Old Pickers & Grinners Reunion #11
September 1, 2, 3, 2005

This years reunion was held
September 1,2 & 3 at the VFW Hall at Forest Lake, MN.

The 2005 reunion is now history, the turnout was not as great as we would have liked it to be, but with national disasters, gas prices and other unforseen circumstances that is understandable.

That said, everyone who attended had a great time, Ernie & Jeanne Caine were absolutely great hosts, the food could'nt have been any better, and facilities at the VFW were outstanding.

There was no shortage of entertainment thanks to several local musicians, plus friends and relatives of Ernie and Jeanne.

I would like to personally thank all of the regulars for their dedication and support of the reunion, and hope we all survive
to see another one.

Featured musicians were;
Will Hunt, Jimmy Pryor, Donnie Pryor, Ernie Caine, Ace Tipton, Jerry Kilpatrick, George Treadway, Bill Stroman, Don Grosland, Dave Smith, Butch James, Kermit Clarin, Diane Fisher, Richard Fisher, Don Boterman.

The Stool...

I made a mistake by commenting that the step from the stage to the floor was too far for an old man, so the next thing I knew Ernie produced a step stool which was later autographed by all of the attendees who needless to say had a few laughs and comments.
Below is some pictures of the stool...

Don Grosland playing his Mini Fender Bass never seemed to get tired, but he was given a few breaks by Bill Stroman and Richard Fisher.

Don Boterman, a local musician came in and played several sets and played some fine guitar.

Diane Fisher(Ernies Daughter), wowed the crowd with her great vocals, and her husband Richard Fisher also an accomplished guitar player treated us to some great blues licks.

Will Hunt as usual did a great job, but had a problem getting a break until Dave Smith came in and helped out with some fine drumming.

Butch James, an artist in his own right gave several fine performances with his vocals and lead work.

George Treadway and Jerry Kilpatrick, two outstanding lead guitar players kept us all entertained with their own style of picking, and both took a turn a singing also.

Jimmy Pryor and Kermit Clarin, took turns on the steel guitar, and at times both played together which was a unique experience and was enjoyed by all.

Donnie Pryor as usual wowed us with his own style of guitar and vocals, which I always enjoy very much.

Ernie Caine, what can I say, he was great as usual and did a great job of keeping us all happy.

Ace Tipton (Thats Me), I can't comment on the quality of my performances but I will say that I doubt if anyone enjoyed themselves more than me. I especially enjoyed seeing and playing with my old friends, Ernie Caine, Jimmy Pryor, Donnie Pryor and Will Hunt, and miss the old days in Southern California when we all worked together.

In Closing, at this time no one has come forward to volunteer as the host for 2006, but we still have plenty of time left and I am sure someone will..
Thanks again and hope to see everyone again next year,,, Ace Tipton...

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Maintained by Winfred Tipton, Click to E-Mail me.