JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Musician Message Forum Weird request: Anybody living in/near Wilkesboro, NC?

If so, I potentially have a fun (albeit odd) request for you. I want to submit a song to the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest, I think, that's put on by Wilkes Community College as part of the annual MerleFest celebration end-April/beginning-May. (No, "Merle" is not Merle Haggard. I guess if you live there, you already know that.) The song I want to send them is one that "Tampa Stan" Good and I wrote, "Take-Out Food," the (shall we say) tasty little ditty about buzzards and roadkill.

Thing is, it's got a lead break in it. (The song is too short without it.) If the song makes the finals (there are three finalists), I have to perform it on stage at MerleFest--and I'm going to need somebody to play lead *something*. (The "something" doesn't matter. Anything from accordion to zither would work. I used a guitar on the recording because that's what I play (sorta). If you listen to the recording, what I'd tried to sketch out is something that's manic and sleazy at the same time. And of course, I'd like to knock the socks off the judges (at least, the ones that are wearing socks).

Now, the way their rules work, they'll put me up in Wilkesboro, but I have to get myself there on my own nickel. (I can probably do that.) They'll allow me to have an "accompanist" (you, in other words), and they'll put you up, too--but they're not covering any travel costs. I can't pay plane fare for two people. So I need to find somebody who lives pretty close, and can do it, and is willing to do it. Is there anybody?

If so, please answer this, or PM me (if the PM thing is working), and let's "talk." And thanks.

Joe

Joe,

You might PM Midnite Bob. He relocated to North Carolina, though I'm not sure what part of the state. If he couldn't do it, he might be able to hook you up with someone.

Thanks, Wendy. I'll try.

Joe

Just <bump>ing. Wendy, Bob hasn't responded (yet).

joe

Joe, I live about 45 minutes or so from Wilksboro.

Merlefest is named after Merle Watson, the only son of Doc. Doc and Rosa Lee named him after Merle Travis. He was killed in 1985. Was crushed by a tractor roll over.

Merle was one of the best slide guitar players of his time. He also played finger pick and flat pick guitar styles. Was his fathers pride and joy.

I took this photo of Doc and Merle one year before Merle's death at a bluegrass festival in Georgia.

I tried like hell to get a larger photo, but I have very little tolerence with photo web sites. Merle is on the far left of the photo.

Really, Steve? Would you be willing to play lead on this thing if I finalist?

Joe

Sure would. Not a problem Joe.

Steve

Cool. Thank you. You've heard the song, yes? www.soundclick.com/share?songid=8579451. Doesn't have to be a guitar, y'know--a guitar just happens to be what I have. And you can play way better'n me.

Joe

Hey Guys I'm buzzed for ya's

Cheering

Man, ya snooze ya lose:-(....Sorry Joe, but the PM never came through. But since I'm 2 + hours away and can't play a lick o' lead, I'm glad someone else stepped up.

But lemme know if ya win & I'll make the trip out to hear ya.

Midnite