"New Talent for Scotty's Convention" ?

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 25 Feb 2008 9:42 am

I agree with John and others.
To keep it interesting, you need new blood.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 25 Feb 2008 9:43 am

It still boils down to this, Scotty has the steel show that's run the longest and is, by longevity the most successful, as well as the largest. He'd be crazy to make sudden changes from what he feels is the right way to go, and ya gotta respect that. I'm sure there is not a suggestion here on this thread, or from anywhere else that he has not considered and weighed. And if he thinks a suggestion will fit into the "formula", I'm sure he will incorporate it. MHO

Way to go Scotty!!

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 25 Feb 2008 9:47 am

James,
I'm sure Scotty is open to new suggestions?

I'm sure he'd love to make more money!

DeWitt Scott · Post by **DeWitt Scott** » 25 Feb 2008 11:59 am

I have read every one of the post on this thread. I feel very lucky that the Convention has lasted for 36 years with the 37th one coming up. I think I can answer all the comments but I need time to think about it. Give me a couple of days and I will post a reply with my thoughts about the success and short comings of the International Steel Guitar Convention. I have not put this years schedule together as yet so now I have some of your input to think about. I will tell you now that all the players on the show have all been proud that I have put only professional players on the show. More later. Scotty

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 25 Feb 2008 12:05 pm

Theresa, I'm sure Scotty wants to know what the public would love to hear each year, and that's really the key--what the public wants. But the good judgement part comes into play when you serve the majority, than the minority. It takes great "feel" to percieve the best answer to THAT question, to reach a satisfactory balance that pleases the most folks.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 25 Feb 2008 1:04 pm

James,
I know Scotty knows what he should do for future shows.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 25 Feb 2008 2:30 pm

Theresa, I'm in total agreement with you. I have the utmost confidence that Scotty will produce many more fine shows, for all of us to enjoy/participate in.

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 25 Feb 2008 2:50 pm

COOL!

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 25 Feb 2008 3:25 pm

Scotty has always done an outstanding job for all to be proud of and I'm very proud of all that he has done for us all.

I like the style of David's work and thought if in the future Scotty could work something out with him I just believe everyone would really like his program, I appreciate the fact that the guys from the UK supports our products, Steel Guitars, Steel Accessories etc, and makes the effort of coming all the way over here (with the high cost) of flying, motels, meals and etc. to attend our Conventions we just need to look at it.

David is a good example of what can be accomplished on the Steel Guitar, and he has mastered it very well. He is not the backroom bedroom picker, he is a Professional Player.

Thank all of you for your imput on this matter, and who knows what will happen in the future, I'm going to look forward to hear someone say to me Guess what? David is booked, then we can sit back and enjoy some fine picking from across the POND.
Don't get me wrong we got the finest of the finest, the best of the best can't be beat.
All I'm seeing here is a little different approach that David's style would bring to the table, and I know without a doubt everyone would enjoy him.
Bill

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 25 Feb 2008 3:35 pm

I didn't mean to hijack this thread about David.
I'm not familar with his playing.

Wayne Franco · Post by **Wayne Franco** » 25 Feb 2008 9:37 pm

I feel the same as some of the posts. I find myself going more and more to the side shows. The jazz room was great last year. I just went to the Phoenix show and the diversity was really refreshing. Doug Livingston was really great,JD, Al Vescovo, among some of my personal favorates. JD played some new stuff that really was GREAT. I'd love to see more pro's taking it to the limits with some new takes on stuff. They certainly are capable! Its like ok here's another show. I've already got this stuff figured out. Wouldn't it be great to hear them do some stuff they only do in their music room. Even some on the spot improvisation. I don't care if all of the notes aren't exactly right. I want to hear what someone plays with their head, not just their hands. Well, thats my 2 cents.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 26 Feb 2008 9:14 am

Definately its the pro name players that make the show the success it is..Plus Scotty does a great job bringing in the International players...I mentioned a couple of names worthy but I wouldn't want anything I said to be a negative about the show.That show gets better every year and as Scotty gets along in years it has to be harder work..Thursday night has been a showcase for newer players and that has been also

successful for newbies getting exposure.

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 26 Feb 2008 10:09 am

I want to thank Scotty for all the hard work. I bought my first steel at the convention a while back. I personally look at the St Louis show as a way to see the legends in person. With that Dave Easley is a legend !

I think the addition of Beatle Bob was a fantastic idea but maybe a few dancing women would keep people's attention a little better

And Scotty, one more thing. Keep in mind when you are thinking about what to do that the forum is WAY more squawk than walk !

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 26 Feb 2008 10:25 am

Theresa Galbraith wrote:I didn't mean to hijack this thread about David.
I'm not familar with his playing.

Awe you only halfway hijacked it!

Go to "youtube" and you will find some very fine examples of David's playing.

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 26 Feb 2008 11:16 am

I've known Dewitt Scott for years, what he has done for the steel guitar is amazing. He has improved it every year. He knows what he's doing and I wouldn't want anything to mess that up. Its his call all the way. But if new talent is to be added, Scotty Henderson is not to shabby. I personally think he deserves some recognition.
I invited him to play in the Derby Room last year.
Starla Queen and I played with him, he sat down to Lynn Owsley's Derby and just blew everyone away. Lynn sat in amazement at his playing.
My question is how do guys like this ever get a break. Scotty has played with every one and is well known thoughout the steel community but still hasn't made the big one.Hint Hint. Just my two cents.

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 26 Feb 2008 2:11 pm

I have been fortunate to have been allowed to play the Branson Jam two times in the last few years and someone in a prior post mentioned hearing the pro's stretch out and it immediately came to mind the last year Branson show featured Paul Franklin, who is one of my very favorite players and on his set I was front row center and witnessed Paul pulling out the stops and it was so great to witness and hear him. He can do so much more than we get to hear out of recording studios and I know that goes for the other pro's as well. My take on what Scotty does is that it is also copied by most of the other steel shows I am privileged to play. There are so many great players that just seem to be on the outside looking in. I think it is a farce the Ricky Davis is not on the main stage at some major shows. Oftentime he is actually in the building and I guess it doesn't matter. I would love to see Ricky get more recognition. I have seen him perform on the Grand Old Opry TV portion. I would like to play a steel show sometime where there is no pre-planned set lists and the players took and played requests from the audience. To me that would be the ultimate show.
I'm out,
Jerry

joe long · Post by **joe long** » 26 Feb 2008 5:44 pm

My wife and I really enjoy going to the St. Louis show. It would not hurt my feelings if the show actually started on Friday morning, especially if there a lot of pros waiting in the wings. I agree the show has to have the really top players to draw the attendance but maybe there is some room to rotate some of the players every other year.

Don Lanier · Post by **Don Lanier** » 27 Feb 2008 6:38 pm

Ive been proud to be a part of Scottys show for the last few years working sound along side Bill Ferguson and his crew, we usually arrive on Wed and work all day and late into the Night Wed to get things ready and then make the final preps on Thursday before the Amatuer show. Its a long show with very little time for sleep or eating and usually by Sunday were dragging the Bones to get it packed up and out late Sunday Night. Im not a player but again Ive become a fan and Ive not heard these players OVER AND OVER and actually Im pretty thrilled to see Big E, and many other of the Old School players and last year I actually talked to Papa John and it was a thrill, Last years Operation Russless was a terrifying experience for me since on stage I had to get the cooperation of the BIGGEST Stars in the Steel playing family, turned out I neednt have worried as they were as freindly and nice of folks as you want to meet, and every bit the Pros...I guess what Im trying to say is not everyone in the audience sees you guys 10 times a year. I see the ISGC show once each year and frankly Ive met and made many good freinds there. So before some of you feel as if seeing the 'Same old players" is old hat think about this. I just met John Hughey and made his aquaintence and then he was gone, I didnt get to see many of the old school guys who were many of your mentors and hero's. Lets not take for granted that in that audience every year is a boy or a girl who is a fascinated by what you do as I was, it takes many years to become good, let alone the miles away from families and touring etc to become a "Hall of Fame" Member. I think Scotty does a great job managing this show and his staff and they work with a labor of love to bring this event to St Louis.
37 years is along time, meetings, Planning, Building relationships, establishing Friendships, working and acknowlodging the professional and the amatuer....I may be the new guy in your Giant family but I do feel at home with the thousands of folks who attend each year, and I feel honored to speak to you, as I did with Papa John, God Rest His soul. Dont become jaded and forget those old songs built this industry, the new players will make there mark and record there hits, But the Old school, The Old Songs built the industry and we shouldnt forget that or the Men and Women who made that Possible. In four short years I feel Ive learned more and seen and heard more great music and players then I ever would have in a lifetime, The ISGC makes that possible, for the closeness, The Meetings, The Jams, The Side rooms and Hotel room jams. Ive been blessed to be a part of it and Ill continue to look forward to meeting the Old School guys who opened the doors for the rest of us.

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 27 Feb 2008 6:49 pm

Ben Lawson wrote:I just go for the food!!!!

Ben, you crack me up. The best food I ever had at the convention was when they had a Pizza Hut in the lobby! LOL

Theresa Galbraith · Post by **Theresa Galbraith** » 27 Feb 2008 7:34 pm

Calico's, Max & Erma's are in walking distance!

Rob Parker · Post by **Rob Parker** » 27 Feb 2008 8:36 pm

Mr. Don Lanier,
Thank you for your article..It is so true, and no matter how much we have seen and listened to these great artists..we can't seem to get enough..and when one of them leaves us, we would like to be able to see, hear them ,hug necks, shake hands, and chat with them.They have helped shape this type of music, and build it to what it is today. The younger players are coming on to help keep the music going, and there are lots of really great players out there just waiting to be heard and supported.And they will be the ones that will grace the stages in years to come..and true, there are some that should be gracing the stage now to present their instruments, and their talents to the many fans..
Thank you for your expertise, and dedication, in plying your trade ,to help make the StLouis show the great show that it is.
I'm sure Scotty, and the artists and the fans also appreciate your work.It is some times a thankless job, and we sometime forget to pass along to you, and the rest of the sound crew,and staff,our thanks and appreciation.
My kudos to you all.
RP...'come on in'...

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 27 Feb 2008 8:37 pm

Theresa, I love Calico's, they use to have the best prime rib anywhere.

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 27 Feb 2008 9:38 pm

I go to see the many friends I have made over the 35 years I have had a booth at Scotty's show. After many years you learn that great people are more important than great players. I get to see the many people I call my friends.

Laurie Ayres · Post by **Laurie Ayres** » 28 Feb 2008 6:28 am

I am having a hard time right now with this post about the ISGC and "who plays". I never really understood just what Scotty is up against until I read this post. You know with out our Pioneers, like John and my husband, Roy, along with the priceless talent of some of the "best" players each year at the convention where would steel guitar be at all? A lot of these new country singers don't even use steel guitar players. You know, God only gives us a short time on this earth and we need to enjoy these players while we can. They earned their place at the show and in time the others that are so good will be there one day. There are a LOT of really good players and we have heard and met a lot of them at the smaller shows over the years who have become our friends. None of these "same old players" people will ever hear John play a live show again on this earth and that is so sad to us.

In the mean time try some of the "smaller shows" to hear some really good talent too! As for me, I love the ISGC and what it does for all of us from the "old dry ones" to the "you hear them all the time ones". This is where I see "my heroes" and old friends from all over the world and hear some of the best music because I have always loved the steel guitar. I am thankful we can still go yet. There is a ton of talent at that show both in the main room and the smaller ones.

Scotty, Roy & I really appreciate you, your family, the staff band, the sound staff and everyone that puts this show on. The thought of them complaining for a Job WELL DONE and one that is such hard work and time consuming when we have just lost John Hughey and others this past year whom we will NEVER hear live again really got to my heart.

Players like Don Helms and so many others that we have seen even at the smaller shows that get standing ovations every time should be heard at the biggest show on earth for steel guitar players.

I know the biggest honor Roy has had in his lifetime was to be inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. The plaque hangs proudly on our wall. I'm sure all of the others who have been inducted feel the same way. That choice is NOT easy either for the board. That is why the applications. Tennessee Waltz was one of the biggest all time hits in history and he did a lot to help the steel guitar world too. I am thankful to everyone for the honor you gave him and to God for all his blessings to us. Roy will be 79 this year and still plays every day and every show we can.

We are flying up this year as we just can't make the drive anymore but we ARE coming! We both realize what a challenge you have trying to satisfy everyone. Just know we support you all the way. I wish we could hear "Look at Us" again too and see John's smiling face and get a warm hug.

For Joe, Rob, Don and the rest who also understand the work that Scotty and everyone does for all of us, thank you! You all said it even better than I did.

I had posted something similar to this on another thread and finally decided that I wanted others to know how I feel about this too.

If you all knew what it meant to Roy (and me)to play at the show & be inducted you would never complain about who plays again!

Thank you for listening ..... Laurie

Danny Hullihen · Post by **Danny Hullihen** » 28 Feb 2008 7:12 am

I agree with you that David would be great to see on the show sometime, as would several other not necessarilly "well known name" players, and there are indeed several who really should be heard by the masses. However, or at least in my opinion, for Scotty to immediately put David on the show would be very unfair to those who have been waiting in the very long lines to get an opportunity to play the St. Louis show. So to do so regardless of that I think would be viewed by many as a "change the rules as you go" kind of methodologies, and hence, many would indeed be deeply hurt, and in fact, might even cause attendence to go down due to a great deal of bad publicity over it? It's a tough decision I wouldn't want to have to make and gamble on.

Personally speaking, I wouldn't want to lose even one of the major name players Scotty has on the schedule, regardless of how many times I've seen and heard them playing. We're loosing enough of these guys already each year and at almost an alarming rate now! Like you, I have many endorsers playing with the biggest name acts in the industry, and of course, they have talent equal to, and in fact exceeding some of the very best there is. However, they have also not yet been invited to play the St. Louis show either. Nonetheless I think chances are good that we will be seeing some fresh new talent at many of the steel shows in the near future, and that's the kind of stuff that will always keep these shows interesting. But here again, there's got to be "fairness" to all being considered for playing the show.

Being experienced at putting on some of these shows myself for many years, I can guarantee you that you're going to have some guys upset with you because they didn't get on the show, or some fans thereof. After a while, the inevitable "politics" start coming into play, and that's when everything stars going to hell in a hand basket very quickly!

For those of you who have the major task of putting on these shows, you'll know what I'm talking about, but for those that don't, there's definately a whole lot going on behind the scenes that many don't realize, and a whole lot to be considered and to contend with after the decisions have been made!

Bottom line here, it's a job of trying to make everyone happy, and I don't know if that's even near possible? One thing is definate though, if we don't support these shows, it won't be long till isn't any.

As a steel player I feel very fortunate that we have these kind of shows going for us, as there are many equally talented musicians of other instruments who never get to show their talents like this to their fans. On the contrary, we all have a lot to be thankful for because of these steel shows, and the communication available to us now due to this Steel Guitar Forum.

So should David Hartley play this show? I think absolutely, the "when" is the part that has to be considered with equality, and that's the tough part. I can't help but wander how many would want to take responsibilty for making that decision, and then dealing with the consequences later if the decision you made was the wrong one? And you can bet that it's going to be "wrong" to someone, no matter how much careful thought you've given to it all!

My thoughts on this are many fold, equally as a performing artist on the St. Louis show, a spectator, a show cooordinator, and as a distrubutor. Been there done that from all sides of the fence, and it's a pretty big picture to look at for sure.

The Steel Guitar Forum

"New Talent for Scotty's Convention" ?

Convention

Convention

I've been going for since about 1990

Scottys Show

New Talent