Back from great bus trip to Wisconsin - Bluegrass training

[Dallas]

Hey Phil...
You'll only be about 300 miles from us, a mere 5 hours of driving!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=New+Salem,+State+Park,+Il+to+4884+Claude+Tucker+Road+Union+City,+TN&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl

[Hank]

I play a lot of genres. I was classically trained and played in symphonies in and around the Chicago area. I got sick of the classical scene and migrated towards jazz. I used to do a lot of freelancing (gigs, studio work etc.) but now pretty much only play with my regular groups. One is a Latin jazz sextet. If any of you know who Cal Tjader was, that's sort of our inspiration. I also play in a vintage country band. We play a lot of Bob Wills, Ernest Tubbs, Merle, Paycheck, Lefty, etc. and a bunch of originals in that style. I also play with a singer songwriter who does mostly children's music. It's kind of folk-rocky. I haven't played much bluegrass but I like most of it.

As a side note, what got me into buses was the Latin Jazz band was playing the Grand Marias summer music fest (in the UP) and the band after us (don't recall the name) pulled up in an old Prevost which they used for their band vehicle. That's when I got infected with the bug. As soon as we got home I was on the net plotting my bus purchase! So whoever that was, thanks!

Hank
96A3
6V-92 MUI HT740

[plyonsMC9]

Hey Phil...
You'll only be about 300 miles from us, a mere 5 hours of driving!

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=New+Salem,+State+Park,+Il+to+4884+Claude+Tucker+Road+Union+City,+TN&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl

Thanks Dallas!  But we ended up postponing this trip as we couldn't get all the schedules coordinated.  Trying to go w/ 12 people & ended up with only two.  So, the Moose is sitting idle this weekend while rest of family & friends are going to wedding shower, trips, etc... Sigh... Trying for something next month instead.   

Kind Regards, Phil

[NJT5047]

I have intimate knowledge of the "scheduling" issue.   I play with several groups and cannot get any complete band to do a camping festival.  They won't go unless there's $$ involved.  Anita and John are an exception.  They've been to a couple bus rallys too.   
Oh well, gives me an opportunity to pick with others.
Hope you get some picking in before the snow comes!   
This is a picking weekend.  We gigged last nite and going to again tonight.  Next Sat nite....ad infinitum. 
Played with some good musicians last nite.   One of the guys  apparently spent the last month traveling with Nothing Fancy.  NF's guitar player had some sort of shoulder injury and could sing, but couldn't play guitar. 
We have a lot of outdoor season left...92* outside.  No snow today. 
Cheerio, JR

[JackConrad]

Just got home from the monthly SouthWest Florida Bluegrass Association show and jam. During the summer months it is more show than jam.  Just too hot to stay outside. Next month they move everything back outside (usually a little cooler weather too)  YEAH!!  Jack