Monroestock, back home and not asleep...

[lcogginz]

It is diffult to express the anticipation and yet the surprise that comes with each successive Monroestock, because each outshines the one before in ways I would never expect. This wonderfully long day was just brimming with the quality of paying I'd gladly stand in line to pay to hear, and what little I can think of to express just how good a time I had watching it all is not enough.

In short, this was a hell of a day. ;)

Allen, it was without question a highlight meeting you and hearing you play, and your skill--not to mention that wry sense of humor--was a big part of last night and today for many of us, I'm sure.

Paul, you play wonderfully and your Lowden is great *now*--forget ten years from now! I enjoyed the Orkney tuning songs very much...

Russ, you're a hoot. Come back often and with more eccentric souvenirs.

Jim, as always your playing was first-rate and I have to say that after years of singing harmony to The Boxer whenever I heard it, it was pretty neat to sing it live. Thanks for letting me play/sing with you!

Tom and Vicki, it was great to see you both once again and I'm glad your son and daughter in law could make it up for the day. You both are just a pleasure to be around, and I meant what I said about trying to get myself down to FL for a shindig in your neck of the woods.

Joe, I enjoyed the Harry Chapin, and am thrilled you had a good time. Can we pencil you in for next year?

Todd, I don't know what you meant about being nervous up there--you sounded great and your fingerpicking tunes were better than ever. Shiny guitar, too. *hehe*

John and Angela, you two sound great together! Angela, you have a lovely voice, and congrats again to you both on Friday night's news.

Bobby, thanks for leading off. I owe ya, man!

Rick, get some rest, finally. You earned it.

Jennifer, yes, we saw it. I heard sound from the guitar. And I won't mention Glen Campbell again. Wait--dangit--sorry. I won't mention *the guy who sang Rhinestone Cowboy* again.

The staff at Holloway's once again exceeded all our expectations, catering in local barbeque for lunch, setting up a great stage area in less than ideal circumstances (Marion, if you read this, I forgot to tell Jim he did a great job with the sound--please let him know!), and Skip, Marion, Michael, Jim, and Mary Helen all worked very hard to provide us with a great time.

I have pictures I am working on. I will post the to shutterfly and post the address here, and anyone who wants pictures can let me know which ones and I'll email them to you. More on that later.

I can't sleep, but I love the reason why.

Thanks, all, for a "flippin' sweet" day, as Napoleon would say.

[Randy_R]

I'm glad it was great. I knew it would be! You don't know how hard I tried to get there, but circumstances conspired against me. I'm looking forward to the pics.

[Joe F]

Joe, I enjoyed the Harry Chapin, and am thrilled you had a good time. Can we pencil you in for next year?

In blood girl!! I am going to schedule vacation on the Friday and Mondy around it tomorrow!!!

My wife is already tired of hearing about it. She finally had to say "Enough!! We have to get some sleep!!"

[tbondo]

What Lauren said....

just said "farewell" to Jim T. and Paul (JediMaster) and Russ (Bobalouie3) and Jennifer as they started their trek to home and the airport.....we'll be leaving in a few hours after spending some time with our kids and heading back to a appointment with Wilma (as in Hurricane Wilma).

MonroeStock 5 is in the can and officially the very best ever. The possibility of surpassing this one is interesting to consider:

Jim Tozier (our very own fingerstyle and celtic guitar phenom)
Alan Shadd - Pistolero (with Jack Lawrence -- who plays with Doc Watson)
Frank Poindexter (plays with Tony Rice -- his nephew)
Stan Jacques (who played a duet with his brother Tom in the post-prandial evening session)
A classical player named Ariss (?)who was awesome

Carolina vinegar BBQ with beans, slaw, and cobbler (apple and peach, I liked the apple best)

Workshops in DADGAD (guess who) and flat picking - Alan and Jack

Open mic with excellent performances from all (Bobby Kriger followed Alan and Jack ---- and he nailed it.......with a newly named instrumental.....) the three song limit was excellent...everyone got to play and it was just great

Dinner at the Hilltop .......we all sat together in a banquet room and had a great time

Back to the performance venue for an evening session.....the highlight (for me) was Lauren and Jim T. dueting "the Boxer"....worth the price of admission

and then.......

Jennifer Meinel and Rick Crider both held and played guitars in a late evening "round" that had Tom Jacques reprising Elvis and Jim T. playing 80's rock in standard tuning....you heard it hear first....Jennifer played guitar at an AGF event.

Marion and Mary graciously hosted the out-of-towners at their home Friday night, and we did some Best Western lobby guitar surfing afterwards.....

The Holloway's are amazing and awesome......they are the best and that means a lot to all of us who keep coming back cause we feel right at home.... and Rick is still a maniac, and we love him..............

Monroe Stock 6, we're anticipating starting today......3rd Saturday, 21 Oct, 2006

Thanks again, Marion and Rick

[deltoid]

I just want to add that if you've never had the opportunity to hear Lauren's beautiful voice, then you're missing out on something truly special. Her guitar playing ain't too shabby either.
Thanks Lauren, and my shiny guitar thanks you as well. :)

[woodsrw]

This event was incredible. Watching and listening to Allen and Jack work together was truly amazing. Jims Irish music was inspiring and Aris Quiroga's classical guitar brought tears to the eyes. I feel sorry for Rick having to try to equal this next year. As always, the Holloways and staff are to be congratulated. We owe them a lot. See you all next year.

[Serenity]

I'm so ticked that I missed this year....my "weekend seasonal job" started on Saturday and I couldn't miss that but next year no matter what I'm going to be there.

I can't believe I missed Jack Lawrence! Arrrggghhhh!!!! (oh...and all of the rest of you too....but...hey, I'm a Doc Watson fan so .....anyway)

Glad a good time was had!!!

[tbondo]

We're back home in FL, hope all the rest of the folks made it safely back to their next destination.....took a quick look thru Lauren's pics.....I'll post some we took if any are notable.....tornado was sighted 30 miles south of here within last hour, early fruits of Wilma,,,hey, be safe out there

MS 5, the AGF East Coast event of the year

[squintbro]

The music this year was incredible. This was my 3rd Monroestock, and they keep getting better. The only disappointment was, I would have liked to seen more members attending!! There was enough room for 5 or 6 hundred of us.
Next years date has already been set (Oct 21, 06) so there should be no excuses for not planning on being there.
:D

[Pistolero]

I literally walked in the door here at home in the last 10 minutes, so I'll be brief and post later. But just to say that I had a blast and it was a treat to meet each and every one of you folks. It was also more fun than I can tell you to share the music with Jack Lawrence, and though he isn't a member of the forum I'll thank him for contributing his time and talent with all of us. Sorry I left earlier than I would have liked, Jack and his wife Katie had dinner plans and put me up for the night, so we left when we did. I was able to watch several performances before I left, as well as hearing folks at the lobby of the motel Friday night, and I will add to the rest of the comments about the level of talent that was present. Without singleing anyone out, they were all very enjoyable to hear as well as hang out with for a little while. That's about all for now, thanks to everyone, and the Holloway were extremely gracious hosts. Thanks Jim for cluing me in on M/S and thanks to Rick for everything.

[bnjp]

This was my 3rd Monroestock and the best yet! I loved the breakout workshops (great idea!). I can see that being a big draw in the future. Wow! an date already set for next year! With a year to plan this thing it'll be enormous next year!

Thanks Rick, Marion, Lauren...and all those who had a part in putting this together. My dad and I both had a great time and will be looking forward to Monroestock VI!

[Folkstrum]

Sounds like a great time was had by all--and seeing Allen with Jack Lawrence surely would have been a TREAT! DANGIT. I never get to go ANYWHERES!:mad:

Only a couple of things seemed to be missing--the illusive Guitar Fat Brown's appearance wasn't mentioned. Did he blow it off at the last minute? And what about the Paul Rockland guitar that was allegedly going to make an appearance. Us voyeurs need to know! :lol: :lol:

[JedimasterPaul]

This was my first visit to Monroe, and I had a great time!

Of course I was impressed with the performances of the featured performers, but I was equally impressed with the open mic performers.

Jim T. - thanks for the ride down, and for joining in on a tune with me, it was fun.

Russ - have a safe trip back to the fatherland! Hope we cross paths again in the future!

Lauren - you have a great voice, I enjoyed your tunes. Great pictures! (but weren't you supposed to photoshop some hair on my head??)

Bond, Tom Bond - It was a pleausure to make your aquaintance - please stay saef with thhe hurricane bearing dow. Thanks for letting me try out your 1 7/8" guitar. I was stirred, not shaken :) As they say in the Pontiac commercials, 'wider is better'

John & Angela - Nice to meet Mrs. Cakes, and thanks for sharing your talent! Angela has a lovely voice and I like the type of music that you perform together. ps - What was the name of the tune you did Friday night in the lobby?

Special thanks to Stan Jacques for taking the time Saturday night to school me on jazz chord melody. If I'm able to attend this event next year, I really hope to play 'Georgia on my Mind', with at least one key change :)

Another real treat for me was hearing Aris Quiroga. Check out his website. www.arisguitarist.com (http://www.arisguitarist.com) I'm a fan of classical guitar music, but wasn't expecting to hear any of it at this gathering. So, his performance was a bonus for me.

well, as nice as the Best Western was, it wasn't home and I really need to go now and get a good night's rest.

bye

[stratokatsu]

Monroe Stock 6, we're anticipating starting today......3rd Saturday, 21 Oct, 2006I'm going to put it on my calendar and make a point of visiting my daughter in Raleigh sometime around that so I can drive over to Monroestock. You people are obviously having too much fun!

[Pistolero]

As for Guitar Fats Brown, he was a no show. I have no idea what happened to him.

One thing I would like to add to my first comments, is that I sincerely thank the Holloways for their contribution to M/S. Only meeting them briefly, but you know how sometimes when you first meet a person you get that feeling immediately that you are talking to just genuinely good people? Well, that's the feeling I got the minute I walked through their door.

[Jim Tozier]

Wow... what a great time!!!

First and foremost, I have to thank Marion Holloway for the unbelievable generosity that he shows year after year. He and Mary Helen are quite simply two of the nicest people I've ever met. And it always amazes me that after all the money, time, and energy that Marion puts into this event, he continues to thank us for coming--as if we're doing him a favor. Folks, without Marion, there is no Monroestock.

Thanks also to Michael, Jim, Skip, and Jason... the Holloway's Music crew that always works so hard to make the day so easy for us. They're always the first ones there, and the last to leave. They put in an extremely long day setting up and running sound, lights, etc., just so we can have our fun. You guys are the best! Thanks for all you do.

Of course, I can't talk about Monroestock without thanking Rick Crider. This year's event was particularly stressful for Rick, as he had to find a new venue to accomodate the growing number of attendees, and he also had to deal with a last-minute change of plans for the dinner/evening open mic segment of the day, due to circumstances beyond his control. Thanks, Rick, for once again taking on the challenge of organizing this event. You done good! And I was glad to see you actually relaxing a bit late Saturday night!

As far as the music goes...

It was very humbling to kick off the set of featured performers this year. I was thrilled to be asked back, but I told Rick I'd only do it if I got to go first... because I didn't want to be the guy following either of the other two acts!

Our very own Allen Shadd (better known around these parts as "Pistolero") followed with a set of fiery flatpicking. It was quite obvious why this guy has won all of the major flatpicking contest... he's got jaw-dropping chops. As if that wasn't enough, he just happened to invite Jack Lawrence (yes, the Jack Lawrence who plays with Doc Watson) on stage to do a few tunes. These guys sounded like they'd been playing together forever--they seamlessly traded solos back and forth, and it was amazing that they could keep up with each other. Holy smokes... there ought to be some sort of law against playing that fast. :eek:

Frank Poindexter was the lucky guy who got to follow Allen and Jack... and he was more than up to the task. His dobro playing was phenomenal. He made that "biscuit board" sing! (Literally... as those who heard the Johnny Cash tune Frank sang can attest.)

The open mic performers were all outstanding, too...

Bobby Kiger (cocobologuy) did some really sweet work on his 12-string...

Lauren (lcogginz) sang a few gorgeous tunes, and later on was gracious enough to join me for a duet on "The Boxer." Gracious because, well, there's a reason why all of my CDs are instrumental. ;)

Russ (bobalouie3) came back from his time-out (you have to see the pictures to understand) to do emotional renditions of tunes by BNL, Clapton, and Alan Jackson...

Paul (JedimasterPaul) shared some beautiful arrangements of traditional Celtic music...

John (Cakes) and Angela wowed us with heavenly harmonies, and Angela even did a "jazz solo" on her Big Baby. (Later, she won the autographed Baby, too. Babies seemed to be a recurring theme for Angela. ;) )...

Todd (deltoid) did some amazing fingerstyle work...

Tom (tbondo) had everyone laughing with his song about CaptBill not being there, and about Jennifer never playing guitar....

Aris Quiroga did some phenomenal playing on a beautiful handmade classical guitar...

Stan Jacques played some really cool arrangements of standards (I particularly liked "I'm in the Mood for Love")...

Stan's brother, Tom, a very talented player himself, led the late-night jam session, that was especially noteworthy because Jennifer Meinel and Rick Crider were both seen playing guitar--at the same time, even--and we determined the odds of seeing that were far less likely than the odds of winning the Powerball lottery...

Joe F. did a terrific cover of Harry Chapin...

Any many, many more.

Personal highlights:

Duets with Allen on "Dragonflies" and "Sister's Waltz"
Duet with Lauren on "The Boxer"--I love singing stuff with harmonies like that, especially when the other person sings as pretty as Lauren does
Duet with Paul on "Carolan's Welcome"
Seeing Jennifer and Rick actually playing their guitars--which was almost as cool as...
Seeing Allen and Jack light up the stage with their pickin' and grinnin'--they were having almost as much fun playing as we did listening.


Thanks, all! :)

[Bobalouie3]

Hey Guys and Gals! Just make it into Colorado Springs. I'm not sure what the record is, but we made it from Monroe to Jennifer's house in less than 6 hours! I was able to get to Dulles early, which turned out to be a blessing, that place was a ZOO!!!

This was my first MS, and it was everything I was looking forward to and then some. My favorite part of the whole day was the circle of guitarists Sat night. It was a blast hanging out and watching, noodling and laughing with the whole crowd, like we were all long-lost friends.

Rick, you did yeoman's work and it paid off. To tell you the truth, I'm glad the Bistro fell through. Like I said before, my favorite part was when we all came back together after dinner and circled up the chairs and I don't think we would have done that had we gone to the Bistro. So, good on ya and thanks much!!!

For Marion, Mary Helen and the boyz at Holloway's, you guys rock! Thanks for opening your home and shop to a bunch of crazy out-of-towners and making us feel like family. You are all wonderful people and my life is better for having met you all.

Jim, I have always enjoyed your playing and look forward to it at each get-together. This time though, your impromptu duets with Allen, Paul and Lauren made the experience truly spectacular.

Paul, I loved the sound of your Lowden and your playing, hope to see you at one of the future NoVA events.

Allen, it was truly an honor to meet someone of your talent and wit, and your willingness to hang out with us mere mortal guitar hacks! Your duets with Jack were some of the best flatpicking I've ever heard!

Lauren, your singing and playing exceeded all expectations, and they were high based on what I heard about MS IV! You are a great person and a ton of fun to hang out with.

Jennifer, thanks for being my right-seater on the trip, made the hours go by really quick! Now that you've actually played the guitar at an AGF event (MS no less), you now have 12 months to get ready for Open Mic, no excuses!!

Tom, one of these days, we're going to follow-through on our duet discussions and actually play one! I loved your Dylan rendition, truly awesome! It was wonderful to meet your lovely bride, she's definitely a keeper!!

JoeF, You did a wonderful job on "The Cat's In the Cradle", that's one of my heartstring songs, especially with as much time as I spend away from the kids. Thanks so much for playing it.

Cakes and Mrs Cakes, it was great seeing you guys again and hearing you perform together. I'm looking forward to "CakeStock V", hope I can swing my travel schedule your way!!

You can definitely sign me up for MS VI!!! :)

[lcogginz]

Russ, one of the funniest moments in a day full of them, was when in a very impromptu version of the beginning of Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia" you and I both burst out with that chorus/harmony at the end of the first verse. That cracked me up, and I swear you hit higher notes as it got later! ;)

[Bobalouie3]

Oh that was funny, talk about a great sense of timing!! Saturday was definitely a non-stop grin kinda day!

[Rick Crider]

(Just decided to post as a stand-alone thread, opening it up for critique and suggestions ..... )

[Bobalouie3]

... and I swear you hit higher notes as it got later! ;)

Hmm, maybe I'm more of a Tenor than I thought??? ;)

[tbondo]

Amen to Russ' comment about grin-all-day.......Worth the drive, everytime (9 hours on the way up, 8 hours on the downstroke)......and I also agree with the loss of the Bistro being a blessing (even if unintended and a real headache for Rick Crider, organizer extraordinare)...our dinner at the Hilltop was a great visiting opportunity, and going back to the venue for more open mic and a "round" was the perfect nightcap.

Did I mention that Jennifer and Rick both played guitar, in public, with friends????? That was worth the drive, the rest was icing on the cake (ok, I've played tunes with Jennifer before), but Rick? (never - including Taylorstock, where we met for the first time) and Jennifer at the same time, in the same place?

Seeing Allen and Jack playing together, having such a blast, and participating in their workshop was priceless...the whole MS 5 should be a MasterCard commercial......drive to Monroe, $60, motel room, $100, Sunday lunch at Jersey Mikes, $12, attending MS 5, priceless (insert a collage of Lauren's pics of Jim, Allen, Jack, Frank, and Stan plus the audience, you get the idea)

[Joe F]

JoeF, You did a wonderful job on "The Cat's In the Cradle", that's one of my heartstring songs, especially with as much time as I spend away from the kids. Thanks so much for playing it.

Russ, you are quite welcome. I wish I could have done it more justice, like maybe have practiced it at least once. :D How funny to take that giveaway Alvarez outside to work up "I can only imagine", only to have the Cakes do it 10 mins later before I go on. LOL! The heartstring feeling is more than mutual. I am still haunted by your rendition of "Where were you when the world stopped turning". Like I told you, all the memories of that tragic day came flooding back. I was glad to be sitting near the front so that you were the only one that could see me bawling. I wish you a safe trip back to Germany and I thank you for your military service. I look forward to being less of an introvert and getting to know you and everyone else better next time around!

Thanks to EVERYONE for your friendliness and kindness.

[Cakes]

I had a great time as did Mrs. Cakes. I already thanked them in person, but thanks again to Marion and Mary Helen Holloway and Rick Crider (and Holloway staff) for a memorable weekend.

We appreciate the time and effort that went into planning the events and we enjoyed seeing/meeting each of you. We were pretty humbled by the level of talent present there.

Others have done a good job of mentioning people by name and saying something nice about each one. For all the compliments that were given, I say ditto to all of them. Looking forward to the next one, gang. Nice pics, Lauren. I hope to get a (very) few out there myself.

John

[cocobolo_guy]

I can`t say enough of how much this event and this forum means to me. It always feels like family here on the AGF and monroestock the family reunoin. I really enjoyed all the music. Wow what a honor and a challege to be the 1st open mike player following all those monster chops of the featured artists. It seems like this is becoming habit forming, 2 years in a row I`m the fall guy to start things off in open mike. Well I guess I didn`t go down in flames, I was asked for the tab to one of my tunes (This Guitar). WOW did that take me by surprise, I`m honored thanks Tom. I would also like to thank Jim Tozier for his friendship over the past 3 years and for inspiring me to focus a little more on my Southern-fried fingerpicken version of fingerstyle guitar playing. I try to learn something from everyone at each AGF event. CRIDER you are the MAN. Thanks to everyone for everything that made this event, eventful for me. Bobby Kiger AKA cocobolo_guy :up:

[Cakes]

ps - What was the name of the tune you did Friday night in the lobby?

"The Hand Song"

Don't know if they're the original artists, but we got the song from Nickel Creek's first album - self-titled "Nickel Creek".

John