Midlands Steelies Meetings?

[simon_f3]

Hi All,
Having [very jealously ] read the unofficial minutes of the SSGW meetings in Gartcosh, I was wondering if anything similar happened a bit nearer to home! Does anyone know of any steel guitar workshops or meetings in the Midlands region please?
Or, if not, are there any players in the Midlands (ideally of all abilities and styles!) who might be interested in such a thing? I should point out that I am a rank amateur and am seeking opportunities to observe and learn, but I can make reasonable tea and occasionally have access to biscuits.
Cheers,
Sid

[Tony Russell Davis]

Hi Simon, we might be a little bit far for you to travel (although we do get regulars from Cambridge) but you're very welcome to join in the Steel Guitar North meetings. Occasional Sundays from 12.00 noon, watch out for notices on this forum. The next one is 22 April.
Also get yourself along to the annual NESGF (North England Steel Guitar Festival) second weekend in August; again watch for notices on here.
Both events are in Thorton Watlass, North Yorkshire - Junction 51 off A1(M)'

[Nick Bidmade]

Beautifully put, Tony!
Yes indeed, Sid, there's pedals and planks for your delectation and delight! And the friendliest bunch you could meet (south of the border), plus Black Sheep on draught and the finest burgers in Yorkshire!!
You are spoilt for motorways in the Midlands, so access to fast roads means we're well within reach.
The warmest of welcomes awaits...

[simon_f3]

Thanks both of you - if I can make the pilgrimage it definitely sounds like a very worthwhile trip. April 22nd may be a push but I will keep my eyes open for details of any others. My band gets occasional gigs up north so even if there was a chance of catching up for a quick cuppa and a chat on a 'non-meeting' weekend I would love to do so. And likewise for any of you that may be passing Coventry - our kettle is always on!

[Tony Russell Davis]

My band gets occasional gigs up north so even if there was a chance of catching up for a quick cuppa and a chat on a 'non-meeting' weekend I would love to do so.

You're very welcome, let's know your gigs anyway and maybe we can come see you at one(s).

[simon_f3]

Hi Tony,
Just looking at our calendar all gigs seem to be either down south, or in the north west! Here's our list - if you'd like to come along to any of these I will gladly do my best to get you in without paying

Sat 5th May - Paignton, Devon
Sun 6th May - Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset (afternoon)
Sat 19th May - Hemsby R&R Weekender, Norfolk
Sat 16th June - Rockabilly Rave Weekender, Kent
Sat 30th June - Rockabilly Roundup, Holland
Sat 21st July - Shakedown Festival, Cam, Gloucestershire
Sat 4th August - Rock Ridge Rumble, nr. Newcastle (this is probably the closest one, let me know if you fancy coming along!)
Sat 25th August - Bethune Retro, France
Sun 2nd September - Kustom Kulture Blast Off, Lincs. Showground
Sat 15th September - Bulwell, Notts.
Sat 27th October - Burwell, Cambs.
Sat 10th November - Rockabilly Blowout, Drayton Manor Park
Sat 15th December - Bowling Green pub, Oldham
Mon 31st December - NYE gig Middlesborough
Fri 15th February 2019 - Scarborough

Cheers,
Sid

[Will C]

Simon,

The Burwell gig sounds good, right on my doorstep. What's the band name, and where will you be playing?

Will ("3 Tenors") Cowell
("in" joke for uke players...)

[simon_f3]

Hi Will,
The band is called 'Jack and the Real Deals' - I should point out that I'm not currently playing any steel guitar in the set, so it's all Telecaster. I possibly may be able to include some steel by October but that relies on my learning to play it properly... The venue for 27th October is Burwell Ex-Service and Social Club, 21 The Causeway, Burwell CB25 0DU. http://www.burwellsocialclub.org.uk/visiting_us.html
I've not played there before so not sure what it's like, but if you'd like to pop along please just let me know nearer the time.
Cheers,
Sid