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CJC

For the Forum members: There was a steel player many years ago in this area named Paul Manning who built his own pedal steel. On the side (changer end) he had a little box with a lock on it. Evidently he wanted to keep his homemade tuning mechanisms secret. So he'd unlock the box, make adjustments, and then lock up the box. I don't know whether it was all for show or what... but it sure got the attention of the steel players! According to bass player Pee Wee Gokey the box was empty. I guess we'll never know. It sure makes for a good story.

I heard Paul play in the 70's and he was using an echoplex that sounded great. He once told me that a pedal steel could be built entirely from parts available in a Hardware store. I almost fell over when I saw the little "chains" that he used instead of pedal rods. He said they were toilet chains from a Hardware store! He demonstrated how easily they would collapse at the end of the night when it's time to pack up! Paul played at the Mass Bash back in the 80's.

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My Site/Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

When you made reference to Peggy Green, it brought back memories of the April 10, 1983 Steel Guitar Bash, held at J.W.'s nightclub on Pontoosuc Lake. I remember that you were in good form,as we chatted with Peggy G. near the bar. The special guest was J.D. Walters of Freddie Hart fame. The "Heartbeats" backed J.D.,of which he was an original member. After their departure from Freddie, they renamed their group, "The Wyoming Machinery Co." Another noteworthy attendee, was none other than Jay Andrews, who has become well known in and around the Nashville scene. His steel guitar prowess has been recognized by many, including Johnny Paycheck.
The high spirited musicians made light of the downpour, and provided exceptional entertainment throughout the afternoon. Last year, Bobbe Seymour, and Smiley Roberts, performed, and cheerfully supported the superb players from our region; here in the Northeast.

Buzz Evans brought an entirely new
musical experience, when the "MA Bash" was held at the former Natioal Music Center in Lenox, Ma.
His renditiions on the steel guitar are original, and he is without reservation, an artist with unlimited capabilities.

The upcoming Steel Guitar Bash, to be held on Sept. 29th, at AmVets in Chicopee, Ma. will bring back memories, and I hope to bring home a fresh supply of memorable moments.

Bill H.

[This message was edited by Bill Hankey on 12 July 2002 at 12:14 AM.]

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CJC

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My Site/Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

How the time has slipped away. That steel guitar "Bash" was held at the Bonny Rigg Inn, in Becket, Ma. I was more than delighted when Harry G. played "Apple Jack", and brought the "C" pedal into action. I felt comfortable in his presence, as he went about, setting up displays, and true to his propensity, he was always on the move, trying to promote the steel guitar.

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CJC

Your strong support for the musicians in this area, proves what I've known since first meeting you, back in the eighties. You are a mighty fine gentleman, with a great country music background. You've shown much kindness for budding steel guitarists, who were invited by you to sit in at the clubs in the Springfield, Ma., area. For these acts alone, you will always be remembered. I'm sorry that life's turn of events has touched
your happy home.

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My Site - Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

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CJC

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My Site - Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

By the way, on the night after the Bash (Monday, Sept 30), I'll be the featured artist for "Hillbilly Night" at Johnny-D's in Boston. They're putting together a great backup band for me and I'll get to play all the tunes I won't have time for at the Bash (plus re-play a few I messed up on the first time 'round! ) Hope some of you can come out and join us!

I'll post more details after St. Louis.

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The "Master of Acceptable Tone"
www.jimcohen.com

[This message was edited by Jim Cohen on 27 August 2002 at 02:14 PM.]

Doug, is the Mass Bash mostly a jam? Will there be people there who play other instruments? How does it work? Is it Pot Luck? (I could bring some Jello )

--Rob

[This message was edited by Rob Hamilton on 29 August 2002 at 05:04 PM.]

Rob, it's a steel guitar show/concert. We have a dozen excellent steel guitarists; each one plays a 1/2 hour set with the backup band, mostly instrumentals, some backing up singers.

Jim you Hillbilly! What time is your show in Boston? I have a recording session scheduled for that Monday evening, but things could change between now and then. I'm about 90 miles from Boston but there's a chance I could make it.

Boston area forum members... go see Jim Cohen play at Johnny D's on Sept. 30!

For folks who are heading west on the Mass Pike After the Mass Bash (check 7 posts above this one) and just can't get enough steel... I will be playing twin steels with Pete Adams at the ITAM Lodge in Pittsfield, Mass (7 to 11pm, Sept. 29).

From Chicopee take the Mass Pike WEST to Exit 2, Lee (about 40 miles).

Turn RIGHT off the exit and follow Rt 20 WEST.

After about 4 miles Rt 20 merges with Rt 7 NORTH. Continue on 7 & 20 for another 7 miles or so into the center of Pittsfield. Stay on Rt 7 NORTH.

There is a rotary in the center of Pittsfield. Go half way around the rotary and continue on Rt 7 NORTH. You will go through a few traffic lights.

About 2 1/2 miles from the rotary turn LEFT on HANCOCK RD. (there is a traffic light at Hancock Rd). Go about 1/2 mile and turn RIGHT on SPANIOL ST.

Go to the end and turn LEFT.
Go about 200 feet and you'll see the ITAM Lodge on the right side.

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My Site - Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

[This message was edited by Doug Beaumier on 08 September 2002 at 10:18 PM.]

All the best!

John www.JohnHeinrich.com

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CJC

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CJC

I was actually thinking about driving back to Mass for the show, but we're moving into our new house that weekend, bummer!

Seriously,if his set is anything similar to his set in S.L.,y'all are in for a BIG treat!! Don't let that "Philly" home town fool ya. This guy can pick w/ the best of the "heavy swingers". If any of "youse guys" has his "Finally Here" CD you now what I'm talkin' 'bout. Always a pleasure to see (& hear) "Jimbeaux".

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  ~ ~
  ©¿©  It don't mean a thang,   
  mm   if it ain't got that twang.
       www.ntsga.com

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CJC

Jim Smith I appreciate you, Joe, Smiley and everyone else traveling up here to Mass for the show. You guys are in for a surprise when you hear Dana Flood. He's got a great sound. He did a fantastic set in RI, as did Sam Gibson. Sam seems to gain more energy as the years go by. See you soon.

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My Site - Instruction | Doug's Free Tab | Steels and Accessories

I am so appreciative of the many friends who have been supportive in the past nineteen years. Numerous musicians have attended past Ma. Steel Guitar Bashes, and I can't recall one that wasn't filled with the warmest participation one could hope for. Thank you all for your kindness, and generosity. This coming Sunday, September 29th, will mark the 20th "Bash", and was made possible through efforts put forth by participants of past events. I look forward, and anxiously anticipate meeting with friends once again. I'll try to absorb as much steel guitar music as is possible. I am aware of the great list of entertainers, and I will try to prepare myself for the opportunity to hear 7 hours of exceptionally talented performers entertain with their diversified styles.