Topic: First time with a group.

We  went through Minden, La. to get to a Scottish festival yesterday and met a couple from our home town who were performing there.I see them jogging and cycling but did not know their names or anything about them. She plays the Hammer Dulcimer and he plays Guitar, Mandolin and Squeeze box. They invited me to an open mike gathering on the first Thursday night of each month which I am probably going to check out. Any way, back to Minden.
     I knew there should be a music shop in Minden so I found Mr. W.D. Roberts shop listed. On the way home from a wonderful time at the festival we stopped by and found Mr. Roberts playing Steel guitar ,Mr. Bass playing Resonator Guitar and a lady and 3 other gentlemen on guitars taking turns singing lead.After brief introductions my wife and I sat and listened  to a couple of songs and then Mr. Roberts popped the question! Do you play? I didn't know what to say. I've been doing this for over 25 years and still can't put 5 chord changes together without deadening some strings and this man has played Steel  on songs and albums for over 40 years I learned. What type music do you play? Mostly Gospel.Wonderful! Then someone hands me an Epiphone with the covering still on the pick guard and says play something. (More people had come in and the shop was getting full.) These folks were so hospitable I wasn't really nervous and did one of the few songs I can do completely with no words or chords before me, Amazing Grace. It was so much fun to finally play with other players and singers. When I sang the last verse we went into an instrumental verse and the Steel added so much to the sound. I realized I should have not sung the last verse until after the instrumental but my mind was going 90 to nothing. My wife said it sounded very good. I had a blast! At least I got invited back.
  I apologize for the long post. I went in there looking for a Snarp tuner. He didn't have one at present but I left with a great memory. Check out these pictures from years past
http://www.mindenmemories.org/W.%20D.%2 … 20Shop.htm  and if your ever in Minden, Louisiana stop in .

When the Power of Love overcomes The Love of Power the world will be a better place.

Re: First time with a group.

Great story deadstring - after 25 years of playing, I'd say it was about time! Way to go.

Rule No. 1 - If it sounds good - it is good!

Re: First time with a group.

Good for you deadstring. It is lots of fun getting together with others

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I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

Re: First time with a group.

Way to go Deadstring. Keep in mind whenever you get asked to play in a group thats been playing for awhile to always go with the flow and never try to change things. Before you play a song ask if someone else plays it. Sometimes you'll know just by the dirty looks you get. Always explain the level of playing ability you are at and ask for help. You will be surprised at the  good advise you will be given. The best way to improve is to play with others.
Keep it up. Since we are only a 100 miles apart & you always got a standing invite to play with our group. Just give me a heads up as I am now working outta town. Might not be able to get you up on stage the 1st time of 2 but after you get to know everyone (and they, you) you will be able to get a turn at the mike.

Nela

Re: First time with a group.

Thanks NELA! IT's gonna happen one  of these days.I want to meet you. It's not most important that I get on stage.

When the Power of Love overcomes The Love of Power the world will be a better place.

Re: First time with a group.

Great stuff. Playing with others is fantastic fun - it is also addictive lol.

Roger

"Do, or do not; there is no try"

Re: First time with a group.

Good foryou deadstring!!!

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman

Re: First time with a group.

Awesome Deadstring!  It sounds like you wandered into something wonderful there.  A smile ear to ear for at least a week over that one!  big_smile  Great!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

Re: First time with a group.

Good advice NELA.  Just goes to show you must always be ready to play something that everyone knows.   Brown Eyed Girl or Knockin on Heaven's Door or whatever.  Just learn some that everyone might know.  Be sure to take the next step and do it again.  Good for you.

Re: First time with a group.

That was a great story!

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Re: First time with a group.

Heck yeah.

- Zurf

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