Category: January 2019 Newsletter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

David & Linda Norby, ‘America’, Paul Simon.

Roland Peterson, ‘Railroading on the Great Divide, Sara Carter.

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.

Roger, ‘Dream’, Everly Brothers.

Rich, ‘Gimme Three Steps’, Ronnie VanZandt.

Keith, ‘Angel From Montgomery’, John Prine.

David & Linda, ‘Hey, Baby’, Bruce Channel.

Nancy & Keith, ‘Never Ending Song For You’, Delaney & Bonnie.

Roland, ‘They’ll Never Take Her Love’, Leon Payne.

Remy, ‘Red River Valley’, traditional, Gene Autry’s version.

Steve, ‘Curley Headed Woman’, Mark Graham.

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

Rich, ‘From the Beginning’, Greg Lake.

David & Linda, ‘I Go to Pieces’, Peter & Gordon (Del Shannon).

Remy, ‘Sweet Dreams’, Don Gibson.

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.

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.

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.

Roger Stearns, ‘Seminole Wind’, Jon Anderson.

Ed Heffern, ‘Paradise’, John Prine.

Keith Blaney, ‘Big Rock Candy Mountain’, Woodie Guthrie.

David Norby, ‘Seven Year Ache’, Rosanne Cash.

Ken, ‘New March 2016’, original.

Remy Abeyta, ‘South of the Border’, Gene Autry.

Steve, ‘Singin’ The Blues’, Guy Mitchell.

Roger Stearns, ‘I Used To Love Her’, Rolling Stones.

Ed Heffern, ‘Cielito Lindo’, traditional.

Keith, ‘Sheriff’s Only Daughter’, original.

David, ‘I Saw The Light’, Todd Rungdren.

Ken, ‘Kissing the Wind’, original.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Ken Frederick, ‘All I’ve Got To Do’, the Beetles.

Justin Johnson, ‘Like a Stone’, Chris Cornell.

Russ Williams, ‘Afro Cuban Lullaby’, Leo Brouwer.

Gary Krause, ‘Catch the Wind’, Donovan

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Sally Goodin’, traditional.

Ed Heffern, ‘Volcano’, Jimmy Buffet.

Rich Ryan, ‘Mellow Yellow’, Donovan.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Still Feeling Blue’, Gram Parsons.

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

Keith Blaney, ‘Miss Celie’s Blues’, Quincy Jones/Rod Temperton.

Gary Krause, ‘Moonlight Bay’, Percy Wenrich.

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.

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!

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.

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.’

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 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 Heffern, ‘Rocky Top’, Felice & Boudeleaux Bryant.

Roland Peterson, ‘Don’t Be Angry’, Stonewall Jackson.

Ken, ‘July Rain, October Snow’, original.

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.

Ed, ‘I’m Not My Season’, Robin Pecknold/Fleet Foxes.

Ken, ‘Rocky Mountain Sweet’, original.

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!

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!!!

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.

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!

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.

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 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

Paul Robertson, ‘Evocacia’, José Luis Merlin.

Chris AlmaJose, ‘A Brighter Touch of Haze’, original.

David & Patrick Norby, ‘Postcards From Paraguay’, Mark Knopfler.

Steve Waechter, ‘Cowboy Movie Medley’, Webster/Tioken/Evans.

Edith Cook, ‘Minuet in C’, Fernando Sor.

Keith Blaney, ‘The Cape’, Guy Clark.

Ed Heffern, ‘Don Quixote’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Steve Gilmore, ‘An Irish Song’, Ed McCurdy.

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

Ken Frederick, ‘No Name Yet’ (if I just leave it blank, you can’t see it), original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Tears In Heaven’, Eric Clapton.

Group Song, ‘Jamaica Farewell’, Carribean folk tune.

Paul Robertson, ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’, J.S. Bach.

Chris AlmaJose, ‘Rock and Roll All Night’, KISS.

David & Patrick Norby, ‘Take It Easy’, Jackson Browne/ The Eagles.

Steve Waechter, ‘Birthday Tassel Tango’, original.

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

Keith Blaney, ‘Empty Saddlebags’, original.

Ed Heffern, ‘Crucified’, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Banua’, Dave Guard.

Roger Stearns, ‘I Used To Love Her’, Rolling Stones.

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

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

Paul Robertson, ‘Corcovado’, Antonia Carlos Jobim.

Chris Alma Jose, ‘In Your Eyes’, Peter Gabriel.

Steve Waechter, ‘Prayer Song For Creusa’, original.

Edith Cook, ‘Renaissance’, anonymous.

More Stuff

Guests this month included Abby Cook, Kristie AlmaJose, Sal Dabella, and Remy Abeyta.

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

In July, the first Tuesday falls on the 4th. We’ll meet on the 5th instead.

Edith, your cookies were delicious. Thank you.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

David Norby, ‘Plastic Jesus’, Ed Rush/George Cromarty.

Rich Ryan, ‘Sugar Mountain’, Neil Young.

Gary Krause, ‘The Wonder of You’, Elvis Presley.

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

Keith Blaney, ‘A Little Help From My Friends’, Ringo Starr.

Paul Robertson, ‘Amazing Grace’, John Newton.

David Norby, ‘Don’t Worry Baby’, Brian Wilson (B.J. Thomas version)

Rich Ryan, ‘These Days’, Dan Fogelberg.

Keith Blaney, ‘Shower the People’, James Taylor.

Paul Robertson, ‘Be Thou My Vision’, Forgaill.

Gary Krause & Nancy McKenzie, ‘Jackson’, Johny Cash.

Paul Robertson, ‘Squares Suspended’, Andrew York.

David’s Group Song, ‘Early Morning Rain’, Gordon Lightfoot.

Keith’s Group Song, ‘Mr. Bojangles’, Jerry Jeff Walker.

Rich’s Group Song, ‘Kodachrome’, Paul Simon.

Photo credits this month: all Rich Ryan, and really good’ns too I might add. Except the one of him, I think I took that.

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.

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).

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.

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 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.

We had a good crowd for our March 7th meeting at the Cottonwood Room. Welcome to Chris Almajose. Chris played a couple original tunes and did an excellent job, both singing and picking. Not easy in this crowd, just ask anyone. Welcome!

Long time no see for Ernie Brazzale and Jordan Evans. Good to have you back. Lots of pictures this month, from Rich, Remy and Nancy. Let the goofy captions begin!

Remy’s stories just keep getting better all the time, so I’ll share one with you. Remy was telling us of his long standing gig, playing Little Bear Inn with his friend Charlie Padilla. ‘When we played there, we’d have them lining up at the door. Yup! They would all be trying to get out at the same time.’

While there were only a short dozen of us, we stopped after two trips around the room, which left us a little time after the meeting for some socializing before the library gave us the heave-ho, which was a pleasant change of pace.

Playlist for March 2023

Nancy McKenzie & Keith Blaney, ‘John Ryan’s Polka/Tell Me Ma’, traditional Irish tune/Sham- rock.

Chris Almajose, ‘Wy O ming’, original.

Jordan Evans, ‘War Inside of Me’, Lost Dog Street Band.

Ken Frederick, ‘And You Don’t See Me Cryin’, original.

Ed Heffern, ‘Comes a Time’, Neil Young.

Ernie Brazzale, ‘Minnie the Moocher’, Callaway, Mills, Gaskill.

Remy Abeyta, ‘I Still Can’t Say Goodbye’, Chet Atkins.

Russ Williams, ‘Walzer’, Nikita Kaskin.

Roland Peterson, ‘Treasures Untold’, Jimmie Rodgers.

Rich Ryan, ‘Rocky Mountain High’, John Denver.

Group Song, ‘Country Road’, John Denver. Thanks Rich!

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

Chris AlmaJose, ‘Tonight, Tomorrow & Forever’, original.

Jordan Evans, ‘A Moment’s Rest’, The Devil Makes Three.

Ken Frederick, ‘Tonight I’ll Never Let You Go’, original (1992)

Ed Heffern, ‘Beach of Pebbles’, original.

Ernie Brazzale, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, Rene’ Brothers.

Remy Abeyta, ‘Wildwood Flower’, Mother Maybelle Carter.

Russ Williams, ‘Allegretto’, Fernando Sor

Roland Peterson, ‘Jealous Heart’, Jenny Lou Carson.

Rich Ryan, ‘Sister Golden Hair’, America.

My apologies to Chris, who needs a swoop over his eeee’s but I dunno how to make that happen.

This month’s newsletter is brought to you by The Pathological Liars Association of Hoboken, New Jersey. Why Wyoming doesn’t have its own chapter is beyond me; we certainly have enough qualified people.

It was a very modest turnout for our February meeting. Still fun tho’; we did equal parts of playing music and gas-bagging, so that’s always a good change of pace. We even had a guest artist tonight! Steve had other commitments, but he did stick around and played one of the two songs he knows.

There’s another thing about Steve most of you will be happy you don’t know. He shares something he simply calls ‘Friday Music’. It is the WORST recordings you can imagine. The remarkable thing is, these performers have actually paid for studio time and recorded stuff you would be loathe to step in. Sometimes it’s so bad, he offers a small prize if you are able to listen to the end; he’ll drive you to your brain scan. I’ve gone twice now; the results were negative.

Rick did not bring a group song. Delaware is further than I thought.

Valentine Soiree/Master Class

The Guitar Foundation of America contest winner for 2022 was Bokyung Byun of South Korea. On Sunday the 12th, she gave a Master Class for five of Jason Olson’s students from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. All five students were well prepared and knew their music. Bokyung helped them to better tell the story, with tips on phrasing, dynamics and such. She has a very positive and affirming teaching style that was great to witness; everybody learned something!

On the 14th, she gave a jaw dropping performance at the Surbrugg Prentice Auditorium on the Laramie County Community College campus. I checked, she has but ten fingers playing one guitar, but at times it sounded like three people performing. Bokyung also exhibited her humorous side between pieces, so the performance was delightful as well as stunning. This year, LCCC did a good job with the food as well.

February 2023 Playlist

Steve Gilmore, ‘Say Won’t You Be Mine’, Carter Stanley.

Ken Frederick, ‘Another Day’, original.

Rich Ryan (with vocal reinforcements by Keith), ‘Wooden Ships’, Crosby, Kantner, Stills.

Russ Williams, ‘Christmas Valentine’, Jason Mroz.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘The Girl I Left Behind Me’, English folk song.

Keith Blaney, ‘I Will’, Lennon/McCartney.

Ken Frederick, ‘Idiots Driving Like Maniacs’, original.

Rich Ryan, ‘Almost Cut My Hair’, David Crosby.

Russ Williams, ‘Prelude for Musique De Salon’, Ricardo Iznaola.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Red Rocking Chair’, traditional.

Keith Blaney, ‘Oh Suzanna’, Steven Foster.

Ken Frederick, ‘It’s Garbage Day in Pt. Reyes’, original.

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

Russell Williams, ‘Try to Remember’, Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones.

Nancy McKenzie, ‘Sally Goodin’, Woodie Guthrie.

Keith Blaney, ‘Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter’, Fred Ahlert/Joe Young.

Photos this month by Rich Ryan and Nancy McKenzie.