PLAIN FOLK

by Billy Jones
Winnipeg’s Mid-Canada Steel Guitar Show

It was held on April 22 and 23 this year, and is sponsored annually by the Linkon steel guitar company. They make steel guitars that are quite comparable to more costly imports. Hosts, Wayne and Joan Link, originally created this show to promote their Linkon guitar.

They invited players from all over Canada and the U.S.A. Novice players relished the opportunity to open up and play for their peers. However, the success of this event relied upon the number of established players from both sides of the border that attended the first shows. They came and brought with them a willingness to perform and share what they had learned over the years.

For 15 of the 16 years this show has been held in Winnipeg, I’ve shared the stage with these terrific guys and gals and enjoyed every moment. As a matter of fact, before the weekend is over, these people are usually planning their next annual visit. It’s like attending a family reunion.

There are display counters loaded with well known and new guitar accessories, t-shirts and hats, music books and courses, new guitars, and CDs that you won’t hear on the radio. Videos and pictures are available for those who were unable to attend previous shows.

My long time friend and a Canadian favorite steel guitarist, Al Brisco from Toronto, annually performs and displays his products. Another favorite is veteran studio musician, John Lacey, from Calgary. I can’t forget Tex Emery from Regina who, like me, loves to revisit the past with his lap-top guitar.

Randall Currie from Prince Albert, currently with Brad Paisley, began as a youngster at this mid-Canada show. Ray Price’s steel guitarist, Billy Simmons, has displayed his great talent and humor here too.

We were left in awe when we heard Texan, Billy Phelps, who, without a doubt, has the fastest fingers I think I’ve ever heard. He also served in the back-up band this year as the bass player. Multi-talented Phelps also played the steel guitar and lead guitar for top fiddler, Brian Sklar, and his swing band during the half time shows.

I had the great pleasure of playing with an icon, DeWitt Scott. Scotty is the founder of the renowned St. Louis Convention. He did wonderful things with his 1932, 6 string, Rickenbacker guitar.

We enjoyed the excellence of Ralph Donahue from Kindersley, Sask. and my old friend Joe Delaronde from Selkirk. You’ve got to hear Don Walters from Regina. He switched to the dobro this year.

Great players like Dean Neeley from South Carolina and Sir George McLellan from Minnesota would be sadly missed if they did not attend a show.

Then there is the sweet playing of host Wayne Link and the Super Pickers back-up band featuring guitarist, Jim Flett, percussionist and member of the late Lenny Breau trio, Reg Keln, and the neat vocals of front man, Jim Humpage. Fiddler, Joe Swereda doesn’t miss a trick. Billy Phelps plays the bass. It was an absolutely superb weekend.