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.
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.
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.
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…
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).
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.