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Author
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Topic: HSGA's Forum
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Ron Whitfield
Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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posted 15 August 2006 02:06 PM
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Gerald, the rejuvenated HSGA site is the one obvious point that can be said there has been an effort to improve things. Great, and I hope to see more things like it.
No, I havn't put any of it on iPod, nor have I used the other HSGA rescorces.
Per NPR Hawaii, no I won't give them a dime at this point, as they have taken away most of the programming I like, replaced it with rubbish and lied to us all along the way.
But, thanx for asking.
As for the freebies, superb, I have watched them and submitted my thots on how it can be even more enlightening, but what else can you do, charge, and get virtually no viewers?
Of course things as this cost, but are you guy's really hurting for money towards these basic and relatively minor expendatures?
I'll bet not.You have recently been stating publicly the the HSGA mission is to promote the steel, which is contrary to what you've said in past go rounds we've had.
I hope this is another step in the right direction, as it's certainly what Jerry Byrd was involved with the organization for, and I'll assume why most others would bother with it. Just read your new post about 'it's all the HSGA's fault'.
No, the internet didn't come along at the right time.
We needed it decades ago before the scumbags had total control over the media and choked out anything worthwhile, and they are trying like h**k to eliminate it too. As for what I'm doing, I get to irritate you by shedding light on a subject I feel needs addressing in order to try and right the ship from a vantage point I'd never attain otherwise.
I'm convinced that my one E to KTom long ago, which went unanswered, plus my postings here have in part, have caused a positive change in the HSGA's spinout simply by publicly calling attention to the club's declining willingness to produce a product that Jerry and others whom uphold a standard worthy of the instrument and it's century of proponants would be happy with.
I know it's bothered you and other HSGA imperatti, but that's tough. I'll stick my neck out ant time I feel it's warrented, and take all the wacks that come with it and come back for more.
Too bad I seem to be the only one willing to say the King has no clothes. Rick, you said you answered my questions, but actually not in total, but I'll try here and get your's addressed. I do think you are an asset in many ways to the club and have the openness,intellegence/attitude to serve us all well. At least you addressed the situation without totally filling the room with feathers! We're thousands of miles apart and you've seen the HSGA from perspectives that I havn't, and visa versa. My first introduction to Hawaiian music and steel was in the mid '70s thru Gabby, the King of them all, the gold standard. I was fortunate to attend the the first 8 of Jerry's Ho'olaule'a's, plus many others and got to witness the last of the true steel greats.
These guy's raised the bar to the stratosphere, where few afterwards could even dream of matching. I'm lucky to know 2 of today's top steelers that ya'll rightfully drool over. These players always gave/give the listener a fine and memorable experience. I share JB's desire to have steel in it's deserved place in society's mind, and he did a killer job of presenting it to the public in a top shelf manner, with the help of the HSGA, and then handed it over to them hoping they would carry the torch. But that didn't last, and as time passed, the torch was dropped increasingly till it's not carried much at all these day's, at least in Hawaii.
Pittiful.
Where's the downfall with the HSGA?
While there was never enuf steel shows for the public per my tastes, they did happen occassionally and on a regularly schedualed basis.
There is NOTHING now.
Just a (now) bi-annual event at the Ala Wai that is a shell of what it was say just 10 years ago, not to mention the incredible events staged at Kapiolani park in the HSGA's inception (thanx GKL!).
I've brought this all up in past posts, just to get the usual squawk instead of sensible responses.
When there are steel HSGA presentations, at say the local libraries, it's the same old faces hogging all the time with mediocre abilities and ignoring others who came to play and never get a shot. Good thing there was no effort to intice the public to these forgettable moments.
Where is the effort to place the steel in the minds of the State and City officials to get showcase events, to have have steel included in every funtion they throw?
When have the TV stations been propositioned to incorporate steel anywhere/anytime?
What's happening with the HSGA scholarships?
What's being done at the schools to get kids introduced to and learn about their own instrument? The steel may never be where it once was with the public, but nowhere is not acceptable. I got plenty more, but that's enuf to give you a start today on where I'm at with it. |
Rick Aiello
Member From: Berryville, VA USA
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posted 15 August 2006 02:53 PM
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quote:
Rick, you said you answered my questions, but actually not in total
What didn't I address ...  I still don't have any "specifics" from you ... Just some general admonishments of the quality of the Hoolaulea ... and some generalized complaints of the "state of Hawaiian Steel" in the State of Hawaii. And one email to Kamaka Tom that didn't get answered. Since you say ... quote:
I know it's bothered you and other HSGA imperatti, but that's tough. I'll stick my neck out ant time I feel it's warrented, and take all the wacks that come with it and come back for more. Too bad I seem to be the only one willing to say the King has no clothes.
Bring it on ... but specifics ... please ... Its hard to answer vague statements ... but I'll try: quote:
But that didn't last, and as time passed, the torch was dropped increasingly till it's not carried much at all these day's, at least in Hawaii. Pittiful.
Who dropped it ... the presidents since Lorene ... the Board ... the members ??? You continually talk about the State of Hawaii ... Our Mission statement ... The primary mission of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association is the promotion and perpetuation of traditional Hawaiian music which includes the unique "signature sound" of Hawaiian steel guitar. One of our goals is to develop a global network of players and lovers of traditional Hawaiian music. Membership is open to all steel guitar players (both amateur and professional) and non-players who support the performance, promotion, and perpetuation of Hawaiian steel guitar music. We have over 600 members worldwide. We have active members in Hawai`i, Canada, mainland USA, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Holland, Finland, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, and all the way across oceans to South Africa and the Pacific Rim countries of New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan. I held an event ... in Virginia ... promoted the Hawaiian Steel ... didn't ask a penny from anyone, HSGA, attendee's ... nobody. I do my part in Virginia ... others' do their part in their areas ... So you blame the HSGA ... "as a whole" ... for the "state of Hawaiian Steel" in Hawaii ... that's rideculous. quote:
Where's the downfall with the HSGA?
While there was never enuf steel shows for the public per my tastes, they did happen occassionally and on a regularly schedualed basis. There is NOTHING now.Just a (now) bi-annual event at the Ala Wai that is a shell of what it was say just 10 years ago, not to mention the incredible events staged at Kapiolani park in the HSGA's inception (thanx GKL!). I've brought this all up in past posts, just to get the usual squawk instead of sensible responses.
So you would like to see the HSGA fund public performances in the State of Hawaii. How about in... California, Delaware, England, Australia, Norway ... quote:
When there are steel HSGA presentations, at say the local libraries, it's the same old faces hogging all the time with mediocre abilities and ignoring others who came to play and never get a shot. Good thing there was no effort to intice the public to these forgettable moments.
Who's "hogging" ... name them !!! Who do you want to see there ... name them !!! quote:
Where is the effort to place the steel in the minds of the State and City officials to get showcase events, to have have steel included in every funtion they throw?
Again ... State of Hawaii, State of Hawaii ... The HSGA is NOT "just about" the "State of Hawaii" ... quote:
When have the TV stations been propositioned to incorporate steel anywhere/anytime?
I notified the NBC affiliate in Hagerstown, MD ... about my show. quote:
What's happening with the HSGA scholarships?
Who's teaching ... submit a request ... that was discussed in the last board meeting ... Zero requests ... gotta have teachers teachin' ... quote:
What's being done at the schools to get kids introduced to and learn about their own instrument?
I played at Berryville Primary School (K-2) this year ... quote:
I got plenty more, but that's enuf to give you a start today on where I'm at with it.
Bring it on ... but please ... include actual specifics ... names, dates, etc ... ------------------
Dustpans LTD.
The Casteels
HSGA
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 15 August 2006 at 02:58 PM.] |
basilh
Member From: United Kingdom
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posted 15 August 2006 03:26 PM
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Ron quote:
it's the same old faces hogging all the time with mediocre abilities and ignoring others who came to play and never get a shot
Apparently EVERYONE who asks to play gets to play, even some of the rank beginners from over here,(Who don't even play here in public).When did the HSGA INVITE a European Steel Guitarist to attend and play ? [This message was edited by basilh on 15 August 2006 at 04:55 PM.]
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Gerald Ross
Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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posted 15 August 2006 04:32 PM
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Ron,You saw Gabby, you attended the first eight Jerry Byrd Ho'olaule'a's. You saw and heard the greats. You were lucky to have experienced those events. So how many of the great musicians you witnessed during those years are still alive? And the ones left living... do they still play at HSGA events in Joliet and Honolulu. I would bet yes. Over the past 15 years the HSGA has showcased in-concert many if not all of the current greats. Alan Akaka, Greg Sardinha, Jeff Au Hoy, Bobby Ingano, John Ely, Isaac Akuna, Dick Sanft, Duke Ching, Paul Kim, LT Zinn, Herb Hanawahine etc. I'm sorry that we can't resurrect "the Golden Years". I'm sorry that Jerry Byrd and Gabby are both gone. We can only showcase the steel guitarists of today. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The more ------------------
Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar' 
CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website
Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association |
Bill Creller
Member From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA
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posted 15 August 2006 05:08 PM
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There is one thing I noted that Ron said that I and my Hawaiian friends ( whom I shall not name)agree with. At the libraries and golf course doings, he was right about mediocre players getting all the playing spots. Just an inside click it seems.
And dont bother emailing Kamaka, he is doing the work that three or more people used to do because no one in Hawaii except a couple of volunteers , will step up to the plate to keep things going. Kamaka has a full time job,plays at the Moana and has a young family to boot. I've heard it all in Hawaii, but no one has made the leap to help yet, and we sure as hell can't do it from here. Sorry for the tirade. The new mods to the HSGA site, including tunes by members should help spread the steel music around better. Good job Gerald and Rick.[This message was edited by Bill Creller on 15 August 2006 at 05:14 PM.] |
Gerald Ross
Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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posted 15 August 2006 05:19 PM
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Ron,If you want to rescue the Hawaiian steel guitar in Hawaii and insure it's future in the Islands then I suggest you do it. Only you and other Hawaiian born musicians will be able to authentically get the point across. I suggest you form a group of Hawaiian musicians that go around to schools, perform in public and become spokesmen for traditional steel guitar music and culture. Hula does it, Ukulele does it. Now you do it! Do you really think that me - a Jew from Detroit or Rick Aiello, a red headed Italian from Virginia are going to hold any amount of credibility going into Hawaiian schools, churches and social clubs to teach the Hawaiian people about their own culture? It's up to you. ------------------
Gerald Ross
'Northwest Ann Arbor, Michigan's King Of The Hawaiian Steel Guitar'
CEO, CIO, CFO - UkeTone Records
Gerald's Fingerstyle Guitar Website
Board of Directors Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association [This message was edited by Gerald Ross on 15 August 2006 at 05:20 PM.]
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Ron Whitfield
Member From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA
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posted 15 August 2006 05:57 PM
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This is sadly laughable.
I'll just leave it there, as my goal isn't to have an endless bitch fest to nowhere on the forum and make enemies of those whom are basically after the same goal as myself, but rather to make pertainent points to improve matters, and it obviously ain't gonna happen here today.Believe it or not, as always, I do wish the HSGA the best. |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 15 August 2006 07:31 PM
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quote:
in spite of my candor on the subject, that I have for over 25 years, wished the club all the best.
Thanks. Do we owe you any change?
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Danny James
Member From: Columbus, Indiana, USA
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posted 16 August 2006 07:25 AM
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To Ron, I have been watching this whole thing from the beginning to now. You being from Hawaii are in a perfect position to change your negativity & fault finding into something good & positive. Why don't you instead of talking, do something for your cause? Get out and work for it right there in your own local. Then after all is said and done there just might be more done than said on your part. If you sir are not part of the solution, then you could be part of the problem. ????
None of us want that, now do we? |
Rick Aiello
Member From: Berryville, VA USA
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posted 16 August 2006 08:19 AM
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quote:
This is sadly laughable
I fail to see the humor ... As for ... quote:
When did the HSGA INVITE a European Steel Guitarist to attend and play ?
Please allow me ... By the power vested in me by the HSGA ... I hearby invite ... Steinar Gregertsen ... to attend the 2006 HSGA Convention in Joliet ... October 12-14 ... in Joliet, IL USA. ------------------
Dustpans LTD.
The Casteels
HSGA
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 16 August 2006 at 02:22 PM.]
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Gerald Ross
Member From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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posted 16 August 2006 08:34 AM
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As a fellow HSGA board member. I second Rick's invitation to Steinar.And I will overstep my authority and declare:
Steinar - if you show up at Joliet 2006 both Rick and I will take you out to dinner and pick up the tab (one drink maximum, kids menu only).[This message was edited by Gerald Ross on 16 August 2006 at 08:36 AM.] |
Rick Aiello
Member From: Berryville, VA USA
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posted 16 August 2006 08:53 AM
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Yep ... and I've heard that Wally knows a place that serves killer ... Mum's Meatcakes and Lefse ... 
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Dustpans LTD.
The Casteels
HSGA
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 16 August 2006 at 08:54 AM.]
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Patrick Newbery
Member From: San Francisco, California, USA
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posted 16 August 2006 09:38 AM
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When I first started playing steel guitar in 2004, I was ravenous for anything available on-line. Brad's page and the SGF quickly became my haunts as the HSGA didn't have a lot to offer and seemed like it wasn't being kept up-to-date.Today's HSGA offers a lot more, and the forum is a welcome addition. That said, this thread's slant about the mission, operations, effectiveness, and individual member efforst of the HSGA should really be occurring ON that forum. |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 16 August 2006 09:52 AM
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Well, we're cross platform. And some are cross dressers.....with platform shoes. |
Rick Aiello
Member From: Berryville, VA USA
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posted 16 August 2006 10:49 AM
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quote:
That said, this thread's slant about the mission, operations, effectiveness, and individual member efforst of the HSGA should really be occurring ON that forum.
When folks ask questions here on the SGF ... I think it's appropriate to answer them here ... on the SGF.  |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 16 August 2006 11:00 AM
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I knew Rick was wearing platform shoes!!!! |
Jason Dumont
Member From: Bristol, Connecticut, USA
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posted 16 August 2006 12:30 PM
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A red head in platforms.......That's hot. |
Terry Farmer
Member From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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posted 16 August 2006 01:50 PM
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"I stepped up on the platform.....The man gave me the news....He said you must be joking, son, where did you get those shoes?" - Steely Dan[This message was edited by Terry Farmer on 16 August 2006 at 02:17 PM.] |
Andy Sandoval
Member From: Bakersfield, California, USA
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posted 16 August 2006 05:43 PM
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I usually stay out of these kinda topics but I think your always gonna have someone that thinks things are not the way they should be, and if they think that things are that screwed up they should do something constructive about it instead of just complaining about it. I can't imagine HSGA's Forum being anything but a huge success with guys like Rick and Gerald at the helm and as for me, I've already benefited from bein a member of that Forum.BTW Howard, did you get that link about "Djangomania" on the Sundance channel I sent you last week? Sorry bout the sidetracking here guys. |
HowardR
Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y.
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posted 17 August 2006 05:42 AM
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I'll answer by email....thanks |
Erv Niehaus
Member From: Litchfield, MN, USA
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posted 17 August 2006 07:09 AM
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What I REALLY like about the HSGA's forum in they send you an e-mail when someone responds to a posting you have made. I think that should help keep things alive and current. It's just TOOOOO bad that some persons have such an ego problem that if "I don't get my way, I'm just going to take my ball and go home". I think that has always been somewhat the problem with the steel guitar. Everybody's got their "own" tuning, their "own" favorite instrument, their "own" favorite _______ (just fill in the blank). And if you don't agree totally with me and my opinion, then I'm not going to support anything you are doing and hope you fall flat on your face! Remember, when you are pointing your finger at someone, there are more fingers pointing back at yourself. |
basilh
Member From: United Kingdom
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posted 17 August 2006 09:03 AM
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Gerald and Rick deserve all the support from HSGA members and of course prospective members.Just my opinion, but from my point of view, I see ANY discussion about the HSGA or Hawaiian Guitar in general as being productive, because if nothing else, it highlights the Instrument and the style that's being promoted.
quote:
There's no such thing as BAD publicity, unless it's NO publicity
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seldomfed
Member From: Colorado
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posted 19 August 2006 12:13 PM
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I registered! Thanks kids.I regret I've not as much time avail. to hang out on the internet as I did when I had a clock-job. Cube life was so boring all I did was live in the Steel Forum (and other forums - and they paid me quite well for doing that I might add )  I'll try and structure part of my day to contribute more often. mahalo,
chris ------------------
Chris Kennison
Colorado
www.book-em-danno.com | |
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