MONROESTOCK *5* - Registration & Annoucements

[Rick Crider]

MonroeStock-5

Saturday, October 22, 2005

General Announcements / Specific Inquiries

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Introducing ......

www.MonroeStock.com (http://www.monroestock.com)


Yes!! MonroeStock now has it's own domain and web site! In stealth mode, I took it upon myself to honor this growing event with it's own stand-alone Internet presence. It is up and running as of this morning. Still 'skimpy' at the moment, with plenty of room to grow right along with the growth of the event itself.

Currently on the site you'll find registration info as well as a link to last years photo page. It will be the home base for any and all future MonroeStock activity.

As I get it rolling, along with MonroeStock 5, I envision future potential to include audio and video clips as well as routine photos and info.

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* "Friday Night Dinner & Lobby Jam"

This formerly casual, unofficial 'pre-event' gathering of early-bird Friday arrivals has essentially become a tradition all it's own. I'm beginning to see it as perhaps the germinating seed of a 'two-day' event that's been bantered around during the last two years.

In a nutshell: Meet in the Best Western lobby Friday evening. Head out to group-storm a local eatery. Glut. Waddle back to lobby. With guitar.


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* Possible Facility Change:

The Chamber of Commerce has served us well for the past two years, however we are outgrowing the facility. Marion is scouting around for a larger facility in the immediate vicinity. More to come as the info becomes available.

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* Registration Is Now Open.

Please visit the new site and follow the procedure .... essentially the same as last years process.

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* Hotel Accomodations:

Best Western Inn & Suites is delighted to serve our needs once again .... this will be our third year with them. Oh, I've covered it with the owner .... the lobby is *ours* Friday night. I'll post more detailed info on the MonroeStock.com site .... there's no rush to 'pre-book' ... I have plenty of rooms blocked out for both Friday and Saturday night.


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More to come as it happens !!!

Thanks folks ....

Rick

[Jim Tozier]

I'm registered, and have my room at BW booked. I'm ready to go! :)

I also went ahead and stickied this thread.

[Cakes]

Registered. Thanks, Rick!

John

[cocobolo_guy]

Crider, I`m pumped brother it`ll be good to see you,and all the others. I`ll sign up soon I need to see if my crumb cruncher (son) wants to come. :D

[JedimasterPaul]

I'm finally able to make it to this event, and am really looking forward to it.

Count me in!

[Randy_R]

I'm registered & have a room at BW. Looking forward to meeting everyone...

[Rick Crider]

This year, our 'out of staters' are registering first. Just in the first couple days we have Maryland, Virginia, Georgia & South Carolina represented, three of which are repeat offenders. ;)

( I think this speaks louder than words for the evolvement of MonroeStock ... )

"I'll be back .."

Rick

[TaylorGirl]

Crider, I`m pumped brother it`ll be good to see you,and all the others. I`ll sign up soon I need to see if my crumb cruncher (son) wants to come. :D


Man, there'll be guys around my age there too(no offense to you oldies, but goodies =)!? Man, why must I live so far away, be so short on money, have no mode of transportation, etc!? LOL. This sounds like a lot of fun.

Ya'll have double fun for me!

Sharon

[Rick Crider]

Man, there'll be guys around my age there too(no offense to you oldies, but goodies =)!? Man, why must I live so far away, be so short on money, have no mode of transportation, etc!? LOL. This sounds like a lot of fun.

Ya'll have double fun for me!

Sharon

Oldies but goodies? HEY! I resemble that remark! Well ... at least half of it.

Local transportation once here wouldn't be an issue. Perhaps someone should start a fund for ya to attend and bring 'Bob' or the Morgan.

Note for all: Local transportation once you're here surely won't be an issue with local attendees and others driving in. If travel from Charlotte airport to Monroe creates a particular crunch for anyone, let me know pronto ... no promise but, with enough time, may be able to arrange pick up.

OK ... hmmm ... more later on this evening ....

Rick

[Rick Crider]

Hey folks ....

Our local Best Western's Dev Desai has just told me this:

On Friday, the 22nd, based on availability, MonroeStock'ers will be upgraded to one of their 'mini suites' at no extra charge. First come, first get ....

If you know you'll be attending and haven't yet booked your room .... ya oughta jump on this!!

The rate is $49.95 .... for the third year straight. Be sure to mention MonroeStock when you call. 704-283-4746.

More updates to follow .... I'll make separate posts for each.

Rick

[Rick Crider]

This years MonroeStock marks our 5th anniversary .... yet another milestone for an event that has mushroomed from a casual meeting of nine.

How 'bout we dedicate MonroeStock 5 to those that are still reeling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ???

A 'Katrina Relief Fund' jar for anonymous donations from those that are able to help. Absolutely no obligation or set amount. We'll announce the amount at dinner .....

Anyone opposed?

Rick

[tbondo]

Hey Rick,

Good idea on the Katrina relief.....I'm trying to get to the point with a promised new job offer where I can commit to attending (arrive 21st, depart the 23rd)...may need the Charlotte International to Monroe Express Hummer service....

I might also be guitar-less.....

later,

Tom

[Rick Crider]

Hey Tom ....

Thanks for the endorsement on the relief effort. We all see that it's a *very real* need. Any amount can and *will* make a difference.

We can gather and indulge in self-gratification, the catalyst of most things fun & pleasurable. We can depart knowing that our *one* day of MonroeStock can affect the entire life-time of others.

Let's make a difference for someone with this 5th anniversary celebration.

Rick

(Tom .... those two objectives can likely be taken care of .... )



Hey Rick,

Good idea on the Katrina relief.....I'm trying to get to the point with a promised new job offer where I can commit to attending (arrive 21st, depart the 23rd)...may need the Charlotte International to Monroe Express Hummer service....

I might also be guitar-less.....

later,

Tom

[Lisa]

Rick, I sent you a PM offering help in case you were still having technical issues with the sig. Let me know if you still need assistance.

[Bobalouie3]

Tom,

If my schedule holds, I'll be arriving in Charlotte as well and plan on renting a car. If our schedules match up, you can ride with me to Monroe but keep the hummer-service idea as a backup.

russ

[TaylorGirl]

I wanna go-o-o-o-oooo! LOL! Looks like I'll have to wait until next year though, seeing as I have no money or mode of transportation(here or there, or anywhere!)... But the upside of that? I'll be 21 then, woo hoo!!

Sharon

[lcogginz]

Registered and official, I am.

Hey--since I have a desk job now it means I can probably make the dinner/lobby thing on Friday night. I will try and stay abreast of everything on here so I can have an excuse to go hang out in Monroe and eat too much that night. ;)


Lauren

[wthurman]

For the first time in my life, I wish I could phone it in!

I'm really going to miss being there...

[lcogginz]

Wade, I'm really sorry you're not able to make it this time around--I just read your previous post that indicated such, and then read this one as well. I was looking forward to hearing you play again, and to seeing your very lovely guitar(s) once again as well. I've been off the forum for a while but it looks as though you converted Jim Tozier to Hamblins? ;)

Just wanted to let you know I'll miss seeing you there, and hope you're able to make it next time!


Lauren

[Bobalouie3]

WooHoo! Just made my reservations at the Best Western. Looking forward to see you all in a few weeks. Keep your fingers crossed that my travel schedule holds! :)

[jmeinel]

I'm really excited about coming again! :D Now I just have to make hotel reservations. Anyone want to split a room????

[Rejoice Music]

I've only had the privilege of attending this event once (2003), but it was a wonderful time. Wishing that I could join you all again this year.......and wishing you all the best event yet!

[jim_n_virginia]

sorry you guys... I wish I could attend this year but I don't think I can make it. I went last year with my step-daughter Tara (Rick you might remember her as the coffee girl) whom I raised since she was 9.

Unfortunately Tara drowned tragically in an accident and my family and I are still reeling from this. She was 22 years old with a one year old baby and married to a great kid.

Don't know why things like this happen but times like this I am greatful for my faith in a higher power.

I think there will be too many memories for me to handle right now. We had a blast and it was the last trip we took together and we stopped at a lot of places up there and back and around town. Also we had a great chance to really talk and for that I am ever grateful.

For those that do, I'll take all the prayers offered for me and my family.

But I hope to try and make it next year maybe and I know MonroeStock will get bigger and bigger!

Thanks,
Jim

[Lisa]

Jim,

I've sent you a PM. My prayers are with you, friend. I remember thinking last year how special it was you two made the trip together. May God comfort you all.

[tbondo]

Jim,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.....I remember the two of you from last year, and like Lisa, thought it was very special for you to have her along......God be with you

I'm probably still a week away from being able to commit to reservations and registration....the wheels of HR move very slowly, ya know.....hope to be able to make it again this year and hang out with all the great folks for the weekend

[Jim Tozier]

Jim,

I'm so sorry to hear about Tara. I agree with Lisa and Tom about how special it was that you brought her along last year. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, my friend...

[Pistolero]

Jim, we've never met so I of course wasn't there last year to meet either of you, but you and I have chatted on the Flatpickin.com forum in the past. I post there under my name, Allen Shadd. I read your post here and felt my heart jump up into my throat, buddy. There's not a thing I can say or do, but to tell you that I'll certainly put you and your family in my prayers.

[Rick Crider]

Jim,

There is nothing I can type here to express the shock and sadness that is still with me after reading your post. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rick

[Rick Crider]

G'evenin all .....

I'm very proud to announce this years Guest Artists at this time:

JIM TOZIER

Back by your demand from last year is fellow AGF member Jim Tozier. Jim's unique fingerstyle artistry, his fluent use of alternative tuning, not to mention his custom and multiple capo work, captivated everyone. I'm delighted to have 'Captain Capo' back for a repeat performance.

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ALLEN SHADD

Now, thanks to some friendly arm-twisting by Jim, I'd like to welcome yet another AGF member, Allen Shadd, known as 'Pistolero' here on the forum, as a guest artist for MonroeStock 5. Among Allen's impressive career accomplishments, he is perhaps best known and respected as the 1997 National Flatpicking Champion. (!!!)

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FRANK POINDEXTER

Nationally known for his 'resophonic' guitar, or 'dobro' skills, Frank was spotted in the crowd last year and treated us to a brief but awesome sampling of his work. Thanks to Marion Holloway, Frank will join us this year in our Guest Artist line-up.

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Folks .... I think it's quite obvious that MonroeStock 5 promises to be yet another mile-stone event. Your thoughts?

Rick

[Randy_R]

Rick,

Great lineup of featured players.

My thoughts? pickem if you've got'em...

see you in 2.5 weeks