Message from herschel sizemore

[Big Joe]

Hershel called me today and asked I post this information for him. He will no longer be associated with the Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend. He is leaving for personal reasons. He has been an invaluable asset to this educational opportunity for a number of years. He was co-founder of this organization. I was pleased to be in attendance for several years and work with the entire team in Roanoke Va.

It is indeed a great loss to the Bluegrass Weekend to have this great teacher and musician no longer associated, but as we all know, life moves on and we must all do what is right for us in each situation.

Hershel is a fan of the Cafe, and certainly a fan of the mandolin. His contributions to our wonderful instrument of choice are beyond words. He will still be playing and teaching as he has opportunity and thanks each of you for your attention to his career over the year.

[jim_n_virginia]

WOW! No Herschel? Meeting, learning and jamming with him was the main reason I went last year. He truely is one of the great mandolin players.

I'm not sure I wanna go back this year now. They will have to have some awesome mandolin teachers without Herschel there.

[re simmers]

I never made it to 'the event,' but I drove over 3 hrs. to take a half day lesson. Priceless! Probably the best I've ever heard at getting the true melody and feeling of a song to come out of a mandolin. A gentleman and a great teacher. I hope he's doing well and continues to contribute as a teacher and player.

[Big Joe]

If you contact Herschel he will likely be very happy to do a lesson with you. If you need help contacting him, just e-mail me your phone number and I'll get it to him so you can hook up.

[Ivan Kelsall]

I think more than any other Mandolin player (possibly with the exception of John Reischman) Mr.Sizemore has been my main inspiration, firstly, to take up playing Mandolin to start with & then to carry on playing. I've been wearing my fingers out getting them around 'Rebecca' (no double-entendre intended !) & 'Grey Eagle'.
You folks who have had a chance not only to meet him,but to actually take a lesson or two from him,are indeed fortunate.