June 2022 meeting

The empty chair belongs to Remy, our photographer this month

The ‘report’ from our June 7th meeting, written here on the Summer Solstice, will be full of the same misinformation that you should expect by now. I’m just hoping to be done by sunset.

T’was a pretty good crowd for a summertime meeting, though I don’t think summer had arrived just yet. Welcome back to Paul Robertson, from up Torrington way, lending us a little extra class(ical). Edith Cook came down too, though her shoulder surgery needs a little more time before she’s ready to strum her six string again. Next time we see her she should be good to go.

Welcome Bill!



Bill White got shanghaied into coming; he was looking for some lessons and ended up in the snake pit instead. He played a bit for us anyway, and I admire anyone that can do that. Playing in public is NOTHING like serenading on your sofa. We also had a guest, Bev Fontaine. You are both welcome to join us any time, it was great to have you with us!

Work dat neck, Scott



As they say in talk radio world, ‘long time listener/first time caller’ Scott Gondzar joined us. He’s been following our shenanigans via the newsletter for some time, but finally got a chance to join us in person. He says his musical influencers are the Three Kings of Blues and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Three Kings, eh? Larry, Billy Jean, and Rodney, right? Shouldn’t give the new guy so much muck to wade through, but I jes cain’t hep micelff. He did play a SRV lick, and he’s quite good!

Rick with his one and only bass, a cheap Fender from the ’60’s

Rick and Jeannie teamed up for a couple tunes, and Rick brought us the group song as well. It’s a nice break between laps, where we all get to screw up something together.

Picnic planning for August??? Since we don’t have a room secured, we might just be eating out that month. Another housekeeping detail, Rich has been telling us for months now that we start at 6pm, but as musicians, we are legally obligated to ignore such horological restrictions. It’s giving him grey hair, so we should TRY to do better for his hair dresser’s sake.

Playlist for June 2022

Remy surrounded by admirers. That would be ALL of us, not just Edith and Bev!

Jeannie White and Rick Memmel, ‘Honey Don’t’, Carl Perkins.

Paul Robertson, ‘Squares Suspended’, Andrew York.

Bill White, ‘I’d Love to Change the World’, Ten Years After.

look at all the strings on that thing. It’s like an autoharp…

Ken Frederick, ‘And I Love Her’, The Beatles.

Ed Heffern, ‘Fiddler’s Green’, traditional.

Rich Ryan, ‘Leader of the Band’, Dan Fogelberg.

David Norby, ‘Fanny (Be Tender With My Love)’, Bee Gees.

Keith Blaney, ‘Fish and Whistle’, John Prine.

Pretty good shot of both the room’s and Russ’s ventilation systems.

Russ Williams, ‘Nobody, Not Even The Rain’, Alan Thomas.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, Johnny Cash.

Jeannie & Rick, ‘Love is All Around’, Troggs.

Group, ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’, Bob Seger.

Jeannie White, ‘It’s Not Easy Being Me’, David Gray.

Rich hasn’t deciding which end to play

Rich Ryan, ‘We Just Disagree’, Dave Mason. (moved for picture purposes)

Paul Robertson, ‘Oblivion’, Astor Piazzola.

Scott Gondzar, ‘Change It’, Stevie Ray Vaughn.

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

Ed Heffern, ‘Landslide’, Stevie Nicks.

David Norby, ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’, The Band (Robbie Robinson)

A very John Prine sort of night

Keith Blaney, ‘Angel From Montgomery’, John Prine.

Russ Williams, ‘A Cowboy Rides Away’, George Straight.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Roadhouse Boogie’, Duane Eddy.

Jeannie White, ‘Time After Time’, Cyndi Lauper.

Stunning arrangement of a well known tune.

Paul Robertson, ‘Ode To Joy’, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Scott Gondzar, ‘San-Ho-Zay’, Freddie King.

Ken Frederick, ‘Penny For Your Thoughts’, Peter Frampton.

Ed Heffern, ‘I Am A Child’, Neil Young.

David getting his Kicks

David Norby, ‘Kicks’, Paul Revere & The Raiders.

Rich Ryan, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, America.

Also joining us this evening were Bev Fontaine and Edith Cook.

May 2022 meeting

spoiler alert; neither of us are tall and tan, OR dark and lovely

Remy Abeyta and I kicked off the meeting at the library with some elevator music, though we weren’t even in the elevators. We did a pretty fair job of ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ too, if I do say so myself!

One of the things that fascinates me about this song are the legal actions that have happened over the years. In the ’90’s, Helø Pinheiro opened a boutique named The Girl From Ipanema, and the owners of the song took her to court for copyright infringement. But the public, and more importantly, the court, said she had every right to use the name because she was, indeed, Garota da Ipanema.

In 1964, Astrud Gilberto, along with Stan Getz, recorded the English language version of the song, the one we are most familiar with. In 2001, the same year as the above legal action, Gilberto tried to sue Frito Lay for using the tune without her permission to sell potato chips. It was another unsuccessful lawsuit, the court ruled in favor of potato chips.

Steve tearing up some Leo Kottke

Steve Gilmore is currently playing a steady gig on Thursdays, at the Wig Wam in the Plains Hotel. He starts around 7pm, if you’d like to hear some great pickin’. Also keep your ear trumpet in hand for house concerts and some great acts at the new auditorium out at LCCC. Things are starting to ramp up for the summer!

Playlist for May 2022

Remy Abeyta and Keith Blaney, ‘The Girl From Ipanema’, A.C. Jobim/V. deMoraes.

Russ Williams, ‘Prelude for musique de Salon’, Iznaola.

Jordan Evans, ‘Ripple’, Grateful Dead.

Judging by his expression, all those extra strings must be hard to play

Rich Ryan, ‘Southside Midnight Lady’, Doobie Brothers.

Ken Frederick, ‘Not My Brother’s Jazz’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Standing on the Outside’, Leo Kottke.

Jeannie White, ‘In The Wind’, original.

Jeannie’s first original tune for us, and a mighty good one too!

Ed Heffern, ‘I’ll Follow the Sun’, Lennon/McCartney.

David Norby, ‘Poor Side of Town’, Johnny Rivers.

Keith Blaney, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter’, Ahlert & Young

Remy Abeyta, ‘Take These Chains From My Heart’, Hy Heath/Fred Rose.

This month’s photo of Russ wouldn’t load, so this is ‘stock footage’

Russ Williams, ‘In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning’, David Mann/Bob Hillard.

Jordan Evans, ‘All Used Up’, Utah Phillips.

Rich Ryan, ‘Brown Sugar’, Rolling Stones.

Ken Frederick, ‘Strawberry Moon’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Busted Bicycle’, Leo Kottke.

Our poster boy for pickin’ and a grinnin’

Ed Heffern, ‘Don’t Think Twice’, Bob Dylan.

Jeannie White, ‘The Song Remembers When’, Trisha Yearwood.

David Norby, ‘Look What They’ve Done to My Song’, Melanie.

Cuter than Melanie

Remy Abeyta, ‘Los Ojos De Pancha’, Zapata/Elizondo.

Russ Williams, ‘Mimi’, Lemay.

Rich Ryan, ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, Joni Mitchell.

Ken Frederick, ‘Rocky Mountain Sweet’, original.

Sir Ken of a Thousand Chairs

Photo credits this month: Remy Abeyta and Rich Ryan.

April 2022 meeting

New kid on the block.

Pretty interesting meeting- AS USUAL!!! Welcome to Loren Woodin, who braved the ‘new guy jitters’ and played a couple tunes for us. I always admire newcomers; that takes some nerve when your previous gigs have all been from your couch. Loren did a great job of it.

Ed on our biggest stringed instrument yet!

There was a piano in the Cottonwood Room for the first time ever, and with a little arm twisting Ed plunked out Elton John’s ‘Your Song’. Really a top notch job of it too, I might add. All stringed instruments are welcomed at Guitar Society.

Rick brought ‘She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain’ and ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’ for the group songs, and an interesting looking Taylor cutaway I haven’t seen before. We’ll have to play 20 questions if he brings it back. All photos this month courtesy of Rich Ryan and Rick Memmel.

Rich pinching out some high notes. At least I hope that was the case…

Playlist for April 2022

Loren Woodin, ‘Walking Back to Georgia’, Jim Croce.

Keith Blaney, ‘Hot Air Balloon’, original.

David Norby, ‘Travelin’ Man’, Ricky Nelson.

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

Remy and his magical karaoke kit.

Remy Abeyta, ‘San Antonio Rose’, Bob Wills.

Ed Heffern, ‘They Call the Wind Mariah’, Lerner & Loewe.

Rich Ryan, who wrote, ‘Unoun’, Guess Who. indeed…

Group Song, ‘Blue Moon of Kentucky’, Bill Monroe.

Loren Woodin, ‘Fast Hand’, Cody Jinks.

‘Confused’ indeed. Total train wreck on the instrumental break!

Keith Blaney, ‘Confused’, original.

David Norby, ‘Moody River’, Chase Webster.

Windy? Most definitely. Warm? Not so much.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Windy and Warm’, J.D. Loudermilk.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Faded Love’, Bob Wills.

Ed Heffern, ‘The M.T.A.’, Kingston Trio.

Ed Heffern, ‘Your Song’, Elton John/Bernie Taupin.

Rich Ryan, ‘Kodachrome’, Paul Simon.

Another tune we haven’t heard in a few years…

David Norby, ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, Kim Carnes.

Group, ‘She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain’, traditional. YeeHaw!!!

Loren Woodin, ‘I Can’t Complain’, Todd Snider.

Keith Blaney, ‘My Girl’, Smokey Robinson.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Suzy Q’, John Fogerty.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’, Tony Orlando & Dawn.

Ed with guitar in hand, piano for a hat.

Ed Heffern, ‘Poncho & Lefty’, Townes Van Zandt.

Rich Ryan, ‘Joy to the World’, Three Dog Night.

March 2022 meeting

this from the 45 foot Gibson Flying V

Usually when the first Tuesday falls on the first day of the month, our turn-out is dismal. It just catches everybody off guard. But our March 1st meeting was fairly well attended, with 12 players and one guest, our friend Ron Labrecque. Mike Clark came up from Ft. Collins, Edith came down from Wheatland. Also some folks we haven’t seen in awhile were Larry Jacobsen, Jeannie White, and Ed Heffern. So it was a good (and talented) crowd for our March madness meeting.

Diddle diddle dumpling, our son John. I mean Larry.

Rick brought not one but two group songs. Only fly in the ointment was our last half dozen meetings or so have been sparsely attended, so we had to share the eight copies around the circle. The first effort, ‘Down On The Corner’ by CCR was pretty raggedy- you know, the usual… But The Youngblood’s ‘Get Together’ turned out quite presentable.

Just love the little stand!

David not only brought us a tune we haven’t heard in awhile (as is usually the case) but he also brought us a visual aid, the album containing his musical offering! I might add, he did this at considerable personal risk; his better half was turning up the heat for this album to be returned to its proper place. He hung tough tho’, and said it would stay out until AFTER the guitar society meeting. We salute your bravery, sir.

Photo credits this month go to Rick Memmel, Rich Ryan, and Susan Blaney.

Mike dazzling us with some fine finger pickin’

March 2022 Playlist

Mike Clark, ‘Dream On’, Aerosmith.

Remy Abeyta, ‘I Wish I Was 18 Again’, Ray Price.

Larry Jacobsen, ‘Silent Night’, Franz Xander Gruber.

David Norby, ‘Marrakesh Express’, Graham Nash.

Edith was really hitting the gas pedal tonight

Edith Cook, Medley of three songs, miscellaneous artists.

Ed Heffern, ‘Here, There, and Everywhere’, McCartney/Lennon.

Jeannie White, ‘Stay’, Alison Krauss.

Keith Blaney, ‘Rock Salt & Nails’, Utah Phillips.

Portable music stand, patent pending

Richita Ryan, ‘Wichita Lineman’, Jimmy Webb.

Steve Gilmore, ‘I Might Take You Back Again’, Jimmy Hadley.

Roland Peterson, ‘If I Needed You’, Townes Van Zandt.

Group, ‘Down On The Corner’, Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Richita Ryan

Mike Clark, ‘Scarborough Fair’, Simon & Garfunkel.

Remy Abeyta, medley ‘Moonglow/Picnic’, Will Hudson, Irving Dunning.

Larry Jacobsen, ‘Day Has Begun’, original.

David Norby, ‘Tiny Dancer’, Elton John/Bernie Taupin.

Edith Cook, ‘Lagrima’, F. Tarrega.

Ed’s usually good for an Irish tune in March

Ed Heffern, ‘Saint Brendan Had a Boat’, Brent Hoad from The Elders.

Jeannie White, ‘Cowboys Are My Weakness’, Tricia Yearwood.

Keith Blaney, ‘Daydream’, John Sebastian.

Rich Ryan, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, Fats Waller.

Roland Peterson, ‘I Still Miss Someone’, Johnny Cash.

my best picture of Roland tonight.

Mike Clark, ‘The Claw’, Jerry Reed.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Stardust’, Hoagy Carmichael.

Group, ‘Get Together’, Youngbloods.

February 2022 meeting

Our meeting was held Feb 1st in the library’s Cottonwood Room. Sort of like the ‘twelve man’ in football, where the crowd is a factor, Mother Nature was our ‘sixth man’ this month, with quite a snowstorm blowing that kept the reasonable among us at home.

with a new guitar, you’d think he’d be happier…

Justin has a new guitar! It’s a Taylor 414 (I think he said) in tobacco burst. We all took a lick on it, pretty nice box. He played the frets off his last guitar, so it will need some TLC while he wears this one out.

Rick brought not one but two group songs. Good thing too, or we’d have been done by 8:00. Meanwhile, Rich brought not one but ZERO guitars. Didn’t stop him from sharing some of his tunes with us though. His air guitar playing was flawless.

Just a few days before, the library held its guitar contest. This year they added a new category, ‘Other Stringed Instruments But Not Piano’. It was hotly contested, with violins, ukuleles, electric bass, cellos, and even a banjo. Really enjoyable and eclectic performances by all the players. I think they will be keeping it; I certainly hope so.

Even Keith enjoys a wrong chord

Playlist February 2022

Keith Blaney, ‘When I’m 64’, Lennon/McCartney.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Hold To A Dream’, Tim O’Brien.

Rick Memmel, ‘Happy Birthday’, traditional.

The birthday boy hissef, Rich.

Rich Ryan, ‘One Tin Soldier’, Coven.

Keith, ‘Yesterday’, Lennon/McCartney.

Group song, ‘As Tears Go By’, Rolling Stones.

We had to read Rick’s lips for the words; it was tough.

Steve, ‘Hesitation Blues’, Gillham & Smith.

Justin, ‘Don’t Know Why’, Nora Jones.

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

Group, ‘Heart of Gold’, Neil Young.

The case whispers the words in Steve’s ear

Steve, ‘Walk Away Renae’, Left Bank.

Keith, ‘Mother Nature’s Son’, George Harrison.

Justin, ‘Free’, Zac Brown.

most of the photos this month courtesy of Rich Ryan.

January 2022 Meeting

Steve just getting started, with Tiffane looking on.

Happy New Year! Our meeting on January 4th was held in the library’s Cottonwood Room. We had a nice, albeit small group. Welcome to Tifanne Gerber, who tagged along with Steve and added some vocals. AMAZING vocals, I might add; she’s got quite a set of pipes! Welcome to you Tiffane, please come back again!

Both Roland and Russ sang for us, and Roland brought a guitar with steel strings, the first time I can recall that happening. With the small group we had, we didn’t mess with elections or such. However, dues were collected and we talked about the most excellent show by Sean McGowan and Martin Gilmore at the Surburgg/Prentice Auditorium from last month.

Russ was killing it tonight!

The library’s ‘One World Prairie Guitar Contest’ is next Saturday, January 22nd. There are new categories, with other stringed instruments invited, and higher prize rewards out to 4 places. Contest held during the day, with the winner’s performance the same evening. Admission is free to the public, and you can still enter to compete! More information is available on the Laramie County Library website.

Our 24th Valentines Romance dinner/concert will feature Johan Smith from Switzerland, the 2021 Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Competition winner. Dinner and concert we be held on Feb 14th out at LCCC. More information on this event will be in your inbox within the next few hours.

Playlist for January 2022

Roland Peterson, ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain’, Fred Rose.

David Norby, ‘Darlin’, Beach Boys.

David knows his way around the neck.

Jordan Evans, ‘Quite Early Morning’, Pete Seeger.

Rich Ryan, ‘Never Going Back Again’, Lindsey Buckingham.

Keith Blaney, ‘I Still Write Your Name In The Snow’, Chet Atkins.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Dress Rehearsal’, Jody Adams.

Russ Williams, ‘Walzer,’ Nikita Koshkin.

Roland singin’ a Nanci Griffith tune

Roland Peterson, ‘Gulf Coast Highway’, Nanci Griffith.

David Norby, ‘Angie Baby’, Helen Reddy.

Jordan Evans, ‘IRA’, Nick Shoulders.

Rich Ryan, ‘Blackbird’, Paul McCartney.

Ryan learning to play a strange guitar. Put right hand on strings, buddy…

Keith Blaney, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’, Carole King.

Steve Gilmore & Tiffane Gerber, ‘Steel Rails’, Allison Krause.

Russ Williams, ‘Christmas Valentine’, Jason Mraz/Ingrid Michaelson.

Jordan Evans, ‘Long Violent History’, Tyler Childers.

The words are in Jordan’s hat, I think.

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

Keith Blaney, ‘Wonderful World’, Sam Cooke.

Steve Gilmore & Tiffane Gerber, ‘Every Day’, Buddy Holly.

Russ Williams, ‘Cayatina’, Stanley Myers.

Also in attendance was Rick Memmel.

December 2021 Meeting

Man, those hands were just a blur. Along with everything else…

We met at the First United Methodist Church downtown for our December Guitar Society meeting. Nice big meeting room and handy parking, more than adequate for our eight participants this month.

First I’d like to start with a thank you to Edith, who drove down from suburban Torrington just to share her Christmas cookies with us. Edith recently had shoulder work done and is recovering well, but unable to play her guitar just yet. Her cookies were delicious, so many thanks for making the trip.

Ken staring at the chair he’d rather be sitting in

Our other wounded warrior who surprised us was Ken, who recently lost the tip of a finger to a rabid car in Hawaii. Not to put too fine a point on it (too soon?), his middle finger on his strumming hand is rather tender, and you could see him wincing every now and then when it collided with the strings. Hats off to a brave performance by one of our stalwarts.

Justin playing an original tune, with a cheat sheet.

It seems to me, if you write a song it should AUTOMATICALLY just be there, under your fingers and in your memory bank, whenever you want to play it. But it doesn’t work that way; you have to learn them just like any other song. So while it seems like I am picking on Justin for his cheat sheet, I am really empathizing. It’s not fair, if you ask me.

The other wonderful thing that happened this month, on the 11th, was a concert by Sean McGowan and Martin Gilmore, out at LCCC’s new Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium. Sean is a jazz guitarist, while Martin is a singer/songwriter. Both teach down in Colorado, both are top shelf musicians. The only reason we could afford to sponsor this concert is they aren’t famous yet. The new facility is stunning. Martin and Sean gave a free workshop during the day, where they swapped stories about their craft and took questions from the peanut gallery. Just a treat to get to rub shoulders with such talented musicians.

Playlist for December 2021

Remy Abeyta, Christmas Carol Medley, Williams/Oliphant/Gruber. (I have a video clip of this I will add once I learn how).

Rick Memmel, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Silent Night’, asst. authors.

Ken Frederick, ‘Two Of Us’, Lennon/McCartney.

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

Justin Johnson, ‘Gentle On My Mind’, Glen Campbell.

Rich doing a very credible job on a classical piece

Rich Ryan, ‘Jesus: Joy of Man’s Desiring’, J.S. Bach.

Russ Williams, ‘Estrellita’, Ponce.

Remy, ‘Limbo Rock’, Chubby Checker.

Rick Memmel, ‘Honey Don’t’, Carl Perkins.

Rick with his long neck 4 string guitar. Bass guitar.

Ken Frederick, ‘Something’, George Harrison.

Steve, ‘Wings of Angels’, The Stanley Brothers.

Justin, ‘Yuengling’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’, Dr. Seuss & Albert Hague.

Russ sitting and playing in the dark

Russ Williams, ‘Let It Snow’, Jule Styme.

Remy, ‘Arizona Highway’, original.

Rick, ‘Amazing Grace’, played with harmonics, arrangement by Jaco Pastorius.

Justin, ‘Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters’, Elton John.

Group Song, ‘Silent Night’.

November 2021 meeting

Just a half dozen of us had the library’s Cottonwood Room all to ourselves. It was still a most pleasant gathering, with plenty of time for stories, jokes, and giving each other a hard time.

$4 chord WAY up the neck.

Remy had me as a backing track for one of his tunes. We did Joseph Kosma’s ‘Autumn Leaves’ together. It was a tricky piece to play, with a bunch of cool jazz chords, but it was worth the effort. We did a presentable job of it; thanks Remy!!!

Russ sang one; Russ has been singing more often this year. Remy sang one, and played an original tune as well, both were a first for our group. Thanks Remy! David brought us a few songs we haven’t heard in awhile, as is his custom. T’was a very nice, low key meeting. That said, here’s hoping we have more folks show up for our December gathering and it’s a bit more chaotic…

Playlist for November 2021

Russ, that little music stand isn’t enough to hide behind.

Russ Williams started us out with Walzer, by Nikita Koshku.

Remy Abeyta/Keith Blaney, Autumn Leaves, Joseph Kosma & Johny Mercer.

Rich Ryan, ‘Cinnamon Girl’, Neil Young.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Sleep With One Eye Open’, Lester Flatt.

More $4 chords

David Norby, ‘Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)’, Looking Glass.

Russ Williams, ‘When First Into This Country’, unknown.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Sone Contigo (I Dream of You)’, original. (there needs to be a squiggle over the ‘n’, and an accent on the ‘e’ of Sone, but I don’t know how to make that happen)

Keith, ‘Miss Celie’s Blues’, Quincy Jones and others.

Rich Ryan, ‘Still, You Turn Me On’, Greg Lake.

Case open for donations

Steve, ‘All My Life’, Pat Donohue.

David, ‘Who Will Sing Me Lullabyes’, Kate Rusby.

Russ Williams, ‘CanciĂłn Triste’, Farinae.

Remy Abeyta, ‘It’s Been A Long, Long Time’, Jules/Styne.

Keith, ‘City of New Orleans’, Steve Goodman.

Rich, ‘Blues Etude’, Keb Mo.

6 strings, 14 frets, life is good.

Steve, ‘How Long Have I Been Waiting For You?’, Jonathan Edwards.

David, ‘Viva la Vida’, Coldplay (Chris Martin)

Russ, ‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’, Crystal Gale.

October 2021 meeting

Steve with the Mandolin that ate Hong Kong.

On October 5th, we were up in the Sunflower Room at the library. It’s been a long time since we’ve met upstairs in the silo shaped portion of the building, and I forgot how interesting the acoustics are up there. From where I was sitting, it sounded like Steve had a string section playing with him (like violins and such, not just the Mando on steroids) and Austin seemed to have someone harmonizing with him.

Austin White, the newest new guy



Oh yeah, meet Austin, the new guy. Once Jordan finally caught up with us, he decided we were ok, and invited Austin along as well. It’s a tough gig, playing for a bunch of guitarded folks sitting in a circle, watching you like a hawk, but Austin did a great job. Happy you joined us, and hope to see both you and Jordan on a regular basis!

We always make David sit by a stack of chairs



I’ve blabbered about this before, but it’s always a sweet surprise when Dave Norby shows up. He always brings a song or two you haven’t heard in many moons. I don’t know where he finds them, or how he figures them out; I am just tickled he did.

With his mask up, I thought Shane was wearing a cancer awareness bow in his hair



Good to have Shane Wallace back, another player who comes at it from a different angle than our normal fare. Tangy, spicy, with a touch of madness. OK, I’m exaggerating, a little bit, just consider it poetic license at Shane’s expense.

Playlist for October 2021

Remy Abeyta, ‘San Antonio Rose’, Bob Wills.

Keith Blaney, ‘Dock of the Bay’, Otis Redding.

David Norby, ‘Son of a Preacher Man’, Dusty Springfield.

Shane Wallace,’Here Comes The Night’, Them.

Jordan playing a very cute tune. Blame his daughter, he says.

Jordan Evans, ‘We’re Gonna Be Friends’, White Stripes.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Old Ebenezer Scrooge’, Bill Monroe.

Rich Ryan, ‘Little Martha’, Duane Allman.

According to Jimi Hendrix, the greatest song ever written, and done justice by Rich.

Russ Williams, ‘Cavatina’, Stanley Myers.

Remy, ‘Sleepwalk’, Sango Santo & Johny.

Keith, ‘Angel From Montgomery’, John Prine.

I am an old woman, named after my mother. YIKES!!!

David Norby, ‘Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye’, John Loudermilk (The Casinos)

Shane Wallace, ‘Still of the Night’, Sanford Clark.

Jordan Evans, ‘Corpus Christie Bay’, Robert Earl Keane.

Austin White, ‘Lonely Boy’, Black Keys.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Less & Less’, Tim O’Brien.

Rich Ryan, ‘MODOC’, Steve Morse.

Russ playing for the ghosts in the window

Russ Williams, ‘The River Is Wide’, traditional.

Remy, ‘La Pecosita’, Lalo Elizalde.

Keith, ‘I Will’, Paul McCartney.

Shane, ‘Lonesome Me’, Don Gibson.

Jordan, ‘Not in Nuttingham’, Roger Miller.

Austin, ‘Midnight Special’, Credence Clearwater Revival.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Four Wet Pigs’, Bryan Bowers.

Remy, ‘How Great Thou Art’, Carl Boberg.

September 2021 meeting

with a strap on his guitar and a guitar on his strap, here’s our friend Remy.

Can’t say I had much enthusiasm for the Sept. 7th meeting at the library. I’m glad I dragged my lazy (self) to the library, though. It turned out to be a very entertaining session. One of the smiles was a new guy; welcome to Jordan Evans! He also showed up to the library for the August meeting, but we pimped him out and went to Ernie and Melinda’s instead, and had ourselves a picnic in the rain. Jordan caught up to us this month though.

Jordan sat by the door, just to make sure we didn’t sneak by him again. Steve brought a 12 string, Rick brought a group song, two of our classical players sang for us. So lots of points of interest.

A brief aside: The Flat Earth Society claims members from all over the globe. Their words, not mine. I think there is scientific evidence that the Earth, is not in fact, flat. If it were, cats would have knocked everything over the edge by now.

The group song, Neil Young’s ‘Down By the River’ went about as well as usual (not that great). Apologies all around, tho’ none required.

Ernie doing Billy Holiday. Looks just like her, huh?

Ernie brought a new song, and it was stunning. Most of us youngsters recognize it as a Blood, Sweat, and Tears tune, but they stole it from Billy Holiday. ‘God Bless The Child’ by Holiday and Arthur Herzog.

The classic contingency, Edith, Russ, and Roland.

Playlist for September 2021

Russ Williams started us with ‘Homage to Villa Lobos’, Carlos Fonseca.

Roland Peterson, ‘Suite #2’, Leo Brouwer.

Ken Frederick, ‘It’s Over’, original.

Keith Blaney, ‘Dream A Little Dream’, Andre/Kahn.

look at those hands; just a blur I tell ya

Rich Ryan (pictured), ‘Carolina In My Mind’, James Taylor.

David Norby, ‘I Say A Little Prayer’, Burt Bacharach & Hal David.

Steve Gilmore, ‘The Driving of The Year Nail’, Leo Kottke.

Ernie Brazzale, ‘God Bless The Child’, Billy Holiday/Arthur Herzog.

Jordan Evans, ‘I Remember Everything’, John Prine.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Moonglow/Picnic’ medley, Morris Stolloff.

Edith brought us a medley

Edith Cook, three short pieces, misc. authors.

Russ Williams, ‘Try to Remember’, Harvey Schmidt/Tom Jones.

Roland Peterson, ‘My Sweet Wyoming Home’, Bill Staines.

Here’s Roland with the B’s knees. I think that’s a B he’s playing…

Keith Blaney, ‘As Time Goes By’, Herman Hupfeld.

Rick Memmel brought the group song, ‘Down By The River’, Neil Young.

Ken Frederick, ‘Here Comes The Sun’, George Harrison.

Sing along now, ‘Do do do do’…

Rich Ryan, ‘Baby Blue’, Badfinger.

David Norby, ‘Early Morning Rain’ Gordan Lightfoot.

David taking a short break from his chair rental business

Ernie Brazzale, ‘You Belong To Me’, Price, King & Stewart.

Jordan Evans, ‘Sink, Florida, Sink’, Against Me!

Remy Abeyta, ‘Sweet Dreams’, Don Gibson.

Edith Cook, ‘Lagrina’, Francisco Tarrega.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Last Steam Engine Train’, Kirk McGee.

All those extra strings didn’t seem to cause Steve much trouble

Photo credits to Rich Ryan, and a couple fuzzy ones by yours truly.