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  Gulf Coast steelers and Hurricane Katrina (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   Gulf Coast steelers and Hurricane Katrina
David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 03 September 2005 12:18 PM     profile     
I have collected the information I could find in all the various threads on this. If people find out about those whose situation is still unknown, it would be helpful if they would post it here in this one thread. If there are any others I have missed, please add them here, or contact me and I will edit their names in. I just thought I would do this to try to keep it all in one place. I have kin and roots down there, and have met some of the steelers down there, so I have some personal interest in this. I know most of them are safe, but communications will be poor or nonexistent in the area for some time. So I thought this is something I can do from the outside.

SITUATION UNKNOWN:

Johnny Bonvillian
Harold Cavalier


HEARD FROM AND SAFE:

Ben O-Dell
Hal Higgins

quote:
I got a call from Ben, the house is ok, but he lost his barn, some trees and sustained some damage to the studio. Jerry Jay and Darlene, VanZikle were camped out at Ben's, so all are OK, Found Hal Higgins in south AR at his sisters, so he is ok. Mike Hoover

quote:
I found out today that all is lost in Buras, LA.......I want to thank you all for your prayers and your concern.....and just keep on praying as we deal with the aftermath and finding a place to re-locate. Hal Higgins

Sonny Landreth

quote:
I just made a phone call and learned that Sonny arrived here in Lafayette, LoUiSiAna, from Baltimore - I think, on the last flight Sunday night before the airport was closed. Lafayette is about two hours west of New Orleans on I-10 and we barely noticed any winds or rain. Milton Guilbeau

David Easley

quote:
Dave Easley rode it out in Atlanta, but he doesn't know what's left back home. David Mason

R.J. Buras

quote:
Just saw a list with R.J. Buras and family on and they were listed "ALIVE" Thanks to God. Barney Miller

Reggie Duncan

quote:
Just talked to REGGIE DUNCAN in southern MISSISSIPPI, said they are ok, no power ect. but asking for all our PRAYERS. Farris Currie

Fats Domino

quote:
He's been found. Bill McClosky

quote:
Here's the CNN report b0b

Bill Stafford

quote:
I saw Bill at the ISGC St. Louis playing at the Excel booth, he is safe. Scott Swartz

Bill Carr
Winston Street

quote:
Hey guys, I talked with Billy Carr's wife Glenda this morning as soon as my cell phone service came back on.. They are okay but are like the rest of us.. Have no power, water etc.. Or gas.. I believe Glenda said that they didn't have any damage to their home. Winston Street

Buck Grantham

quote:
They're fine. I just spent the evening at a party with them tonight. Herb Steiner

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 03 September 2005 at 12:23 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 04 September 2005 at 11:03 AM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 04 September 2005 at 01:15 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 05 September 2005 at 01:01 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 05 September 2005 at 07:11 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 08 September 2005 at 03:04 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 08 September 2005 at 03:06 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 09 September 2005 at 07:40 AM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 25 September 2005 at 06:59 PM.]

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 04 September 2005 10:40 AM     profile     
HEARD FROM AND SAFE

Gatemouth Brown

quote:
Celeste reports Gatemouth and family OK, "holed-up" in Texas as of 3 days ago. Jim, Michelle & Renee reported as being OK. Looks like folks are able to get supplies into Bogalusa. Denny Turner

Reggie Duncan

quote:
I have talked to a few steelers in the troubled area, WINSTON STREET AND REGGIE DUNCAN, THEY say they made it and are thankful to be alive!!! Farris Currie

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 04 September 2005 at 11:03 AM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 05 September 2005 at 01:02 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 08 September 2005 at 03:05 PM.]

Steve Spitz
Member

From: New Orleans, LA, USA

posted 04 September 2005 12:30 PM     profile     
I have evacuated with my family to the Tampa/St.Pete Florida area. Don`t know when I`ll return or what I`ll return to. I`m fortunate to be out and healthy, luckier than many. Thanks for the concern, I really appreciate you guys.
Roy Ayres
Member

From: Starke, Florida, USA

posted 04 September 2005 12:55 PM     profile     
How about Gary Miles. Anyone heard from him?

------------------

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David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 05 September 2005 08:58 AM     profile     
Bump
Rick Schmidt
Member

From: Carlsbad, CA. USA

posted 05 September 2005 10:39 AM     profile     
I too am very concerned about Gary Miles.

Also Spencer Bohren (blues singer and lap steeler, often on NPR's "Prarie Home Companion") and his family.

Lynn Owsley
Member

From: Hendersonville, Tn. USA

posted 05 September 2005 11:20 AM     profile     
I just talked to Hank Corwin,he and Barbie are safe in Atlanta, Ga....they were able to get out in time,his home is 3 miles back from the beach and believes it may still be standing...plans to return on Tues....My sister at Biloxie,Beach,has lost her home,she said 2 closets were left intact,she has some few clothes.
I am going to see first hand, as a volunteer for FEMA at Pascagoula,MS,I will be there later today...Any...Any help is needed and very much appreciated...the Red Cross is a good place to give what you can...any of the agencies that are there needs help...
Roy Ayres
Member

From: Starke, Florida, USA

posted 05 September 2005 11:52 AM     profile     
When Bill Stafford returns home from St. Louis (if he has a home left) perhaps he could trace down Gary Miles and let us know how he is.

------------------

Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 05 September 2005 01:00 PM     profile     
HEARD FROM AND SAFE

Landry Grice

quote:
I went to see Landry this morning, and although I missed him, I did speak to his son. They are all safe but are without power and telephone service as is most of his area. Al Starnes
Larry Hicks
Member

From: Alabama, USA

posted 05 September 2005 05:12 PM     profile     
Roy,
Tim Bridges talked to Bill Stafford in St. Louis. Bill had tree and fence damage, but apparently no damage to his house. If I understood Tim correctly, Bill has power but no phone. I hope I heard Tim correctly.

Also, (again, if I heard correctly over a poor cell connection) the VFW is still standing.
Larry

[This message was edited by Larry Hicks on 05 September 2005 at 05:13 PM.]

Barney Y. Miller
Member

From: Covington, GA, USA

posted 05 September 2005 06:28 PM     profile     
Talked to Frank Ballero and Ed Clark tonight. They are safe. Still haven't talked to Gary Miles.

Barney

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 06 September 2005 06:17 AM     profile     
bump
Roy Ayres
Member

From: Starke, Florida, USA

posted 06 September 2005 09:31 AM     profile     
Thanks, Larry. I'm glad Bill's place and the VFW survived it.

Now, I still want to know if Gary Miles is OK. He really brought a breath of fresh air to the Gulfport show, and I felt I had found a new friend. We talked for what seemed like hours. Let's all pray that he is OK. If ANYONE hears ANYTHING about him, please post it.

------------------

Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

Rick Schmidt
Member

From: Carlsbad, CA. USA

posted 06 September 2005 02:27 PM     profile     
I've been trying to call and email Gary with no luck. Let's all keep our fingers crossed! He's a great guy/great player!
David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 06 September 2005 06:08 PM     profile     
HEARD FROM AND SAFE

Mike Brown and Peavey Electronics

quote:
We're OK. Meridian took a good beating and we're approximately 150 miles from the coast...A few trees in the road and a week without electricity. However, we are fortunate compared to our fellow Mississippians.... We 120% better than the people South of us. I just worry about the folks on the coast. Please contribute to the Red Cross. Mike Brown

[This message was edited by David Doggett on 07 September 2005 at 01:48 PM.]

John Bechtel
Member

From: Nashville, Tennessee,U.S.A.

posted 06 September 2005 08:46 PM     profile     
I got a quick e-mail from my friend Ken Amacker (2)-days ago and he said his home faired OK through the storm and that he and his family are OK also! I was glad to hear that! Ken is a member of Bill Stafford’s D.S.S.G.&M.A. of Gulfport, Ms.

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“Big John” Bechtel
’04 SD–10 Black Derby w/3 & 5 & Pad
’65 Re-Issue Fender Twin–Reverb Custom™ 15” Eminence
web site

DeWitt Scott
Member

From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

posted 06 September 2005 11:10 PM     profile     
There was collection taken up at the International Steel Guitar Convention spear headed by the girls at the George L booth. I have a close estimate of the money collected. Around $2,400.00. I do not know who will receive the money. Kimberly and Leesa handled it but you can rest assured that they will donate it to the worthy cause. Scotty
David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 07 September 2005 06:10 AM     profile     
It would be nice to use some or all of that money to replace steel guitars for anyone who lost one in the hurricane or flood. For someone who lost everything, that's going to be low down on their priority list for survival; but it could make a big difference keeping the music and spirits up in that region. And it could help someone who needs a steel to make some money.
David Mason
Member

From: Cambridge, MD, USA

posted 07 September 2005 07:11 AM     profile     
The Grammy MusiCares program is trying to house and feed musicians, they're certainly worth contacting if you know someone in need:
http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum14/HTML/002928.html
Jack Stoner
Sysop

From: Inverness, Florida

posted 07 September 2005 09:02 AM     profile     
Lynn, glad to hear you finally heard from your Sister.

For those that don't know, Lynn has volunteered to drive an 18 wheeler to help with getting supplies down there.

Too bad Jerry couldn't have sent a couple of buses down there to house people temporarily.

Roy Ayres
Member

From: Starke, Florida, USA

posted 07 September 2005 01:34 PM     profile     
If any of the money collected goes to help steelers re-equip for Katrina losses, don't forget my friend, Hal Higgins. Hal and his family survived the hurricane, but lost everything -- including all of Hal's equipment. As far as I know, Hal was making his living playing music.

------------------

Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

John Hughey
Member

From: Hendersonville, Tn. U.S.A.

posted 07 September 2005 07:54 PM     profile     
I am very concerned about Johnny Bonvillian.
He called me about a week before the storm and left me a message on my answering machine saying that he was just checking on me to see how I was doing. I was working every day and never got a chance to call him back before the storm. If anyone hears anything, please let me know.
Thanks,
John Hughey
David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 08 September 2005 06:49 AM     profile     
bump
Lynn Owsley
Member

From: Hendersonville, Tn. USA

posted 08 September 2005 07:22 AM     profile     
Talked with Hank Corwin today,his home is standing and only slight damage,much near him is totaled,what I have seen so far is even worse than can be imagined while watching on TV...
My sister is out now,her home on Biloxie Bay is gone...she said that neighbors and friends working together is wonderful,she has nothing but praise for all helping...
To musicians: The giant sign at the new and yet unopened Hard Rock Hotel And Casino,there on the beach,the one which is shaped like a giant guitar,is the only thing standing in that area,some tell me that the sign has been a comfort to them and it is amazing that it is still there...
Jack Stoner:Jerry Calhoun has 16 entertainer coaches in Pascagoula,Ms and Gonzales,La which are being used as Med-evac and housing for FEMA,Core of Engineers and medical personnel,we will bring in 4 more later this week...
Steel Guitarist,Chuck Campbell from the Wash DC area,whom many of us visited with in St.Louis last week is volunteering to operate heavy equipment in the clean-up and will come in soon.
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are good choices for sending donations,however any donations to any agencies working in the area are needed and appreciated...It is a good feeling to me to be able to help in some small way.
Winston Street
Member

From: Laurel, Mississippi, USA

posted 08 September 2005 09:53 AM     profile     
Hey Dave,
Just heard from Gary Miles. He is okay. Below is his response.

Winston

Hey Dude,
Thank you for thinking about me, however I 'm Moving to Austin Texas. My bags are packed , and I'm waiting on Fema. I finished my new C-D Gary Miles Steeling Cajun, but the storm stop me from releasing it it, Altough , I will release it in Austin.Love you Dude , and take care.
Your Friend
Gary Miles

[This message was edited by Winston Street on 08 September 2005 at 09:57 AM.]

Rick Schmidt
Member

From: Carlsbad, CA. USA

posted 08 September 2005 10:12 AM     profile     
I just got pretty much the same the email from Gary...Thank God!!!!

Can't wait to hear his new CD!

Steve Spitz
Member

From: New Orleans, LA, USA

posted 08 September 2005 12:05 PM     profile     
John Hughey:
Most folks around Johnny did allright. His side of the river (the west bank) wasn`t affected by the lake flooding. He might have lost power a while, and not responding for that reason. I have a friend who is returning to that area, If you like I could have him go by Johnny`s house and check. Hope that helps.
Roy Ayres
Member

From: Starke, Florida, USA

posted 08 September 2005 12:24 PM     profile     
I'm extremely happy to learn that Gary Miles is OK -- but sorry to hear that he is moving to Austin. I only met him once, but feel a closeness to him due to some great conversations with him at the fish camp and the DSSGA show.

Gary, if you see this, save me a copy of your new CD. With that unique style of yours you should do well around Austin. Texas' gain is Mississippi's loss.

------------------

Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 08 September 2005 03:15 PM     profile     
Okay, I've edited out all the MIAs in the original post who have been heard from. The only remaining names that have been submitted and not accounted for are Johnny Bonvillian and Harold Cavalier. I haven't put all the names people have reported "heard from" in my own posts, but if you scan through all the posts in this thread they are all there. So far we have been very lucky with many Gulf Coast steelers, except that Hal Higgins, who lived in Buras in Plaquemines Parish below New Orleans lost everything. Buras is where the center of the storm made landfall, and that area is still flooded, and may have been permanently reclaimed by the Gulf. I'm sure Hal could use any help from any of us. He is probably too proud to ask, but maybe his friends down there can advise how he can be helped.

Winston Street
Member

From: Laurel, Mississippi, USA

posted 08 September 2005 03:38 PM     profile     
Has anyone heard from R.J. Buras, owner of the Lakeside Fishhouse? I haven't been able to contact him.

Winston

Steve Spitz
Member

From: New Orleans, LA, USA

posted 08 September 2005 04:26 PM     profile     
Another steeler I am very concerned about is Charlie Brunies. He lived in Chalmette, a very heavily flooded area.Charlie could be hard-headed enough to stay. He`s over seventy and on a fixed income, possibly making him less likely to evacuate. He has some health issues as well. I really love him like a brother. He brought Johnny Bonvillian and Harold Cavelero to a recent gig of mine, sure made me nervous. I believe Harold also lived on the west bank, as did Johnny, so he most likely did allright.
David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 10 September 2005 07:10 AM     profile     
bump
Ben ODell
Member

From: Agricola, Mississippi, USA

posted 10 September 2005 06:30 PM     profile     
Thanks David for the info. I'm still making calls and will post anything I come up with.

I got a call from Hal Higgins on his cell and he told me the bridge to Buras, (would not be rebuilt. Nothing to rebuild to.

We'll join in the prayers for Hal and his family and you can bet, we will be the first in line to assist as we can.

Ben O'Dell

------------------
If it ain't got steel in it, It Ain't

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 11 September 2005 06:56 AM     profile     
Bump
Matt Steindl
Member

From: New Orleans, LA, USA

posted 11 September 2005 10:29 AM     profile     
Steve Spitz, are you still in St. Pete? I might be able to russle up some gigs for you.

Email me if youre gonna be in town for a wile.

Matt
727-374-7844

Milton Guilbeau
Member

From: Lafayette, LA.

posted 11 September 2005 11:59 AM     profile     
While visiting Lafayette General Hospital today, I spotted a gentleman on the parking lot wearing a black T-shirt...the text on the back was, E9+C6=MC2. Nothing easier to PICK a steel PICKer. He was Maurice Galloway from Metairie, Louisiana, a new resident of our city. He rented an apartment next to a brother of his, has a son and a daughter relocated at two colleges here. He thinks he will reside here for one year.

Maurice tells me he is a DSSA fan and made the last jam on August 6. He was very happy to hear that everyone he named from Katrina's path were okay and wanted to pass on that he will be just fine. Thanks to the SG Forum!

He sends a special 'Helleaux' to Reggie Duncan and brother, Larry Moore of Atlanta, Roy and Laurie Ayres and Bobby Duncan of Illinois. He had all of your business cards 'safe' in his wallet.

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"One never retires from music, any more than one retires from breathing."

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 12 September 2005 05:00 AM     profile     
Bump
David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 13 September 2005 07:16 AM     profile     
HEARD FROM AND SAFE

Ed Boudreaux

quote:
This is Ed Boudreaux your brother in Christ and fellow musician for the Lord.
My wife and I had our house and ALL its contents covered to the roof by flood water due to hurricane Katrina. My steel, amps,speakers and everything else ,were totally destroyed. We are now in Littleton Colorado with my daughter.
Do you know any steel player and gospel ministry in this area?
We will be here at least until the end of this year.
Bro. Ed


[This message was edited by David Doggett on 13 September 2005 at 10:00 AM.]

David Doggett
Member

From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

posted 14 September 2005 06:09 AM     profile     
Bump
Reggie Duncan
Member

From: Mississippi

posted 25 September 2005 11:41 AM     profile     
Charlie Brunies from Chalmette LA is safe and sound in Arkansas.

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