Author: Keith Blaney

T’was a lovely evening on March 4th, with a nice view of the State Capitol from the library’s Sunflower Room. Even better than the view is the outstanding acoustics of that round room. Doesn’t matter where you sit, it sounds like you’re right next to the person playing.

It’s been awhile since our buddy Shane Wallace joined us. While not new to him, he’s got a funky new guitar. It’s a cutaway electric acoustic classical…mutt. It knew some great songs though, so it’s definitely a keeper. Good to see you, Shane!

The other newbie was Ken’s back up band. I’m not sure I understand exactly how it works, but it’s a pretty fair piano player. Ken said he just shows it the tabulature, they talk about it over a shot or two of tequila, and then it just plays the tunes perfectly. That tequila is amazing stuff. OK, maybe I cooked that up myself, after a couple of those shots started talking to me; you’ll probably need to ask Ken for the real story.

The two side themes this month were Irish music and hats. Last month it was love songs and shoes. Our other anomaly was we had three, count ’em, THREE, group songs this month. All played poorly, of course, but with great enthusiasm. We sometimes go months without a group song, so this was indeed a special event. Painful, but special.

Many of us retired to the pub afterwards for some poorly poured Guiness’s and continued fellowship. T’was a bonnie night for us lads and lasses.

Playlist for March 2025

Keith Blaney/Nancy McKenzie, ‘Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder’, George L Geifer.

Shane Wallace, ‘Mystery Train’, Arthur Crandup.

Russ Williams, ‘Study in A’, Mateo Carcassi.

Ed Heffern, ‘Wandering Star’, Lerner & Lowe from ‘Paint Your Wagon’.

Gabriel Floud, ‘You Sure Hank Done It This Way?’, Waylon Jennings.

Mathew Potter, ‘Follow Me to Curlow’, Patrick McCall.

Steve Gilmore, ‘An Irish Song’, Ed McCurdy.

Roger Stearns, ‘Tumbling Tumble Weeds’, Sons of the Pioneers.

Rich Ryan, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, America.

Ken Frederick, ‘Dreams’, original.

Group Song, ‘Drunken Sailor’, aka ‘What Shall we Do with a Drunken Sailor,’ aka’ Up She Rises’, unknown.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Red Wing’, aka ‘Union Maid’, F.A.Mills.

Shane, ‘Still As The Night’, Sanford Christie.

Gabriel, ‘Oh No No No’, Neil Diamond.

Ed, ‘Deportee’, Woody Guthrie.

Russ Williams, ‘That’s All’, Allen Brant/Bob Haynes.

Matt, ‘The Parting Glass’, Irish traditional.

Steve, ‘Mole Catcher’, Roud (1052 A.D.)

Roger, ‘Amanda’, Waylon Jennings.

Group Song led by Rich, ‘Act Naturally’, Buck Owens.

Ken Frederick, ‘Til There Was You’, Beatles.

Keith & Nancy, ‘Galway Girl’, Steve Earl.

Shane, ‘Polk Salad Annie’, Tony Joe White.

Ed, ‘The Wild Rover’, Traditional.

Gabriel with group, ‘Friends’, White Stripes.

Russ, ‘Waltz Opus 51 No. 8’, Napoleon Coste.

Matt, ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’, traditional.

Steve, ‘Galway Bay’, Clancy Brothers.

Rich, ‘Sugar Mountain’, Neil Young.

Shane, ‘Blue Eyes Cryin’, Willie Nelson.

Gabe, ‘The Ride’, David Lee Cohen.

Thanks ever so much to our photographers; Matt, Nancy, Rich, and for one shot with Matt’s stolen camera, Russ.

Can you believe it? 2025, a quarter of the 21st century in the rear view mirror already. Who’da thunk it. More calendar stuff; our Valentine’s soiree is just a few days away, whatever ‘soiree’ means. I just know you have to use it occasionally because once you forget how to spell it, it is impossible to look up. The internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Marko Topshii from Ukraine will provide the music, while dinner will be by the LCCC dining staff. Check out the January newsletter for more soiree info. Soiree.

We started the night with some confusion; some of us were up in the Sunflower Room while others were downstairs in the Cottonwood. After some spirited negotiations and a short arm wrestling match, the rightful owners conceeded us the use of the Sunflower Room and returned their hostage, Remy. They treated him well enough he wanted to go with them, but by tieing him to his chair with his own cords, we prevented his escape.

Yes, romance was in the air. Speaking of which, our friend Edith Cook got married! On January 31st; she tied the knot with Ron Garver, also of Saratoga. Congratulations, you two crazy kids!

Welcome to Airman Tanner Kucan, who came check us out. You’re always welcome, do come back! Also, out of the blue, the ‘blue ‘ in this case being Fayetteville ,Arkansas, David and Linda Norby popped in with their grand daughter, Violet. With one whole practice, Violet was able to sing with them on ‘Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye’ by the Casinos. Impressive!

As is typical in February, many romantic ballads were offered up as we went around the room. When Steve broke out Kenny Cornell’s love song antidote ‘Honey, I Don’t Like You’, we all had a good laugh, but David absolutely lost it. Luckily he was sitting next to Steve, so the rest of us didn’t have to break our necks watching the show as the song progressed and David broke into tears. Epic.

Playlist for February 2025

Remy Abeyta, ‘Jesse Polka’, Quiñion Mendoza.

Roger Stearns, ‘Sing Me Back Home’, Merle the Pearl.

Matt Potter,’More Of You’, Chris Stapleton.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Long Time Gone’, Darrell Scott.

Keith Blaney, ‘Wichita Lineman’, Jimmy Webb.

Russ Williams, ‘Prelude from Musique De Salon’, Ricardo Iznaola.

Linda & David Norby, ‘California Dreaming’, Mama’s and the Papa’s.

Rich Ryan, ‘Love the One You’re With’, Stephen Stills.

Daniel Geary, ‘Willin’, Lionel George/Little Feat.

Gabriel Floud, ‘Norwegian Wood’, Lennon/McCartney.

Ken Frederick, ‘Holiday #24’, original.

Remy, ‘Take These Chains From My Heart’, Roy Drusky.

Roger, ‘Amarillo’, George Straight.

Matt, ‘What Can I Do’, original.

Steve, ‘Honey, I Don’t Like YOU’, Kenny Cornell.

David, Linda, and Violet, ‘Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye’, the Casinos.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith, ‘Never Ending Love’, Delaney & Bonnie Brambett.

Russ, ‘It Ainlt Cool to be Crazy About You’, Dillon & Porter.

Rich, ‘You Look So Good in Love’, Ballard/Bourke/ Chater.

Daniel, ‘Can’t Find My Way Home’, Steve Winwood.

Gabriel, ‘Countries Song’, Animaniacs.

Ken, ‘Watching the Snow Melt’, original.

Photo credits this month go to Rich, Remy, and Nancy. Thanks guys; I could only use a few of the wonderful shots you provided.

It was a pretty decent turnout on January 7th, given the weather. Welcome to Daniel Geary, who drove up from Colorado to join our troop of troubadours. With Ed back from the Britons, and Roger back from wherever he was holed up, we had a good crowd.

As usual, it was a very eclectic mix of genre’s and styles presented. Matt brought the only original ditty this month, about the aftermath of a New Year’s Eve celebration in Missoula. Roger and Steve, Russ and Nancy, and Keith and Nancy teamed up on some tunes. It was good to be back in the library’s Cottonwood Room.

Guests this month were Gary Krause and Deb Logan. Welcome! Photos by Matt Potter, Rich Ryan, and Nancy McKenzie.

Upcoming Events

The Martin Gilmore Trio will be giving a concert at the library on February 8th, starting at 6pm in the Cottonwood Room. They will be playing Americana, folk, and original tunes. Martin recently won a national Song Writers contest, with the finals held in Telluride. This is a free concert, but seating is limited to approx. 200 people in the Cottonwood Room. If you’ve ever heard this group, you know you won’t want to miss it.

The Cheyenne Guitar Society’s 27th ‘Valentine’s Romance’ concert/dinner will be held February 14th at Laramie County Community College, starting in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium lobby at 6pm. Our artist this year is Marko Topchii, from the Ukraine. He will be on the American leg of his world tour, sponsored by the Guitar Foundation of America, as the winner of their international classical guitarist competition.

Fellowship, wine, and snacks will begin at 6pm in the lobby, concert at 7pm in the concert hall, and a short walk to the dining room for dinner. Tickets are $60 for members $70 for non-members, and reservations can be secured with Russ Williams at rubarb111@msn.com or by calling 307-630-4553. Let Russ know if you’d like Beef Wellington or salmon with maple mustard glaze for your plated meal.

If you’d like to bypass the food, you can attend just the concert for $25 and pay at the door. Also, Marko will conduct a Master Class on Thursday, Feb 13th, starting 10 am in Room 137 of the Fine Arts Building (LCCC). All the hot seats are taken; to monitor will be $10. I’ve found these master classes to be fascinating; you don’t have to play classical guitar to get an education!

Playlist for January 2025

Ed Heffern, ‘So Long, It’s Been Good To Know Ya’, Woody Guthrie.

Rich Ryan, ‘ Country Road’, James Taylor.

Roland Peterson, ‘Melissa’, Greg Allman.

Matt Potter, ‘New Years in Missoula’, original.

Daniel Geary, ‘Angel From Montgomery’, John Prine.

Russ Williams with Nancy McKenzie, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, traditional Scottish/lyrics Robert Burns.

Roger Stearns & Steve, ‘I Don’t Even Know Your Name’, Allen Jackson.

Keith Blaney & Nancy, ‘Girl From Ipanema’, Antonio Jobim w/ English lyrics by Norman Gimbel.

Ed Heffern, ‘Blowing in the Wind’, Bob Dylan.

Rich, ‘We Just Disagree’, Dave Mason.

Matt, ‘Dumas, TX’, Mike Williams.

Daniel, ‘This Could Be the Last Time/Wake Up, Little Suzie’, Rollin’ Stones, The Everly Brothers.

Steve Gilmore, ‘She Caught the Katy’, Taj Mahal.

Russ, ‘Gavotta Choro’, Heitor Villa Lobos.

Roger, ‘I’ve Had a Beautiful Time’,Merle Haggard.

Nancy & Keith,’All I Have to Do is Dream’, Boudleaux Bryant (Everly Brothers).

Daniel, ‘Pinball Wizard’, The Who.

The trick this month was finding a place that would put up with us. No room at the inn, the library, or the pubs we’ve used in the past. As of Sunday December 1st, we still did not have a room, no crib for a bed, no baby to stick in it (yet), anyway. More on the babies later.

Rich and Steve finally scored us a place at The Derby Club, Cheyenne’s newest gambling/family entertainment center/bowling alley. Quite a place! We had a nice, spacious, quiet room. That is, until the ten pin lanes on the other side of the wall got some customers; then we had a sporatic rhythm section to accompany our selections.

Matt started us off with the story from World War I, where the combatants put down their weapons, left their trenches, and met in No Man’s Land in fellowship. While a heart warming story, it was still a sad song. We were counting on Gabe to put the ‘party’ back into The Party Room, which has been his M.O. thus far. What does he play? Neil young’s ‘Needle and the Damage Done’. So Nancy put on her sparkly antlers and along with yours truly broke out ‘Rudolph thr Red Nosed Reindeer’, and got the party started.

Sluaiman and Jill Zai came up from Parker. Jill’s wrist had healed up enough that she could play a little. They couldn’t stick around too long though, as there were some grandbabies scheduled to arrive at any moment. Theo Keith and Max Alexander Zai showed up on December 10th, bringing the Zai grandbaby troops up to seven! Jill described them simply as “Both are chunky”.

The last time Martin Gilmore was up visiting his folks, he left his 1938 D-14 behind for his dad to noodle on. As one of our traditional Christmas offerings, Steve plays Martin’s ‘Hallelujah, Hear the Angels Sing’ for us. Hence giving the golden opportunity for the caption for the above picture… Thank you Martin, Martin’s Martin, and Steve for that.

Our guest list this month: Maria Means! Also, thanks to Rich and Nancy for pictures this month, Rich for the tasty cookies, and the extra effort put in for securing us a place to play. Happy Holidays to you and yours, and we hope to see you all next year!

Playlist for December 2024

Matt Potter, ‘Christmas in the Trenches’, John McCutcheon.

Sulaiman & Jill Zai, ‘ Around 1560’, Sulaiman original.

Gabriel Floud, ‘Needle and the Damage Done’, Neil Young.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’, Johnny Marks.

Russ Williams, ‘Christmas Valentine’, Jason Mraz.

Ken Frederick, ‘Holiday #7’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘O Holy Night’, traditional.

Group effort, ‘Snarfin’ the Cookies’, thanks Rich!

Matt, ‘Stille Nacht’, traditional German tune.

Sulaiman, ‘Scarlatti Sonata in E minor’, original.

Gabriel, ‘Southern Man’, Neil Young.

Steve, ‘Hallelujah, Hear the Angels Sing’, Martin Gilmore.

Keith & Nancy, ‘Holly, Jolly Christmas’, Johnny Marks.

Russ, ‘Let it Snow’, Julius Styme. Could be Tubs Stymie. (Doctor’s handwriting)

Ken, ‘After The Gold Rush’, Neil Young.

Rich, ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’, Dr. Seuss and Albert Hogue.

Matt, ‘Sioux City Sue’, Gene Autry.

Sulaiman, ‘Pavanas’, Gaspar Sauz.

Gabriel, ‘Wagon Wheel’, Darius Rucker.

Steve, ‘We’re Going Down With the Ship’, Todd Rundgren.

Keith, ‘Merry Christmas From the Family’, Robert Earl Keene.

Russ, ‘Etude II from Musigue De Salon’, Ricardo Iznaola.

Rich, ‘My Father’s Eyes’, Eric Clapton.

Matt, ‘John Henry’, traditional.

Sulaiman, ‘What Child is This’, traditional, Sulaiman’s arrangement.

Gabriel, ‘Malaguena’, Francisco Tarrega.

Steve, ‘Zen Gospel Singing’, Mark Graham.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Christmas Hornpipe’, traditional Irish tune.

We had a very good turn-out for our November 5th meeting, with a baker’s dozen butts in seats. Welcome to John Hartman, who joined our merry troop of troubadours. We’ll have him getting out his guitar before he knows it!

I’ve got to tell you about the emotional roller coaster ride we went on when it got down to the north end of the round Sunflower Room. In honor of Armistice Day, Matt sang a tale of an Aussie who lost most of his friends and his legs during WWI, reduced to watching the world go by from his front porch. Russ played a nice, somber classical tune. Then Gabe flipped the switch with his tune about a man and his mechanical girlfriend, who ultimately abandons him for the Toast Master. Not the master of ceremonies kind, but the kitchen counter top appliance.

Then the next time it rolls around to that end of the room, Matt does a Pete Seeger song about the waste of war, and the crazy dream of peace. Russ follows it up, lamenting ‘I shot my woman; why am I so lonely now?’ ditty. Once again, Gabe, bless his heart, turns the mood on its head with ‘The One Semester of Spanish Love Song’. My name is Rick, what time is it, where is the bathroom, I’d like cheese on my burrito, etc. Pure gold.

Photo credits this month go to Matt, Rich, and Nancy. Next month, we’re not sure where we’ll be just yet, as the library is all booked up. Another reminder to bring your membership dues; $25 gets you something, I’m sure of it.

Playlist for November 2024

Steve Gilmore, ‘Hello, Mary Lou’, Gene Pitney.

Nancy MacKenzie/Keith Blaney, ‘Jambalaya’, Hank Williams.

Roger Stearns, ‘Sing Me Back Home’, Merle the Pearl.

Justin & Kristy Johnson, ‘Cover Me Up’, Morgan Wallen.

Ed Heffern, ‘Gentle On My Mind’, John Hartford/Glen Campbell.

Rich Ryan, ‘Me & Julio’, Paul Simon.

Ken Frederick, ‘Someday, and Someway’, original.

Matt Potter, ‘And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda’, Eric Bogle.

Russ Williams, ‘Julia Florida’, Agusfin Barrios.

Gabriel Floud, ‘Ever Lovin’ Machine’, Bobby Bare.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Spooky’, Classics IV.

Steve, ‘Blue Light’, Jimmy Hadley.

Roger, ‘Tear in My Beer’, Hank Williams.

Justin & Kristy, ‘Dear August’, Noah Cyrus.

Ed Heffern, ‘Columbine’, C.W. McCall.

Rich, ‘Blues Progression’, original.

Ken, ‘Watching the Leaves Their Tree’, original.

Matt, ‘What a Friend We Have In Congress/The Strangest Dream’, Ed McCurdy & Pete Seeger.

Russ, ‘Delia’s Gone’, traditional circa 1900.

Gabe, ‘One Semester of Spanish Love Song’, Mike Polk, Jr.

We can predict the turn-out when the meeting falls on the first day of the month at the end of summer. Let’s just say, there are plenty of seats available. That just means there is time for all the songs we want plus stories and jokes. We always have a good time.

Matt shared a really great song he wrote, and explained the background story behind ‘Dialog On a Front Porch’. It started in Madison Wisconsin and moved all the way to Montana and matrimony. Gotta be careful with this song writing stuff…

Photo credits this month go to Remy, Matt, and Rich. EXTRA CREDIT (and gold stars) to Kathy Abeyta and Susan Blaney. They figured out a way to get the pictures from Remy’s new high tech camera transferred to my steam powered computer.

Playlist for October 2024

Matt Potter, ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’, Peter Yarrow.

Remy Abeyta, ‘The Great El Tigre’, Stu Phillips.

Rich Ryan, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, America.

Keith Blaney, ‘Slow & Steady’, original.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith, ‘The Girl I Left Behind Me’, English folk song.

Russ Williams, ‘Waltz’, Napoleon Coste.

Remy, ‘Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin’, from High Noon, Tex Ritter.

Rich, ‘We Just Disagree’, Dave Mason.

Keith, ‘Sheriff’s Only Daughter’, original.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Jingle Jangle Jingle’, Joseph Lilley/Frank Loesser.

Russ Williams, ‘Cancion De Cuna’, Leo Brouwer.

Remy, reprise, ‘Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin’, Tex Ritter.

Matt, ‘Mr. Bojangles’, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Rich, ‘These Days’, Dan Fogelberg. When he gets that 12 string in tune, the picture will turn to color.

Group Song, ‘You Are My Sunshine’, American standard.

Remy, ‘It’s Been A Long Long Time’, Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn.

It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to schedule the Sunflower Room at the Library, but Rich got lucky for our Sept 3rd gathering. The room fits us better, the acoustics are outstanding, and the view is nothing short of inspiring.

Sulaiman and Jill Zai drove up from Parker, Colorado to join us for the second time this year. Great to have them back. Jill was suffering from a sprained wrist, but we don’t think it’s from beating Sulaiman, as we couldn’t see any visible damage to either him or his guitar. Here’s hoping you’re all healed up and can play with us next time you make the trip up!

Just a reminder; we’re just not for guitar players, but maybe I’ll add a picture or two of guitarists, just so you know they aren’t forgotten.

Playlist for September 2024

Roger Stearns, ‘Where You Plant Your Fields’, Nu Blue Grass.

Sulaiman Zai, ‘Pavanas’, Gaspar Sanz.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Last Steam Engine Train’, Sam McGhee.

Ed Heffern, ‘Landslide’, Stevie Nicks.

Rich Ryan, ‘4+20’, Steven Stills.

Keith Blaney, ‘Hot Air Balloon’, original.

Gary Krause, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’, Bob Dylan.

Roland Peterson, ‘Souvenirs’, John Prine.

Roger, ‘I Used To Love Her’, Rolling Stones.

Sulaiman, ‘Medley’, Gaspar Sanz.

Ken Frederick, ‘Labor Day + Cancion’, original.

Steve, ‘San Franciso Bay Blues’, Jesse Fuller.

Ed, Nancy McKenzie, and Keith, ‘Galway Girl’, Steve Earl.

Rich, ‘Suite: Judy Blue Eyes’, Steven Stills.

Gary Krause, ‘Saturday Night’, Sam Cooke.

Roland, ‘This Old Guitar’, John Denver.

Sulaiman, ‘Prelude’, J.S. Bach.

Ken, ‘Olé’, original.

Steve, ‘Elma Turl’, Mike Cross.

Rich, ‘Modoc’, Steve Morse.

Photos thanks to Rich Ryan this month. Thanks, Rich Ryan, for the photos.

We met at the pavillion in Lyons Park on August 6th for a picnic and a little music. Steve handled the grill, Rich brought the fixin’s and bad dad jokes, and the membership supplied all the wonderful side dishes. Thanks, everybody!

We had the usual competition from the concert at the band shell, but luckily with a following wind, most their sound was blowing the other way. The rodeo just wrapped up the previous weekend. While they took their horses and funnel cakes away, they left the flies behind. We had a thousand, no, make that TEN thousand flies underneath the shelter with us. So when it came time to eat or sing, you had to be careful.

Young Squire Bridger and his grandpa Steve kicked off the music after everyone had some grub. At the ripe old age of 5, Bridger already has some chops on the mandolin. While I hope the guest list is complete, I know the playlist has many missing tunes. Just the nature of the setting where people are moving around, coming and going, snacking on Kathy Abeyta’s tasty pies, and whatnot. Not everything gets logged on the clipboard.

Guest list

Remy Abeyta, Rob Fogelsong, Pete Potrowski, Nancy McKenzie, Rich Ryan, Keith Blaney, and Gary Krause. Justin & Kristy Johnson. Steve & Judy Gilmore, Jill Curry (Judy’s sis) and Bridger Gilmore (their designated driver). Ken & Maria Frederick. Roger & Linda Stearns. Steve & Janet Gissendanner. Plus 10,000 flies, tho’ nary a one in the attached restrooms, which gave us pause to ponder.

Playlist for August 2024

Steve & Bridger Gilmore, ‘On & On’, Bill Monroe.

Roger Stearns, ‘All Over Again’, Martin Gilmore.

Keith Blaney & Nancy McKenzie, ‘Cheyoming Front Rear Daze’, original.

Justin Johnson, ‘Just the Two of Us’, Bill Withers.

Ken Frederick, ‘NO SONG’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Summer in the City’, Lovin’ Spoonful.

Pete Potrowski, ‘Wild Horses’, Mick Jagger/Keith Richards.

Nancy & Keith, ‘It’s In His Kiss’, Rudy Clark.

Group, ‘Fox On The Run’, Tony Hazzard.

Steve Gissendanner, ‘Livin’ On Closing Time’, Danny Flowers (Don Williams)

Rich Ryan, ‘Kodachrome’, Paul Simon.

Photo credits this month go to Rich Ryan and Remy Abeyta. Thank you!

We had a pretty decent crowd in the Cottonwood Room on July 2nd, and this guy showed up. Welcome to Gabriel Floud, who was brave enough to entertain us with Bobby Bare’s ‘Mermaid Song’, a rather bawdy account of the romantic difficulties a young sailor encounters with a lovely mermaid. Good fun, thanks Gabriel!

Most of the VERY crispy images this month are thanks to Matt Potter. Look at the lens on that beast! Whatever that rig is, bring it any time you’re willing to tote it. While most of the photos this month are credited to Matt, the above photo (and maybe some others) are thanks to Rich Ryan, our chief cook and bottle washer. With his recent rotator cuff surgery, he was reduced to taking good photos and telling bad jokes. Keep on the mend, Rich.

You all know John Sebastian’s tune ‘Nashville Cats’?

‘There’s thirteen hundred and fifty two guitar pickers in Nashville, and anyone that unpacks his guitar could play twice as better than I will’.

That’s sort of the story behind the above picture of Steve playing with a slide. One day when they were playing together, Roger asked, ‘You ever play with a slide?’ Steve reached around, pulled a slide out (of somewhere) and broke into this Leo Kottke tune. Steve’s main musical talents might be bluegrass, but he can outpick you in just about any genré you can think of. First time I’ve seen him with a slide and it was mightly fine, too.

Happy birthday to Remy, who turns 86 this month on July 30th. It sure is a treat that he is able to join us. Lately he’s been telling us some great stories to go along with his unique skillset of karaoke guitar. Happy Birthday, Buddy!!!

Next month we’ll be holding our annual picnic/meeting in Lion’s Park. We’ve got the shelter just east of the pool, same as the last few years if you’ve been there before. It’ll be August 6th, starting around 6 pm. The sandwiches, drinks, and fightin’ tools will be provided. Bring a side dish if you are willing and able. When everyone’s had a crack at the chow, we’ll break out the instruments and make a ruckus.

Playlist for July 2024

Remy Abeyta, ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’, Al Martino.

Russ Williams, ‘Suite Pour le Luth’, Pachebel.

Steve Gissendanner, ‘You Win Again’, Johnny Cash.

Roger Stearns/Steve Gilmore, ‘El Paso’, Marty Robbins.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Waltzing Matilda’, Banjo Patterson.

Ed Heffern, ‘Buffalo Gals’, traditional.

Gabriel Floud, ‘Mermaid Song’, Bobby Bare.

Matt Potter, ‘The Unicorn’, Shel Silverstein.

Keith Blaney, ‘Empty Saddlebags’, original.

Remy, ‘Limbo Rock’, Chubby Checker.

Russ, ‘Suite Pour le Lute, Sarabande’. Pachebel.

Roger, ‘Fox on the Run’, Tony Hazzard.

Steve, ‘Vaseline Machine Gun’, Leo Kottke.

Ed, ‘Don’t Think Twice’, Bob Dylan.

Matt Potter, ‘Louise’, Paul Seibel.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith, ‘I Got Spurs’, Joseph Lilley, Frank Loesser.

Russ, ‘Miami’, Gerard Montreuil.

Steve Gissendanner, ‘Today I Started Loving You’, Merle Haggard.

Remy, ‘There’s a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere’, Elton Britt.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Licks Off of Records’, Martin Mull.

Matt, ‘Can You Hear The Pioneers?’, Rex Allen, Jr.

We had a good crowd for a very relaxed meeting on June 4, in the Cottonwood Room.

We have video evidence of Rich out of his arm brace, so once we find the name and address of his physical therapist; LET THE BLACKMAILING BEGIN! Sorry Rich, we love you, but it would be foolish for us to pass up this money making opportunity. (He appears to be healing well, even IF his bank account will soon be taking a hit)

Steve seems to be having some trouble with his strings buzzing in ways they shouldn’t. Some of us took a look, and while we didn’t necessarily agree as to why his Taylor ain’t shootin’ straight, our consensus was to send it back to Taylor and let them fix it. Once upon a time, not long ago, we had a couple of luthiers that could have sorted it out, but Rick moved to New Jersey or Detroit or someplace, while our friend Floyd moved on to the Celestial BlueGrass ensemble. Probably visiting as we speak with his buddy, Doc Watson.

This is just a housekeeping problem, that I am unsure how to resolve. We now have two Steve’s. I haven’t figured out (yet) how to tell them apart when I’m telling stories on them. Steve Gilmore and Steve Gissendanner. Both are Steve G. Both are tall, of similiar build, about the same age. So I can’t refer to them as Tall/Short Steve, Skinny/Fat, Old/Young. Pretty sure I need to be careful with this, as either one of them could pound me into a pancake shape should I pick the wrong ‘Identifier’… This or That Steve doesn’t work, either. I’m going to have to think on this. Meanwhile, I think I’ll just post a picture of the Steve I’m working over. I mean, reporting on.

Want to give a big Geetahr Soh-sigh-a-tee HOWDY to Matt Potter, joining us for the first time . We’ve been visiting online a bit. He’s recently moved back to the Cowboy State from a ten year’s absense in Indiana. Having lived in Indiana myself, all I can say is good choice, Matt. Good choice.

Photo credits this month to Nancy McKenzie and the One Armed Bandit, Rich Ryan. Except the one of Floyd; it’s fuzzy so I probably took that’n.

Playlist for June 2024

Remy Abeyta & Nancy McKenzie, ‘Old Joe Clark’, traditional.

Ernie Brazzale, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, Rene, Rene, & Muse.

Steve Gissendanner, ‘For The Good Times’, Ray Price.

Keith Blaney, ‘The Greatest Cowboy’, original.

Roger Stearns, ‘When You Plant Your Fields’, NuGrass Revival.

Ed Heffern, ‘Can’t Help But Wonder’, Tom Paxton.

Matt Potter, ‘Buffalo Skinners II’, traditional.

Ken Frederick, ‘Strawberry Moon’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Tears In Heaven’, Eric Clapton.

Kevin & Mandy (aka Keith & Nancy) Whiskey ‘Bfore Breakfast’, Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge.

Remy, ‘Jesusita De Chiguagua’, Quirino Mendoza.

Ernie, ‘God Bless the Child’, Billie Holliday/ Herzog.

Steve, ‘Don’t Let The Old Man In’, Toby Keith.

Roger, ‘Bob Wills Is Still The King’, Waylon Jennings.

Ed, ‘You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away’, Lennon/McCartney.

Matt, ‘ My Sweet Wyoming Home’, Bill Staines.

Rich, ‘More Than Words’, Extreme.

Ken, ‘Kinda an Irish Sound’, original.

Remy, ‘Silver Wings’, Merle Haggard.

Ed, ‘Wagon Wheel’, Old Crow Medicine Show (Bob Dylan).

Matt, ‘I’m An Old Cowhand’, Moe Bandy (Johny Mercer).