Getting together in the North

[Tony Russell Davis]

I've mentioned this before, but after talking with Tom Fetcher yesterday I got to thinking it over again . Would any steel players (pedal, non-pedal, reso etc.) in the North East like to get together, even if only now and then? The North of England Steel Guitar Festival is held here in the village in August, but it could be good to meet up at other times and we can use the same venue. Just a thought?

[Willie Gamble]

Tony, up here in the barren wastelands of Scotland, we have a monthly steel guitar workshop, which is kept in check by Oor Donny
These are fantastic nights of fun where we exchange licks, teach newbies and play some tunes, and generally tell lies about our abilities.
We are all charges £5 per night which pays for the hall which we block book in advance.
if you can organise such a night, I would earnestly encourage you to do so as the fun to be had is immense

asleep at the steel

[Donny Johnston]

What Willie said x 4.

[Tony Russell Davis]

Thanks Willie - I have put out the invitation before with no takers, maybe I don't have the charisma, good looks and delicate charm of my aul' pal Donny! Anyway, here's trying again - and, by the way, I can get the room for free; this is Yorkshire, we're not spendthrifts like the Scots

[Nick Bidmade]

Tony - a great idea. I did the same in London last year. We had a regular attendance of about 8 players - varying abilities, but great fun, much learned and shared. We chose a couple of songs each month, got BIAB versions to practice along with and played in a round robin. Over time we had a reasonable repertoire. We met in the back room of a fairly grotty pub in Clapham. Since leaving London, the group has carried on with Shaun and Jon co-ordinating things. They have been playing along with a singer/guitarist recently - a very useful thing to practice, I think.
I would most certainly want to attend any sessions you might propose. I'll keep an eye on this thread for any info...

Best wishes

Nick

[Tony Russell Davis]

Thanks for the contact Nick, actually your name cropped up when Tom and I talked the other day - just noting that you posted you have moved here to the North while trying to count how many steel players there are in the area. I hope to meet you sometime and extend the same offer; the room in my "local" is available, at the kindness of the owners, any time there is no function on. Please remember the August festival - and do keep in touch? All best, Tony.

[derek evans 15]

Hi Tony I would like to come to a meeting with you. Regards Derek.

[nevada150]

Hello Tony,
Yes, I'd like to come to Thornton Watlass also. Derek and I could both come together as long as you're prepared to put up with some "learner" lap steel from myself.
Keith.

[Tony Russell Davis]

Keith, we would want to encourage anyone who plays - there will not be any egos, it's about talking and playing steel guitar and learning from each other.

[Malcolm]

Tony, I know of three lap players,not on forum, in area, Jon Lee, Joe Guillan, and Davy Paton, believe Tom knows them all so perhaps he could get them to attend, there was another pedal player , for life of me I can't recall his name, who spoke to me a few times at the Tyne Bar, and Schooner Inn, again perhaps Tom might know him.