Guitar community.
Longer spots of the top players, and just ONE headline act, who would also be conducting separate seminars in association with the event, would be the way I would see it being financially viable. Much along the lines of Jerry Hogan's events.

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

I`m not looking to lock horns with you Eddie, and yes you are entitled to your opinion as I am mine..... if you noticed my post was littered with smile’s and IMHO. But you are incorrect in saying I do it because I enjoy it I Don`t! I find it very stressful and I do it because no one else is doing it..... for me to go to Bristol is 40 quid’s worth of diesel and about 3 hours driving each way! If I did`ent bother there would be nothing for us in this area. The greatest enemy we have in the steel community is apathy..... getting the guys to support an event when we as a group are so small in number.
Re. singers.... As my meetings are aimed more at getting the steel beginners going, I am not too bothered at the quality of their voices, if they can croak out a verse to give the guys an idea of the toon, then I want to hear all the beginners have a crack at it and feel the pressure taking that first ride with people listening....reason being....... confidence building, I am sure most will remember the first time they sat in with a band ..... ,its not the place to do your learning,....in front of a paying audience.. and with a band leader wondering if you can cut it??? much better at a friendly steelie`s meeting with people at the same standard as yourself......IMHO, That’s the reason I structure my meeting to three levels,newbies/intermediate/ and superstars.... that way something for everyone, and something to aspire to at the end..
But, I would quit in a heartbeat if someone else would organise something a reasonable distance from me

[Paul Brennan]

Eddie, I'm based in Rush, Co. Dublin (although originally from Athlone).

For me a steel festival is a weekend of wall to wall steel guitar and it's absolute heaven. However, I appreciate that not everyone feels the same way and they'd rather hear a more balanced mix of instruments and vocalists. I think it's up to the individual performers to realise that they're not just playing to steel guitar anoraks like myself. They're also, even primarily, entertainers who must reach out and entertain people. Did you ever watch the old clips of Alvino Rey? He's really selling that strange, new instrument to the audience. Being entertaining is not necessarily about crazy on-stage antics. And yes, I agree JW's comic routine is getting a bit tired. He doesn't need that nonsense. His playing and choice of material is more than enough entertainment.

[Basil Henriques]

Risking repeating myself, I really believe what we need is fewer players doing LONGER spots.. and some businesses acumen applied to the event in general.
Sponsorship from various dealers/manufacturers and companies in general is not that hard to get. In the case of the festival in Ireland, Fáilte Ireland should be approached and probably would promote and sponsor the event or at the very least help defray costs.
They have a bottom limit of €10,000 for qualification, BUT.. Events falling below this threshold are advised to contact the Fáilte Ireland officer in their region to discuss opportunities for promotion under the “Discover Ireland” campaign, which includes PR, print and radio, advertising and online marketing.

Fáilte Ireland - East & Midlands
(Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, North Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow)

Dublin Road, Mullingar, County Westmeath
Main Contact: Derek Dolan
Tel: +353 (0) 44 935 8761
Email: [email protected]

I'm much more in favour of getting better headline artists on the Steel Guitar and rotating them so as not to be too repetitive.

The top echelon of the USA players can be brought over, but the likes of Paul franklin, Buddy Emmons and Maurice Anderson have had bad experiences at USA conventions and are reluctant to participate any-more. To bring them here would be a scoop, but NOT impossible.
There would be no point in doing so if the event didn't have the fullest support from the Steel Guitar community.
Longer spots of the top players, and just ONE headline act, who would also be conducting separate seminars in association with the event, would be the way I would see it being financially viable. Much along the lines of Jerry Hogan's events.

We ALMOST got Lloyd Green and Dot to go to Chanos, had he not got prior recording commitments they WOULD have attended..it CAN be done.. LLoyd said :- "Unfortunately, I will be in recording sessions and playing a live show at the Station Inn in Nashville during the very week of your ceremonies in September. Consequently I will be unable to attend......."

Lloyd also said in a letter to the Exec of the ESGHoF

"Dear members of the European Steel Guitar Hall of Fame Selection Committee and members of the association.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the honor of having been selected for membership into the 2010 Hall of Fame. Since age 7 my entire life has revolved around the steel guitar, and 8 years later the introduction of the modern pedal steel guitar with the 1953 Webb Pierce recording of “Slowly” which featured Bud Isaacs on steel.
Later, in my 20s I was fortunate enough to become a member of the recording “A” team in Nashville, Tennessee and made my contributions to the evolution of this magnificent musical instrument in the decades that followed during the 1960s, ‘70s and ’80s. During that era I found time to travel to, and play, on the European continent and in the U.K. many times.
It was always, and continues to be, one of my major goals to see our beloved instrument continue to evolve, be played with new innovation and enjoyed by the world of listeners while maintaining the integrity, invention and beauty that preceded this century.
So, it is with humility and gratitude I accept this honor and with sadness that I am unable to attend in person. But my thoughts will certainly be in Chanos-Curson, France on the 18 September, 2010.

With deepest appreciation,
Lloyd Green"

Someone of the stature of LLoyd would be the sort of Headline attraction that would bring a LOT more than just steel guitar enthusiasts to an event.

Maybe thinking outside of the box is needed and IF a vocalist is needed at these show, why not get a known name and bring in the regular country music fans.?

[Ken Byng]

Basil
Lloyd told me about 6 months ago that he has little or no interest in performing at steel guitar shows. He said that he has been there and done it. I think we all have to understand and respect that stance. He is very much in semi-retirement, just involving himself in projects that he wants to do these days. Long may he continue his involvement in steel guitar whatever level that may be.

The same almost applies to Reece Anderson - he is content to concentrate on local live gigs with his wife and teach also. Hoever, he does the Dallas steel show as it is right on his door step. Buddy Emmons has completely retired unfortunately, but there would be a whole dearth of younger players from the US who I am sure would come over to Europe if it was worth their while. Personally I would love to see Tommy White come here - he is a monster player. So too is Steve Palousek, who would make a great addition to any steel guitar show.

[Ted Nesbitt]

Eddie, I hear what you are saying regarding vocalists at our festival, and I know it would be wonderfull to have Robert Mizzell, Jimmy Buckley or Mike Denver appear at the show. Believe me I have invited all 3 of these artists, in fact I spoke just last week to Mike Denver and told him that Mike Headrick was appearing, and that Mike Hedrick had requested that he come by and sing a few songs during his set, as he (M.Headrick) produced a couple of Denvers albums at his Mikron Studios in Tennessee.
Unfortunately Mr.Denver will be in USA, when Mr.Headrick is in Ireland. Last year Robert Mizzell told me he would stop by on either the Saturday or the Sunday.... sadly no appearence. A couple of years ago we had the pleasure of having Mick Flavin on stage with Richard Nelson on steel. Another issue is finance .... This will be our 9th year, and for the 9th time we will loose money. We dont intend to make money from this venture, but it would be nice to break even. Its a labour of love ... we just love steel guitar. There are approx 9 members in the committe, and every year each member contributes a sizable sum of money to keep the festival going . So, what Im trying to say is, if we ask a well known singer to do a 15 - 20 min slot, the first thing they say is ...how much will you pay? We just cant afford it. If you seen our balance sheets for the last 8yrs, you would say we are mad, but we love it, and we all get a great buzz from it.
I will look forward to seeing you at the festival, and hope that all our Scottish, English,and Welsh friends will come along too.

Ted Nesbitt
I.S.G.A

[Butch Mahr]

I would like to respond to Steddie Eddie's complaint regarding my attendance and participation at the Irish Steel Guitar Festival.

I am free to attend any festival I wish to. If a steel player friend asks me to sing a song with him, I will if I so choose. Steddie Eddie does not have to "put up" with me. He is free to leave the room.

My intention at the Irish festival, which I attend at considerable personal expense, is to enjoy the cameraderie that is a big feature of this festival. The committee works hard to present a quality show with limited sponsorship relying on donations from their own pockets. It is not a contest or battle of the bands show. I am the first to admit I am not a professional vocalist, but I demand that, if asked by my steel playing friends, and with the approval of the organizers, I may be allowed to participate in the intended spirit without a mean-spirited attack on my abilities.

I attend many steel shows. Rarely is there a top vocalist. Most often they are singers who are wives or friends of the players. Sometimes you may see an artist who had a minor career. My point is that these are steel guitar shows-not singer shows. I'm sure, however that if Steddie Eddie would make available the required financing, the Irish committee would be delighted to get the superstar vocalist of his choice.

I will also address the numerous negative postings by Mr Henriques insulting other steel players. I've played in bars and clubs for about thirty years. In that time, whenever I've heard another musician put down another player's abilities, he wasn't that good himself. He only percieved himself to be. Running down other singers and musicians that you have to back as "wannabes" is a direct reference to your abilities despite what you think they are, The better artists employ the better musicians.

We all have the right to think who are the better musicians at these shows. As I stated, I am fully aware of who I am. There is no policy that I'm the only one who's allowed to get up to sing. So get up there Eddie and do your thing. I'll be rooting you on!

Butch

[Butch Mahr]

I too would like to see Ken Byng at the Irish festival as a player. I've inquired to see if it is possible

[Basil Henriques]

Butch what are you on about

"I will also address the numerous negative postings by Mr Henriques insulting other steel players".

Where, when ? Steel Players, NO..

As for calling other questionable musicians/singers "Wannabe's", if the cap fit's !!

Actually Butch I've searched for the place within this post that I've used that terminology, I venture to say that it's YOU who coined it here.. Obviously based on an assumption that I consider there are lesser mortals. That being so, it's a wonder that the professionals in this business ever employed me.

Professional Etiquette would prevent me from lambasting a fellow musician, but certainly not from one who is not only on a different rung but a different ladder to boot.