Southern Steel Guitar Convention 8/14 & 8/15

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 8 Jul 2004 1:36 am

I have some Good News!

Charles Reece continues to improve from his surgery. There's no doubt that he will be at this show, and may be able to play, with a little help from a Few of his friends, Bill Ford and David Christmas have volunteered to get his guitar to the Show and set up.

Another good reason to not miss this 71st Southern Steel Guitar Convention.
John[This message was edited by John Floyd on 08 July 2004 at 04:46 AM.]

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 8 Jul 2004 10:16 am

How about this James, Ain't she gonna make all those hairy legged Steel Players look bad. I ain't never heard one that could sing as purty as she does.

Laney Hicks
 Photo , Courtesy of Bill Crook.

 Randy Beavers on the left, One of the Great Featured playes on this show and In The Back, My Buddy and Hero, Earl Erb, a Master guitarist who's talent and ability is unsurpassed. There's a bunch of talent in this picture, Thanks Bill Crook, for not making a fuss, when I "Borrowed" it.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 09 July 2004 at 06:04 AM.]

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 9 Jul 2004 5:37 am

More like stole it. Now watch for sales autographed on e-bay?

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Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 9 Jul 2004 6:09 pm

Man, this is a funny thread! Saluda in November huh? Different microphone setup? It sounds like a great idea to me.
Yep, I'm gonna' be there so I'll find out how it's gunna' work!
Now if I can get Casey to sing a "Price" song on my show.
Thank you Buddy Walker for having me there. I'll do you the best job I've ever done for you! (I didn't set the bar very high last time I was there,).
All you great hill billies better be in tune, I'll be a waiten' fer ye"!
I truly appreciate all my good friends in the SC. GA. NC. FL. area, (as I do everywhere.)
That darned Russ Hicks, now this guy sets the bar WAY up there!

bobbe

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 9 Jul 2004 6:33 pm

Darn it, Bobbe...I'll have to learn a whole new set with you being there. I won't be able to play all the stuff I stole off of your "Priceless" CD! That's still one of my very favorite CD's of all time. When is volume II coming?
Roger

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 9 Jul 2004 7:06 pm

Bobbe
This isn't the thread for November! That will be started on August 16th or shortly after. Looking forward to seeing You there in NOVEMBER, NOVEMBER, 13th and 14th Bobbe and no you can't land that plane in the dadburn parking lot.

Roger
What are we ever going to do with Him?

I can tell this is going to be a difficult person to comtrol.

Anybody think I could get Smiley to come down, I need some help

Casey, Where are you And Mike Weirauch and Bob Knight, I'm gonna need an army.

Lord , what did I ever do to deserve this,

Buddy Walker, I'm a gonna get even with you.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 09 July 2004 at 08:23 PM.]

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 9 Jul 2004 7:39 pm

And Bobbe if you really want to make some points with the guys in the staff band, don't call them hillbillies, Bring Abby, they won't mind her calling them hillbillies

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 11 July 2004 at 08:19 AM.]

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 10 Jul 2004 4:37 am

John, they/we ARE hillbillies!

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 10 Jul 2004 5:22 am

Hmm I just might catch a flight in.However I have to warn you,If the GA. gang is going to be there and Bobbe too,I am bringing a Posse.

PS.What Airline lands at the Saluda Intentional Airport and Tire Co?

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John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 10 Jul 2004 5:32 am

Guys
Lets not get too far ahead, still trying to get the August Show sucessfully completed before we start on November
Thanks
John

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 11 Jul 2004 3:54 am

Can We Please get back to the original topic, which is The Southern Steel Guitar Convention on August 14th and 15th. This is fun, but we will have plenty of opportunities to roast Bobbe before the November show and its gonna be a great one, as well.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 11 July 2004 at 04:57 AM.]

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 12 Jul 2004 5:11 am

General Information About the Southern Steel Guitar Convention

The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda South Carolina
Good Music, Good Food and Good Fun
Sponsored By Hejaz Shrine, Saluda County Shrine Club, Saluda South Carolina

Production Staff
Buddy Walker - Producer
Charles Reece - Producer
John Floyd - Assistant to the Producers
Bill Ferguson - Master of Ceremonies

The Southern Steel Guitar Convention began in 1987 as a means for raising funds for the Shriners Children's Hospitals.. While it is not the oldest running Steel Guitar Convention in the world, it has produced the largest number of conventions at a rate of four per year in February, May, August and November. A major milestone will be reached in August 2005 with the 75th Convention.

Approximately 1500 - 2000 persons enjoy The Southern Steel Guitar Convention annually.

These events start on Saturday at 1 PM with either a Teaching Seminar by a player of world renown or a Jam session which provides an opportunity for beginning and seasoned players to perform with background tracks pre-recorded on Compact Discs, This lasts until 6 PM when a one hour break for dinner is provided

A Jam Session follows with the Legendary Saluda Staff band at 7 PM. These jam sessions usually last until 12 PM and have been known to go later. This gives beginning and seasoned players an opportunity to play along with the headline acts scheduled for the next day.

At 9 AM on Sunday, begins the main show starting with the lesser known players in 30 minute intervals with the Legendary Saluda Staff Band. In its almost 17 year history, This Convention started with one headline act in 1987 and has grown to 5 or 6 at the present, The large majority being members of the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. The majority of performers, and staff musicians are Shriners and members of the Masonic fraternity and their work is strictly voluntary. No Salaries are paid to any staff member, performer, musician or any other worker.

The stage is large enough to set up two Steel Guitarists, one stage left and one stage right. When a performer completes his 30 minute show, attention is focused on the opposite side of the stage where the next performer is set up and ready to begin his show. This allows the event to run continuously from 9 AM until the end. The ending time is always left open until the last person who wants to perform has done so, No one is ever refused an opportunity to play at Saluda. This is a Southern Steel Guitar Convention tradition..

Space is available to Vendors and Performers are provided space to sell their products, consisting of CD's, Tee Shirts, Pictures, etc.. Sales of Instruments and other musical equipment in the tune up area are encouraged and a 2 5% donation of the selling prices to the Saluda Shrine Club building fund is required. (Same Policy as the Steel Guitar Forum)

Light meals and snacks are available, The usual menu consists of BBQ Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fries, Homemade Cake slices, Coffee and Soft Drinks are the only beverages served. Remember the Mom and Pop Resturants/ Drive In's before the fast food explosion, this is quality food and is a Saluda tradition, adding to the Good Music, Good Food and Good Fun atmosphere at Saluda.

No Alcohol is Served at the Southern Steel Guitar Convention and there is no smoking allowed inside the facility. This is a family oriented event and can be likened to a large family reunion. We Strive to maintain a good clean family environment.

A Shriner may wear his Fez to any place or event where he would not be ashamed to take his wife, mother, daughter or sister. This is the standard by which we govern our conduct at these events.

Loud and enthusiastic applause is encouraged, as well as whooping, hollering and whistling, when a performer does a particularly good job. It is the intent of the staff for each person in the audience to enjoy the show to the fullest. Unruly conduct is not permitted.

No video cameras are allowed at the Southern Steel Guitar Convention, this is the preference of the majority of the professional players and as their performances are voluntary, we are happy to conform to their wishes.

Audio recording is permitted, from portable recording devices equipped with a microphone. No Audio feeds will be provided from the house sound system.

Cell Phone usage in the main auditorium is discouraged, please retire to another area to make or receive calls.

Audio Levels in the main auditorium are set to allow the audience in the last row to hear all of the show as well as in the front row. This is closely monitored by the production staff. We strive to have the entire audience to be comfortable and enjoy the show to its fullest.

Welcome to the Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, The best unkept secret of Steel Guitar since 1987.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 12 Jul 2004 7:44 am

The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, S.C.
Its Closer than You may think.

Augusta Georgia..............................47
Atlanta, Georgia...............................187
Knoxville...........................................244
Ashville, N.C.....................................145
Chattanooga ....................................303
Birmingham Al.................................334
New Orleans, La...............................658
Gulfport, Ms.....................................584
Norfolk, Va........................................433
Richmond , Va..................................421
Jacksonville, Fl................................329
Tallahassee, Fl.................................371
Mobile , Al........................................508
Raleigh, N.C.....................................269
Charleston, W.V...............................387
Washington, D.C..............................528
Tampa, FL.........................................531
Charlotte, N.C...................................120
Columbia, S.C...................................47

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 12 July 2004 at 08:49 AM.]

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 12 Jul 2004 2:35 pm

John...it's a good thing we're as close as we are. Ole Bessy might not make it if it was any farther! We've got our eye on some good strong stock for back-up, though. After we adopted Russ & Laney and Randy, we felt like it was the family thing to do to donate them some of our best stock, so Blue went to Russ & Laney, and Randy now has Booger. Bessy misses 'em both real bad, but we told her she would get to see them in August and she perked up pretty good. Since we're down to just one mule, I guess we'll have to stock up on Varsity hot dogs for that extra bit of propulsion. Put up the heat shields!

Bill Cunningham · Post by **Bill Cunningham** » 12 Jul 2004 5:27 pm

I'm looking forward to it! 'Cause when I grow up I wanna play just like Clyde Bloodworth so I have to hear him every chance I get.

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"Gimme a steel guitar, 2 or 3 fiddles and a Texas rhythm section that can swing"..W. Nelson

[This message was edited by Bill Cunningham on 12 July 2004 at 06:29 PM.]

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 12 Jul 2004 11:18 pm

Bill
Just wait until Clyde grows up befote you make up your mind about that.

Don't Ole Clyde do a terrific job on our "National Anthem", Georgia. Makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Like Rob Parker sez, "He plays the Snot of of it."

Roger
I was wondering what somebody was saying about Randy in another thread. I thought they were saying he was a Booger, He has Booger, now that explains it

I hope you have all the accomodations set up for Ole Wayne Stowers for the trip and please try and explain indoor plumbing to him on the way over.

We are going to start this one at 9 AM to get everyone on. I will have the coffee ready.

The response to this show has been unbelieveable. Gonna be a Great one.

Remember, we have the Jeff Newman Seat to Auction off, A raffle for the Walker Seat, A raffle for the David Christmas Amp Stand.

I think Russ has a surprise, maybe a mystery guest. You never know what will happen at Saluda.

Most of these guys have new CD's ready to release at St Louis and we always get the jump on that at Saluda.

Randy has a new CD available and he is also bringing a bunch of Jeff's new CD down also.
These won't last long as Jeff was one of the Saluda Family.

All of the regular players at Saluda put on great shows, but they go home after one show is over and practice hard to get ready for the next one. They are constantly improving by leaps and bounds. The music gets better each and every time at Saluda.

We will have the Saluda Fire Department standing by, because there is going to be enough talent in the Saluda County Shrine Club to set the building on fire this time.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 13 July 2004 at 12:38 AM.]

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 13 Jul 2004 6:16 am

Will the one the only (thank God) WF Smiley Roberts will be the "guest"?

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John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 13 Jul 2004 6:23 am

Wish it could be Smiley, but hear he has been spending a lot of time in the health spa to get in shape for the St Louis opportunities to pick up women.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 13 Jul 2004 6:36 am

Does this mean Smiley will be riding down With Felix Chalero in November?

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 13 July 2004 at 07:40 AM.]

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 13 Jul 2004 11:12 am

Well I guess it's time for me to get my 2 cents worth in.

I am honored to be a part of the Saluda Show. I have only missed 6 or 7 shows since it's inception and have been honored not only to play the show, but also to MC the show and to originally bring the Atlanta bunch that has become the "Infamous" back up band.

Now if everything goes as planned, my band, Country River, will be there this time to play some "barroom" music for ya. So get up and dance.

Also, just maybe:

Bill Ferguson

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Stop worrying about what makes a steel work and concentrate on how YOU make it sound"

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 13 Jul 2004 9:14 pm

Bill Ferguson doesn't receive nowhere near enough credit for what he has done for The Southern Steel Guitar Convention over the years. I'm relatively new at Saluda, and don't have the benefit of knowing what took place in the early years to make Saluda what it is today. I'm sure there are others who have contributed to the sucess of Saluda and I wish there were archives that I could go back to and find out, so I could give credit where credit is due. This is not just a hand full of Shriners putting this event on, there are a great number of volunteers outside the Shrine Organization who volunteer time after time to make this the best Small Steel Guitar Convention around. To all those folks who have volunteered over the years and especially Mr Bill Ferguson, my Heartfelt Thanks and I am sure Buddy Walker and Charles Reece feel the same way.

Sure hope it works out for Country River to make it, Great REAL Country Sound.

I tried to dance the last time they were there, but somebody kept stepping on my hands.

John

BTW
Bill I know who the pretty lady is, in the picture, Is She a new addition to Country River.

If she is, Watch out Tommy Dodd and Timeless Highway, Bill Ferguson doesn't get even, He gets ahead.

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 The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 14 July 2004 at 12:32 AM.]