Category: Newsletters

Good turn out this month! Good to see some folks we haven’t had join us in awhile. This month was our last meeting with our good friend, luthier, and stalwart Rick Memmel, who will be moving back east later this month after nearly 50 years here in Cheyenne. As for moving that much stuff, all I can say is yikes!… It will be a few months before he’s all settled in, but when he is, we’ll have a link that you can still hit him up for musical goodies.

We also received news that Floyd passed away, just before Christmas. Floyd was a master luthier; he knew more about Martin guitars than Martin did. When they talk about the changes in the internal bracing position, Floyd is the one who spotted that. He was quiet at the meetings, but if you got him on his home turf, watch out! There would be stories… We are truly diminished.

As for the meeting, several of us worked up tunes to honor Rick. Lots of original tunes were played as well. Since Remy missed our December meeting, he caught us up with some holiday medleys. It was good to hear Nancy and her mandolin. Rick brought not one but TWO group songs. Late in the program, Mark Allen (aka Snapper) also dropped by, and hopes he can swing by soon with some tunes to share. We hope so too!

The Board for 2023

Rich Ryan, chief cook and bottle washer.

Steve Gilmore, treasurer.

Keith Blaney, secretary and newsletter

Russ Williams, special events

David Norby, Nancy McKenzie, board. ( they ‘ll be doing all the hard work now)

Foundation/Scholarship Fund

The CGS Foundation through LCCC is doing so well, we decided to offer a scholarship fund for music students. No sooner than we established the nest-egg for it, we had an opportunity for matching funds! So in just a couple weeks, it bumped up to $30,000. The scholarship will be based on the earnings of the previous year, so the first scholarship award will be this upcoming fall. Additional funds can be added/earmarked at any time, so if you are interested give us a ping.

Valentine’s Dinner & Concert

This year marks the 25th annual Valentine’s Dinner and Concert! It will be held Tuesday, Feb 14th, on the LCCC campus. At 6pm, we will gather in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium lobby for appetizers and wine. At 7pm, Bokyung Byun, winner of the Guitar Foundation of America’s annual contest, will perform in the auditorium. This will be followed by a plated dinner in the Clay Pathfinder building.

Dinner and concert this year will be $70 per person, $60 for members of CGS. This includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, beef or salmon (or vegan) dinner, and a rose for the ladies. Seating is limited, so get your reservations in to Russ Williams (630-4553) as soon as possible. Concert alone $30 or $25, depending on membership status. Plenty of seating for that, so pay ahead or at the door.

There will be a master class on the 15th, also on campus. It will either be in the Fine Arts building, Rm. 139, or in the auditorium. $10 to monitor, with 5 students up from Colorado in the hot seat. Whether you play classical guitar or not, these master classes are incredibly informative and entertaining.

PLAYLIST for January 2023

Justin Johnson, ‘Moon River’, Henri Mancini/Johnny Mercer, as sung by Audrey Hepburn.

Mason McTell, ‘Junkie Queen’, original.

David & Linda Norby, ‘Old Friends/Bookends’, Simon & Garfunkel.

Ken Frederick, ‘New Year’s Day’, original.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Red Haired Boy/Margaret’s Waltz’, traditional/Pat Shaw.

Keith Blaney, ‘A Little Help From My Friends’, Lennon/McCartney.

Roland Peterson, ‘Arkansas Traveler’, arranged by Scott Nygaard.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Banua’, Kingston Trio.

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

Remy, ‘Deck The Halls’, Thomas Oliphant.

Russ Williams, ‘What’ll I Do?’, Irvin Berlin.

Rich Ryan, ‘What Child Is This?’, traditional.

group song, ‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone’, Doug Sahm.

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

Mason McTell, ‘Church Street Blues’, Norman Blake.

David & Linda, ‘WITH a Little Help From My Friends’, the Beatles.

Ken Frederick, ‘At The End Of The Day’, original.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Blue Birds are Singing For Me’, Lester Flatt.

Keith, ‘When I’m 64’, Paul McCartney.

Roland Peterson, ‘500 Miles’, Hedy West.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane.

Rich Ryan, ‘In My Life’, Beatles.

group, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, Johnny Cash.

Mason McTell, ‘Mr. Mud & Mr. Gold’, Towns VanZandt.

Ken Frederick, ‘Holiday #22’, original.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Silent Night/We Wish You A Merry Christmas’, Franz Xaver Gruber, Arthur Warrell.

also joining us tonight; Rick Memmel, Maria Means, and Mark Allen.

‘Tis the season for a good turn-out! Welcome to Mason McTell, who played some great original tunes plus one from Big Bill Broonzy. Fresh stuff all around. Also long time-no see, and a big WELCOME BACK to Nancy McKenzie, owner of the above pictured well travelled case and Mandy Lynn, the lady who lives therein.

Barb Williams and Linda Norby both brought cookies. Linda claimed it was a secret ingredient that made them so tasty. Even before we got the thumb screws out (ok, they were really capo’s) David was singing like a canary, divulging the secret.

Roland let us know that the hospital in town would like volunteers to play music in their lobby. To find out more, contact 307-633-7513, and talk to whoever answers the phone.

The big news this night: Rick and Cathy Memmel will be moving to Delaware early next year. Kids and grandkids will be driving distance instead of a long flight away. Rick has been a stalwart with Guitar Society for many years, his hard work will be greatly missed.

Playlist December 2022

Roland Peterson, ‘If Santa Clause…’, Ted West & Hugh Cross.

Rick Memmel + Ed Heffern, ‘Noel’ (Christmas Dinner), Paul Stookey.

Mason McTell, ‘Colorado Girl’, original.

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

David & Linda Norby, ‘White Christmas’, Irvin Berlin.

Keith Blaney, ‘The Christmas Song’, Mel Torme.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’, R. Fisher Boyce.

Russ Williams, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane.

Rich Ryan, ‘O Holy Night’, traditional, arr. McGowan.

Group Song (and cookie break) ‘Jingle Bells’, James Pierpont, published 1857.

Roland (for his second tune), ‘Angel From Montgomery’, John Prine.

Ed & Rick, ‘The Gift’, Stephanie Davis.

Mason McTell, ‘Burn Down The Wal-Mart’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Marvelous Toy’, Tom Paxton.

David & Linda Norby, ‘Walk Right Back’, Everly Brothers.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Christmas Times A Comin’, Bill Monroe.

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

Russ Williams, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, traditional.

Rich Ryan, ‘Mr. Grinch’, Dr. Seuss & Albert Hague.

Mason McTell, ‘Life of John’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Teardrops Will Kiss The Morning Dew’, Paul Craft.

Rick & Ed, ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’, Johnny Marks.

David Norby, ‘Red Nose Friend’ (aka Red Neck Friend) Jackson Browne parody by David.

Mason McTell, ‘Key to the Highway’, Big Bill Broonzy.

Credits

Rick brought the group song, Linda and Barb brought the cookies. Photos by Rich Ryan and Rick Memmel.

On the rare occasions the first Tuesday is also the first day of the month, it can catch us off guard. It sure did this month; I kind of missed the boat when it came to a timely notice to the group. So attendance was modest, to put it politely.

We still had our fun. With fewer players, more stories and jokes were told. We also made it three times around the circle, with time to spare. David Norby started us off tonight, much to his chagrin. He NEVER starts, he said. Well, my friend, never say never…

Just a reminder; next month we’ll be celebrating the holidays. While not required, many of our players do seasonal songs, and sometimes we have a few treats as well. So bring a cloth to clean off your strings afterwards…

Playlist November 2022

David Norby, ‘Stuck in the Middle With You’, Steelers Wheel.

Rick Memmel, ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’, Beatles.

Keith Blaney, ‘Seymour & Irmagard’, original.

Ken Frederick, ‘Chut Hut’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Different Drum’, Mike Nesmith.

Steve Gilmore, ‘I Don’t Like You’, Kenny Cornell.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, Elvis Presley.

David Norby, ‘Under My Thumb’, Rolling Stones.

Group Song, ‘Wonderful World’, Sam Cooke.

Keith Blaney, ‘Elmer’, original.

Ken Frederick, ‘Dad Gum It/Going to Base Camp’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Kodachrome’, Paul Simon.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out’, James Cox.

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

David Norby, ‘Mr. Spaceman’, The Byrds.

Keith Blaney, ‘Crazy Love’, Van Morrison.

Ken Frederick, ‘Ole’ ‘, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Airproofing’, Leo Kottke.

Rich Ryan, ‘Try and Love Again’, Randy Meisner.

Photo credits this month go to Rich and Rick. Remy put his in a safe place.

This month’s report brought to you by Steve Gilmore and Rick Memmel, with pictures by Rich Ryan, Rick Memmel, and Remy Abeyta.

We met at the First United Methodist Church, and had a good group. Daniel Geary (lonetreeantiques@ad.com), joined us for the evening. He came up from Eaton, CO on invitation from our chief cook and bottle washer, Rich Ryan.

Both Remy and Russ sang a couple for us, always a treat. Ed played an original, along with a couple interesting tunes. Steve had a finger in a splint, but it didn’t seem to slow him down too much. There was some disagreement on exactly which hand suffered the injury; Steve claiming left while Rick thought it was the right hand. Without video evidence, I’m not sure either one of them is correct…

Steve reminded members of the concert to be held at the Laramie County Public Library on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Featured artists are John and Julie Pennell. John is a well known songwriter from Nashville, having written songs for Alison Kraus, Alan Jackson and Eva Cassidy. On Saturday, October 15, John and Julie will present a workshop at the library starting at 10:30 AM.

Song List for October 2022

Daniel Geary – Willin’ – Lowell George
– When I Call Your Name – Vince Gill
– Hard Day’s Night – Lennon & McCartney
– Isn’t That So – Jesse Winchester

Rich Ryan – Sugar Mountain – Neil Young
– In My Life – Lennon & McCartney
Everybody’s Talkin’ – Fred Neil

Ed Heffern – Down The Lonesome Stretches – Original
– Greenback Dollar – Hoyt Axton
– Columbine – C.C. McCall

Rick Memmel – It’s Only Love – Lennon & McCartney
– Run For Your Life – Lennon & McCartney

Russ Williams – Miami – Gerard Montreuil
– Etude No. 8 – Giulo Regondi
– Spinning Wheel – David C. Thomas (Russ sang this one)

Remy Abeyta – Jambalaya – Hank Williams
– Limbo Rock – Chubby Checkers
– Abilene – John D. Loudermilk (Remy sang this one)

Steve Gilmore – Heart Of A Little Mountain Girl – Doyle Lawson
– Madison Brown – David Thompson
– It’s Whiskey That Eases The Pain – Wayne Scott

Group Song was Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison

With as hot as it’s been, the turn-out for our Sept. 6th meeting wasn’t too bad! Welcome to Linda Norby who added some more class to David’s already class act. Our friend Ron Labrecque also joined us, always good to see one of the library’s stalwarts. We also had a guest that stayed by the door and only stayed for a couple tunes. He looked like a Tim to us, so we’ll call him Tim until we know better. Everyone is welcome to join us, whether they play or not.

Linda and David teamed up for some great harmonies. Remy SANG one tonight! to open the evening. I joined him for Danny O’Keefe’s “Good Time Charlie” that was presentable. Rick and Ed joined forces for Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel”. Rick also brought us a group song, “Jackson”, by Cash and Carter. T’was a most pleasant evening in the library’s Cottonwood Room.

Upcoming Event

Pierre Bensusan will be giving a performance and workshop on Sept. 20th in the library’s Cottonwood Room. In a reader’s poll from Guitar Player Magazine, Pierre was voted the Best World Music Guitarist. He is an internationally renowned guitarist, vocalist, and composer. Pierre works in DADGAD tuning, and will be giving a workshop on it starting 10:30 in the Cottonwood Room. Bring a guitar if you like. The concert will begin at 7pm in the same location. Both events are free and open to the public.

Playlist for September 2022

Remy Abeyta, ‘In The Early Morning Rain’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Keith Blaney, ‘The Galaxy Song’, Eric Idle.

Linda & David Norby, ‘Breaking Up Is Hard To Do’, Neil Sedaka.

Rich Ryan, ‘Comes A Time’, Neil Young.

Ken Frederick, ‘Dreams’, original.

Edith Cook, ‘My Giselle’, Adela Halle.

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

Ed Heffern, ‘When I Go’, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer.

Remy & Keith, ‘Good Time Charlie’, Danny O’Keefe.

Linda & David, ‘Sound of Silence’, Paul Simon.

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

Ken, ‘I Wrote a Song On A Sunday’, original. Copyrite held by Rick Memmel.

Edith Cook, ‘Renaissance’, anonymous.

Group, ‘Jackson’, Johnny Cash & June Carter.

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

Remy, ‘La Pecosita’, Lalo Elizalde.

Keith, ‘Miss Celie’s Blues’, Quincy Jones, et.al.

David Norby, ‘Don’t Go To Strangers’, J.J. Cale.

Rich, ‘Fire and Rain’, James Taylor.

Ken, ‘I Got To Get Away (I Want to be Free)’, original.

Rick, ‘Pink Panther (theme)’, Henry Mancini.

Photo credits this month go to Guitar Society’s 3 R’s; Rick, Remy, and Rich.

For our August 2nd soiree, we met at Lion’s Park North Pavillion for a picnic. It was lightly attended; we’re guessing it was a combination of the ominous clouds early in the evening and the previous weeks’ rodeo activities. The clouds moved along, and it turned into a lovely evening.

Joining us were the entire Johnson clan, Edith Cook, Ron Labrecque, Brian Andreas, Judy Gilmore, and Maria Means. Pete Piatrowski came up from Fort Collins. Isaac Abeyta dropped by with a powerful lantern, just in case we ran out of daylight like last year. Steve did the cooking chores, making burgers, brats, and hot dogs. The rest of us brought side dishes. Of note, Kathy Abeyta’s coconut cream pie was so good that I think someone ate the pan it came in. Sorry Kathy, hope it wasn’t your good china.

The eating portion and playing portion of the evening overlapped a bit, but we finally found our rhythm. The photos this month are thanks to Remy. As the sun sunk lower in the sky, the photojournalism got a bit tricky, but the natural light made for some lovely shots (see above photo) ((well, TWO photos up maybe)) Thanks Remy! By the way, our group song was an acappella ‘Happy Birthday’, for Kristy and Nora Johnson, and our buddy Remy, who turned 84 on Saturday.

Upcoming Event

The Denver Guitar Festival and Competition is being held September 9-11 at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver. Registration is currently in progress and ends Sept. 1st. Prize money totals $6000 in both adult and youth categories. For more information, visit www.du.edu/lamont/guitarfestival

Playlist August 2022

Keith & Justin, ‘Wake Up Little Suzie’, the Everly Brothers.

Justin & Keith, ‘Bojangles’, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Everybody, (mostly Justin), Wave on Wave, Jason Isbel.

Loren Woodin, ‘Cakewalk To Town’, Taj Mahal.

Rich Ryan, ‘Needle and the Damage Done’, Neil Young.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Suzie Q’, Dale Hawkins.

Ken Frederick, ‘Socky Bombs’, original.

Peter Piatrowski, ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’, Procal Harem.

Pete, ‘Only You Can Love Me This Way’, Keith Urban.

Kristy Johnson, ‘Vincent (Starry Night)’, Don McClean (Ellie Golding).

Justin Johnson, ‘Hearts Content’, Brandi Carlisle.

Justin, ‘Only Children’, Jason Isbel.

Group, ‘Happy Birthday’, traditional.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Begin the Beguine’, Cole Porter.

Remy & Keith, ‘I Wish I Was Eighteen Again’, Ray Price.

Keith Blaney, ‘Along the Navajo Trail’, Dick Charles, Larry Markes, Eddie DeLange.

Loren Woodin, ‘Universal Sound’, Tyler Childers.

Loren, ‘Old No. 7’, Devil Makes Three.

Steve Gilmore, ‘I Know My Baby Loves Me’, Elliph Ino.

It was a fair turnout, for the 5th of July! No fireworks were harmed during the making of this newsletter. Welcome to Moshe Halfon, our newest guitar playing rabbi in town! Also back in the saddle this month is our friend Edith Cook, who has finally recovered enough from shoulder surgery to play guitar with us again.

Rick and Jeannie teamed up again for a couple of 50-60’s tunes. I’m starting to think Rick has more than one bass; the last one he brought was blue and this one wasn’t. He also brought us a couple more group songs, which always liven’s things up a bit.

Keep your ear trumpet out for the August meeting’s location. I think we’re going to have a picnic someplace. Steve, our grill master for such events, is already wearing his apron around the house. I’ll post the location as soon as I know, and then I’ll post it again in August. Of the picnic, not Steve’s place…

Playlist July 2022

Rick Memmel & Jeannie White, ‘Last Kiss’, J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers.

Jeannie White, ‘Desperado’, The Eagles.

Edith Cook, ‘Medley’, Lizt, etc.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, Snyder/Kalmar/Ruby.

Moshe Halfon, ‘Ripple’, Grateful Dead/Thompson.

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

Steve Gilmore, ‘Old Fashioned Love’, Bob Wills.

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

Paul Robertson, ‘dia de los Pinos’, Torroba.

Group Song, ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, Johnny Cash.

Jeannie & Rick, ‘It’s So Easy’, Buddy Holly.

Jeannie, ‘Don’t Know What To Do With Myself’, Dusty Springfield.

Edith Cook, ‘Lament of Orpheus’, C. Gluck.

Remy, ‘God Bless America’, Irvin Berlin.

Moshe, ‘Hofim (Shores)’, Naan Yonatan.

Steve, ‘Should We Tell Him’, Don & Phil Everly.

Rich Ryan, ‘Country Road’, James Taylor.

Keith, ‘Big Empty’, original.

Paul, ‘Torija’, Torroba.

Group, ‘Rave On’, Buddy Holly.

Jeannie, ‘Tears in Heaven’, Eric Clapton.

Edith, ‘Muss I denn’, German folk song.

Moshe, ‘In My Life’, Lennon/McCartney.

Paul, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’, Reginald Heber (Paul’s arrangement)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Playlist for June 2022

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

Paul Robertson, ‘Squares Suspended’, Andrew York.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Robertson, ‘Oblivion’, Astor Piazzola.

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

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

Ed Heffern, ‘Landslide’, Stevie Nicks.

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

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

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

Remy Abeyta, ‘Roadhouse Boogie’, Duane Eddy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rich Ryan, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, America.

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

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

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

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

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

Playlist for May 2022

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

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

Jordan Evans, ‘Ripple’, Grateful Dead.

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

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

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

Jeannie White, ‘In The Wind’, original.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rich Ryan, ‘Brown Sugar’, Rolling Stones.

Ken Frederick, ‘Strawberry Moon’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Busted Bicycle’, Leo Kottke.

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

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

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

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

Russ Williams, ‘Mimi’, Lemay.

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

Ken Frederick, ‘Rocky Mountain Sweet’, original.

Photo credits this month: Remy Abeyta and Rich Ryan.

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

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

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

Playlist for April 2022

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

Keith Blaney, ‘Hot Air Balloon’, original.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loren Woodin, ‘Fast Hand’, Cody Jinks.

Keith Blaney, ‘Confused’, original.

David Norby, ‘Moody River’, Chase Webster.

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

Remy Abeyta, ‘Faded Love’, Bob Wills.

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

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

Rich Ryan, ‘Kodachrome’, Paul Simon.

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

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

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

Keith Blaney, ‘My Girl’, Smokey Robinson.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Suzy Q’, John Fogerty.

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

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

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