Galax

[AlanN]

My first time there, had a blast. Got to shake and howdy with many folks and picked my arse off, notably with Clay Hess and some young guns, Herschel Sizemore, Dewey Farmer, Daniel Smith and Tom Mindte and several unknowns, who were terrific pickers nonetheless. Met the builder of the very fine June mandolins, a nice guy, forget his name. Tried many great mandolins, too, including 2 or 3 Altmans, a wonderful Hutto and a Daley F-5.

Great day.

[Willie Poole]

WELL....Did you take the Hutto home with you? Or was the owner keeping a close eye on it ...and you?

Willie

[AlanN]

Now, Willie. You know us manalin pickers are an honest and righteous bunch. My F-5 was passed around (to respectful guys who know how to handle it), the Hutto owner had no worries with me, at all.

And he told me Dempsey's sold.

[f5loar]

were you there Friday or Sat and did it rain any of those days? Dewey looking good with that Altman.

[AlanN]

No rain. He did look good and sounded even better, it was a pleasure to trade solos with him.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Meeting up with a bunch of guys like that,i'd have thought i'd died & gone to Mandolin Heaven - was this a Bluegrass festival Alan or a picker's camp event ?.Whatever,i wish i'd been there just to meet up with HS,
Ivan

[AlanN]

This was the 77th Annual Old Time Fiddler's Convention and contest. Everything from individual instrument to band to dance contests. Just a plethora of picking and partying. Adam S. was hanging around the campsites and picking up a storm, sounding terrific as usual.

Herschel showed me how Lee's Reel goes, I was butchering it kind of bad. He was patient and kind, and we finally got it down.

[Phil Goodson]

.....
And he told me Dempsey's sold.

Yep. I met the new owner of Dempsey's in Virginia a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, he didn't have the Hutto with him. Darn!!