Steel on The Coast

Ben ODell · Post by **Ben ODell** » 5 Feb 2006 2:18 pm

Folks, this one was one for the books!!!

I'll just throw a few words in here to describe it. All who were in attendance will know what I'm talking about.

A GOOD-UN
FULL HOUSE-UN
FANTASTIC-UN
UNBELIEVEABLE-UN,,, Man that was hard to say

I'll let Lana and Bill get in here and explain. I am still teary eyed from the unforgetable performances from Ron Elliot and Don Helms. It was indeed an honor and pleasure to be on the same stage with these great legends in "COUNTRY MUSIC".

Of course, who could put together a show of this caliber other than Bill Stafford. And as everyone knows, ole Ben felt honored and to play with each and every one the players on the show. SO MANY,,,,,,,,,, SO GOOD !!!!

Joe Wright, thanks for allowing me to pick and grin (LOTS OF THAT),on your show.

An absolutely unbelievable performance from my good friend and fellow mustard green lover, Buck Grantham

God Bless you all for your efforts in making this show one of our greatest.

Ben O'Dell

Charlie Moore · Post by **Charlie Moore** » 5 Feb 2006 2:39 pm

Ben let me echo your words, WHAT a show and WHAT a crowd,as usual you guys make us La. boys feel so welcome,we are already looking forward to next time...had a ball...c ya'll...Charlie.....<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Charlie Moore on 05 February 2006 at 02:40 PM.]</p></FONT>

J PARKER · Post by **J PARKER** » 5 Feb 2006 3:15 pm

WOW WHAT A GOOD SHOW AS BEN SAID. I want to personally thank the backup band for the gret job that you guys did with me on my part of the show. I also want to thank Bill for inviteing once again to the show to play and to all the wonderful people that i got to meet there as well a big thanks to all of you. I hope to get to see all of you soon.
Jim

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · Post by **Buck Grantham R.I.P.** » 5 Feb 2006 5:42 pm

Yep !!!! That was a great show and we all had a great time. Once in a while everything seems to just come together right and this show did that very thing, Thanks to all the great talent. We especially thank Don Helms,Ron Elliott ,Joe wright and lana and all the people that drove so far to help make this show a great one. Also Sara and Joe put on a real good show. I was real impressed with Chris,who sang all the Hank Williams songs with Don Helmes playing Steel. Chris has a one in a million voice,, un believable quality. It was just an unforgetable experience,thanks to Bill Stafford ,Ben Odell and all the back up band and everyone who helped to make the show work. Can I get down off this soap box now ,my feet are killing me. Thanks for the mustard greens Ben

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 5 Feb 2006 6:26 pm

There are never enough words to say about a show this good....I'm thankful to all who came and participated, whether you were a player or a spectator.....thanks Bill for a great line up of superstars on steel, the great Don Helms...superb Ron Eliot, and the more than funny Joe Wright.....wow, wow, wow. I had a ball.......HAL

------------------
Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 5) 95 Carter 9 & 7 Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, 2 Racks w/Evans Pre-amps, Lexicon MPX500 & MPX550; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp; Nashville 400. Steelers Choice seat with back rest and side-kick.

Lana Rosselli · Post by **Lana Rosselli** » 5 Feb 2006 6:53 pm

Well let me say this - the South stood up and proved that a thing like Katrina may have pulled a sucker punch but the DSSGA went for the full KO!

The show kicked off at 11:05 AM with Mr. Smooth and his Excel guitar. 30 whole minutes of the sweet sound that only Bill can provide. He wanted to play first to get out of the way but I say, he was the best choice to start the day. Bill's touch is so soft and with such ease one can't help but be mesmerized.

The day progessed with several talented local players. We were all entertained by twin steels played by RJ Buras and Bert Courrege. Up next - Jim Parker. Jim has a sweet sound and should really make a CD for me to play on SteelRadio.com. Ya'll need to push him on this idea!

The stage was then graced by the great Buck Grantham. Man alive can he pick that guitar!! Buck has promised me he's gonna make a CD before he dies but I don't know when he's gonna be able too since he's playing over 200 shows a week. Ha!! Seriously though, Buck has played over 200 steel guitar shows averaging about 13 per year. Keep it up Buck, we love seeing and hearing you.

We pulled a little joke on Hal Higgins. He emailed me a brief bio but we couldn't open it. So, I sent it to Michael to open and he gave me the information over the phone. However, Hal didn't know this. So when it came time for me to introduce Hal, I told the audience I would read his bio and then had a picture to show. I stood silent for a second and then held up a blank page. You should have seen the look on Hal's face! Thanks Hal for being such a trooper. How's that Carter Starter doing? HEE HEE

Jr. Martin and his Cajun Band came up. Folks, this is a family act with his daughter - she played bass but normally plays drums, son-in-law on vocals, grandson on accordian, and another grandson on the scrubboard. He was too cute and quite the talent! If ya'll haven't seen Jr.'s guitar it's gold! a real beauty!

The Nashville boys took over after that. Steel greats like Don Helms - WOW! A true living legend. I had the pleasure of introducing each of the players that graced the stage but I was never more honored than to introduce Don. Mr. Helms is a hero to so many players and he's given so much to the country music. He still captures his audience, whether he's on stage or off. Don - thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime - Ladies and gentlemen - the legendary DON HELMS!

Let's not forget Mini Hank! Chris Malpass from Goldsboro, NC (I think I spelled that correctly). I call him Mini Hank because he looks and sounds just like the legendary singer. He even wiggles like Hank! Thank you Chris!! PS: He does a pretty good Lefty Frizell too!

Follow that act up with Ron Elliott. Bill Stafford said it best "...you got a might tastey left hand" and he's right! Ron's playing was so smooth and relaxing. Beautiful sound as a result of perfect touch and tone. The DSSGA presented Ron with an American flag in recognition of his unwavering support of our men and women in the armed forces. Ron's patriotism is present with every set he performs as he closes with America the Beautiful. I have to say, I've never heard it played better than I did by Ron. Everyone that could stand was standing and everyone applauded as the fellow steel players (also veterans) lined up to shake hands with Ron. Thank you Ron for your wonderful contribution and dedication to both steel guitar and our military.

Mr. Joe Wright and his altered personality shook things up down South. Joe is one heck of a performer folks. His steel playing is pure genius! It amazes me how he can play with such precision while looking around at the folks in the audience instead of the guitar. Shoot, I can't stop looking at the guitar - just trying to figure out how he does that! Before Joe got up to play, his guitar set next to the stage where I was standing. A man walked up, said hello, exchanged comments about the show, and proceeded toward Joe's guitar. He said, excuse me but I just want to look at it. And he stood there in amazement gazing at Joe's guitar. Let me tell you, I do the same thing when Joe performs! BTW - we'll all soon be calling him Grandpa Joe. Imagine that - Joe Wright is gonna be a grandpa in May. Congrats Joe!

Jerry Jaye and the Southern Comfort Band provided us with a preview of their regular Saturday night gig. Some folks got up to cut a little rug. My sister and I even did a little 10 step. Thanks boys!!

Captain Reddington took us to Hawaii and back first on his classic Rickenbacker guitar and then climbed to higher altitudes on his non pedal steel. But when he finally landed, he didn't turn off the seatbelt sign. Joe returned to the stage with SERA on keyboards and they kicked it up more notches than Emril!

JR Jones and his band took us back down a country lane and he shared with us his very own Katrina song.

Charlie Moore closed up the show with Buck Grantham on guitar. Buck made sure Charlie didn't make any mistakes - not that he would have anyway!! Once again Mini Hank got up and sang a couple Lefty songs. Now folks, if you weren't at the show, you missed one heck of a rendition of I Never Go Around Mirrors. That boy can SANG now!!!

All I have to say is I had a great time as I knew I would at the DSSGA show. Surrounded by talented musicians and all around great people. I want to thank Bill Stafford for all his work and for inviting me to MC. I was honored and privileged to introduce great steel players from all over.

Thanks to the musicians that backed the different steel players - that's one tough job but they did it without blinking an eye. Tommy Moran on rythm guitar, Ben O'Dell on bass, Hal Higgins on keyboards, and Wayne Goff on drums. Great job fellas!

Miss Dot, thanks for the Mardi Gras Star and the imaginary peanut butter sandwich.

Most of all, thanks to everyone who turned out to enjoy the show and the folks behind the scenes covering the details. Ms. Betty at the door and the staff at the hall for all that great food! YUMMY!!!!

And folks, that's why I Love the SOUTH!!!!

See ya'll again soon.

Miss Lana

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 5 Feb 2006 7:50 pm

WOW, thanks to all for this wonderful support. Ms Lana, MSGA, has said it all and I am so thankful for all she did for us yesterday. The show would not have worked so well had she not been there.
I was very humbled by the surprise award my great friends presented to me during the program. They roasted me quite well. To have this many good friends is my blessing in this life. That award will go on the wall adjacent to my "Jerry Byrd Lifetime Achievement" award-and it means just as much too.
Special thanks to Ron Elliott(big "RE"), Don Helms, Joe Wright, Buck Grantham and all our regular players. MS Lana covered it all quite well.
I was so pleased to hear comments from the audience about how nice it was to come to this show and have a sense of "normalcy" return to their lives-even just for an afternoon and evening of great music, good food and lots of laughter- and especially the many tears of pride that Ron Elliott instills in all with his true display of honest patriotism from his heart and the sweetest music produced on this earth. Thanks Ron.
A personal message to Don Helms-when I got in my car this morning, on the way to load the rest of my gear-your kickoff intro to "Half As Much" came on just as I had turned on the radio. And to thank that this great legend had just left my home on his way back to Nashville. Even my radio was sayting thanks to you. We could never thank you enough and properly for all you have given to us. And to see and hear you play all those great songs in our building was the very best. You even gave us a special treat when you did the intro to "Walking After Midnight" with your lady vocalist. I was too busy and did not get her name so please apologize to her for me. That was a great thing for you to do. The audience is now more aware of all you have done in our music world. The footprints are huge Don, and I am the proudest of all for the time you gave us and especially your friendship.
Thanks again to all for this support. This music was badly needed here on our coast.
Sorry for the hotel/motel accomodation status at this time. Hopefully it will be much better for our next show.
Bill Stafford

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 5 Feb 2006 7:57 pm

The Jr Martin family really served it all up properly for us. This is a most talented family and Jr.'s steel playing is one of the great legends in the Cajun music coming out of Louisiana. His double ten gold plated Pedal Master is a sight to behold. Jr has one of the very best left hands capable of playing all the hammer-on and hammer-off runs required in this wonderful style of music famous in this part of the coutry. His use of a capo allow him to get that in any key. Thanks Jr. Martin and family for the great time you all gave us. Hope to see you again soon.
Bill Stafford

Ron Elliott · Post by **Ron Elliott** » 5 Feb 2006 8:50 pm

I'm sure I'm going to fall short in trying to say what an honor and pleasure it was, as it always is, just to be on the same stage with such great people and wonderful players. My sincere thanks and deep appreciation for the kind words that are contained in the previous posts. I am totally humbled ! How can we put into words the joy of just being in the presence of all these legends and getting to share the same stage. Most of these I have known for lo all these many years,..but it still stirs up the feelings that this business can do for you. Bill, Betty, Ben, Jim, Buck,Mitzi, Hal, Ms Lana,Don,Chris..and all the wonderful players and friends that we were fortunate enough to meet and greet again,...Our sincere thanks for all the hard work in putting together a super show,...and to a full-house audience that stayed with us all night. Bill & Betty,..most gracious host and hostess, for letting Leslie and Me share your wonderful home. Thanks again to you ALL. Bill, Lana, I'm sure we'll be talking to each other after a few hours of well deserved rest.The whole organization of friends and players deserves GOD'S Blessings. We love you ALL. Ron & Leslie Elliott

Lana Rosselli · Post by **Lana Rosselli** » 5 Feb 2006 8:55 pm

Oh my! I forgot to mention Don doing Walking After Midnight. I believe the lady's name is Terri Church. She did a wonderful job. Patsy would have been proud I'm sure.

I didn't mention your roast for one reason - I thought it best for you to mention. However, I didn't get to say my words as we were running short on time. So, I'm gonna do it now.

Last year was my first 'solo show'. Meaning, that was the first show I attended by myself as the representative of SteelRadio.com. I was nervous as all get out, didn't know anyone, and still new to the show circuit. When I arrived at the hall that fateful day in June I was welcomed with open arms. Bill made me feel like we had known each other for years. He let me do what I do best - listen and ask tons of questions. He even let me be part of his show. But, most of all, he supported and encouraged me to make all my jitters go away. Since then, he has always been available to share information, teach, answer more questions, and be the best friend anyone could ask for. Bill has made me feel like a member of the family. Your genuine love, concern, thoughtfulness, and overall caring nature was recognized Saturday by only a few of the people you have touched. Thank you Bill for all you have done. Not just for me but for everyone. You call me your Steel Guitar Angel - well sir, I call you the Steel Guitar Knight and the South is your Camelot.

Miss Lana

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 6 Feb 2006 3:43 am

The steel guitar is the most "EXPRESSIVE INSTRUMENT IN THE WORLD" and it certainely lived up to its expectations this past Saturday.
Very special thanks to Ben O'Dell, Wayne Goff, Tommy Moran for their talents. The "instant arrangements" they gave all of us was just the best. No "back-up" musicians here: all up front and greatly appreciated.
Special thanks to my dear friend Ed Clark for being on stage with me. His rendition of "Got A Letter From My Kid Today" and his gorgeous voice on "Ten Thousand Years" made it very worthwhile for me to have put in all these years in my life just to be on stage with this great talent. Thanks Ed.

Roland Buras · Post by **Roland Buras** » 6 Feb 2006 8:25 pm

Ron Elliot it was a pleasure to meet you and your wife, i Really did enjoy your playing, thank you so much for coming to the coast. Hopefully we can get you back soon.

R J Buras
Excel SD12 8x5

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · Post by **Buck Grantham R.I.P.** » 6 Feb 2006 8:55 pm

Hey Lana,I hope you didn't record any of that cause we was just tuning up. You aught to hear us when we really get started.

It really was fun for sure.

Lana Rosselli · Post by **Lana Rosselli** » 7 Feb 2006 3:54 am

Buck - you know I did! Just consider it a demo for your LIVE CD. Seriously though, you sounded maaaaaavalous, absolutely maaaavalous!

Miss Lana

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · Post by **Buck Grantham R.I.P.** » 7 Feb 2006 8:46 am

Ben ODell · Post by **Ben ODell** » 7 Feb 2006 12:01 pm

Ya See

As I said when I opened this thread, Bill and Lana could, and would, fill in all the blanks. And so they did.

I was sitiing and thinking again about the show yesterday, and my mind kept going back to those unforgettable performances by all the players on our stage Saturday. And as I rumbled through all that sawdust, I could not get the presentation of the "STARS AND STRIPES", made to Ron Elliot during the show, off my mind. It was one of the most memorable events I can recall. Ron Elliot has always shown his great love for our nation and my hat is off to you "RON" because we share that same emotion.

I did fail to mention Lana though and want to apologize for that. Lana kept the show going in the absence of our world famous M.C., Jeff Blackwell. Sure hope he is doing better. And Lana,,,,,, please feel free to be with us anytime.

And Buck,,,, you're plumb welcome. Hope I packed enough for Mitzi to have a few spoons, when you get your plate full. Hope I can be instrumental in making your alblllum happen.

Again, to everyone who made it to the show, fan, or player, please come visit us again so we can extend some more of that southern hospitality.

A special thanks to my Buddy, sidekick, partner in crime, and long time fiend, "WAYNE GOFF", for staying on that stage with me all day. We were two tarred puppies when we got home. I told Wayne, "I almost wore my fingers down to the third knuckle", and Wayne replied, "Yeah and mine to the elbow". But, MAN it was fun !!!!

Thanks to everyone!!! Ben O'Dell

Lana Rosselli · Post by **Lana Rosselli** » 8 Feb 2006 3:42 am

Thanks Ben! I certainly will come back again. You folks really put on a good show. Make sure you tune in to my show this weekend as I'll recap DSSGA Show.

Take care and see you soon!

Miss Lana

R.C. Vick · Post by **R.C. Vick** » 8 Feb 2006 5:09 pm

I know Im going to get someones goat with this post, but well, let the chips fall. During the first part of the Gulfport Show, there was so much rudeness by people holding long, loud reunions and others sitting in the "listening zone" just hooping it up with NO respect or regard to the Players or other people who seriously was into listening to the music. Some were area steelers and others were probably well meaning people. (Except the hooters). It aint right people. Those players deserve your respect and attention instead of trying to talk over you during their presentation. Don Helms was almost unhearable in the left side of the building. There is a rear area for standing around and talking. Please use it in the future if you fall into this category. Im sure this doesnt happen in St. Louis or Dallas and we had the same players that play there every year. Thanks for letting me vent.

Dr. Hugh Jeffreys · Post by **Dr. Hugh Jeffreys** » 15 Feb 2006 11:52 am

Ben - We enjoyed the short time there Sat and wish we could have stayed longer (there is a limit to how long I can sit in one of those chairs in my present condition--just had 4 more blocks in my spine Mon.) I think it's really splendid the way you and Bill have held things together down there. I know the Coast will be bigger and better than ever BTW: I had a sign made for the rear window of my red truck: BILOXI WILL RISE AGAIN! Best to all========j--------

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 15 Feb 2006 3:13 pm

Dr. Hugh. I wish I could have spent some time with you at the show. Kept looking for you to show up, but with all the crowd there, I am sorry I missed speaking with you. I was so proud for all the folks there who seemed to really relax for the first time since the storm. They are the ones working hard to return to some normalcy.
Hope you are doing much better soon. Want you to be on our show one of these days. Maybe we can get ole Roy Ayers back down here and have a really good reunion with the good ole songs we all love so much. Thanks for your support.
Your friend,

Bill Stafford

Dr. Hugh Jeffreys · Post by **Dr. Hugh Jeffreys** » 17 Feb 2006 3:25 pm

Bill - GREAT!!!! Haven't seen or talked to our good buddy Roy in some time. BTW: I talked to Al Vescovo yesterday; he said that he really enjoyed the get-2-gether in Arizona with you and Betty. Looking fwd to the next Deep So. show and hope that I'll be down there playing sometime this year. Best, HJ P.S. I still have the 8x10 photo I made with Elvis: I'll bring it for you next gig.