Ninth Annual SE Comando Gathering May 13-17

[JaybirdNC]

The Ninth Annual Southeasteern (US) Comando Gathering will be held May 13-17 in Ashe County, NC, about thirty minutes from Boone and North Wilkesboro. Camping on the banks of Helton Creek, a beautiful trout stream, with lots of mandolin players, lots of mandolins, lots of fun. Email me with questions, RSVP, for directions, etc. birdj1@peoplepc.com (John Bird)

[JaybirdNC]

Here's a link to a YouTube video of me playing the theme song of the Comando Gathering (by me!). Come pick it with me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KboNI3ck-0A

[JaybirdNC]

Anohter link, this time with a montage of some of the picking from last year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdEmSvSnqKU

[sgarrity]

I went two years ago and it was lots of fun. Plenty of exceptional music and really nice folks. I'm definitely looking forward to going this year. And the setting........on the banks of a trout stream in the mountains of NC......it just doesn't get any better!

[sgarrity]

This time next week I'll be on my way to Helton Creek!

[JaybirdNC]

We'll keep a good spot for you, Shaun!

[SternART]

MandoBird Brother was just in the SF Bay Area where I had the opportunity to pick with him.
Since he has a Monroe "tune of the week"......thing going on Comando we played a lot of ol' Bill's tunes. I suspect Helton Creek will hear a few of those.

One of these years I might take a vacation & visit Helton Creek......kind of an East meets West Comando gathering. I held the very first Comando gathering at my studio in the Bay Area years ago. And one year we held one in honor of Prof. Bird visiting the SF Bay Area, pretty good turnout for that one, coupla July 9ths were even in the house.

[gonzograss]

Shaun,

Surprise! Will see you at Helton Creek - w/ my son Joe. This'll be my first Comando Gathering and am ready to pick.

Joe H

[JaybirdNC]

Great, Joe! We'll look for you. When are you arriving? Do you need directions?

John Bird

[sgarrity]

Joe--

Glad you're gonna be able to make it. It's gonna be one heckuva good time. I'll see y'all sometime Friday afternoon, depending on when I can get outta here.

[Tripp Johnson]

Shaun / Joe

Gotta work all weekend or I'd get down there for sure..sounds like big fun. Look forward to hearing about it.

Joe, it was great to see and hear you Friday...that Hutto sounds great!

[fatt-dad]

Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't give the Hutto a test run.

f-d

[gonzograss]

John,
Thanks for helping to make my 1st Comando Gathering a real pleasure. Wish I'd chosen to do a bit more socializing. A group of really nice folks, and all I did was sit and pick (haha). Hopefully, next year will be different. Enjoyed your theme song, all the great Monroe tunes, and the fine musicianship. Thanks for the hospitality, the campfire, and the music. Also gave me an excuse to visit and pick w/ my son Joe. Keep it goin' man.

Joe H.

[JaybirdNC]

Great to meet you, Joe. Among my regrets is not getting to play your Hutto--sure sounded good. And your son is one awesome bass player (as well as a heck of a nice guy). Here's a video of some of the picking at the Comando Gathering, Ethan Moore and Terry Bullin ripping into Monroe's "Tombstone Junction":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CPzdpGFuho

[SternART]

That's some fine pickin' thar boyz!

[Will Kimble]

I wish I could've been there, hopefully I will be able to make it again once the kids are a little older.

Will Kimble