Preston Thompson - Posted - 09/02/2010:  05:29:15

I just wanted to say a few word for the ones of you that didn't get the chance to go to The Fox this year. It was the most pleasing, congenial, and friendly atmosphere I've ever been around. The pickers that came were outstanding folks. Pat from Lousiana, Steve from Tennessee, Eric and Terry from California, Tim from Texas, Ron from Florida, just to name a few, are super folks all.

And of course Dave and wife Margaret. Those two along with Margaret's brother and his wife worked their tails off. Y'all missed the greatest example of giving and not asking one thing in return, other than "please have a good time and enjoy". But with that attitude Dave never stopped, and never asked for help once. We all asked but he would have none of that. I bet that man traveled 50 miles in a 2 mile area.

Johnny Bellar put on a concert Saturday night that was nothing short of unreal. What a picker, and a true master on the dobro. The cords he makes with the slants is really something to see. The song he wrote call Northern Lights is one everybody should hear. You just wouldn't believe what he does on that one.

OK, so much for my fingers working, but if Dave decides to do this again, if anyway possible fine a way to go. You will experence something a lot of us older folk thought was dead and gone. Southern hospitality, even though Dave's from Ca, and somebody doing for others and looking for nothing in return.

Y'all missed a real happening.

Preston

Steevarino - Posted - 09/02/2010:  06:38:40

Well said, Preston. It was a great event. I think all of us went away from that one feeling like we had just experienced something that was truly special. I know that I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

Dave and his family were AMAZING hosts. Like you said, they all went out of their way to handle everyone's needs, so all we had to do was pick, talk, eat, and pick some more! I know Dave didn't get as much picking in as the rest of us, but when he did, it added greatly to the mix, and I'm glad he got at least SOME picking in! Towards the end of the Sat. night jam, I heard some mandolin chunking going on behind me, and I was so pleased to see Dave's wife, Margaret joining in on the picking. I didn't even know she played!

It was a 7 hour commute each way from Nashville, but I would do it again in a heartbeat! I know there is talk of some other folks putting on a get-together like this. I'm all for it!

Steve
RedLineReso.com

otbreso - Posted - 09/02/2010:  08:54:16

Preston and Steve.,
I really enjoyed meeting you guys as well as all the others. Everybody LOVED Morgan, even Eric who doesn't like dogs. I believe he woulda thrown that dog on the airplane if he coulda got away with it and still lived!! This is the second time I've been able to spend time in the South for more than a few hours and the way folks treat you is just unbelievable. Great pickin with you boys. Sure enjoyed Pat's pickin and he was playin everything. Preston can pick too, and pick well. Just watchin Johnny Bellar opened up some doors for me. I'm in for next year if Dave is willin but I sure wish he'd let us help some.
th

Patrick Sylvest - Posted - 09/02/2010:  11:59:59

I'm thrilled I went! It was great meeting and spending time with some great musicians and people. I'll tell you, a fire has been relit in my dobro furnace and I've been working hard on my playing since the weekend. I can't wait to try out some licks on my Friday night gig!