May 2023 meeting

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.

Rich Ryan, ‘Sugar Mountain’, Neil Young.

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

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

Weebles wobble, but they don’t fall down!

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)

David with his Swiss Army music stand/chair.

Rich Ryan, ‘These Days’, Dan Fogelberg.

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

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

Whatever they’re looking at, it looks serious.

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.

April 2023 Meeting

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.

March 2023 Meeting

Chris tearing up his original tune, ‘Wy O ming’.

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!

Only Earthling I know hooked directly to StarNet, with these custom top-mount optics and Satellite Comm Link.

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.’

Remy with one of his Telly’s. The other is a TeleCASTER…

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.

Two big dog song writers, both marking the same territory.

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.

PRETTY sure Jordan is awake here.

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.

That paper with dancing ants must be important; Russ is staring intently with his tongue out (off camera)

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!

Needs a shave and a haircut, but we heard he just got released from the Witless Protection Program.

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)

Our rockhound wrote a wonderful original tune, ‘Beach of Pebbles’.

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 sang TWO for us tonight!

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.

February 2023 meeting

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.

As a newly minted member, I can now claim I am a past president and have been attending since 2003.

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.

Song # 2

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.

Manny Lopez-Arrendondo in the hot seat

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

Ken brought us a few more original tunes.

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 knew her part. Me? not so much…

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.

This is how Russ looks after telling one of his terrible jokes

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.

Our furless lemur. Damned auto correct!!!

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.

January 2023 meeting

Rick just singing his lungs out.

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.

The String Doctor, Floyd Turner

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.

Maria is making sure Ken plays it correctly

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.

Kathy and Rick from a previous Valentine’s soiree

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

Breakfast at Tiffany’s was this song’s debut

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.

Oooo, shouldn’t a sucked that lemon

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 really knows how to read music. Unbelievable!

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.

lovely harmonies of Linda and David. Just not in this pix…

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.

Our best picture of Steve’s floppy right hand.

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.

‘The right tool for the job’ was Floyd’s motto.

December 2022 meeting

I’ve been everywhere, man.

‘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, provider of cookies, and some guy.

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.

Lovely duets, but no secrets are safe

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.

We heard you didn’t have much to move, so here’s something else

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.

Things are looking up for Mason, well he’s looking up, at things, maybe.

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.

That case is fascinating on the inside, too!

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 claims he never started us off, so we fixed that tonight.

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.

‘It goes bbbrrrrttt when it stops’. Steve does too, sometimes.

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.

Playing the only Chet song I know, or can play.

Russ Williams, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, traditional.

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

Next year let’s talk him into dressing up for this one!

Mason McTell, ‘Life of John’, original.

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

Ed’s a picking’, and Rick’s a grinning’. I think.

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.

November 2022 meeting

Look who Rich ran into at the Phoenix airport! (Jeannie White)

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…

Someone wake up Remy, it’s his turn!

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.

This is the ‘Chut’ part of the song, the ‘Hut is further up the neck

Rich Ryan, ‘Different Drum’, Mike Nesmith.

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

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

Playing an early Rolling Stones.

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.

A blissful Steve playing ‘I Don’t Like You’.

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.

But I don’t know why he swallowed the fly. Maybe if he shut his flytrap…

Keith Blaney, ‘Crazy Love’, Van Morrison.

Ken Frederick, ‘Ole’ ‘, original.

Steve Gilmore, ‘Airproofing’, Leo Kottke.

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

Rich and his old Gibson

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

October 2022 meeting

No confirmation of damaged digit, but look at all those lovely chiclets!

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

Remy’s gone digital; it says so right on his guitar strap.



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.

Rich’s lyrics must be on a teleprompter.

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…

Rick brought a guitar and the group song tonight

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

Welcome to Daniel Geary!



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

Song writer and Cheshire Cat impersonator, Ed Heffern



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)

Russ made $1.27 busking tonight



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

September 2022 meeting

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.

Rick’s twin brother did the inlay work on his Brian Moore bass

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.

Remy and your’s truly making eyes at my hero.

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.

They did this little cheer (sans pompoms) before each song

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.

Really a haunting tune Ed brought us.

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.

Ken plays his own tune, with permission.

Edith Cook, ‘Renaissance’, anonymous.

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

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

Remy, ‘La Pecosita’, Lalo Elizalde.

Remy sings!

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.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, Rico.

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.

August 2002 meeting/picnic

Our grill master tonight, Steve.

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.

What a shot! She sings pretty good too!

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 sun wasn’t just a problem for the cameraman.

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

Which one is Pink?

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.

A little Taj Mahal for y’all

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

Steve Gilmore, ‘Suzie Q’, Dale Hawkins.

I wonder if all them tuners are hooked up?

Ken Frederick, ‘Socky Bombs’, original.

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

Anyone know what chord this is?

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

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

Kristy’s the only one that remembered to bring her music stand

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.

And we all thought Remy started with a guitar, not a bass…

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.