Finding other players

John Parker · From: Golden Valley, Az. USA

I practice, practice, and practice at home. I feel as if I've gotten to a point where I'm not getting any better by practicing alone. The problem is there seems to be a shortage of musicians in my area and I haven't been able to find anyone to pick with. I've only lived in the area for a short while (relocated here for my job) and don't know a lot of people yet. The people I have met don't seem to know of any musicians in the area. Part of the problem may be my location. Most of the counties around me are dry counties. That means that live music in this immediate area is almost nonexsistant. I have to drive 60-70 miles just to find a club with live music. I don't know what the answer to this problem is or if there is an answer short of moving, which isn't an option at this point in time. I guess I'm just feeling really frustrated by this because I've been told so many times that it would help me improve my playing by playing with other people. But then not being able to find anyone to play with is frustrating. It's gotten to the point that some times I don't want to practice at all and have to force myself to get behind my steel.

Thanks for letting me gripe and get it off of my chest. I feel a little better. I'll just keep asking around and see if a can find anybody to play with.

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John Parker
Zumsteel SD10 3x5
Peavey Session 400

Wayne Franco · From: silverdale, WA. USA

I understand your frustration. I've been playing music lately that most country players just don't know. I've been doing a single thing for about 6 months and it is helping. Maybe you could invent your own gigs if you're into doing that. Even a duo or something with a computer program is better than nothing. You could play a lot of different places like cafe's, retirement homes, local VFW's, Eagles just to name a few. If they're not drinking who cares. At least that gives you something to shoot for. When you do find some people you would like to pick with you'll have your chops up!

[This message was edited by W Franco on 15 June 2004 at 11:07 AM.]

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

I would also like to find some "Sunday afternoon, garage pickers" so I can play back up stuff again. I get tired of playing with band in a box and playing the whole song. Most of my 33 years of picking have been in bands. Anyone who knows of some pickers in the bay area who would like an occasional steel picker, please let me know. Of course, I am not looking for a gigging band.

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Carter D10 9p/10k, NV400

John Parker · From: Golden Valley, Az. USA

Well this afternoon I submitted an ad to the weekly newspaper saying that I was looking for musicians to either form a band or jam with. Maybe I can find some people to pick with that way. I never realized it would be so difficult finding players to pick with. I'm a nice guy and haven't offended anyone that I'm aware of.

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John Parker
Zumsteel SD10 3x5
Peavey Session 400

Robert Porri · From: Windsor, Connecticut, USA

A peculliar dilema. I have a duo with my wife. It does bother the musician in me, and I've been thinking more and more about trying to get a band together (again), but for now we use midi as our band. We play mostly the modern Country stuff and some Classic Rock. I was hoping early in my PSG playing to be able to start taking it along to some of our infrequent gigs. After almost 6 months I'm still a little short of doing that, but at least I have somewhat of a ready made "band" to start out with when I'm ready. I do use it for some practice. It's tough though, because I am used to playing the guitar parts and if I put in the midi guitar parts to cover, well, midi guitar sounds notoriously wanky and cheap and I don't feel I can fill in enough yet to make up for that deficiency.

Bob P.

Glenn Boppre · From: Pengilly, MN, USA * R.I.P.

I have experienced the same problem since
I quit playing the bars. I finally got together with some other older musicians and
we contacted a community center about playing
and they agreed. We play regularly every
month. We put on a mini show and even have
an m-c. We play all traditional country.
It's a lot of fun.
Glenn B

Roy McKinney · From: Ontario, OR

Hey John, lets get together. I have the same problem, except I live 65 miles out of the nearest town back up in the mountains and have to drive over 3 hours to get to a jam about once a month if I am lucky. BIAB and "You back the singer" CD's really come in handy! Good luck in finding a group locally for you.
PS, I live in the Imnaha, OR river canyon area.

Gordon Caffey · From: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

John,

I wish I was closer to Newark. I would enjoy getting together with you. I play guitar, but I recently purchased a pedal steel and I'm trying to learn it. I have been able to find quite a few people to play with here in Little Rock, but I'll bet it is difficult up in Newark. You might try finding a church band up there, if you are so inclined.

Gordon

Nic du Toit · From: Milnerton, Cape, South Africa

Talk about being frustrated! I live in South Africa, and should you mention the word 'steel guitar', the blank stares can be quite amusing. I have not givin up on playing, and even brought out an album, doing all the instruments. How's that for tenacity? Check this out (under 'projects')http://home.telkomsa.net/peterden/al saut

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Nic du Toit
1980 Emmons P/P
Peavey Session 500
NEW CD "Nightmare on Emmons Steel"
Click here to E-mail us.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

John, I suggest you leave a card or note on the ubiquitous bulletin-board at your nearest music store. Also, it doesn't hurt to "hang out" at these places. With no clubs to speak of, it's the best gathering place for musicians. You might even take your steel there one Saturday afternoon (on the premise that you're looking for a new amp), and play for a few hours, "trying out" their various amps! Take whatever exposure you can get, and sooner or later something will happen.

Bob Hickish · From: Port Ludlow, Washington, USA, R.I.P.

John
Check out the "OLD TIME FIDDLERS " in your state ! That might work for you ! It did for me out here in the Far NW . Most every state and counties will have a chapter - they are an Acoustic bunch - but I found all the musicians you could want - and if you play Dobro they will hog tie you so you cant leave - :] :]
Good Luck

John Parker · From: Golden Valley, Az. USA

Gordon,

I would be willing to come to Little Rock and spend a day picking. We might be able to learn a little something from each other. At the least have some fun.

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John Parker
Zumsteel SD10 3x5
Peavey Session 400

Gordon Caffey · From: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

John,

I sent you an e-mail a while ago. We have a jam event coming up the evening of July 9th in Little Rock that should be a good time. It would give you an opportunity to sit in with lots of different musicians.

Gordon

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Hi John, Contact Ronnie's Steel Guitar Shop in Hot Springs. Ronnie just finished a gospel steel show and will have a steel show in the fall. Usually in Oct. Ronnie Neighbors is one of the good guys and a real fine picker. Jody.

John Parker · From: Golden Valley, Az. USA

Gordon,

I tried to reply to your e-mail but I'm not sure if it got through. Seems my ISP is having some problems with e-mail, it's been on again and off again all day. They said something about a spam attack.

Anyways, let's get together and pick sometime.

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John Parker
Zumsteel SD10 3x5
Peavey Session 400

[This message was edited by John Parker on 18 June 2004 at 09:07 PM.]

Bill Rowlett · From: Russellville, AR, USA

Hi John,

At least I'm in the same state

I live in Russellville which is a dry county also. You might check out the local American Legion Hall. Sometimes musicians have jams there on weekends. Always go to the local festivals. Sometimes they have musicians play and you can talk to them after the show. I work for Entergy. Are you at the power plant?

Bill

John Parker · From: Golden Valley, Az. USA

Bill,

I'm pretty close to the power plant. I work for the Dept. of Corrections in Newport. I've noticed several steel players in Arkansas on the forum. Maybe we should form an Arkansas steel assn.

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John Parker
Zumsteel SD10 3x5
Peavey Session 400

Bill Rowlett · From: Russellville, AR, USA

John,

We all got together once, but Rudy was so good that we never came back

Bill

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