MONROESTOCK VI --- Follow Up / Comments, etc .....

[Rick Crider]

Hey Troops .....

MonroeStock VI is about a half-hour away from winding down the daytime activities .... we'll break shortly and gather again at 8:00 this evening at the Capitol City Bistro for dinner and evening performances. Thought I'd go ahead and start this thread for your follow-up comments, photo links, etc .....

I'm heading back over to the facility ..... will check in later ....


Rick

[deltoid]

I had a fabulous time. I enjoyed everyone's performances. It was a real treat to witness Allen Shadd's abilities, Sandy's wonderful and humerous songs, and Tim Murray's impressive repertoire. Lisa and Wade did a superb job as well. Things went smoothly thanks to emcee Paul Cameron. I could spend an entire day writing about everyone that left an impresion on me. I'm looking foward to seeing everyone again next year!

[lcogginz]

I'm working on a link to some pictures - I'll have it done here shortly. I don't have many because I wasn't able to borrow a camera this year, so the vast majority of the pictures I took were not on our Allen's little Canon, but on Stixx's and Rick Crider's, both of whom were kind enough to let me borrow theirs for a bit.

What to say? It was a day- full of great people, great music, great food, great times, and my own special meanings/memories since it was exactly a year since Allen and I met. What a neat way to be able to spend it.

Marion and Mary Helen Hollway were kind enough to open their home to us again for the second year, and Mary Helen made some seriously good chili - one white and one red - so everyone was well-fed on Friday night. There's no way to adequately convey their generosity....I guess you just have to be there. My sincerest thanks to them for their hospitality!

Always, always nice to see the folks I have come to look forward to seeing: Jim, Lisa, Wade (and it was very nice to meet Doreen, who was with Wade), Tom and Vicki and the TBondo family, Todd/Deltoid and Bobby/Cocobolo Guy, and all the MS regulars. I didn't get to talk to Rick Crider too much throughout the day, but Rick, I was glad you were able to be there and hang out, and I'm sorry in advance if any of those pictures didn't turn out! ;)

Paul Cameron did a predictably great job emceeing, and I don't know who planned out the schedule this year, but I think it was my favorite of all the MS's so far. I liked having the morning open mic session.

Tad, Chicago Sandy, Dennis, and anyone else I had not met prior to this weekend, thank you so much for coming. It's great to have new forum folks be inducted into the MS fan club, and I for one hope we see you back again next year. Dennis, loved your "send me back to prison song." ;) Sandy - I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to try any Stan stuff, but maybe we can work on something for next year when the time comes around, if you're able to make it back. I enjoyed your performance.

There's always too much to say and too many people to recall, so I'm looking forward to seeing the posts from folks as they get back home. It's only then I'll remember everything I meant to say here, but forgot. ;)

Everyone still on the road or in their air, travel safely.

I'm working on shutterfly but there's a problem with the page so I'll have to wait on that to post a pictures link.

[Pistolero]

Well, since Lauren has left the room, and I fixed her typo's, I'll echo what she already posted and add to it.

As she said, we met at Marion Holloway's door for the first time at MS5 last year, so it was an anniversary of sorts, and no better way to spend it than around the folks at MonroeStock. The chili really was superb, and all of the folks from Holloway's music (not only Marion and Mary Helen, but all of the folks) go above and beyond to take care of everybody throughout the weekend.

It was a treat to hear everyone at open mic this year, and I was honored to share my portion of the stage time with Lauren and Jim Tozier. To everyone that came by to say they enjoyed it and talk for awhile, thank you all.

One thing to add. All of the details are a little unclear, as it's being held a secret as to what parties are involved. But at any rate, Lauren left MS6 with a new mandolin, due to the generosity of someone(s). It may have been one person, or it may have been a few involved. But whoever you are, I only want to say thanks publicly for the generosity. It actually made Lauren speechless for a moment, and the only other time I see that is when she's mad.:D

The only other thing I'll add, is that JoeF did a very moving tribute to Beatlenut in his open mic, singing and playing Amazing Grace. That was a very classy way to pay respects. Later at the Capital City Bistro, a jug was passed around, and AGF members donated a sum of $300 to be added to the family fund for Beatlenut.

[tadmania]

Just arrived home. Monroestock VI was a rousing success in my view, and came right on time. There is so much to say about how much good I believe will come of this gathering that I don't know where to begin; except to begin with my thanks to all of you. It was a special time. Wall-to-wall nice people playing some great music. Thanks!

[Joe F]

I just wanted to pipe in on the official thread and say that in spite of having to leave early, it was just an incredible time for me too. I had talked a friend of mine into coming along. I had raved about Allen's flatpicking skills so much that he ended up bringing his entire family. They also thought it was simply incredible. I think that after that lunch time "Monroestock Good Time Gospel Hour" jam session his son had with John (Cakes) and I, they all will be back next year.

As for the wife's high school reunion that took me away early, well it turned out to be a total dud. The wife felt guilty enough that she has begged me go to Monroestock next year on Friday night and not come home until Saturday night when the whole thing is history. Who am I to argue? :D

Amazing time with some amazing people. You all rock!

[Pistolero]

Here's the link to the shutterfly album that Lauren mentioned. http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9Act2LFq2cMNM

[TimB]

Great pix Lauren, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else's too! :)

-=Tim=-

[stratokatsu]

I'm back in Cary at my daughter's house. (I go back to Miami tomorrow)

I might be able to write a novelty song or two, but I haven't got the words to say thank you to so many people for the wonderful time I had at Monroestock. On the way home, I called my wife to check the calendar and I told her to block off October 20th for a visit to NC next year. As long as I'm packed, can we just go NOW?

Thank you all for making me feel so welcomed... I hope to see you all again soon...

[Bobalouie3]

Well...how can you put into words something that is verbally indescribable?? I'm setting in the Charlotte airport right now (just saw Chicago Sandy off) and now as I wait to board my flight I can think back over yesterday's experience.

This year's Monroestock was, in a word, incredible. Marion and Mary Helen, again, opened their home to us Friday night. Wonderful people...they are justification alone to come to Monroestock!

I was jazzed to finally hear, in person, Lisa sing...wow! She lives up to her rep!

Lauren's voice was as beautiful as ever...you MUST hear her sing the Gordy Lightfoot tune she performed with Allen.

Ray was a complete hoot...excellent song writer and superb performer, plus, he and I share a common USAF heritage!

I loved Dennis' songs...I get his humour! I want to be like Jimmy, too!

Sandy was a hoot to watch and listen to...I now, finally, know what a dulcimer is and how one plays it. Her songs are quite witty and poignant, I really enjoyed her tribute to her father and his harmonica.

Well...there's so much to write about...who da thunk Allen Shadd would open for Tom Bond?

Simply perfect.

Well...they're calling my flight...gotta run...see you all at MSVII!

[Stixx]

......and the creeks don't rise. Yep. This was my first Monroestock and like to say thanks to Rick and especially
the Holloways for all the kindness in the form of food
and fellowship . Marion Holloway is some kind of wonderful person and I sure did appreciate all that he and his did for
this event.

Everything went so smooth it was amazing at times. The Highligt for me was the bantor between Pistolero and Tbondo's performance and the wit that ensued and that was second only to the surprises of talents shown at the dinner open mike Saturday night . what fun and boy that duo developing with wade and lisa just keeps on keeping on . My My .

After dinner Tadmania got up and sang and I had not heard him before and was really knocked out by his vocal
and prowess on the guitar. What a great surpise.

Everyone I had met before at other events showed much
evidence about the obvious pracatice between events and
it it always good to hear and see such improvments . That
always encourages me to keep trying.

In fact my roomate might have mentioned during the week
end how trying I was. LOL just kiddin' JT.

Thanks too for JT's help getting there as we shared the car
and the fun of getting to know each other better , which in
a way is what this sort of gathering is all about.

For me coming late to the Party, it was a lot of names
(two for each face , AGF name/ and real name> so guys
and gals be patienct with me it might take a while.

Cocobolo guy really was slamming with the camera and it
was fun just watching him , I'd had to be sorting out all
those pictures , he must have taken a million of them.

So I'll shut up now and let some others comment as this is
just the tip of the iceberg for me as there was SO much fun and excitement to report.
A few pics as I get them up :

The Morning Jam and clinics:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA205705.jpg

Tadmania. The surprise vocals were awesome:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215782.jpg

The Only view we saw of Cocobolo Guy all day:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215761.jpg

All the way from California was nothing to russ , last time
I understand it was GERMANY. Now that is dedication.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215777.jpg

Wade and the Wonderwoman, "How Sweet it is " not the
song the harmony . Gotta love it , way to go guys:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215771.jpg

The Diva of Dulcemer singing high tenor to a dog whistle:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215737.jpg

What do you get when you cross a flatpicker and a vocal
diva? One Flat out Diva drivin picking session. OK lame
attempt at a catch phrase but the reality was saaammooth dog..............LOL :
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215758.jpg
How do you follow a Pistolero in open mike? Only The
TBondo (agent 006.9) knows for sure but he did it with
class and a gotcha phrase , sompin' like , "Trip to NC from
Fla with whole family ..... small fortune.
Having Allen open for you ....priceless." You see folks
where there's a will there's a way..............LOL :::

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215768.jpg


Marion Holloway, You da man! Thanks for all that work on
behalf of you and yours , a special thanks to opening your
home and to your wife who is on my ''A" list for Chili now.
That cold slaw was indeed, priceless................. Thank You
So much.........My the Good Lord take a likin' to you :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215774.jpg

Well I got a minute , so I'll post a couple more.
Here is Cakes doing his thing at the dinner. Funny
that don't look like no mandolin. LOL Great to get to
meet you in person. (note to Cakes, sorry I called you strat my bad but someone
already edited my fopah so hopefully no harm done. LOL ) Like I said two names'
per person and I'm still confused. LOL )
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215783.jpg

[Stixx]

More pictures later but my fingers tired , too much copy and paste makes a fellers fingers waste. Now I KNOW it's time to quit, I'm gettin' silly again.

later

Gator, Mater, Tater, and all the rest of you slaters

Our own Jim Tozier giving Sara Jane the work out of
her life. LOL :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215755.jpg

[ricks]

Great pics, thanks for all that from those of us that could not attend.
Maybe I'll be able to work it out someday. Maybe next year?
What are the odds that Clapton will come back to town two years in a row ?

Good to see all had fun, and I can just imagine the music.
BTW, Lauren, I had to save Spy 2 Spy, indeed priceless.

[paxcam]

Thanks for the kind words gang-- I had a ball talkin', playin' and most of
all-- listenin' to some high calibre musicians display their awesome craft.

Lauren-- pictures are terrific, keep them coming.

If you enjoyed yourself, please send a personal note to Marion Holloway to let him know.

Paul Cameron
paxcam

[phuufme]

Man, I gots to try to get there next year. So, what's the date:D

[Chicago Sandy]

What an incredible weekend!!! Just got home from the airport, and the glow still has not faded. I don't know where to begin--the incredible graciousness, generosity of Marion and Mary Helen (and Marion's wonderful courtliness--he is one of the world's true gentlemen), Paul's charming and witty emceeing, the incredible talent I saw and heard--much of it from some of the most modest and unassuming posters on this forum (Lauren--watch your back, Alison Krauss!; Lisa--a true country pop diva with as classic and classy a voice as it gets; Tad--fine picking, an easy and natural stage presence and a voice that uncannily conjures up aural images of both Steve Goodman and James Taylor; and if Willie Nelson cut his hair, spruced up a bit, got a spiffier guitar :D , started writing sly and wry lyrics from out of left field, and came out of his shell he might one day be as entertaining as Ray). It goes without saying that I was thunderstruck by Allen, Tim, & Jim's picking (I already KNOW how good Wade is) and hearing Bobby Kiger demonstrate just how diligent his study of Jim's work has been.

And the friendship and fellowship! Tad and Dennis, you truly made me feel like I was one of the Three Amigos (I'd say "Three Musketeers," but you know I'm cutting way down on carbs). Jennifer, it was so good to see you again and talk more at length--next time I want to hear you play! And Russ, you are a delight! What a pleasant surprise to run into you at the airport and shoot the breeze as we waited for our flights (BTW, unbeknownst to me there was a gate change and my flight was forty minutes late--whew!!!).

And everyone who scrambled to make sure neither I nor my injured hands had to lift a finger (except to play), I am and will be forever in your debt. (And Doreen, hope your own spill turns out to have been minor and that your wrist recovers in record time).

I arrived in Monroe feeling curious, excited, and more than a little nervous--and I left feeling welcomed, enlightened, entertained, exhilarated........but most of all, I left reluctantly!!

Next year, I'll be back hopefully healthy, hale, thinner--and with Susan (and possibly Katie) in tow.

What a weekend!

[lcogginz]

Third Saturday in october (as always) - which would be the 20th. Holloways and crew already announced the date. Come on down/up/over and join us next time around!

[J. R. Baker]

Can I come Lauren, since I didn't win the guitar this year?:D

God Bless one and all. Thanks to all for their kind thoughts and prayers for my Father in Law.

I got something in the works for Marion. I hope it turns out.

My best,

[Jim Tozier]

This year's Monroestock lived up to expectations (which is getting harder to do each year!) and then some. I've only been to 4 of the 6 events, but I think I may have enjoyed this year's gathering more than any other.

As always, it was great to see all of the "regulars" again... and wonderful to meet all the new folks, too!

I just can't say enough about the generosity and hospitality of Marion, Mary Helen, and the rest of the Holloway's crew. It is such a pleasure to know these folks... and Monroestock would be just another guitar gathering without their involvement. A heartfelt "Thank You" to all of them!

[cocobolo_guy]

As always, I had a great time, met many new friends (maybe I was the paparatzzi of MS6) and really enjoyed seeing the many friends of the AGF. Marion your the man, Crider your the best. Really to many others to mention. I am afraid to leave someone out. Russ said it best as the closing OM of the day, we are family. Have patience folks photos on the way. Bobby

[Rick Crider]

------> SNIP <------
I just can't say enough about the generosity and hospitality of Marion, Mary Helen, and the rest of the Holloway's crew. It is such a pleasure to know these folks... and Monroestock would be just another guitar gathering without their involvement. A heartfelt "Thank You" to all of them!

Jim & all ..... I'm really glad to see such sincere acknowledgement and appreciation for what the entire Holloway family and staff has contributed to make MonroeStock such a success, year after year.

There were six staff members working diligently behind the scenes this year. These guys were the backbone crew that flawlessly executed the technical & physical aspects of facility prep, ligts, sound, recording, seating, registration, setting up displays, etc. The better they execute their tasks, the less noticeable they become and the easier it becomes for all of us to take them for granted. While monetary compensation certainly helps feed a man and his famiy, nothing feeds the soul like genuinely sincere appreciation. So ... to Skip, Jason, Michael, Chris, John and Corey ... thanks for making us look so good. YOU GUYS JUST ROCK!!

I noticed Paul Cameron's post just now while reviewing this thread. Paul ... from me to you .... a very personal 'thank you'. I'm well aware that my stage presence is zilch. Your professional touch as emcee added an aura of professionalism and class that just hasn't existed at previous MonroeStock events. Please accept this public invitation to become the official emcee/stage coordinator for future MonroeStock events .... it makes an awesome difference.

To our featured guest artists this year .... Tim Murray, Sandy Andina & Allen Shadd .... a genuine, heartfelt thanks go out to you folks. Tim, being your first time with us, I hope your experience was one that will bring you back again & again as a dedicated MonroeStocker. Sandy, considering Susan's accident and absence, your own injury, and the time and cost to travel all the way from Chicago, you had every legitimate reason to cancel. You didn't. You came through despite the odds. I'm honored .... my thanks to you is genuine and one of true respect. Allen ... well ... dude, you're just stuck. One of 'us' now. (Thanks Lauren!) Seriously, I'm awed by your talent and respectful of you as a professional musician and a genuinely honorable man. Thanks Allen.

To each and every one of you who came, regardless of distance, to be a part of MonroeStock ..... I thank you. Hopefully, I'm not wearing you thin when I quote "If you build it, they will come", but can any of you deny that it applies here so perfectly? MonroeStock is not only 'for' you ..... it's 'by' you .... about as close to perpetuality as one can get.

Those of you who may be reading along, but have yet to discover MonroeStock in person ..... mark your calendar now for October 20, 2007. It's here, it's for you, and it's free. Even if trivial travel expenses may send you back home with slightly less pocket cash, I promise that you'll depart MonroeStock with a richness that can't be bought at any price.

Lastly, to Marion Holloway .... thanks for listening to me when I just dropped by your store in the spring of 2002. And thanks for the confidence and faith you've placed in me since that day. Regardless of what you've invested in MonroeStock over the years, the dividend of satisfaction is clearly visible to many on a very special day each October.

Rick Crider

[Big Jeff]

I just registered. I went to Monroestock Sat and it was great. Stan Jacques told me it was better than a dog show. That's an inside joke so I'll fill you in. I have lunch with some Guitar players in Charlotte, NC every Thursday at Prime near the airport. There were two events on Sat and the other one was a dog show but actually no dogs. The guitarists provided the show for a dog food mfg. co in Charlotte. It would have been a great thing to do but Stan said the pick'n at Holloway's would be better. He told me it was for Taylor owners and that Holloways put it on every year. What a suprise to find out about this forum and to meet a great group of players.

[Stixx]

Welcome to the forum , big Jeff. were you one of the two
''big fellas' hanging out with the sound seat contingent?
I wish I'd known you were new to AGF and I'd paid more
attention. You will find all the gatherings worth going to
and so far Monroestock is about the biggest one for me
to have attendended and like most AGF enterprises there
ain't a dog in the bunch . Great pickers who love the hobby
and many real obsessive folks with a hankering for guitars.
Makes for some fine fellowship indeed.

[Stixx]

Wouldn't be a picture show without JR and in this case
Jenifer as well. Thanks and a tip of the ole Hatlo Hat to
our own seat maker. Thanks for the good deal on my new
Soundseat and it fit right into the console recording station
and I hope to spend many comfortable moments on it.
You were a joy to chat with and I look forward to the next
time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA205712.jpg


And though I did not spend much time with Tim
he was in evidence and seemed to be chasing something
all day. Here is a shot I did manage to get of him playing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215775.jpg

Aye, and it wouldn't be fittin' no not mention that I learned the value of a
great MC to host the whole event. What a gracous person you are Paul to
do that for us and do it so well. Made every performance take on an air of
professionalism and what could be better than that.

Paul Cameron (stage right) having a go at playing. His introduction led me to
believe he wasn't much of a player. His performance disputed that. Great job, man.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/PA215735.jpg

[lcogginz]

Ray, that's not TimB - his username was TimmyPack (Tim Pack), as I recall. He's another of Stan Jacques' students. Hadn't been to the last couple of Monroestocks, I think.

[Jim Tozier]

Ray, that's not TimB - his username was TimmyPack (Tim Pack), as I recall.

I'll fix it... just in case Ray doesn't see this.

[Cakes]

Like Jim T, this is my 4th Monroestock. It never disappoints, but I enjoyed this one the most. Great seeing/meeting new and familiar faces. Many thanks to Marion and Mary Helen along with all the Holloway staff for making it such an enjoyable event. Also thank you, Rick Crider. Great job!

I thought this was the best venue we've had so far.

John

P.S. Stixx, I wielded my incredible moderator powers to edit one of your captions. The last picture in post number 11 of this thread is me. But it's all fixed now! :)

John

[Chicago Sandy]

Rick, I thank you for your graciousness and grace under pressure--you were the "stealth" organizer of this whole magical experience: quietly coordinating and making everything run seamlessly and smoothly without seeking any of the spotlight or glory for yourself. Even with an uncomplicated life, it's a Herculean task--and considering everything on your plate, I am amazed and humbled by what a fantastic job you did without displaying a shred of ego.

[Stixx]

I'll fix it... just in case Ray doesn't see this.
Thanks guys, I promise to write them down next year
and get the monikers and names better . LOL hey half
a brain is better than none at all. And thanks to Cakes
too.

[tadmania]

It is a wonder that, when something really special occurs among generous people, everyone comes away feeling indebted to others, yet everybody gains from the experience. Much is expended, and we end up with more than there was before.

It must be the immeasureable and undeniable portion which love supplies that allows this to be so. It is also strange that it seems as if those who give the most feel the most greatly humbled, and that it is of those in whom quiet service is deemed the highest honor there is to be heard the most royal heralds of praise for others. I saw and heard acts of love great and small this weekend. These are the jewels set in the crowns of kings and queens, all the more glorious to be seen upon the brow of the kindly servant.