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While the sign says we could have squeezed in a few more, with most of us swinging a guitar around, the reality was we had a full house this Tuesday at the Derby Bowling Lanes.

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Welcome to Robin LeBlanc for her first visit. Great tunes, great story too! While she inherited some hearing issues, she hasn’t let that stop her from learning the guitar and plugging into the local music scene. Also welcome back to Debra Logan, who has joined us on occasion before. Both of you, come back any old time!

Quite a few songs were presented in honor of Valentines Day, so just to be fair and balanced, some of us also provided some tunes from the other side of love’s passion. ‘Take Me Back to Tulsa’, ‘Love the One You’re With’, and ‘This Masquerade’ come to mind.

Lots of original tunes tonight as well. Robin, Bill, Gary, Tom, and (naturally) Ken all played us some original compositions. Good stuff, thank you all!

Our other guest tonight was Nancy MacKenzie. Photos by Matt and Nancy. Rich tried, bless his little pea picker, but his phone has other ideas these days.

Upcoming Event; Valentines Dinner and Concert

This Saturday, February 14th is our 28th annual Valentine’s Dinner/Concert/Soiree. While the dinner is sold out, you can still come to the concert! $25 at the door, concert starts at 7pm in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium at Laramie County Community College.

Our artist this year is Leonela Alejandro from Puerto Rico. She was the 2024 Grand Prize winner for the Guitar Foundation Association’s classical guitarist contest. Leonela has won many accolades, but the GFA win also comes with a world tour (which is how we benefit). She will also give a Master Class on Friday at 3pm in Room 139 of the Fine Arts Building. All the hot seats are taken, but for $10 you can monitor the class. Doesn’t matter what style you play, there are always take-aways that can improve your playing.

Playlist for February 2026

Tom Downey, ‘Autumn Song’, original.

Roger Stearns, ‘Don’t Rock the Jukebox’, Alan Jackson.

Ken Frederick, ‘Holiday #25’, original.

Keith Blaney, ‘When I’m 64’, Paul McCartney.

Ed Heffern, ‘All Along The Watchtower’, Bob Dylan.

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

Matt Potter, ‘Look At Us’, Vince Gill.

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Good Morning Cowboy’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Mr. Spaceman’, Byrds.

Russ Williams, ‘Christmas Valentine’, Jason Mraz.

Bill Kappele/Gary Krause, ‘Remember When’, Alan Jackson.

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

Tom, ‘Hard Luck Trouble’, original.

Roger, ‘Take Me Back To Tulsa’, Bob Wills.

Ken, ‘You Are My Love’, original.

Keith, ‘This Masquerade’, Leon Russell.

Ed, ‘Lodi’, John Fogarty.

Matt, ‘More Of You’, Chris Stapleton.

Rich, ‘Love The One You’re With’, Steven Stills.

Robin, ‘One Last Shot’, original.

Russ, ‘Suite No. 2 Prelude’, Leo Brouwer.

Bill, ‘The Ballad of Whippoorwill,’ Donna Christensen/ Bill Kappele.

Gary, ‘Messenger’, original.

Steve, ‘Sarah Hogan’, John Lowell.

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T’was a pretty good turnout for a January meeting, with some new faces. Welcome to Dave Stephenson and Tom Downy. Returning from a short absence was Jordan Evans. Jordan tried to find us at the llbrary, then the brew pub where we occasionally meet. He finally tracked us down at the bowling alley. That’s persistence!!!

We met at Derby Lanes, in one of the meeting rooms behind the ten pin lanes. We got lucky; nobody was bowling on them this time! It’s gotten downright difficult to book a room at the library, but Rich ‘endeavors to persevere’. Love that quote from Chief Dan George in ‘The Outlaw Jose Wales’. I think it was.

There’s always something a little different going on at the meetings. This month, it was an acoustic guitar played through a bunch of pedals by Tom Downy. He’s got a looper, a wah-wah, and a couple other effects hooked up and it was REALLY COOL!!! One man orchestra, and he knew how to run that rig too.

Teaming up for tunes this month were Gary and Bill, Steve and Roger, and Rich led us in a group mangling of ‘Wake Up, Little Suzie’ by the Everly Brothers. Rich was also our photographer this month.

Event Recap- Jim Hurst

Jim was here on Saturday, Jan 10th. In the afternoon he gave a history lesson/workshop on bluegrass music. then returned at 5pm for a two hour concert. Jim has won the Bluegrass Player of the Year more than once, so needless to say he knows his way around a guitar neck. The Cottonwood Room filled up with about 100 folks, and we were all treated to one heck of a concert. Nice fella, too. Thanks for joining us for the evening, Jim!

Upcoming Event: 28th Annual Valentine’s Dinner and Concert

Our classical guitarist this year, Leonela Alejandro, hails from Puerto Rico. She was the 2024 Grand Prize winner of the Guitar Foundation of America’s annual contest, which includes an international tour. We are pleased and most fortunate to have her join us for our Valentine’s soiree.

On Friday, February 13th, she will be giving a master class starting at 3 pm in Room 139 of LCCC’s Fine Arts Building. The hot seats are all taken, but it is only $10 to monitor the class. TRUST ME; You don’t have to play classical guitar to get your money’s worth!!!

On Saturday the 14th, fellowship, wine, and hors d’oeavours begin in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium’s lobby at 6pm. Concert begins at 7, with plated dinner started as soon as we mosey over to the food hall next door.

Prices are $65 per person for members, $75 otherwise, which includes your choice of salmon, tenderloin, or Ratatouille. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot(s) with Russ Williams at 307-630-4553. If you’d just like to attend the concert, the cost is $25 at the door, and there is plenty of room.

January 2026 Playlist

Matt Potter, ‘Old Dogs & Children & Watermelon Wine’, Tom T. Hall.

Tom Downy, ‘Wicked Game’, Chris Isaac.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Rebel’s Last Request’, Fred Travers.

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

Keith Blaney, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, Fats Waller/Harry Brooks.

Bill Kappele & Gary Krause, ‘Nine Times Blue’, Michael Nesmith.

Roland Peterson, ‘Spike Driver’s Blues’, Mississippi John Hurt.

Russ Williams, ”Soledad’, Alfonso Montes.

Rich Ryan/group, ‘Wake Up, Little Suzie’, Felice & Boudleaux Bryant.

Ed Heffern, ‘We Three Kings’, John Hopkins.

Jordan Evans, ‘Nick and Joe’, Chris Hik** (sorry can’t read)

Matt, ‘This Guitar Is For Sale’, John Prine/Shel Silverstein.

Tom, ‘Hound Dog Boogie in A’, original.

Steve, ‘Echo Mountain’, Michael Glen & Bill Smith.

Roger & Steve, ‘Driving Nails In My Coffin’, Earnest Tubb.

Keith, ‘Dream A Little Dream’, Fabian Andre/Wilbur Schwandt/Gus Kahn.

Bill & Gary, ‘One Paper Kid’, Emmylou Harris & Willie Nelson.

Jordan, ‘First Aid Kit’, Emmylou Harris.

Roland, ‘Great Atomic Power’, Ira and Charlie Louvin.

Russ, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, traditional tune with Robert Burns poem.

Rich, ‘Shanty’, Johnathan Edwards.

T’was a Holly Jolly turn out for our December meeting! The noticable absence was, sadly, no cookies. Pete DID pass around and share his Fender picks with the group. A little chewy and tough for my taste, but I’m just being picky…

Welcome to Roman Wheeler, his roadies and fan club included. This is the first time we’ve had a cellist join us, and a pretty rootin’ tootin’ good one at that. He did his very best to class up the joint playing some J.S. Bach, while Nancy and I undid that class as quickly as possible.

Our hats off to Roman, who got off to a rocky start by agreeing to play with his grandad, Matt. He soldiered through Matt having the capo on the wrong fret to start. Once they got that equipment malfunction squared away, we all heaved a sigh of relief. Roman was unfazed through it all; very impressive performance, young squire!!!

Good to see Pete, who came up from Ft. Collins and brought us those nasty little cookies. Also, we didn’t expect to see Steve who drove up from visiting family in Texas. It didn’t affect his playing, but he did have trouble keeping his eyes open…

While I’ve got everybody’s attention (reading this scintilating statement of facts), here’s a friendly reminder it’s time to pay annual dues for CGS, should you choose to be a member. It’s only $25 cash, check, or money order, and the best and earliest money you won’t remember spending for 2026.

Not pictured above were Gary Krause and Maria Means. Brianna was Roman’s transportation and roadie, while the others were our fan base. Pictures this month courtesy of Nancy and Rich.

Playlist for December 2025

Matt Potter & Roman Wheeler, ‘Far Away Places’, Joan Whitney/Alex Kramer.

Roman Wheeler, ‘Bouree 1’, J.S. Bach.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘What Child Is This?’, traditional.

Ken Frederick, ‘Holiday #24’, original.

Pete Piotrowski, ‘Wherever You Will Go’, The Calling.

Ed Heffern, ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’, Johnny Marks.

Roger Stearns, ‘Angels Sing On High’, traditional French tune.

Rich Ryan, ‘O Holy Night’, Placide Cappeau/Adolphe Adam.

Matt, ‘Old Chunk of Coal’, Billie Joe Shaver.

Roman, ‘Suite 1’, JS Bach.

Ken, ‘March Bob’, original.

Nancy & Keith, ‘I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ For Christmas’, Sid Tepper/Roy C. Bennett.

Pete, ‘Collide’, Howie Day.

Ed, ‘The Gift’, Stephanie Davis.

Roger Stearns, ‘Mary Did You Know?’, Mark Lowry/Buddy Greene.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, traditional Caribbean carole.

Rich, ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’, Dr. Seuss/A. Hague.

Matt, ‘Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’, traditional.

Roman, ‘Minuet’, from memory, guessing Bach.

Ken, ‘Pearl Harbor Day’, original.

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

Ed, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, Bobby Helms.

Roger, ‘Oh Holy Night’, Placide Cappeau/Adolphe Adam.

Steve, ‘Old Ebeneezer Scrooge’, Bill Monroe.

Rich, ‘South City Midnight Lady’, Doobie Brothers.

Between the clocks falling back and the shorter days of fall, we were in the dark before the meeting ever started. Decent turn-out tho’, with a baker’s dozen butts in seats in the library’s Sunflower Room.

Welcome to Luke Devine, who joined us for a listen. Gabe Floud is back in town, regailing us with one of his cheerful tunes. Gabe said he’d be local until April or so, so we’ll be happy to have him for a few months.

Bill and Gary teamed up for some original tunes. Roger and Steve knocked some bluegrass ditties out of the park, while Nancy and Keith wowed the crowd with a couple ’60’s tunes.

CONCERT REMINDER!!!

Sean McGowan will be giving a concert and workshop tomorrow, Saturday November 15th, in the library’s Cottonwood Room on the first floor. The workshop will be from 2-4 pm, while the concert is 5-7pm. PLEASE TAKE NOTE: The library moved it up one hour. Both events are free to the public, co-sponsored by the Laramie County Library and Cheyenne Guitar Society. So bring your guitar to one but not the other. For more information about Sean, check out our Upcoming Events section on the website.

And Now, back to our Regularly Scheduled Program

After the tune ‘This Is My Car’ was played, Matt shared a story worth repeating. A Wyoming rancher and a dairy farmer from Wisconsin were talking. The rancher said, “I can get in my truck, drive all day, all night, and half the next day, and STILL not get to the far end of my spread.” The dairy farmer replied, “Yeah, I had a truck like that once.”

Playlist for November 2025

Bill Kappele and Gary Krause, ‘Gwen’, original by Gary.

Keith Blaney, ‘This is My Car’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Touch of Gray’, Grateful Dead.

Roger Stearns, ‘ On & On’, Bill Monroe.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Song For Life’, Rodney Crowell.

Matt Potter, ‘Souvenirs’, John Prine.

Gabe Floud, ‘Hobo Blues’, original.

Bill & Gary, ‘Sunset Lullaby’, another Gary original.

Nancy & Keith, ‘This Magic Moment’, Doc Pomus/Mort Shuman 1960.

Rich, ‘Little Martha’, Allman Brothers.

Roger Stearns, ‘Ramblin’ Fever’, Merle Hagard.

Steve, ‘Travelin’ Blues’, Jimmie Rodgers.

Matt, ‘Don’t Think Twice’, Bob Dylan.

Gary & Bill, ‘Is It Wise?, Gary Krause original.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Shooop Shoooop’, Rudy Clark.

Rich, ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, Joni Mitchell.

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

Steve, ‘Why Don’t You Tell Me So’, Lester Flatt.

Matt, ‘Going Away Party’, Bob Wills.

Bill, ‘For A Dancer’, Jackson Browne.

ALL photo credits this month belong to Nancy McKenzie; she said she had a theme, but she didn’t specify what that was. However, if anyone wants more pictures of Rich or the ceiling tiles just give me a ping; there are plenty more where those came from…

On January 10, 2026, Jim will be joining us in the library’s Cottonwood Room for a workshop at 2-4pm and a concert at 6-8pm. Both events are free to the public.

This event is co-sponsored by Cheyenne Guitar Society and Laramie County Public Library, located at 2200 Pioneer Avenue in Cheyenne.

We had a pretty fair turnout for our meeting October 7th in the Cottonwood Room. I would have had to taken off at least one shoe to count everyone, so I refrained. No need to asphyxiate anyone that’s willing to come join us.

Bill Kappele recently moved from Bellingham WA to Cheyenne, and braved the circle with some great tunes. Glad to have you join us, Bill! His Taylor guitar had several of us drooling and wanting to get our sticky mitts on it.

Boxcar Blaney crafted a tune that morning, and made everyone suffer through its first public showing, ‘Gettin’ Old Ain’t For Sissies’. There were lots of suggestions from our seasoned group of players for additional verses that will be taken under advisement.

Just a reminder, we’ve got some guest artists coming to the library. As is always the case, these concerts and workshops are free to the public. Sean McGowan will be joining us on November 14th, and Jim Hurst will be here Jan 10th. More details will be posted on the CGS website in the next few days.

Guests tonight were a young man by the name of Jordan; I didn’t catch his last name. He has just recently picked up his Grandpa’s guitar, teaching himself some chords but complains it makes his fingers sore. Sound familiar? Nancy also came in late, her day job interfering with the MUCH more important guitar meeting. Also, Happy Birthday to Her on the 15th; she turned *#^&4$# years old. Photo credits to Matt and Nancy this month.

Playlist for October 2025

Roland Peterson, ‘Melissa’, Duane Allman.

Ed Heffern, ‘Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Matt Potter, ‘Far Away Places’, Joan Whitney/Alex Kramer.

Ken Frederick, ‘Cowgirl in the Sand’, Neil Young.

Roger Stearns, ‘Driving Nails in my Coffin’, Ernest Tubb.

Gary Krause, ‘Free Candy’, original.

Keith Blaney, ‘Gettin’ Old Ain’t For Sissies’, original.

Bill Kappele, ‘A Light in the Window’, Carrie Newcomer.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Billy Austin’, Steve Earl.

Russ Williams, ‘Gavatto Choro’, Villa Lobos.

Ed, ‘Nova Scotia Farewell’, traditional.

Roland, ‘Here Comes That Rainbow’, Kris Kristofferson.

Matt, ‘ I Love You’, Steve Miller.

Ken, ‘Yesterday’, Lennon/McCartney.

Roger, ‘Burn One Down’, Clint Black.

Gary Krause, ‘Grace’, original.

Keith, ‘Spooky’, The Classics IV.

Bill Kappele, ‘Poems, Prayers and Promises’, John Denver.

Steve, ‘The Cane Press’, Bob Johnson/David Johnston.

Russ, ‘The Honey Wind’, Glen Yarborough.

Matt Potter, ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’, RV Braddock, C. Putnam, Jr.

Ken, ‘Wild World’, Cat Stevens.

Keith, ‘Harvest Moon’, Neil Young.

Bill, ‘Rebecca Lynn’, Brian White.

Steve, ‘Two Wet Pigs’, Bryan Bowers.

This month’s newsletter will be just a wee bit different; all photos will be from the vault. Some of the faces will be familiar, while others have moved along.

Gary Krause brought three guests from Laramie County Senior Center. Erin LeBlanc and Tricia Penaflor braved the sign up sheet. They are looking for players for events at the senior center. If you’re interested, give me a ping and I’ll pass your contact information along.

Given it was early in the month and just after the Labor Day holiday, attendance was minimal. Good news was they were able to get 4 songs in and make it to the after party before the kitchen closed!

Upcoming Events

Cheyenne Guitar Society and Laramie County Public Library are teaming up for a couple of free concerts and workshops in the coming months.

On 15 November, 2025, Sean McGowen will be giving a concert and workshop in the Cottonwood Room. Workshop 2-4 pm, concert 6-8pm. Both events are free to the public.

Dr. McGowan is a master jazz guitarist from Denver, and teaches at the University of Colorado’s Denver campus. He is a regular contributor to Acoustic Guitar magazine, and has published several books.

On January 10, 2026, Jim Hurst will be joining us. Workshop 2-4pm, concert 6-8, also in the library’s Cottonwood Room, also both are free to the public.

Jim was the guitarist for Holly Dunn and toured nationally and internationally with her. He also performed extensively with Trisha Yearwood. He joined Claire Lynch as her guitarist and later went on to tour with master bassist, Missy Raines. He is on the “A” list of guitarists in Nashville, and has won guitarist of the year on two occasions from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Check out the videos, and put these events on your calendar!

Playlist for September, 2025

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

Steve Gilmore, ‘The Bravest’, Tom Paxton.

Roland Peterson, ‘Tears On My Pillow’, Gene Autry.

Rich Ryan, ‘Old Man’, Neil Young.

Gary Krause, ‘The Water Is Wide’, anonymous.

Roger, ‘I Don’t Even Know Your Name’, Alan Jackson.

Steve, ‘Things’, Bobby Darin.

Roland, ‘Sweet Wyoming Home’, Bill Staines.

Rich, ‘Harvest Moon’, Neil Young.

Gary, ‘Three Little Birds’, Bob Marley.

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

Steve, ‘Suzie Q’, Dale Hawkins.

Roland, ‘Blue Umbrella’, John Prine.

Rich, ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, The Who.

Gary, ‘Diana’, Paul Anka.

Roger, ‘Devil Woman’, Marty Robbins.

Steve, ‘Bonnie Streets of Fyvio’, traditional Scottish tune.

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

We had a surprisingly good turn-out for our August 5th meeting given the late announcement. The alure of free meat must have worked its magic. Judy and Steve Gilmore hosted our annual picnic in their back yard. Chairs kept appearing out of nowhere, and there was plenty of food for all.

Jill and Sulaiman drove up from Parker to join us. Jill put me in mind of Popeye’s friend Wimpy, as she did not bring her stringed instrument with her. The problems with that observation. 1. It WAS Tuesday, and 2. I don’t think she had any food from the grill, either the burgers or the dogs. No matter, she still owes us a fiddle tune or two. She might bring a violin instead; either way I’m looking forward to it.

Roger was the first one to break out a guitar, so we had him kick off the musical portion of the evening. As the sun diminished and misquitoes took their turn chowing down, we retreated to a patio with some lights. T’was a most pleasant evening of fellowship and music. Thanks to the Gilmores for hosting.

Guests this evening were Deb Logan, Brian Andreas, Jill Zai, Barb Williams, Sherry Potter, Kathleen Peterson, and Maria Means. As you’ll see, we had a wonderful selection of pictures to chose from. Photo credits go to Matt Potter, Rich Ryan, and Nancy McKenzie.

Playlist for August 2025

Roger Stearns, ‘Amanda’, Waylon Jennings.

Gary Krause, ‘Gwen’, original.

Ed Heffern, ‘Norwegian Wood’, Beatles.

Sulaiman Zai, ‘Prelude #1’ Villa Lobos.

Justin & Kristy Johnson, ‘Tattoos’, Tyler Childers.

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

Keith Blaney & Nancy McKenzie, ‘I’m An Old Cowhand’, Johnny Mercer.

Matt Potter, ‘Lonesome Cattle Call’, Tex Owens.

Rich Ryan, ‘South City Midnight Lady’, Doobie Brothers.

Roland Peterson, ‘500 Miles’, Hedy West.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Mole Catcher’, Heather Alexander.

Russ Williams, ‘Baracole’, Barrios.

Roger & Steve, ‘Fire On The Mountain’, Marshall Tucker.

Gary, ‘Do You Want To Dance’, Beach Boys version.

Ed, ‘The Boxer’, Paul Simon.

Sulaiman, ‘Alfonsina y el Mar’, some guy. Or maybe thats the guy and Some Tune…

Kristy, ‘Hold You Dear’, The Secret Sisters.

Justin, ‘Don’t Know Why’, Nora Jones.

Ken, ‘Father & Son’, Cat Stevens.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Hey, Good Lookin’, Hank Williams.

Rich, ‘Part of the Plan’, Dan Fogelberg.

Steve, ‘Way Up On The Mountain’, John Pennell.

Russ, ‘Preludio Suite No. 2’, Brouwer.

The July 1st meeting was held in the Sunflower Room at the library. Always tough to stir up a crowd when the first Tuesday falls on the first of the month, along with summertime vacationers and such. I was one of them! Nancy handled the paperwork this month, after she played four hours, then struck camp at the summer Farmer’s Market. Four hours in the heat and wind in the Mall parking lot? What a trooper!!!

The meeting started with a discussion about the venue for the upcoming picnic. Last year, the rodeo left town with all their livestock but left the flies behind. Our pavillion was host to thousands of hungry flies. The other ‘fly in the ointment’, so to speak, is the competition from the band shell. Their summer concert series also falls on Tuesday nights; we start playing about the same time they do. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, we get more help with our tunes than we want. Alternative venues are being researched for this year’s get-together on August 5th.

There was a lively discussion about the Beatles during the meeting. Roland delved into some David Von Ronk, which was mighty fine. Matt brought in a couple of great songs, and Ed’s rendering of Wagon Wheel made the entire evening unforgettable. 

Steve brought the group song; Nancy was not familiar with the tune. Her notes said ‘Baby let your hair down’ and The New Crusty Nostrils. If that don’t make you snort your beverage, nothing will! The New Christie Minstels didn’t have anything by that title, but by digging I THINK the song was The Rooftop Singers “Walk Right In”. Makes you wonder tho’, just what would The New Crusty Nostrils sound like?

Overall, the meeting was a success. We hope to have a good turnout in August. Steve will be the chef for hot dogs, hamburgers, pickles, lettuce, mustard, catsup, relish,  and he’ll bring sparkling water and chips. We’ll need plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and side dishes. 

Playlist for July 2025

Ed Heffern, ‘Wagon Wheel’, Old Crow Medicine Show.

Matt Potter, ‘I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight’, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Roland Peterson, ‘Green Rocky Road’, arr. Dave Van Ronk.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Outside Looking In’, Tim O’Brien.

Ken Frederick, ‘Here, There, and Everywhere’, Beatles.

Rich Ryan, ‘Where Are You Going?’, Dave Matthews.

Group, ‘Walk Right In’, The Rooftop Singers. (maybe)

Ed, ‘Sweet Baby James’, James Taylor.

Matt, ‘My Sweet Lady’, John Denver.

Roland, ‘Ridin’ Down the Canyon’, Autry-Burnett.

Steve, ‘Georgia Mules & Country Boys’, Felice & Bordeleaux Bryant.

Ken, ‘Dirty Bird’, original.

Rich, ‘Operator’, Jim Croce.

Ed, ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’, Rogers & Hammerstein.

Matt, ‘Night Rider’s Lament’, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Steve, ‘Saginaw Michigan’, Bill Anderson/Donald Choate.

Ken, ‘In My Life’, Beatles.

Rich, ‘Plush’, Stone Temple Pilots.

Thanks to Nancy and Steve for content, and Nancy for photos this month.

Back up in the library’s Sunflower Room this month, where the view is spectacular and the acoustics are even better!

Long time no see to Jordan Evans, who started us off tonight. Also Matt and Ed haven’t joined us for a bit, so good to see them back as well. For a group song, we took a crack at Solomon Linda’s ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, and it turned out pretty good , once everybody got the hang of it. Of note, Roger pulled off a successful key change in one of his tunes...I was certainly impressed. Russ whistled one for us; he’s got some skills! No dogs were hurt during the making of his tune.

Going down a musical rabbit hole here. I thought ‘What Am I Doing Hanging ‘Round?’ was a Michael Nesmith song; it was one of his big moments in the Monkees. I knew he was a song writer, and guessed that was one of his. NOPE! That was written by Michael (got that part right) Martin Murphy. Then a couple songs later, Rich played ‘Different Drum’, a pretty successful hit for the Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt. Which IS a Michael Nesmith song. Sort of like running into someone from your neighborhood half way around the world.

Thanks to our photographers this month, Rich Ryan and Nancy McKenzie. I couldn’t do this without youz guyz!!!

Playlist for June 2025

Jordan Evans, ‘The Bullfighter’, Luke Bell.

Roger Stearns, ‘Seven Spanish Angels’, Willie Nelson.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Secrets fo the Waterfall’, Charlie Waller.

Russ Williams, ‘Afro Cuban Lullaby’, arranged by Marshall & Parkening.

Keith Blaney, ‘What Am I Doing Hangin’ Round?’, Michael Martin Murphy.

Rich Ryan, ‘House on Pooh Corner’, Loggins & Messina.

Matt Potter, ‘This Old Guitar’, John Denver.

Ed Heffern, ‘Theme From Appalacian Spring’, Aaron Copeland (Shaker hymn)

Group, ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, Solomon Linda.

Jordan, ‘Quite Early Morning’, Pete Seeger.

Roger, ‘Sing Me Back Home’, Merle Haggard.

Steve, ‘Eighteen Wheels’, The Bluegrass Cardinals.

Russ, ‘A Gal In Calico’, Arthur Schwartz & Bo Robin.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Rockin’ With The Rhythm of the Rain, ‘ the Judds.

Rich, ‘Different Drum’, Michael Nesmith.

Matt, ‘Vegematic’, Steve Goodman.

Jordan, ‘Van Helsing Boombox’, Man Man.

Roger & Steve, ‘Devil Woman’, Marty Robbins.

Steve, ‘You Think You’ve Got Troubles’, Marvin Rainwater.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Irish Washerwoman’, traditional.

Matt, ‘Sam Stone’, John Prine.

Ed, ‘If I Had A Hammer’, Pete Seeger.