****SOUTH OF ENGLAND STEEL FESTIVAL - 11TH & 12TH JUNE****

[Ken Byng]

Just received the above info from Ron Kew via Facebook. He will need to change the year on his promo pic.
https://www.facebook.com/events/8455248 ... 018884021/

[Ken Byng]

http://www.chanos-isgf.org/SESGF/

[Basil Henriques]

A programme but no list of players ? Enquiring minds want to know !
http://www.chanos-isgf.org/SESGF/programme.html

[Ken Byng]

It's here Basil. Looking a bit thin on the ground. http://www.chanos-isgf.org/SESGF/performers.html

[U_twelve]

Ken, that players list is out of date also!
I can't make it this year due to prior commitments

[Ken Byng]

Ken, that players list is out of date also!
I can't make it this year due to prior commitments

Oh well - looks as though it's down to just 3 players. Help!! Trouble was Pete, everything appeared to be left to the last minute before advertising the event. I wasn't sent a flyer until just under 2 weeks ago.

[Will C]

I'm in the same situation as Pete. I'll be at the Queen's 90th thing in London on Sunday.

[Ken Byng]

With any of these events, ample planning and advance announcements is key. You can't just drop everything to attend a weekend at short notice that you haven't planned for. 6 months notice should be the minimum advance notification. The SoESGF only admits players and musicians, which limits the audience size greatly. That is the policy which we may or may not agree with. Excluding non playing steel guitar fans could be a self inflicted shot in the foot. .

[Donny Johnston]

Hi Ken, I believe you can come along as a supporter if you don't play. I know this to be true of the NESGF, I have played there each year since it started and quite a few non players come along. I do agree it needs a big up on PR and letting people know when & where. Hope you are fully recovered from Gartcosh. Donny.

[Ken Byng]

Hi Ken, I believe you can come along as a supporter if you don't play. I know this to be true of the NESGF, I have played there each year since it started and quite a few non players come along. I do agree it needs a big up on PR and letting people know when & where. Hope you are fully recovered from Gartcosh. Donny.

Hi Donny - I spoke to one of the organisers of the SoESGF last week, and he confirmed that the event is confined to players and participating musicians only. That is their policy.

With regard to Gartcosh - well I really enjoy it there to put it mildly. The folks are just so friendly and kind to this old Sassenach. If it wasn't so far from me I would attend every month, but I couldn't live any further from you if I tried. I will try to make an annual pilgrimage to Gartcosh, and I will make it an objective to work on Billy Murdoch, Bill McKillop and Mr McMiser to participate again. If I played Emmons setup, it would pay me to fly up to Glasgow and borrow a guitar and amp. Much cheaper and far more convenient than driving there and back.

I am debating in my mind whether to attend the NESGF in August. I missed the opportunity to book a room at the Buck, but I reckon that there may be accomodation to be found in the area for that weekend. Take care my friend.