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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).

Unable to score a room at the library this month, we met at Westby’s Edge Brewing Company, downtown on 20th St. We’ve got another travel tip for you; no need to go to Vegas any time soon. As of today, we have our own One Armed Bandit! Our president, Ricardo Ryan, had rotator cuff surgery yesterday. You can pull on his left arm all you want, but the right one will be trussed up like a Christmas Goose for a couple months. Speedy recovery, Rich!

Welcome to Steve Gissendanner! Here is his tale of pure tenacity. He’s getting reacquainted with the six string geetar, and was looking for some folks that also play. His first lead took him to Russ Williams, currently visiting family in Chicago. Russ gave me his email so I could contact Steve for our next meeting, but the email bounced; I had something wrong. Steve was going on Russ’s advice, that we usually meet the first Tuesday around 6:30 at the library. (good advice, but I was surprised Russ actually knew the start time) Steve went to the library, but didn’t find us there. I’m not sure what happened next, but somehow he got Rich’s phone number and was able to catch up to us at Westby’s. Boys and girls, THAT is determination. We were missing a bunch of regulars that took a pass because we weren’t at the library… Well, long story even longer, WELCOME Steve! Hope to see you again soon.

We had a couple quick visitors. Suzanna Wahl (a friend of Rich’s) stuck around for a couple songs; my guess is that was plenty. Then Edith Cook dropped by on her way from Saratoga to Ft. Collins. She’s invited us all to her place for dinner sometime in August. RSVP, so she knows when to have it and how many mouths to feed. Just let me know and I’ll pass along the contact info for y’all to make arrangements.

Photo credits this month all to Rich Ryan.

Playlist for May 2024

Ken Frederick, ‘Scarborough Fair’, Simon & Garfunkel.

Keith Blaney, ‘The Big Empty’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Can He Love You Half As Much As Me’, Ray Stevens.

Rich Ryan, ‘My Father’s Pancreas’ I mean, ‘Eyes’, Eric Clapton.

Steve Gissendanner, ‘Somewhere Between’, Merle Haggard.

Group Song, ‘Take It To The Limit’, Randy Meiser.

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

Keith, ‘Confused’, original.

Steve, ‘Pray For Rain’, John Lowell.

Rich, ‘Kodachrome’, Paul Simon.

Steve G., ‘He’ll Have To Go’, Jim Reeves.

Ken, ‘Heart of the Country’, Paul McCartney.

Keith, ‘That’s the Way that the World Goes ‘Round’, John Prine.

Steve, ‘Hayseed Suede’, Leo Kottke.

Rich, ‘Long Haired Country Boy’, Charlie Daniels.

Steve G., ‘On the Other Hand’, Randy Travis.

Ken, ‘This Boy’, the Beatles.

Keith, ‘Fifty Cents’, anonymous.

Steve, ‘Things’, Bobby Darin.

Rich, ‘More Than Words’, Extreme.

As most of you know by now, I just sprinkle in a wee bit of truth into these naratives for flavor. But like a short order cook, I don’t go too crazy with that spice. This month will be worse than normal, as I wasn’t at the meeting. Suffice it to say, if I were Pinocchio, they could see my nose growing from the Space Shuttle this month.

A big Cheyoming Geetar Sosighity welcome to Sulaiman and Jill Zai, who drove up from Parker to join us. Sulaiman, from Afganistan met Jill, from Australia, in Indiana where they both worked at Indiana University at their school of music. Which begs the question, does Jill play violin or fiddle? IU’s Jacob School of Music is renowned, so I’d guess it’s a violin. But then, Bean Blossom is just a few miles down the pike, so maybe it’s a fiddle. Only way to be sure; did anyone notice if it had strings? or straaaaannnggsss? Regardless, it was great to have them and hear their wonderful music. If you’d like to hear more, they are having a recital April 29th, 7pm, at the United Methodist Church in Boulder.

Always good to see and hear Remy. He had a great story to share from boot camp days. Just before inspection, his shaving cream went off in his foot locker, earning him a week of washing windows. Ah, sweet memories…

Playlist for April 2024

Gary Krause, ‘Nine Times Blue’, Michael Nesmith

Steve Gilmore, ‘Pray For Rain’, John Lowell

Rich Ryan, ‘From the Beginning’, Greg Lake

Sulaiman Zai, ‘The Hawk’, original

Remy Abeyta, ‘Someday Soon’, Moe Bandy

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Amazing Grace’, John Newton

Gary, ‘Arms of Mary’, Everly Brothers

Steve, ‘Last Steam Engine Train’, Sam McGhee

Rich, ‘We Just Disagree’, Dave Mason

Sulaiman, ‘Solea Flamenco’, improv.

Sulaiman & Jill, ‘Addio’, original

Remy, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, Connie Frances

Nancy, ‘Old Joe Clark’, U.S. folk song

Gary, ‘Smile a Little Smile’, Tony Macaulay & Jeff Stephens

Steve, ‘The Orange Room’, Leo Kottke

Rich, ‘Blues Etude’, Keb Mo

Remy, ‘Stardust’, Hoagy Carmichael

Nancy, ‘Sally Goodin’, old time fiddle tune

Gary, ‘Coming Home’, original

Sulaiman, ‘Greensleeves’ traditional English folk song

When I go to accept my Pulitzer Prize for Literature for this, I’ll thank Nancy for keeping the notes, Rich, Nancy, and Remy for photos, and Bill Greener for the total eclipse pic. And Jill & Sulaiman, we hope you’ll make the drive and join us again!

T’was but a wee group of Irish lads and lasses for our meeting this month, held on the 5th of March at the library. Well, not everyone was Irish, but you can tell by the playlist we were getting ready for the day that everyone is…

Welcome to Rob Fogelson. We played a rotten trick on him, and made him start us off. We’ll have to see if he comes back again. Rob is new to Cheyenne, and a great addition I might add.

Leah came back, toting a guitar this time instead of a viola. Anybody have an extra guitar case out there? I think she needs a dreadnaught size case for that Fender of hers; gives us all the heebie jeebies for that critter to be so exposed.

Welcome back Linda Norby! Always a treat to hear her sing, along with making David better looking to boot. They really make a great duet for David’s unusual tunes. Not unusual in a bad way, just ones we haven’t heard in awhile…

All my normal photographers were missing in action this month; thank goodness Leah was there to help me out. Next month we hope to be back at full strength.

Playlist for March 2024

Rob Fogelsong/Steve Gilmore, ‘Don’t Think Twice’, Bob Dylan, Jerry Reed arrangement.

Ed Heffern, ‘Star of the County Down’, traditional.

Keith Blaney, ‘Seymore & Irmagard’, original.

Linda & David Norby, ‘Crossroads’, Don McLean.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Colleen Malone’, Pete Gobles.

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

Rob, ‘The Claw’, Jerry Reed.

Ed, ‘Molly Malone’, traditional.

Leah Bratton, ‘Take a Stick of Bamboo’, Peter Paul & Mary.

Keith, ‘My Road’, original.

Linda & David, ‘Keep Your Heart Young’, Brandi Carlise.

Steve, ‘Dress Rehearsal’, Judy Adams.

Roger, ‘Seminole Wind’, Jon Anderson.

Rob, ‘Here, There, and Everywhere’, The Beatles.

Ed, ‘Whiskey In The Jar’, traditional.

Keith, ‘Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?’, George L. Geifer.

David, ‘Listen People’, Herman’s Hermits.

Steve, ‘Bricks’, Mike Cross.

Roger, ‘Bob Wills is Still the King’, Waylon Jennings.

Rob, ‘Little Wing’, Jimi Hendrix.

We managed to get a room back in the library on Feb 6th this month, and our attendance improved. For the most part, it was the usual suspects. Biggest difference was Ed Heffern brought a banjo! We told him that we’d have to double his annual dues, but he didn’t seem to mind and paid up on the spot. We’re glad he did, too! Though he’s only been playing for about month, he’s doing a great job with his new instrument.

Other non-six string instruments tonight included Gary’s carbon fiber ukelele and Nancy’s fancy mandolin. Other musical treats included vocals by both Remy and Russ. Roger bravely tackled a couple Marty Robbins tunes, and as usual David scrounged up some stuff we haven’t heard in 30 years or so.

Our annual Valentine’s soiree was on the 14th, at Laramie County Community College, with an even 100 folks partaking in dinner and a few more at the concert. Lovro Peretić wowed us with his skills. From Zagreb (Croatia), Lovro won the 2022 Rose Augustine Grand Prize at the Guitar Foundation of America’s annual international competition. During the day, he gave a master class for four students from Jason Olson’s class at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. It is truly impressive to watch these brave souls present their hard work and have it disected by one of the best classical players on the planet. Always educational, even for us non-classical players.

Playlist for February 2024

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

Remy Abeyta, ‘Company Comin’, Porter Wagner.

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Tell Me Ma/John Ryan’s Polka’, traditional.

Rich Ryan, ‘Something in the Way She Moves’, James Taylor.

Gary Krause, ‘Three Little Birds’, Bob Marley.

Russ Williams, ‘Sarabande’, Pachebel’s Lute Suite.

Roger Stearns, ‘El Paso’, Marty Robbins.

Ed Heffern, ‘I’ll Fly Away’, Albert Bromley.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Let Me Love You One More Time’, Carter Stanley.

David Norby, ‘I Got Mexico’, Eddy Raven.

Roland, ‘Arkansas Traveler’, arrangement by Scott Nygaard.

Remy, ‘Colonel Bogey’, F.J. Ricketts. (from ‘Bridge Over the River Kwai’)

Keith, ‘Elmer’, original.

Rich, ‘Cinnamon Girl’, Neil Young.

Gary, ‘The Water Is Wide’, unknown.

Russ, ‘As Time Goes By’, Herman Hupfeld.

Roger, ‘Devil Woman’, Marty Robbins.

Ed, ‘Sinner Man’, traditional spiritual.

Steve, ‘Blue Light’, John Hadley.

David, ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’, The Jackson 5.

Remy, ‘Pretend’, Nat King Cole.

Photo credits this month belong to Rich Ryan, Nancy McKenzie, and Remy Abeyta.

We held our first meeting of the new year on January 2nd at Westby’s Brew Pub downtown, on 20th St. Had a nice room to ourselves, easy walking distance to the bar, a pretty sweet set-up. I’d say the only drawback was the lighting in the room made photography tricky, so thanks to Rich and Nancy for their efforts.

We had a few residual Christmas tunes, which was nice. This meeting, after all, is always closer to Christmas than the one in early December. Gary treated us with tunes from both his mountain dulcimer and one of his ukelele’s; I think it was a baritone. Steve and Roger teamed up, as well as Nancy and Keith. Good music all around!

Our guests tonight were Maria Means and Linda Stearns. Remember, there is still time to get your membership in! $25 gets you a whole year of fabulous content, just pay Steve. Also, a reminder that our annual Valentines Dinner soiree is soon approaching, should you wish to attend that. We’ll be out at the Laramie County Community College again this year, in the Surbrug/Prentice Auditorium for the concert, and a short walk to the dinner. Russ Williams can tell you more and get you tickets for that event. You can give me a ping for contact information for either of these gentlemen.

Playlist for January 2024

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Adeste Fideles’ (Oh Come All Ye Faithful), John Francis Wade.

Russ Williams, ‘Etude Moderne’, unlisted composer.

Gary Krause, ‘Nutfactory Shuffle’, Gil Anderson.

Ken Frederick, ‘The Long and Winding Road’, Lennon/McCartney.

Roger Stearns/Steve Gilmore, ‘Lonesome Blues’, Hank Williams.

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

Rich Ryan, ‘Oh Holy Night’, traditional.

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

Russ, ‘Sarabonde-suite in A minor’, Ponce.

Gary, ‘Song For A Winter’s Night’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Ken, ‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer’, Lennon/McCartney.

Roger lead the group, ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’, John Denver.

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

Keith, ‘Karaoke Queen’, original.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Act Naturally’, Buck Owens.

Russ, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, words by Robert Burns.

Gary, ‘Love Is All Around’, The Troggs.

Ken,’Michelle’, Lennon/McCartney.

Roger, ‘On & On’, Bill Monroe.

Steve, ‘Hold On’, traditional spiritual.

Rich, ‘Everybody’s Talkin’, Fred Neil.

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

We were nice and cozy in the library’s third floor Windflower Room on December 5th. So cozy, in fact, if one more person showed up someone would have to sit on somebody’s lap. No worries tho’, it worked out just fine.

Our MVP tonight was Barb Williams, the bringer of two plates of cookies! I don’t think any cookies made it back to her, in fact I think someone ate one of the plates as well. Welcome to Leah Bratton, bringer of viola music. That’s a first for guitar society, to my knowledge, and a welcomed addition indeed. She instantly fit right in. Leah and Nancy teamed up for some great Christmas carols. Leah says she’ll be back with a guitar next time. The viola is always welcome to join us as well, it was greatly appreciated.

Ed and Judy were on a trip along the Appalacian Trail in the fall, and managed to stop by and visit with Rick and Cathy Memmel in Delaware. The Memmel’s said hi, wished everybody Happy Holidays, and if you stop by Rick will give you a free guitar.

Other collaborations tonight were Roger and Steve, and Nancy and Keith. Roger also played us a singalong,’ Fire on the Mountain’ by Marshal Tucker. Photos by Remy and Nancy, cookies by Barb. Did I mention Barb brought cookies?

Playlist for December 2023

Ernie Brazzale, ‘Pavanne for Silent Night’, Maurice Ravel.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Let It Snow’, Sammy Cahn & Ralph Blane.

Nancy McKenzie & Leah Bratton, ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’, traditional French carol.

Roland Peterson, ‘If Santa Claus Could Bring You Back to Me’, Ted West & Hugh Cross.

Gary Krause, ‘It’s Christmas’, original.

Roger Stearns, ‘Angels We Have Heard On High’, French song w/ lyrics by James Chadwick.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, Caribean carol.

Ken Frederick, ‘Pearl Harbor Day’, original.

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

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

Ed Heffern, ‘Come Weal, Come Woe’, John Foley, S.J.

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

Remy, ‘Riding My Thumb to Mexico’, Johnny Rodriquez.

Leah & Nancy, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’, traditional English carol.

Roland Peterson, ‘I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day’, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Roger Stearns, ‘Mary Did You Know’, Mark Lawry & Buddy Greene.

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

Ken Frederick, ‘Classical Gas’, Mason Williams.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg.

Russ, ‘Blott en Dag (Merely a Day), Oscar Ahnfelt.

Ed Heffern, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, Bobby Helms.

Ernie, ‘Pavanne’, Maurice Ravel.

Remy, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’, Brenda Lee.

Nancy & Leah, ‘What Child is This?’ traditional tune w/lyrics by William Chatterton Dix.

Roger, ‘Fire On The Mountain’, Marshal Tucker.

Ken, ‘Bouree’, J.S. Bach.

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

Our November 7th meeting was held at Justin and Kristy’s new place, up on the north side of town. Nice venue that was perfect for our crowd, along with fresh baked treats. Thanks Kristy, Kathy, and Nico!

Welcome to Tyler and Kelsie Brown, friends and neighbors of the Johnson’s. Tyler played some bluegrass tunes with some style! Kelsie brought her mandolin, but was shy at first about playing in public. She finally did, and did a great job of it as well! It’s really tough to play solo in front of other pickers; I’ve got mad respect for anyone willing to brave it.

Meeting at the Johnson’s is about the only time we get to hear them sing and play. We also got to meet Kathy, Kristy’s mom. Nico not only joined us for the whole meeting, he also helped everyone bring in their gear. He’ll be running a valet service and park our cars once he puts on a few more inches.

We did a loop around the room, then took a snack break. On the second lap we all joined Ernie on ‘Minnie the Moocher’ for an impromptu group song. Then Nancy and Keith had everybody sing along on ‘Hey Good Lookin’. Fun night! Photo credits go to Russ, Nancy, and Rich. Also joining us tonight was Maria Means. Oh, Nico wants to remind you, NOT COEN (his brother). Nora had a rough day and had already sacked out for the evening.

Events

On Friday, November 17th, High Plains Tradition will give a concert at the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium on the LCCC campus. Concert starts at 7:30, tickets are $20 at the door. Steve Gilmore plays guitar for this international bluegrass group… you know Steve, right? They put on a great show, so get out there this Friday night if you can.

Just a reminder; dues are $25 a year, so next month is a good opportunity to pony up for 2024. Sheesh, this year went fast…

Playlist

Ernie Brazzale, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, Clarence Muse, Leon & Otis René. 1931.

Tyler Brown, ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’, Jeff Silbar/Larry Henley. Lee Greenwood’s version.

Justin & Kristy Johnson, ‘Dear August’, Noan Cyrus.

Russ Williams, ‘Miami’, Gerard Montrevil.

Keith Blaney & Nancy McKenzie, ‘Green Stamps’, Harvey Geller lyrics.

Ken Frederick, ‘Manor Lane’, original.

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

Ernie, ‘Minnie the Moocher’, Cab Calloway.

Tyler and Kelsie, ‘Freight Train’, Elizabeth Cotten.

Justin & Kristy, ‘Golden Embers’, Mandolin Orange/Watch House.

Russ Williams, ‘Prelude to Musigue De Salon’, Iznaola.

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

Ken, ‘420’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘In My Life’, Beatles.

Ernie, ‘Masquerade’, Leon Russell.

Tyler, ‘Just Load the Wagon’, Junior Sisk.

Justin, ‘Love’, Koe Wetzel.

Keith, ‘Fifty Cents’, traditional.

Ken, ‘Scorpius 300’, original.

Rich, ‘Never Going Back Again’, Lindsay Buckingham.