Drone footage for our upcoming National Public Radio special.
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.
On a Mountain Dulcimer, it’s important to keep your hand moving so it doesn’t get sucked into the black holes flanking the fretboard.
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!
Steve up front, Roger under the hat, Maria looking on.
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’s really much taller, but I’m squishing her down.
Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘Adeste Fideles’ (Oh Come All Ye Faithful), John Francis Wade.
The new kid, Leah Bratton, teaming up with Mandy and Nancy.
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.
Two of the kids requesting a hall pass from our door monitor, Remy.
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.
Mr. Ed
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.
Ed, Judy, Cathy, and Rick. Free guitar not pictured.
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
Looks like Ernie lost his glasses again.
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’s custom 3 string ukelele. Go on, I can SEE you counting them!
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.
Shakin’ out the last note of this classic Chet Atkins tune.
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.
A rare treat, Remy sang for us!
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.
Roland positioned himself for a quick exit.
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.
Ken uses the whole neck. Impressive!
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 with a sing-along
Roger, ‘Fire On The Mountain’, Marshal Tucker.
Ken, ‘Bouree’, J.S. Bach.
Keith, ‘Merry Christmas From the Family’, Robert Earl Keene.
Pretty sure that’s Bernie Sanders hiding behind the ficus. Rich in foreground
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.
Kelsie and Tyler. Yeah, I think I got the order right.
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.
Nico, Justin, Kristy, and Kathy. NOT Coen.
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
Looks (and song title) aside, Ernie did not fall out of his chair
David playing his heart out while Linda munches on a tin sandwich
T’was a fun group tonight, very relaxed atmosphere. Two of our classical guitarists, Russ and Edith came as guests to keep an eye on us steel string players. Well, Roland was there as well; he normally plays classical but lately has switched to the Dark Side.
We had a first! (as far as I know, but I’ve only been coming about 15 years). Linda Norby played the harmonica on one of their tunes, and did a mighty fine job of it too, I might add. Along with some great harmonies, she adds a whole ‘nuther level of talent (and humor) to our little group of musicians. Linda, you are always welcome, and keep bringing David with you. He always surprises us with song selections.
Russ listens in while our famous duo, ‘Men In Hats’, tears up a Hank Williams tune.
Other collaborations tonight (besides the Norby’s) were Steve and Roger, Nancy and Keith, and don’t forget Remy and his electronic backing track, putting us all to shame. Photo credits go to Rich Ryan, Remy Abeyta, and Nancy McKenzie.
Upcoming Events
There are some upcoming concerts to put on your calendar. On Tuesday October 24th, singer/songwriter John Lowell will be joined by cowboy storyteller Randy Reiman in the library’s Cottonwood Room. This concert is free, and starts at 6:30 pm.
Southeast Wyoming Concert Series is hosting two events in November. On Nov. 3rd, it will be ‘Yesterday Once More’, a Karen Carpenter tribute, featuring the actress and singer Joanne O’Brien. Concert starts at 7:30pm in the Central High School Auditorium, tickets $20 at the door.
On Nov. 17th, High Plains Tradition (Steve’s internationally acclaimed bluegrass group) will be playing at the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium on the LCCC campus. Concert 7:30pm, tickets $20 at the door.
Guitar Lesson #1. Learn how to hold the darned thing.
Playlist for October 2023
Steve Gilmore, ‘Let It Be Me’, Lennon/McCartney.
Roger Stearns, ‘I Can’t Help It If I Can’t Stop Loving You’, Hank Williams.
Rich Ryan, ‘Mrs. Robinson’, Paul Simon.
Good picture of Rich’s old Gibson
Keith Blaney, ‘Fish & Whistle’, John Prine.
David & Linda Norby, ‘America’, Paul Simon.
Roland Peterson, ‘Railroading on the Great Divide, Sara Carter.
You’d never guess we were playing the same tune!
Nancy McKenzie & Keith, ‘Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain’, Brent Mayer/Don Schlitz.
Remy Abeyta, ‘Return to Sender’, Elvis Presley.
Steve, ‘Travelin’ Blues’, Jimmie Rodgers.
Not sure why I used this good picture; I can’t think of anything to say about it.
Roger, ‘Dream’, Everly Brothers.
Rich, ‘Gimme Three Steps’, Ronnie VanZandt.
Keith, ‘Angel From Montgomery’, John Prine.
mmm, nom nom nom
David & Linda, ‘Hey, Baby’, Bruce Channel.
Nancy & Keith, ‘Never Ending Song For You’, Delaney & Bonnie.
Roland, ‘They’ll Never Take Her Love’, Leon Payne.
Case in foreground, extended warranty on music stand
Remy, ‘Red River Valley’, traditional, Gene Autry’s version.
Steve, ‘Curley Headed Woman’, Mark Graham.
Roger, ‘Bob Wills is Still the King’, Waylon Jennings.
You should have seen his SOCKS!
Rich, ‘From the Beginning’, Greg Lake.
David & Linda, ‘I Go to Pieces’, Peter & Gordon (Del Shannon).
As expected just after the holiday, our turn-out for the Sept. 5th meeting was ‘modest’, at best. No matter! We have more time for stories and socializing with a small group. Our chief cook and bottle washer, Rich Ryan, was in Baahhstahn MA (the phonetic spelling) getting those folks back in line. Which left yours truly to herd the cats this month. It went well; not that many, and very COOL cats.
Ken started our Day After Labor Day meeting with an original tune called Labor Day, oddly enough. David Norby brought his usual eclectic playlist of songs none of us have heard in 25 years or more, which is always a treat. Ed Heffern took us around the world with songs from Kentucky, Mexico, Ireland, and the Norwegian Woods, wherever they are.
This is Ed in his traveling shoes (not pictured)
Photo credits this month go to Remy Abeyta. Upcoming Event! John Lowell and cowboy story teller Randy Reiman will be giving a show at the library on Oct. 24th called ‘Music & Stories of the American West’. Starts at 6:30pm and admission is free, in the Cottonwood Room on the first floor.
Group picture, photobombed by Remy’s Telecaster
Playlist for September 2023
Ken Frederick, ‘Labor Day’, original.
Remy Abeyta, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree’, Tony Orlando and Dawn.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Silver & Clay’, John Lowell.
Some of Roger
Roger Stearns, ‘Seminole Wind’, Jon Anderson.
Ed Heffern, ‘Paradise’, John Prine.
Keith Blaney, ‘Big Rock Candy Mountain’, Woodie Guthrie.
Seventh Inning Stretch? No, that’s not right…
David Norby, ‘Seven Year Ache’, Rosanne Cash.
Ken, ‘New March 2016’, original.
Remy Abeyta, ‘South of the Border’, Gene Autry.
Rare photo of Steve playing a first position chord.
Steve, ‘Singin’ The Blues’, Guy Mitchell.
Roger Stearns, ‘I Used To Love Her’, Rolling Stones.
Ed Heffern, ‘Cielito Lindo’, traditional.
First Chair!
Keith, ‘Sheriff’s Only Daughter’, original.
David, ‘I Saw The Light’, Todd Rungdren.
Ken, ‘Kissing the Wind’, original.
Remy with his back-up band, ‘Lil’ Red and Big Black’.
Remy, ‘La Pecosita’, Lalo Elizalde.
Steve, ‘Flowers Are Red’, Harry Chapin.
Roger, ‘The Legend of Dan’, original.
Ed, ‘Norwegian Wood’, Beatles.
Keith, ‘Every Night’, Paul McCartney.
Our guest tonight, Mandy Lynn and her designated driver, Nancy McKenzie.
David, ‘Itchygoo Park’, Small Faces.
Remy, ‘Good Time Charlie’, Danny O’Keefe.
Steve, ‘Dress Rehearsal’, Jody Adams.
Roger, ‘Livin’ On Love’, Alan Jackson.
Ed Heffern, ‘Star of the County Down’, traditional.
Our very own paranormal poltergeist, Steve’s ghost appeared out of nowhere.
After a long string of 90* plus days, our August 1st picnic started out overcast and very cool. But the clouds broke, throwing long shadows as the sun set, resulting in some great photos by Rich and Nancy.
Thanks to Steve for manning the grill, and everyone that brought side dishes. Also a special thanks, and WELCOME to Linda Stearns, who brought several sides and many table covers. Really spiffed the joint up!
The Big Dog, one porch over from us.
Once we started playing, we ran in to some stiff competition from the nearby band shell. From a distance, it looked like the East High School Concert Band. They gave us a run for our money at times.
While Ed plays, the Stearns look on
Two things I enjoy most about the picnic are the great pictures, and the many guests we always have. Bret Ross, Brian Andreas, Linda Stearns, Maria Means, Barb Williams, and Judy Heffern. One fellow, Chad Lerwick out of Casper, just saw us setting up and getting guitars out, and asked if he could stick around to listen. Absolutely! and that he did.
Sing directly into the pole for maximum amplification.
It also brought out Gary Krause, whom we haven’t seen in awhile. He’s got a carbon fiber ukulele these days that is pretty cool.
You Can’t Roller-skate in a Buffalo Herd
Nancy was able to join us after a very busy Frontier Days. She played over a dozen gigs at six different venues. Woof. Notably absent was our friend Remy, who had his 85th birthday on the previous Sunday. His house was still full of friends and family, so he couldn’t sneak out on Tuesday. Happy Birthday, buddy!
Playlist for August 2023
Love the long shadows as we started
Steve Gilmore, ‘On the Outside Looking In’, Tim O’Brien.
Roger Stearns, ‘Dump That Chump’, Little Charlie & the Nightcats.
Keith Blaney, ‘I’m An Old Cowhand’, Johnny Mercer.
Favorite photo of the night! Maria and Ken
Ken Frederick, ‘All I’ve Got To Do’, the Beetles.
Justin Johnson, ‘Like a Stone’, Chris Cornell.
Justin, unplugged
Russ Williams, ‘Afro Cuban Lullaby’, Leo Brouwer.
Gary Krause, ‘Catch the Wind’, Donovan
Also favorite photo: Mandy Lynn and her back up singer.
Nancy McKenzie, ‘Sally Goodin’, traditional.
Ed Heffern, ‘Volcano’, Jimmy Buffet.
Rich concentrating so hard he didn’t notice the lights came on!
Rich Ryan, ‘Mellow Yellow’, Donovan.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Still Feeling Blue’, Gram Parsons.
Ken Frederick, ‘Here Comes the Sun’, George Harrison.
Thinks he’s on his motorcycle, and really leaning into it.
Keith Blaney, ‘Miss Celie’s Blues’, Quincy Jones/Rod Temperton.
Gary Krause, ‘Moonlight Bay’, Percy Wenrich.
Russ’s socks + Justin’s shoes= ONE ROCK STAR.
Russ Williams, ‘Windmills of Your Mind’, Michel LeGrand.
Nancy McKenzie, ‘The Girl I Left Behind Me’, English folk song.
Ed Heffern, ‘Song of Wyoming’, Kent Lewis.
Ed in the front, Chad in the back.
Roger Stearns, ‘Killing Time’, Clint Black.
Rich had a Clint Black tune as well, but it didn’t get listed.
Upcoming Events
On August 19th, High Plains Tradition will be playing for the Riverside Town party, starting about 5pm at their ‘fairground’. Riverside is just a touch north of Encampment, on State Road 230. High Plains Tradition plays the world over, and they really put on a great bluegrass show. Catch them when you can!
Capo on the 5th, D shape, sounds like an out of tune G…
We got together this month on Wednesday the 5th, because they wouldn’t let us in the building on Tuesday, the 4th of July. Something about a holiday.
Archive photo; they don’t let us in this room any more.
Only 7 butts in seats this month, which is typical for early summer meetings. They’re still fun; plenty of time to gas bag and get to know our regulars a little better (like Ken’s trip to Base Camp at Mt. Everest) Ed kicked us off with a Mark Knopfler tune. Originals by Keith and Ken, and some great duets by Roger and Steve. The first tune Roger played “All Over Again”, was one he liked from a compilation recording. When he played it out at The Bunkhouse the first time, Steve said, ‘You know, Martin (Gilmore) wrote that.’
Roger’s brought some great tunes the last few months.
Steve’s band, High Plains Tradition, will be playing at the Riverside Town Party (just north of Encampment) on August 19th, starting around 5pm. It’s a free concert, so catch it if you can.
Playlist for July 2023
Ed Heffern, ‘Sailing to Philadelphia’, Mark Knopfler.
Roland Peterson, ‘You’ll Always Have Someone’, Willie Nelson.
Ken’s picking’ pretty good with his recently shortened middle finger.
Ken Frederick, ‘Mixed Emotions’, original.
Keith Blaney, ‘Cheyoming Front Rear Daze’, original.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Sweet Allis Chalmers’, Jimmie Hadley.
Roger Stearns, ‘All Over Again’, Martin Gilmore.
Rich Ryan, ‘Operator’, Jim Croce.
Ed’s Standing Ovation. Just kidding, it’s a Martin.
Ed Heffern, ‘Rocky Top’, Felice & Boudeleaux Bryant.
Roland Peterson, ‘Don’t Be Angry’, Stonewall Jackson.
Ken, ‘July Rain, October Snow’, original.
As my manager used to say, ‘Play something you know!’
Keith, ‘As Time Goes By’, Herman Hupfeld.
Steve, ‘Old Cane Press’, American folk song.
Roger, ‘Run Away’, Del Shannon. (with audience help on the high stuff)
Rich, ‘Something in the Way She Moves’, James Taylor.
I’d swear I heard that shirt singing harmony
Ed, ‘I’m Not My Season’, Robin Pecknold/Fleet Foxes.
Ken, ‘Rocky Mountain Sweet’, original.
The tallest guitar player in High Plains Tradition
Steve, ‘Texas Hambone Blues’, Milton Brown.
Roger, ‘Don’t Rock the Jukebox’, Alan Jackson.
Rich took all the pictures (but no selfies) this month. Thanks Rich! Now, is that ‘Thanks Rich’ for taking pictures, or not taking selfies? YES!
Welcome to Abby Cook. Much better behaved than Rich Ryan, I might add.
You all know this, but occasionally I am compelled to remind you anyway. What you read here is NOT THE TRUTH. Well, that’s not exactly true, either. I try to be as accurate as possible with the play list, because that’s what happened. But the rest of it, not so much. You all can handle the truth, without a doubt, but I try not to let the truth mess up a good story. So let the lieing begin!!!
It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday!
We had visitors from all four corners of the compass this month. Paul came down from Wheatland, Steve came up from Greeley, Edith (and Abby) came over from Saratoga. Patrick Norby came all the way up from Florida, just to play with us! Our longest distance traveler this month was Steve Gilmore, from Ireland. Welcome to Sal Dabella! Hope you’ll join us again soon.
David, from rainy WYO, and Patrick from sunny FLA
We had great duets from all around the room. The Norby’s above, Keith and Nancy, and Roger and Steve. Quite an assortment of original tunes were also offered up. Wonderful classical performances as well. We got to enjoy some world class talent, and cookies from Edith, for free. Doesn’t get much better than that!
The secret to Steve’s success. Pretty sure I could play as well with socks like that.
Our friend, Marvelous Marvin Frerich, passed away mid May. We took a moment to remember our friend. He was born in 1939 in Clear Lake, Minnesota, amongst 7 brothers and sisters. He taught math and science in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Colorado, and managed to earn two masters degrees while working. He ended up teaching in Ghana, West Africa, during his stint with the Peace Corps. Then did remodeling and construction when he returned to Colorado, building two different homes for his family.
Marvin had just knocked off the Wells Fargo stage coach, during his road agent days.
Dementia finally took him, but we always enjoyed his company and sweet personality. During the last couple years, Marvin played ‘Jamaican Farewell’ for the ‘first time in over 20 years’, every time he came to the meeting. So we all played along, helped out with chords, and were richer for it. We are diminished.
Steve, not so close up as last shot.
Steve Waechter is hosting a house concert down in Greeley next Sunday evening, June 18th. Alfredo Muro from Peru will be the guest artist. Concert will start at 7pm at 277 N 60th Ave. Greeley, CO. If you would like more info, I can resend you the blurb. Then, if you are interested in attending, give me a ping and I will forward your RSVP to Steve.
Playlist for June 2023
Halfway through his song, the stack of chairs completed their stalk and ate Paul whole.
Our fearless leader with a 12 string, almost in tune even.
We had a REALLY small turnout for our May meeting. I always think, oh, this is going to be grim. I am, however, always wrong. No one prepares more than a couple songs (if that) and we can make 4 or 5 ‘laps’ around the room. So it’s mostly impromptu, very relaxed, and usually just a ton of fun.
Our guest Tom, already giving Rich the stink eye. (He caught on fast)
Welcome to our guest, Tom Parkins. I think he took us up on our invitation from the concert last week. We had another guest, Joey The Drummer, who disappeared before I thought to take his picture. I’m sure we’ll see him again.
Ah, the concert, held on April 27th. Raphaël Feuillâtre won the Guitar Foundation of America’s classical guitar contest a couple years ago, and this was his last stop on his American tour of 36 concerts in about 50 days. This was open to the public, free, in the library’s Cottonwood Room, in conjunction with our Guitar Society and the LCCC foundation.
Rafaël, mesmerizing the crowd.
The weather this night was absolutely dreadful, but still we managed to fill about 120 seats or so. The other ‘fly in the ointment’ was we were unable to tap any of our usual sources for sound reinforcement equipment. Rick recently moved to Podunk, Delaware (the state capitol), Steve was goofing off with High Plains Tradition in Ireland somewhere, and Nancy was at a gig of her own. I think this turned out to be a blessing in disguise; the acoustics of the Cottonwood Room are very good, when you use it like you’re supposed to. When Rafaël moved into quieter passages, you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was involved, listening to every nuance of his performance. I believe that some of that magic would have been lost, had it been amplified.
This poor young man from France was homesick and ready to go home, after bouncing back and forth across America for nearly two months. He had a flight out at 3am the same evening. You would never have guessed this from his stunning performance, it was quite magical.
Playlist for May 2023
Shoeless Joe, singin’ a Shoeless Carole song
Keith Blaney, ‘You’ve Got a Friend’, Carole King.
Paul Robertson, ‘LaCatedral Sandede’, Barrios.
David Norby, ‘Life is a Highway’, Tom Cochrane.
Rich Ryan, ‘Part of the Plan’, Dan Fogelberg.
Our friendly giant, Gary, who makes that guitar look really small…
Gary Krause, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, Johny Cash.
Nancy McKenzie, ‘Taking a Pass’, original.
Keith Blaney, ‘Love Potion #9’, Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller (the Searchers).
Paul Robertson, ‘Torija’, Terroba.
Paul with his fancy Swiss Army footrest/case/tip jar gizmo.
David Norby, ‘Plastic Jesus’, Ed Rush/George Cromarty.
On the 4th of April, we held our meeting at Justin and Kristy’s house; thanks for hosting us! Casper got 26.7″ of snow in the prior 24 hours (WOOF!), but luckily we got a couple feet less than that, so turn-out for our ‘Springtime In Wyoming’ meeting was pretty decent. Welcome back to Roger Stearns, (pictured above) who last visited 8-10 years ago. And welcome to Kristi AlmaJose, our guest for the first time.
Kristi is in this shot; see her hands holding the phone? Chris is kind of hogging up the frame…
Justin and Kristy built an addition they call the Fun Room, and it was a good fit for our gathering. Kristy (and Nico) also made treats and coffee for us. It was a fun, relaxed atmosphere, a most pleasant meeting.
While we didn’t have a group song per se, Roger invited us all to play along with him so it was just as good! Photo credits this month go to Nancy McKenzie.
Playlist for April 2023
Ken Frederick, ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, George Harrison.
Keith Blaney, ‘As Time Goes By’, Herman Hupfeld.
Chris AlmaJose, ‘ ’39’, Queen.
Big man in a little chair.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Curb Service’, HiLo’s.
Ernie Brazzale, ‘You Belong To Me’, Chilton Price/Redd Stewart/PeeWee King.
Justin Johnson, ‘San Francisco Bay Blues’, Eric Clapton et al.
Russ Williams, ‘Cantabile’, Simone Cannarelli.
Roger Stearns, ‘You Plant Your Fields’, New Grass Revival (Donny Lowery, Wendy Waldman).
Practicing song for his brother’s wedding.
Ken Frederick, ‘You Are My Love’, original.
Nancy McKenzie/Keith Blaney, ‘Rockin’ With the Rhythm of the Rain’, The Judds.
Chris AlmaJose, ‘One Day at a Time’, original.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Pray For Rain’, John Lowell.
Ernie Brazzale, ‘Over the Rainbow’, H. Arlen.
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard them harmonize!
Justin & Kristy, ‘Chaos and Clothes’, Jason Isbell.
Roger Stearns, ‘Sing Me Back Home’, Don Williams.
Ken Frederick, ‘Sqwaggy Sqwiggy’, original.
Keith Blaney, ‘Straight Up’, Elliot Wolff (Paula Abdul).
Russ is happy about something!
Russ Williams, ‘That’s All’, Allen Brant/Bob Haynes.
Chris AlmaJose, ‘Shooting Star’, Bad Company.
Steve Gilmore, ‘Ramblin’ Fever’, Merle Haggard.
Ernie Brazzale, ‘If’, Bread.
Upcoming Events
Raphael Feuillatre from France will be in town for a performance and master class later this month. The Master Class will be held April 24th, 1:30pm at LCCC in room 139 of the Fine Arts Building. $35 for players, $10 to audit, free for students and their instructors.
Concert will be April 27th, 6:30 pm, in the Cottonwood Room at Laramie County Library. Admission is free, seating limited to about 200. These events arranged by Cheyenne Guitar Society in concert with Laramie County Library and the LCCC Foundation.
