MonroeStock'ers: Message from Marion Holloway ..

[Rick Crider]

G'evenin Troops ....

.... had an email from Marion Holloway a little earlier .... he asked me to post it for you folks to read if possible .... so, thought I ought to post it before retiring for the evening.

(Oh, btw, remember the 'tip jar' I put out this year? Well, I'm not surprised at all to hear that Marion and staff have decided to use 100% of that money to fund a musical instrument or music related Christmas gift for one or more under-priveledged children this Christmas.)

I've copied and pasted the entire email from Marion below ....

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[Begin Copy/Paste]

"Rick, Thanks again for all you did for the MS event...if the world will slow down just a little, I would like for us to "do lunch" and come up with concrete suggestions for an even better 5th. If possible, I would like for you to post the letter below on the AGF...thanks, Marion"

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"All of us at Holloway's Music Center want to thank each of you for your participation in the Fourth Annual MonroeStock. A special thanks to Rick Crider for his unfailing attention to detail and anticipating the unexpected that always seems to present itself, Rick Fagan from Taylor guitars for his presence and input, to Jim Tozier for his inspiration and finger picking classes, and to the moderators of this site who took their time to pay us a visit. Special thanks also to Taylor Guitars, C. F. Martin, and Co., and Dean Markley for the door prizes.

The entire staff of Holloway's thanks all who contributed to the "tip" jar. They unanimously voted to spend the entire amount to purchase musical instruments for a young person(s) in need this Christmas. Your kindness will help make a young face smile.

We look forward to seeing all of you and your friends next year, as we celebrate the MonroeStock V. Keep on playing."

{Marion Holloway, Holloway's Music Center, Monroe NC}

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[End Copy/Paste]

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Folks, feel free to drop a note for Marion & crew here if you'd like. I'll send Marion a link or otherwise make sure he drops by here for any responses ....

Marion, thank you .... and a sincere 'Thanks' to all you guys who have supported MonroeStock ... past, present ... and, of course ... FUTURE. Here's to MonroeStock V in '05 !!!

Rick

[Jim Tozier]

MonroeStock would not be what it is, if not for the hard work and generosity of Marion and the rest of the Holloway's crew.

An excerpt from my post following the event:

Once again, I was totally blown away by the generous hospitality of Marion Holloway and his staff. Jason, Skip, Michael, Jim, and the rest of the Holloway's crew are just outstanding people. Get this: they repeatedly thanked us for coming. That's how nice these folks are . . . they thank us for coming down and eating the free lunch that they provided, and for holding our gathering in the hall that they rented, and for playing music all day while they did all the work of setting up and running sound, lights, etc. I can't say enough about these guys.

I forgot to mention that they provided us with t-shirts, too! The fact that Marion is already thinking about next year speaks volumes about how much he enjoys being involved. :)

Marion, Jason, Skip, Michael, Jim, and all the other folks associated with Holloway's Music . . . you're the best!

[wthurman]

Rick,

Marion and Co. are among maybe two or three dealers that I feel have created something special, not just with you and MonroeStock, but in the way that way they treat people with kindness and respect. And that Saturday, they did so many things that magically happened while people were usy noticing other things. For instance, the food they provided wasn't there, and then it was. We noticed and commented on the generosity... but really, how many people saw it actually happen? I know some did, but many didn't even notice it.

Their enthusiasm, enjoyment and encouragement, and their graciousness are things I and many others will remember, in the hope of returning it or passing it on elsewhere.

And the effort they're putting forth with the "tip" money is truly a sign of the people they are.

All this to say... thanks again, and really hope to see you next year! It's truly an honor to have attended again this year.

All the best,

Wade

[Bob Womack]

I know all the staff from the Acoustic Guitar Forum who were present were impressed and touched by the kindness and welcoming attitude the Holloway's gang extended to us. Thanks, Marion and gang, for the attitudes and all the work!

Bob

[Cakes]

Marion,

The incredible amount of time, effort and money did not go unnoticed or unapprecated. Thanks to you and your entire staff.

John

[Lisa]

Marion and staff,

We were completely and totally overwhelmed by your generosity of spirit. I felt very welcomed as I am sure all did. The effort you and your staff gave was a labor of love and we greatly appreciate all you did to make the event happen.

I have only one "complaint": I do wish you guys would charge a fee of some sort to help defray your own costs. I know you guys spent a fortune on us by showering us with t-shirts, door prizes and delicious food not to mention the rent for the Chamber room. You really outdid yourselves. And, your staff was so gracious and kind even though we went well into the night during Open Mic and I know they were exhausted.

We saw and appreciated their effort and hard work!

Having experienced Holloway's now for myself, you certainly top my list of INCREDIBLE guitar dealers!!! :D :up:

[cocobolo_guy]

The following descriptives apply....,Tops,Greatfull,humble,gracious,helpfull, curtious,going the distance,above board,kind......and the list goes on!Marion had met me just the year before, not only did he remember my name but my forum handle as well.Thanks,Bobby

[tbondo]

It is worth every minute of the drive, every dollar of the hotel, gas, and food cost, and not doing whatever else one could be doing to attend MonroeStock.

Marion and the Holloway Music team in conjunction with our own Colonel Crider will be hard pressed to improve on MSIV, but they will. That's the kind of people they are

MS has become one of the two highlights of my regularly scheduled year (the other being Fourth of July in the FL Keys with my close friends from the 1970s when I too lived there in paradise)...and I enjoy it more every year......cause I get to hang with my AGF and Monroe friends.....play a little guitar, catch up with Stan (think he'd move to FL so I could study with him?)....

My wife and daughter were looking on the Internet at properties to buy up there? Guess that means that Vicki likes it too. Plus her Dad is already planning to go back next year, having attended this year with us. All of this speaks volumes about how comfortable with and how appreciative of the event known as MonroeStock the Bondo clan has become.

Marion and Rick, you keep them coming, and so will we.

See you next year.

[CRITTER]

Yes once again Marion and his entire crew showed us all how to throw a great time. Out of town folks should also know that in addition to their tremendous hospitality, Holloway's Music continues to be one of the best deals going !!!
I have bought all my Taylors from them, including my 2004 814ce, and I have yet to find a better deal anywhere on the web.
Thanks again Marion, Jason, and the whole crew.
You guys rock.

CRITTER

[wthurman]

Yes once again Marion and his entire crew showed us all how to throw a great time. Out of town folks should also know that in addition to their tremendous hospitality, Holloway's Music continues to be one of the best deals going !!!
I have bought all my Taylors from them, including my 2004 814ce, and I have yet to find a better deal anywhere on the web.
Thanks again Marion, Jason, and the whole crew.
You guys rock.

CRITTER

I keep saying that there were only a few Taylors that wowed me at that event, soundwise... and your new 814CE was one of them! Really glad to see you got it, and grateful that I had the chance to try it out!

All the best,

Wade