Rick Crider
10-24-2005, 07:00 AM
Troops .....
In early 2002, when a handful of acoustic guitar enthusiasts accepted my invitation to participate in a 'workshop', no one could have known much of what we know now, in the afterglow of the fifth anniversary of that meeting.
Personally, I had no idea that .....
..... people would pencil in the next event, a year in advance, and drive all day just to get here.
..... Marion Holloway, the local music store proprietor that I approached for a meeting room would not only voluntarily provide a light lunch for that first meeting but, five events later, still be providing complete financial support, professional staff & equipment and catering lunch to a crowd ... without one single demand or complaint.
..... major guitar makers and manufacturers of music supplies would send instruments, company reps & literally boxes of promotional items to be given to participants.
..... I would find myself under bright stage lights, addressing an audience large enough that causes those toward the rear to repeatedly yell: "Use the microphone".
..... a world-class, classical guitarist from South America would appear and provide our small group with the same jaw-dropping talent that has graced the President of Columbia, in concert at San Carlos Palace.
..... some rasty guy named Bond, not the spy-guy, but some 'doubting Thomas' associated with that organization known as NASA, would openly challenge me each year to top what he's just seen.
..... I would ever reveal to forum members that my enthusiasm for acoustic guitars does *not* mean that I am a musician.
..... my late night brainstorm for a 'workshop' would one day bring two of the nations finest pickers together for a small, intimate audience, providing a performance that most folks would buy a ticket for .... and still not get to witness the spark and spontaneous grins as we did.
..... being surprised, on stage, with gifts of thanks and appreciation, has the potential to make one cry in public.
Folks, that little workshop has grown up and taken on a name, spirit, recognition and reputation of its own. It's no longer 'my' little workshop and really hasn't been since the first event. It's yours. Between myself, Marion and the staff at Holloways, we've managed to pull off five events successfully. But, without your input and continually growing support, MonroeStock simply wouldn't exist. If you folks don't stop, we won't either.
Marion Holloway has yet to say 'no'. He flatly refuses contributions or other compensation. He has not once asked for promotional or commercial exposure of any sort. Not often does one offer so much without the slightest hint of expecting something in return. He and his staff are top notch. They make MonroeStock happen.
In particular, I'd like to single out Jim Weddle. You don't see much of Jim, but he see's every single one of you. Or, at least the back of your head. Jim sits behind you at the control console, hour after hour, watching and listening, hands poised over sliders and knobs. He's picky, and his intensity shows. Jim, if you're reading, I know everyone appreciates your efforts.
Another first this year, I accepted an offer of assistance in an area in which I would normally not accept any help. Spotting Lauren's enthusiasm and interest in photography, I asked her to shoot some pics throughout the day. As a former news photographer and journalist, I've hired staff photographers that would not produce the quantity and quality of her work Saturday.
Lauren's character, vocabulary, writing ability and overall enthusiastic attitude is evident through her input here on the forum. After watching her sling a camera all day and seeing the results, I've asked her to officially join the un-official MonroeStock team.
Out chasing other things and stomping out fires, I heard the 'MonroeStock call' after a noticeable absence and re-appeared here with barely 60 days till showtime. I had to hustle. There are always various logistical and organizational snags and, were it not for the help and internal networking from Jim Tozier and Allen Shadd, it would not have been the success that it was.
The potential for MonroeStock is obvious. It has earned widespread respect and support. The energy shown here through forum postings speaks volumes, but doesn't equal the energy generated on the third Saturday of October each year. In the afterglow of another successful event, our energy level is barely past it's peak and still a very current topic.
We're at 363 days and counting. Let's talk.
In early 2002, when a handful of acoustic guitar enthusiasts accepted my invitation to participate in a 'workshop', no one could have known much of what we know now, in the afterglow of the fifth anniversary of that meeting.
Personally, I had no idea that .....
..... people would pencil in the next event, a year in advance, and drive all day just to get here.
..... Marion Holloway, the local music store proprietor that I approached for a meeting room would not only voluntarily provide a light lunch for that first meeting but, five events later, still be providing complete financial support, professional staff & equipment and catering lunch to a crowd ... without one single demand or complaint.
..... major guitar makers and manufacturers of music supplies would send instruments, company reps & literally boxes of promotional items to be given to participants.
..... I would find myself under bright stage lights, addressing an audience large enough that causes those toward the rear to repeatedly yell: "Use the microphone".
..... a world-class, classical guitarist from South America would appear and provide our small group with the same jaw-dropping talent that has graced the President of Columbia, in concert at San Carlos Palace.
..... some rasty guy named Bond, not the spy-guy, but some 'doubting Thomas' associated with that organization known as NASA, would openly challenge me each year to top what he's just seen.
..... I would ever reveal to forum members that my enthusiasm for acoustic guitars does *not* mean that I am a musician.
..... my late night brainstorm for a 'workshop' would one day bring two of the nations finest pickers together for a small, intimate audience, providing a performance that most folks would buy a ticket for .... and still not get to witness the spark and spontaneous grins as we did.
..... being surprised, on stage, with gifts of thanks and appreciation, has the potential to make one cry in public.
Folks, that little workshop has grown up and taken on a name, spirit, recognition and reputation of its own. It's no longer 'my' little workshop and really hasn't been since the first event. It's yours. Between myself, Marion and the staff at Holloways, we've managed to pull off five events successfully. But, without your input and continually growing support, MonroeStock simply wouldn't exist. If you folks don't stop, we won't either.
Marion Holloway has yet to say 'no'. He flatly refuses contributions or other compensation. He has not once asked for promotional or commercial exposure of any sort. Not often does one offer so much without the slightest hint of expecting something in return. He and his staff are top notch. They make MonroeStock happen.
In particular, I'd like to single out Jim Weddle. You don't see much of Jim, but he see's every single one of you. Or, at least the back of your head. Jim sits behind you at the control console, hour after hour, watching and listening, hands poised over sliders and knobs. He's picky, and his intensity shows. Jim, if you're reading, I know everyone appreciates your efforts.
Another first this year, I accepted an offer of assistance in an area in which I would normally not accept any help. Spotting Lauren's enthusiasm and interest in photography, I asked her to shoot some pics throughout the day. As a former news photographer and journalist, I've hired staff photographers that would not produce the quantity and quality of her work Saturday.
Lauren's character, vocabulary, writing ability and overall enthusiastic attitude is evident through her input here on the forum. After watching her sling a camera all day and seeing the results, I've asked her to officially join the un-official MonroeStock team.
Out chasing other things and stomping out fires, I heard the 'MonroeStock call' after a noticeable absence and re-appeared here with barely 60 days till showtime. I had to hustle. There are always various logistical and organizational snags and, were it not for the help and internal networking from Jim Tozier and Allen Shadd, it would not have been the success that it was.
The potential for MonroeStock is obvious. It has earned widespread respect and support. The energy shown here through forum postings speaks volumes, but doesn't equal the energy generated on the third Saturday of October each year. In the afterglow of another successful event, our energy level is barely past it's peak and still a very current topic.
We're at 363 days and counting. Let's talk.