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We met in the library’s Cottonwood Room on the 6th. Plenty of room for more folks, just sayin… Always more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Steve shared an ‘echo’ song with us, called The Bear Song (we think). Just in case you’ve never been around a campfire, the player sings a line and the rest of the group sings it back to them. The other participation song was a ‘howl-along’ from Keith & Nancy. They offered up ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs. AHHWOOOO!!! Big fun.

If you’ve followed this rag for awhile, you may have noticed that I don’t tend to editorialize, but I just can’t help it today. I was at a Wal-Targ-Mart store today and the music playing was ‘Honey Pie, Honey Pie, Honey Honey Honey Pie’. That was it, over and over. Sheesh. Had a recent discussion with another song writer, and we both agreed that maybe one out of 10-15 songs we’ve written are worth fleshing out, and even fewer see the light of day. Then you hear something THIS BAD being played in public and it makes you want to take another look at your scrap pile. I repeat; SHEESH.

All photo credits, with the exception of Robin’s shot of Nancy’s Fancy Boots, are by Nancy this month.

2027 Valentine’s Soiree

Due to scheduling conflicts, the annual Valentine’s Dinner/Concert for 2027 has been cancelled. The catalyst for this cataclysmic catastrophe is the Super Bowl, also scheduled for February 14th. As beloved as our annual gathering has become, we’d be foolish to try to compete with the NFL’s season closer. Other dates were not available for the current GFA classical guitarist.

After nearly 30 years, Barb and Russ are turning over the reigns for the Valentine gathering. This Herculean task begins each year in the summer, with the venue, artist, menus, libations, (etc) being lined up and secured before they even begin to send out the invitations, set the tables and buy the roses. If you have ever been to one, you know just what a stellar job they have done putting on this magical evening. With the connections they have made over the years, we’re not sure who, if anyone, will be able to fill their shoes. Rumor has it, tho’, they have had a nibble. So let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Playlist for October 2026

Bill Kappele, ‘Ode to Chet’, Clint Black.

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

Keith Blaney, ‘Harvest Moon’, Neil Young.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Lucky Devil’, Carl Dobbins.

Roger Stearns, ‘Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose’, Dwight Yokum

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Rainbows At Night’, original.

Ed Heffern, ‘If It Hadn’t Been For Love’, Chris Stapleton.

Bill Kappele, ‘Biscuits’, Kacey Musgraves.

Roland Peterson, ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, George Harrison.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs.

Steve, ‘Bristlecone Pine’, Hugh Prestwood.

Roger, ‘The Last Thing On My Mind’, Tom Paxton.

Russ Williams, ‘Lullaby’, Andrew York.

Robin, ‘Turn My Heart Around’, original.

Ed, ‘Sweet Baby James’, James Taylor.

Bill, ‘Americana’,Moe Bandy.

Keith & Nancy, ‘Spooky’, Classic Five.

Steve, ‘Eighteen Wheels’, Bill Bolling.

Roger, ‘It Is Well With My Soul’, gospel tune.

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

Bill, ‘The Cody Rodeo’, Many Strings & Company.

Steve, ‘The Bear Song’ (echo song), who knows…

Roger & Steve, ‘When You Plant Your Field’, New Brass Revival.

This month’s meeting on September 1st was full of surprises. While we have met many times at First United Methodist Church, this was the first time we met in the sanctuary. While sitting in the pews, we took turns up front on the dias.

In the plus column, we got to watch the sun set through the stained glass windows. The acoustics were fantastic. Robin’s listening gizmo (that feeds directly into her hearing aids) wasn’t working, so to hear better she stayed close to the action. She was very sparkly this month, in honor of the recent passing of Dolly Parton. As a result, all of our pictures look better with Robin in them.

The other unexpected treat was the resident baby grand piano, and Ed graced us with a couple of tunes. He’s good with a guitar, but his real forte is the fortepiano. Thanks Ed, that was AWESOME!!!

Playlist for September 2026

Roger Stearns, ‘High On the Mountain’, Ola Belle Reed.

Steve Gilmore, ‘This Little Town’, John Lowell.

Keith Blaney, ‘ As Time Goes By’, F. Andre, W. Schwant, G. Kahn.

Bill Kappele, ‘Visitation’, Carrie Newcomer.

Ed Heffern on guitar, ‘Rainy Day People’, Gordon Lightfoot.

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

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Still’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Morning Has Broken’, Cat Stevens.

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

Steve, ‘Oh Mona’, Bob Wills.

Keith, ‘Dream A Little Dream’, Herman Hupfeld.

Bill, ‘Saturday Night’, Eagles.

Ed on piano, ‘Your Song’, Elton John.

Ken, ‘Here In My Heart’, original.

Robin, ‘Cookie Cutter Cowboy’, original.

Rich, ‘ The Times They Are A Changin’, Bob Dylan.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith, ‘Phffft, You Were Gone’, Lee Roberts.

Ed on piano, ‘Redwing’, traditional.

Bill, ‘Forever Ray’, Carrie Newcomer.

Other Stuff

Thanks to Rich and Nancy for their photos. And a big thanks to First United Methodist for allowing us to use their sanctuary this month.

CGS has a foundation through Laramie County Community College. We use some of the money to bring in guest artists, and some to award scholarships. Niyla was our first taker, and wrote us this:

Remy has shared a few tunes with us. Also, Sulaiman Zai is leading a group in Denver and has invited us to participate. Look for these in seperate mailings, as I’m not clever enough to include them here…

Following a long stretch of 90* plus days, it dropped into the 60’s for our picnic on Tuesday, then shot back up into another heat wave the very next day. Thanks to Steve and Judy Gilmore for hosting, grilling, and providing some warm clothes for some of us that weren’t ready for the fickle weather.

Sadly, we didn’t get many pictures of folks during the food/socializing portion of the festivies. Steve manned the grill while Judy kept an eye on the side dishes and fightin’ tools inside. I don’t think anybody went hungry! Good stuff, everyone. Thank you.

As is customary with our annual soiree, the food and socializing take center stage, while the musical portion is later in the evening, and shall we say, a bit ‘disheveled’, to put it politely.

Had some new faces this month, and a few others we haven’t seen in awhile. Welcome to Sarah Brown and Keith Ockinga. Sarah is part of the Jordan /Olivia Evans contingent, while Keith is Nancy’s brother, believe it or not. Welcome back to Rusty Collicott and Pete Piotrowski; good to see y’all!

There is no circle, we don’t go ’round, per se, just take turns as folks are ready. But there were a couple of fun things happen, worth ‘splainin’, Lucy…

Olivia has joined us before with her violin, but tonight she just brought Jordan and Sarah. For her summer recital, she was working on a hard piece, but was leaning toward performing a much simpler tune she had picked out. Sarah threw down the gauntlet; play the tougher song! Olivia had a counter-offer. OK, I’ll do it if YOU will sing in public. Sarah and Jordan kicked off the musical portion of the evening with ‘Wanton Way of Loving’ by Esther Rose. Once Sarah got passed her nerves, she rocked it out of the park. Too bad they couldn’t stay longer, but Jordan needs his beauty sleep so they had to hit the dusty trail.

The sun had set and the lights were low, making it hard to read sheet music. Matt’s selection of Johnny Cash’s ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ was tough sledding in the dark, and gave us all (especially Matt) the giggles.

Playlist for August, 2026

Jordan Evans & Sarah Brown, ‘Wanton Way of Love’, Esther Rose.

Keith Ockinga w/Rusty & Nancy, ‘Long Hard Road’, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Ernie Brazzale & Nancy, ‘God Bless The Child’, Arthur Herzog/Billie Holliday.

Matt Potter, ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’, Johnny Cash.

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Cat Eye Country’, original.

Russ Williams, ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head’, Hal David/Burt Bacharach.

Roger Stearns, ‘Fast As You’, Dwight Yocum.

Ed Heffern, ‘If It Hadn’t Been For Love’, Chris Stapleton/ Steel Drivers.

Keith Blaney, ‘Girl From Ipanema’, Antonio Jobim/Vivicius de Maues.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Billy Austin’, Steve Earle.

Rusty Collicott, ‘Tin Roof’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Drift Away’, Dobie Gray.

Pete Piatrowski, ‘Collide’, Howie Day.

Roger w/ Steve on stand-up bass, ‘Ramblin’ Fever’, Merle Haggard.

Guests tonight were Kathleen & Roland Peterson, Judy Heffern, Barb Williams, Linda Stearns, Ken Frederick & Maria Means, Norm LeBlanc, and Olivia Evans.

Photo credits go to Matt Potter, Rich Ryan, and Nancy McKenzie. Thanks guys! And thanks again to the Gilmore’s, it was a great evening.

You’ve all heard of a Baker’s Dozen, right? Well, our meeting on the 7th had the ‘Long Drive Home From the Donut Shop’ Dozen. Depending on how far the drive was, only 10 or 11 donuts survive the trip. Still, a pretty good summertime turn-out.

We had two regulars turned guests tonight, Russ and Gary. Russ was recovering from the beating he received after pushing Barb off their sailboat; that’s the story I’m going with. Gary brought one of ukes’, but it either wasn’t cooperating or it was on strike. Local 12, Villians Thieves and Scoundrels Union; again, my best guess.

Our photojournalist this month was Rich Ryan. He’d like that to be his title now, instead of Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. Nancy also sent shots that I must have put somewhere safe. If she can resend them before I’m ready to publish this pack of lies, she too can be a photojournalist this month! Nancy plays the summer Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays from 3-6, then has to strike her sound gear and awning. So she really has to hustle to get to Guitar Society before we fold up OUR tent. If I flubbed the photos she took, I am truly sorry.

Playlist for July 2026

Tom Downey, ‘Better Days’, original.

Keith Blaney, ‘Cheyoming Front-Rear Daze’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Bluelight’, Jimmy Hadley.

Roger Stearns, ‘The Way I Am’, Merle Haggard.

Bill Kappele, ‘Halley Came to Jackson’, Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Roland Peterson, ‘Hey Hey’, Big Bill Broonzy.

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

Rich Ryan, ‘Blues Riff’, sort of original.

Tom, ‘Mirage’, original.

Keith, ‘Empty Saddlebags’, original.

Steve, ‘Lonesome Whistle Blues’, Hank Williams.

Roger, ‘All Over Again’, Martin Gilmore.

Bill, ‘Une Maison Après La Mienne’, Veronique Sanson.

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

Matt, ‘Please Come to Boston’, Dave Loggins.

Tom, ‘Original’, original.

Nancy McKenzie, Keith, and Tom ‘Jingle Jangle Jingle’ (I Got Spurs), F. Loesser/J. Lilley.

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

Bill, ‘Across The Great Divide’, Kate Wolf.

Matt, ‘Let’s Put The Western Back in the Country’, Joni Harms.

We were up in the Sunflower Room on the 3rd floor this month, instead of scaring patrons away with our caterwaulin’ in the Cottonwood Room by the front door. Long time no see to our friend Ernie (aka Minnie the Moocher)

Lots of original tunes and collaborations this month. Tom brought some harmonica’s along, and we just about wore him out asking him to join our tunes around the room.

Our ‘going around the room playing one at a time’ style of playing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I thought I’d pass along some other sessions that happen around town.

There’s a Bluegrass Jam in the Library’s Willow Room on the SECOND Saturday every month, from 1-3pm. Everybody plays, and they take turns with calling out songs and solos (should you be so inclined). Banjos, mandos, even the occasional stand up bass show up, along with geetars.

At the Lincoln Theater on Central, they have Open Mic Night every Thursday, starting around 7pm. I hear you can sign up, play up to three tunes, and jam with other folks if you want.

The Senior Center on East Pershing has just started a weekly jam on Wednesday mornings at 9am. The tune and chords are projected on a screen, everybody plays and sings along as they are able. This is a great way to learn new tunes, and even though less than a month in is drawing a good crowd.

Then there’s the Sunday jam at the Bunkhouse, out on Happy Jack Road. They start around 1pm. Again, everybody (that wants to) plays, takes a lick, etc. Everyone is welcome.

I’m sure there are others out there, but if you’d like more info on any of these give me a ping and I’ll put you in touch with someone that knows the ropes.

Playlist for June 2026

Tom Downey, ‘Brother In Arms’, Dire Straits.

Keith Blaney, ‘Confused’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘OverKill’, Colin Hay.

Ernie Brazzale, ‘Minnie the Moocher’, Cab Calloway.

Roger Stearns, ‘Long Gone Lonesome Blues’, Hank Williams.

Matt Potter, ‘Remembering’, Ashley Campbell.

Ken Frederick, ‘Happy Birthday To Me’, original.

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Daddy of ‘Em All’, original.

Bill Kappele & Gary Kraus, ‘Til You Can’t’, Cody Johnson.

Jordan Evans, ‘Mick and Joe’, Chris Acker.

Ed Heffern, ‘Don Quixote’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Please Don’t Bury Me’, John Prine.

Tom, ‘Minor Swing in D’, original (maybe).

Keith, ‘The Big Empty’, original.

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

Rich, ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, Pete Townsend/The Who.

Ernie, ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’, George & Ira Gershwin.

Roger, ‘Don’t Rock The Jukebox’, Alan Jackson.

Matt, ‘Hurt’, Trent Reznor (Johnny Cash cover)

Ken, ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, George Harrison.

Robin, ‘Boots on a Fence Post’, original.

Bill & Gary, ‘Guardian Angels & Spirit Guides’, Gary original.

Jordan, ‘Creep’, Radiohead.

Ed, ‘In My Life’, Beatles.

Steve, ‘Zen Gospel Singing’, (acappella), Mark Graham.

In case you didn’t notice, LOTS of great pictures this month! Muchos Gracias to Nancy and Jordan; this would be pretty flat and boring without our photo journalists.

On Cinco Today-O, I think we had our biggest snowfall of the year (so far) About a dozen souls braved the weather and shared some tunes. Ken honored the occasion with one of his originals, ‘Watching the Snow Melt’.

Olivia has been here before as our guest, but this time brought her fiddle along. Fearless and quite proficient, she’s already got some chops on her 3/4 sized instrument. Come back any time, we love to hear you play! Bring Dad, too.

Nancy brought a banjo for the first time. Rumor has it she just had one, but after the rear window broke out of her Subaru, she now has a half dozen banjos to chose from. She needs to get that rear window replaced before she needs a bigger place.

Thanks to Nancy and Rich for this month’s photos. These newsletters would suck rocks without them.

Playlist for May 2026

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Oh Suzanna’, Stephen Foster.

Dave Stephenson, ‘Let’s Fall To Pieces Together’, George Strait.

Ken Frederick, ‘Watching the Snow Melt’, original.

Olivia & Jordan Evans, ‘Ashokan Farewell’, Jay Ungar.

Rich Ryan, ‘We Just Disagree’, Jim Krueger (Dave Mason tribute)

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Bar Diving’, original.

Roger Stearns, ‘Last Thing On My Mind’, Tom Paxton.

Russ Williams, ‘Study in A major’, Carassi.

Keith & Nancy, ‘Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms’, traditional American song.

Dave Stephenson, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’, George Bennard.

Ken, ‘Cancion De Pasta Primavera’, original.

Jordan & Olivia, ‘Skye Boat Song/Minstrel Boy/McPherson’s Lament’, traditional Celtic tunes.

Rich, ‘These Days’, Dan Fogelberg.

Robin, ‘Dirt Don’t Lie’, original.

Roger, ‘Burn One Down’, Clint Black.

Russ, ‘That’s Life’, Dean Kay/Kelly Gordon.

Nancy & Keith, ‘In The Jailhouse Now’, Davis & Stafford (1915)

Ken, ‘I Will’, Lennon/McCartney.

Olivia, ‘Irish Washerwomen’, Irish Jig.

Jordan, ‘Vampire Weekend’, Hanna Hunt.

Rich, ‘Better Man’, Clint Black.

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

Russ, ‘L’ttyne a Amour’, Maguerite Monnat/Roland Oyans. (best guess)

Back in the library’s Cottonwood Room, a baker’s dozen fools rushed in to share some tunes. A warm welcome to Colton and his designated driver/mom, Sarah. Colton is just learning to play the guitar and came to check us out. Nancy also invited them to the bluegrass jam that upcoming Saturday, where everybody plays on every tune. Let’s hope that works for Colton and gets him motivated to learn that six stringed orchestra.

Very nice to see Justin and Kristy! Although Kristy didn’t sing for us (sad emoji goes here) I think we twisted her arm sufficiently that she’ll make amends next time they come. Always welcome! You too, Justin…

Rich had us running anti-clockwise tonight, which put poor Ken at the back of the pack, which seems to be his lot in life most meetings. Rich also made us quite nervous, as his first song after our NASCAR start was Country Joe McDonald’s ‘I’m Fixin’ To Die Rag’. Thankfully, Rich modified the opening ‘What’s that spell?’ to Swahili, so no one was offended.

Robin brought a cool little gizmo that we got to pass around. It’s a little transmitter, about the size of a thumb drive, that feeds directly into her hearing aid gizmos. Some of us clipped it directly to our lapels, while others paid a modest rental fee to Matt and clipped it to his music stand (check is in the mail, buddy). So Robin was able to hear ALL of us clearly, instead of just the folks sitting next to her. This (apparently) brought her great joy. ‘Tis a most excellent, unobtrusive little gizmo.,

At the top of the post, there’s Steve’s new (to us) Gretsch from the ’30’s that he got in the ’80’s that’s been in his family since the ’50’s. Then there’s Roger’s new guitar, probably made last year that showed up last week. A Collings mahogany, no less. I have to sneak in acquisitions like that, (What? this old thing?), but Linda seems ok with that.

As this is our April Fool’s edition, I’ll take this opportunity to explain myself to folks that are new to the group. In the BODY of the newsletter, I inject as much misinformation as possible; I am prone to lieing, obfuscation, misdirection, Stretch Armstronging, and any other skulduggery I can cook up. However, in the PLAYLIST, I try to be as accurate as your penmanship allows. That is, after all, what actually happened.

Photos for tonight’s soiree were provided by Nancy and Rich. Linda, Kristy, Sarah, Colton, and one other fella were our guests (sorry din’t catch your name)

Playlist for April 2026

Matt Potter, ‘Gentle On My Mind’, John Hartford.

Ken Frederick,’Dad Gun It’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘I’m Fixin’ To Die Rag’, Country Joe McDonald.

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Straight Shooter’, original.

Gary Krause & Bill Kappele, ‘Sunset Lullaby’, a Gary Krause original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Oh Mona’, Bob Wills.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Carolina In The Pines’, Michael Martin Murphy

Justin Johnson, ‘Operator’, Jim Croce.

Roger Stearns, ‘Devil Woman’, Marty Robbins.

Matt, ‘I Can’t Even Walk’, Colbert & Joyce Crofts.

Ken, ‘Is There Anybody Out There?/ Because ‘, Pink Floyd / Beetles.

Rich, ‘Joy To The World’, Hoyt Axton.

Robin, ‘Grit Like This’, original.

Gary, ‘Beautiful Eyes’, original.

Bill, ‘Don Quixote’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Steve, ‘Carry Me Across The Mountain’, John Pennell.

Keith, ‘America’, Paul Simon.

Justin, ‘Butterfly’, Jon Batiste.

Roger/group help, ‘Runaway’, Del Shannon.

Matt, ‘Hanging Me Tonight’, Marty Robbins.

Ken, ‘420’, original.

Robin, ‘Learn Lonely’, original.

Gary, ‘Friends of the Sea’, original.

Bill, ‘Geodes’, Carrie Newcomer.

A bakers’ dozen of hooligans gathered in the library’s Cottonwood Room for our March meeting. Plenty of Irish tunes offered up this month, as is our custom.

Tip of the cap to Dave Stephenson, who braved playing in public for the first time. He learned, as the rest of us know all too well, that playing on your sofa with a dog for an audience is much easier than a public performance for other guitar players… He hung in there, tho’. Cudo’s to you sir.

T’was a new musical collaboration between two of our Irish fella’s, Matt and Ed. I’m not real sure about the first song they played (where the group was invited to sing along) but they were all of Irish origins.

Our guest tonight was Jordan’s designated driver and daughter, Olivia. Rumor has it she might sing with us next time with a suitable bribe. We might sneak a picture of her next time, but she was a bit shy tonight. All photos this month were by another Irish import, Nancy McKenzie.

Next month we’ll give up our Irish status and become Fools. T’will be a very short trip for most of us…

Playlist for March 2026

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Whiskey ‘Fore Breakfast’, traditional fiddle tune.

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

Dave Stephenson, ‘Holy Holy Holy’, Reginald Heber.

Gary Krause & Bill Kappele, ‘The Gathering of Spirits’, Connie Newcomer.

Robin LeBlanc, ‘Broken Star’, original.

Jordan Evans, ‘The Mountain’, Steve Earle.

Roland Peterson, ‘Windy and Warm’, John B. Laudermilk.

Matt Potter & Ed Heffern, ‘ (can’t read) & Little Beggarman’, traditional Irish folk tunes.

Ken Frederick, ‘Irish Thing-A-Ma-Jig’, original.

Keith & Nancy, ‘I’ll Tell Me Ma, John Ryan’s Polka’, traditional Irish tunes.

Roger & Steve, ‘Long Gone Lonesome Blues’, Hank Williams.

Steve, ‘Bricks’, Mike Cross.

Gary, ‘The Circle of Love’, The Seekers.

Bill, ‘Home From the Forest’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Robin, ‘Open Bar Stool’, original.

Russ Williams, ‘A Gal in Calico’, Arthur Schwartz.

Jordan Evans, ‘Rock Me to Sleep’, Utah Phillips.

Roland, ‘ Green Green Rocky Road’, Dowe Van Ronk.

Matt & Ed, ‘Follow Me Up to Carlow’, Patrick McCall.

Ed & Matt, ‘Saint Brendan Had a Boat’, Brent Hoad (the Elders).

Ken, ‘When I’m 64’, Paul McCartney.

Roger & Steve, ‘Killing Time’, Clint Black.

Steve, ‘The Scotsman’, Mike Cross.

Bill, ‘Will James’, Ian Tyson.

One More Thing Before I Go

Brooks Hoover is giving youth guitar lessons. If you are interested, give me a ping and I’ll hook you up to make arrangements. Brooks is one of the best geetar pickers in town, for those of you who may not know him.

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.

¹

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.

1. ↩︎

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.