Texas -- Mando Wasteland

[B. T. Walker]

A great big thank you to Collings of Austin, Texas for donating to the Cafe giveaway. You'd think with such a great company right here in the Lone Star State that I'd occasionally not be the only mandolin player at impromptu jams, but it never happens. I feel like I live in a mandolin wasteland.

8-String Keith in El Paso, Coy Wylie up in the Panhandle, SJennings in Abilene, Brian Mikitin, and I are the only people who post that I know are in Texas, but there have to be others. Where are you? (are you? ...are you?...)

I know there is the Regional Jams forum, but I'm not looking for a jam or a place to meet. I just think that Texans need to post up so we can see who's out there.

Show me I'm not alone.

[Doug Edwards]

Now Brian, jugband, Larry Collins, is right there in San Antonio with you & he sponsors several jams.

I'm in the DFW area and there are a least a dozen that post here as well from DFW.

[B. T. Walker]

That is very true, Doug. #Lately due to a schedule conflict, I haven't been able to get to Barefoot Larry's jam at Hoover's Cooking on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesdays.

I just got an e-mail from Becky Smith about a workshop on Sunday, October 30, 3-5 pm at Writers in the Round in Houston. #There's a great opportunity from a great teacher. #NFI

Who and what's going in DFW? #Austin? #El Paso? #Anywhere!

My emphasis was mostly on who, though. #Y'all speak up. And I mean all y'all. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[bsmando]

Hey Brian,
I'm coming back down and will give a workshop in Houston, Sunday Oct.30th!!!
Cheers,

[Coy Wylie]

Brian,

There's quite a few mando pickers up here in the Panhandle. Goose and I post here but the others I know don't seem to post here much. However, if you want a taste of Texas mando, come out to Camp Bluegrass (http://www.campbluegrass.com/) in Levelland next summer and you'll see that they come out of the woodwork. Plus learning from Steve Smith, Gerald Jones and Joe Carr is great too.

Coy Wylie

[Harry H]

Brian,

Mando wasteland, in Texas? It must be your imagination.
I accept your apology on behalf of the whole State.

Every Sunday:
Artz Rib House, 2230 S Lamar Austin
Very cool jam 1.5 hours from your house. They play inside, outside
on the back porch and outside in the parking lot. Good local bands
play inside at 7PM and there's Great Barbecue all day. Last time I was
there I saw a Nugget and a Gilchrist.

Every 3rd Saturday:
Harwood, Tx Music jam (except August?)
Near the great city of Luling #
Mostly old style country and gospel music, but still a fair number of
blue grassers. The jam is at a converted school house.

First Saturday:
Pearl Texas, 60 miles west of Waco.
Next Jam November 5th, noon til about ten at night.
Located at the Pearl Community Center (another remodeled school house)
Like Harwood a lot of Country and Gospel, but still a lot of Bluegrass.
Very Friendly people. Last time, I saw Joe Carr's buddy, Alan Mundy, play absolutely wicked banjo.
Here's the website for directions and info:
www.pearlbluegrass.com

Or, check this out:
www.centraltexasbluegrass.org/Jams.htm
It lists a whole lot of jams with contact info, etc.

Have fun,

Harry Harris
Fort Worth, Tx

[GVD]

Harry H Posted

Every Sunday:
Artz Rib House, 2230 S Lamar Austin
Very cool jam 1.5 hours from your house. They play inside, outside
on the back porch and outside in the parking lot. Good local bands
play inside at 7PM and there's Great Barbecue all day. Last time I was
there I saw a Nugget and a Gilchrist.

I was lucky enough to attend this one once and it was definitely a great time. Good pickers, good atmosphere, good food and good beer. What more can you ask for? If you're ever in Austin do yourself a favor and go to this one.

GVD

[ShaneJ]

I just found another mando player here in Abilene. For some reason, mando players go out of their way to fly under the radar around here. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I mean, I know Bob Wills was a fiddle player, but that's no reason to hide your mando addiction is it?

I may need to change my tag line to:

"Mandolin....it's not crack." http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[PCypert]

I'm an Abilenian...but I live in Thailand now...you want to talk mando wasteland? I know a lady with a sweet F5G custom in Abilene. There are jams there, but very old Bluegrass. I was in want of a celtic, mandolin orchestra ensemble. Oh well. There are no mando stores in Texas, but there are players.

Paul

[Scott Tichenor]

> Texas -- Mando Wasteland, or is it my imagination?

It's your imagination.

[Keith Erickson]

Hey Brian,

It's good to see you again. #Nothing too much going on in El Paso County, but I have seen Steve Smith play at the High Desert Brewery just 30 miles north of here in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Back in August we had the chance to go to Bluegrass in the Desert up in Radium Springs, New Mexico. #We really did enjoy ourselves.

I did meet another mandolin player from El Paso while at Bluegrass in the Desert. #Unfortunately due to the constraints of time ( and planning for our wedding next month ), I have not had a free moment to catch up with him.

On a personal note: I get the impression that any bluegrass that is happening "locally" is happening up in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

If anyone could debunk this notion, I would certainly be open to hearing from you.

Thank you #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[ellisppi]

I'm in Austin and everywhere I look, I see mandolins...

[ellisppi]

I don't get out much

[stoney]

Brian,
there are a few mandolians in Kerrville, just up hwy 10 from you.

I was wondering about Barefoot Larry's. Is it a good session for bluegrass, or have you attended much. Thought I might drive down some time.

[smilnJackB]

I'm from Iowa, not Texas and I have the opposite situation of yours. #I would not call it a problem. #I've been to jams at a nearby small town where mandos equal or outnumber guitars. #Attendence is sporadic and there may be 2-5 guitars, and 2 to 5 mandos and maybe a bass and rarely a banjo. #I taught most of those mando players and I really don't mind a bit. #Glad to see people making music- no matter what their level. I switch to guitar to even things out.
Jack http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mandochuck]

I cant contribute much to this post but I am from San Antonio and I have about a month in on the mando. #So you see I do seek refuge from others who can really play. #About the same with the fiddle too! #Maybe someday when I feel confident...chuck #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ShaneJ]

I ran into a (make that "the only") local luthier today in a Mexican food dive next to his shop. He build mandolins as well as fiddles, guitars, etc.... He knows a lot of people that play mandolin around here. Maybe I should get off the computer and get out and find 'em!

[soapycows]

Not only are there mandolin pickers everywhere I look, there are some true greats here in Austin in Paul Glass and Billy Bright, we also have the Austin Mandolin Orchestra. Lot's of other really good players here.
There are also some great jams (with lots of mando players) such as Artz, and Threadgill's on the second Sunday of every month. Artz just added a new bluegrass jam and show on the 1st Saturday of every month.
It's EVERYWHERE!!!

[B. T. Walker]

Thanks for the response. Must admit I'm not feeling so lonely. It is my imagination!

I'm not surprised there are mando goings-on in Austin, and wouldn't mind checking out Artz or Threadgill's some fine weekend. BBQ, beer, and bluegrass is a wonderful combination.

Y'all keep posting. Surely there are more than 15 cafe regulars in Texas. I'll try to keep track and post where the map pins are. Maybe it'll turn into something that should be posted in the Jams forum. It will for sure be easier to access in the archives.

[PickinFool]

Definitely your imagination. Mark your map on Beaumont/Port Arthur. I'm a bluegrasser and am trying to learn the mandolin. Definitely a shortage of instructors down here in SE Texas. I know a couple of very good bluegrass mandolin players down here. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Bill Snyder]

Well, I am near Temple, TX and with over 550 posts I would not say that I am trying to fly under the radar. I don't play anywhere except at home, so maybe that is flying under the radar. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[smithkathy]

This group meets near Houston: www.brazosriverpickers.com
and I've also seen one or two mandos at the Irish session at the Mucky Duck Wednesdays in Houston.

[loosej]

I am in Houston but keep a pretty low profile. However, I will meet anyone out in Herman Park, just about any time, to pick a few tunes.
joel lewis

[Roydw3]

Howdy,

Denny Wilson here from Odessa, Texas. There is a jam here on the second Sunday of every month...West Texas Bluegrass association. They tell me there are three of us who play in Odessa/Midland area. I am a beginner so I don't think I can say I play. Haven't been able to attend since I joined but looking forward to November.

I'd like to jam more often but don't know where to go.

Anyway, there are quite a few of us but this is a BIG state and it is a long way from end to end. Makes it hard to get together.

Denny

[Keith Erickson]

There is a jam here on the second Sunday of every month...West Texas Bluegrass association. They tell me there are three of us who play in Odessa/Midland area.
Hey there Denny,

Midland/ Odessa is about 4½ hours from my house. ( as well as in another time zone ) http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Would you happen to know if there are any members of the West Texas Bluegrass Association here in El Paso?

You can't get much further west in Texas than El Paso. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Take care,

[Wesley]

I'm in Ft Worth. I've always thought of Texas as a wasteland when it comes to buying a mandolin. On rare occasions you can find a Weber or Collings within a one day drive of Dallas and Ft Worth. But they usually not the top line models in my experience. You have to leave the state to do any real comparison shopping.

[PCypert]

You need to hit Charlie's Guitar Shop up in the Dallas area. They always have some good Collings, etc. Talk to the lady who's married to the guy with glasses. She's in charge of the mandolins. She has a few Collings that are incredible. Only place in town I liked going to. Also the only place in town where I could walk in and say give me a pack of 74's and they knew what I was talking about.

Paul

[pglasse]

I think Austin in particular has a pretty respectable amount of mandolin activity.

Nationally known local groups like the Greencards and the South Austin Jugband both feature excellent mandolin work. The Austin Mandolin Orchestra, under the direction of Joel Hobbs is doing some neat things and features excellent players like Sarah Jaroz and Richard Somers. Paul Sweeny plays regulary at Artz Ribhouse with various groups.

For what it's worth, I'll be playing 5-string electric mandolin (duo w/guitar) at Siena restaurant Thursday 10/20/05 from 6:30 to 9:00. I'll play the same gig again 10/27 with the truly amazing Mitch Watkins on guitar -- no cover and great Tuscan food. Come say hello.

Paul Glasse

[Ted Eschliman]

Man, they've got Paul Glasse in Austin..
PAUL GLASSE!!!!

That alone is enough to stop us Midwesterners dissing the Great Lone Star State. (And in your own town, too!)
Hooey Boy!

[mandochuck]

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Man am I impressed. I didnt realize that there were so many mando players in Texas. A mando band! Like the bands of the 20's that must be great. Cool things in Texas when I can play a little better than just beginning I will have to look into some of these...chuck

[Jon Hall]

There are quite a few mando players in East TX as well. We usually have 3 - 5 mando players but the conventional wisdom is 1 or 2 mando's at a time unless it's a 'ola or zouk. We just grab something else and play. The Old Time String Shop is a great jam. Drop by if you're in the area.

Kelly Lancaster is from Nacogdoches but lives in Houston. Until his death three years a go, Paul Buskirk lived here. He would come to the jam sessions. He didn't play often but would sit, listen and enjoy himself.

[pdlstl]

I'm in Fort Worth as well. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[mandocaster]

I am in Houston but keep a pretty low profile. #However, I will meet anyone out in Herman Park, just about any time, to pick a few tunes.
joel lewis
Hi Joel

I really enjoyed the time we got together and jammed a few years ago at Dick's house. Let's do it again real soon.

Mitch Lawyer
In Houston

[bsmando]

Hey Mitch,
I'll see you next weekend at TRF!!!Actually I'll be there next thursday night.
And Joel is coming to the workshop!
Cheers,

[B. T. Walker]

Just got back from the trek to Austin to see Paul Glasse. #Excellent, IMVHO. #He and his guitar partner in the duo were very tight, and obviously enjoyed playing the music. #They played outside in gorgeously comfortable fall air. #I had a great time, and the food at Siena is pretty good, too. #He's there most Thursday's until Thanksgiving, then takes a break until the weather outside lightens up in the spring (which could be February is south central Texas).

Talked to Paul about how Texas really isn't a mando wasteland, and bought his "One More Night" double CD while I was standing there. #Listened to it on the drive back to San Antonio from Austin. #Wow! #He's really, really good. #


Thanks for the continued replies. #I see some people are hollerin' at each other across the pasture already. #
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[FredB]

Edit: What's up with the #'s? Should have been a name there.

I'm in Austin. Just don't have the time to post or even lurk much anymore.

When I got interested in mando a year or so ago, I found this web site and ended up buying my Parsons A4 from one of the posters ...##########, fellow Texan. I love it and use it every Sunday as part the worship band.

Wish there was a better selection of mandos in the local stores. Been to Artz' and love it.
Fred

[mandochuck]

Fred I know what you mean about time. Between the mando(1 month now), the fiddle and the banjo not to mention my involvement with Texas History Re-enacting (event this Saturday), blacksmithing, ham radio and knife making there is just not enough time. I am being drawn to the music side more than the other stuff now days. However, preparing for the "battle" on Saturday has taken most of my free time this week....By the way I do share "the lack of mandolins to look at". I found one shop that had a Eastman and a Collins side by side...would really like to try a mid-mo or flatiron just to see where I want to go when I get tired of this cheapy...chuck

[mandocaster]

Hey Mitch,
I'll see you next weekend at TRF!!!Actually I'll be there next thursday night.
And Joel is coming to the workshop!
Cheers,
It always seem to work this way when you come visit.

That Saturday is the only one (of 16 this year)that I have to miss. #Sunday, while you are doing your workshop, I will be back at TRF. #Ah, well...

I saw your mum this last weekend at the festival, but I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her - we were in the middle of a set.

Mitch

[pglasse]

To follow up on this I wanted to make sure to mention that Texas has at leat three world-class mandolin builders.

Just south of Austin in Dripping Springs TX: Bill Collings <http://collingsguitars.com/>.

In Austin, back after a break from building mandolins: Tom Ellis <http://www.ellismandolins.com/>.

In Alpine Texas, building electric mandolins: Michael Stevens <http://stevensguitars.com/>.

All the usual disclaimers apply, as these folks are all friends of many years running. Nonetheless, I think they're all three very talented additions to our Texas/world mandolin community.

Paul Glasse
Austin, Texas

[Monte37]

Paul! Hey buddy it me Richardo...Monte37. Though I would tap into the talk of this Mandolin Cafe a bit.

Austin and mandolin wasterland...?! forest for the trees I guess. I can only repeat what Paul has already said.
And, this next generation coming down is looking awesome.

I am hangin with Joel Hobbs in his Austin Mandolin Orchestra. We need people to join us in our endeavor to rehearse and present Mandolin Ensemble music. www.Amandolinorchestra.com

Nowadays, we got some great mando buildin goin on. Can't wait to try an Ellis.

Welcome to Austin Mandolins!!

[string_8]

Add one more from Ft. Worth. Still waiting for my custom blonde Red Diamond.

Paul