These are the guestbook entries for April - June 2008.

was always a big fan of gordon lightfoot and his song "shadows'. Just heard your version for the first time!! I know!! things move slower over here. LOL Your version is terrific!! robb Nottingham, - Monday, June 30, 2008 at 07:31:18 (EDT) What happened to the book? Why is there no mention on your official web site of how your voice is doing? Love your music but need these important details.Thanks. DAVE M. WAUKEGAN, Il. - Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 08:03:51 (EDT) Been a fan since the first time I heard Tony. He deserves a lot more airplay. Looking to track down some songs that aren't listed in the discography. One was Double Eagle (or something close to it) and the other was a piece from Mozart in Cm. Any idea where I can find them? Les Czinege Kwajalein Atoll, - Monday, June 23, 2008 at 00:15:32 (EDT) Tony, you are the man! I have been busy learning all the rhythm stuff Wyatt showed me in Gainesville about 20 years ago - I love playing the Spacegrass! I finally have a pretty good handle on it, even that crosspick rhythm. I am greatful to Wyatt and mostly to you. I met a man who Leon used to work concrete with at my weekly gig. I hope to see you in Hiawassee next month. I recently got a Border Collie puppy and named him Tony to go with my older Chow/Pit mix named Grisman. I finer pair of musicians doesn't exist (or dogs!) Richard Bull Alva, FL - Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 16:09:05 (EDT) Happy belated birthday Tony. Thanks for sharing your amazing musical talent over the years. MATT MI - Friday, June 13, 2008 at 13:18:46 (EDT) Happy Birthday Tony! Hope to meet you someday! You're the best flatpicker there is!!! Gaither Harwood Rutherfordton, NC - Sunday, June 08, 2008 at 21:37:17 (EDT) Happy Birthday, Tony! We're looking forward to seeing you in July in Earlville. Can't wait! I've been loving your music for over 20 years and this will be my first experience seeing you live. Please come back to central NY often! Larry Tetro Unadilla, NY - Sunday, June 08, 2008 at 19:19:05 (EDT) Tony- We send you sincere wishes for a great birthday! Take care, friend, Bauc and Cindy Terry & Cindy Baucom Monroe, NC - Sunday, June 08, 2008 at 13:44:04 (EDT) Hello Tony! Being able to reach you is such a cool thing! I am one of these guys who has for decades, played guitar, "on and off". Since I started catching your clips on Youtube etc. I play long into the night and then blame you for making me late to work. I cant say enough about your playing Tony and it has revived in me a renewed hope that I can make music again. When I play one of your runs, (or try), my wife says, "that is so cool!" I dont know how you are able to pick from string to string like you do. I try to slow the video down to learn it. I can do it some but not with near the speed or grace. I especially like Tipper, Old Home Place,Church Street Blues and Nine Pound Hammer but I like everything you do. I wish you would come to Albuquerque, nearest city to me. Maybe I will awaken to new ability someday but I have to say, YOU have awakened my desire to play and I am forever grateful to you. I feel truly indebted to you and that's no joke. From what I read it was your birthday earlier this month, I'm sorry I missed it and I hope it was a good one! Thank you for the instructional videos and literature! Your'e the man buddy! God bless you and take good care. Thanks again! (Perry D. Anglin, Rubu217@aol.com) Perry D. Anglin Tijeras, N.M. - Sunday, June 08, 2008 at 10:10:52 (EDT) I have often wanted to express my appreciation for Tony and his extraordinary talent but have resisted because when I read the entries in this guest book I think, yes, I can relate to that, I wish I would have told him that; I am at a loss for something new to discuss. As I browse the entries tonight, I see that my neighbor Bill, who I have not met, from Staunton, VA and Mary from Sarasota, FL have both posted entries to the guestbook. I am vacationing in Florida this week with my family, from Virginia, and we passed through Sarasota today on our way to Tampa, this was the catalyst that compelled me to share my thoughts. Side note, the Italian Buffet in Sarasota is awesome! Like many of you who have authored an entry in this guest book, the music of Tony has had a great influence on me. At the risk of sounding redundant, I will reflect on my experiences of seeing Tony in person. Whether it be a face to face, one on one conversation back stage at the Lime Kiln in Lexington, VA (circa 1995) or at Merle Fest in North Carolina with a sea of spectators between me and the stage; I feel a connection, which transcends time and space, that binds us in a mutual appreciation for the uniquely original sounds that Tony generates with a flat pick against steel strings. It is always with some hesitation that I approach someone like Tony because I do not want to encroach on his personal space but if the opportunity presents itself, it is hard for me to resist. I have had the pleasure of meeting Tony on several occasions and he has always made me feel like I was important to him and by doing so he turned what for me was an awkward and somewhat intrusive situation into a pleasant encounter between distant friends. I guess I should wrap this up. I’ll probably be blocked from future postings due to the excessive word count of my post. What can I say? It has been twenty plus years since my dearly departed friend, Jerry McCauley, first turned me on to the music of Tony and Tony was already a legend; I could probably write all night long. I would just like to thank Tony for being accessible and maintaining a composure that does not discourage fans from approaching him. Thanks to Pamela for her support of Tony and his fans; we appreciate your posts and the letters of appreciation you send in response to our support of you and Tony in times of unusual crisis, i.e. the NC flood. Thanks to Wyatt for teaching me the technique of cross-picking. Thanks to Ron for providing the backbone to the Rice Brothers recordings. Many thanks to Larry for his musical contributions; I wish I could have seen you perform live. I hope you rest in peace and that you’ll keep the lamp on for us, let it shine so we can find, our way back home. Jay Gallimore Waynesboro, VA 22980 Jay Gallimore Waynesboro, VA - Saturday, June 07, 2008 at 02:11:03 (EDT) .....as I said, I wanna be among the first ones to tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY GUITAR HERO! Love and Peace from Italy Andrea Andrea Milano, - Friday, June 06, 2008 at 14:36:34 (EDT) June 3, 2008....Happy Birthday Tony....Thank you for all the beautiful music....that has enriched so many of our lives! Mary Detwiler Sarasota, FL - Tuesday, June 03, 2008 at 20:46:16 (EDT) I always liked the Bluegrass Revival with Bela Fleck, etc..and I find your guitar styles in that melodic mode. I will never play like you, but I enjoy trying. I will be 73 in July and I intend to purchase your "hands" poster and your double DVD instruction set.Good luck and keep pickin' forever. Joe Mckloski Niceville 32578, FL - Sunday, June 01, 2008 at 16:43:28 (EDT) Just wanted you to know we have enjoyed your picking for many years. Really enjoy your work with Norman Blake. Trying to pick like Tony Rice is like trying to hit like Babe Ruth.It aint gonna happen. But every picker will keep trying. Continued good luck and good health. We love you! Bill. Bill Shoemaker Staunton, Va - Sunday, June 01, 2008 at 10:59:16 (EDT) I am the pastor of a Baptist church here in Callahan. Me, my wife and three kids pick together in a group we call "Sandy Creek Revival." You have been life changing for me. My entire family loves your music. Hope to meet you one day. Thanks for the amazing body of work. Dolton Robertson II Callahan, FL - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 00:07:39 (EDT) Tony, This week was a year since Loy died. Went and bought a Fender Strat in his honor! Wouldn't he have love that! He loved you, Man! BW Power Phillis Benson, NC - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 23:52:42 (EDT) I am the Apache Helicopter pilot who met Mr. Rice back stage in Hayden. I gave him my patch and unit coin. I can be reached at patrick.j.baker@us.army.mil or at 254-624-8061. It was truly great to meet the man who's music has pulled me through some tough times in Iraq. What a great guy and wonderful American. The show was incredible! Thanks- Josh Baker Josh Baker Huntsville, AL - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 14:41:14 (EDT) Tony is requesting contact info. for/from the Fighter Pilot who had just finished his tour of duty in Iraq. He met him backstage at the Hayden Alabama show, but has misplaced the contact info. Anyone who can help Tony, with this, please email marilee@keithcase.com with that info. Tony also sends his Warmest Regards, and Thanks to all his fans who visit him here at TonyRice.Com...you are greatly appreciated. Pamela Mrs.Tony Rice Turtle Island, - Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 20:19:32 (EDT) On the unofficial martin guitar forum under the buy and sell section in a post titled, "TR..da man" someone is trying to sell prints of a pic they took of THE MASTER.. I'm not sure thats kosher..and being one of Tonys biggest fans..I thought I would give you all a heads up. Thanks for the show in Lexington KY back on January 17th Tony...you were awesome! Looking forward to more.. RiceFan KY - Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 15:05:13 (EDT) Hey Tony.. Lookin' forward to your phone in today! It's being billed as a BIG NAME SURPRISE CALL IN - so however long it lasts is GREAT with me! God bless you - keepin' it Blue for ya at the WWB! Your Fan Gracie Muldoon GRACIE MULDOON CINCINNATI, OH - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 07:32:06 (EDT) Tony, I took my son Scott to see you in Louisville in Sept. 1985. He was 14 at the time and it fueled a fire in him that still burns brightly. We are both avid fans to this day. Thanks for the wonderful music. Ed Coney Hot Springs, Ar - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 21:29:24 (EDT) Tony, A grown man is not supposed to cry, but I get very emotional every time I hear your music. Something within your music connects to my heart. I play an acoustic guitar, and my quest is always to touch hearts the way you do. Thank you for your music! Jim Busch Loretto, MN - Friday, May 16, 2008 at 13:44:14 (EDT) A lot of you from this list have been contacting us. Thank You. The Tony Rice Unit will be playing in my front yard, which is the coolest place in the world to see a show. Come see what we mean Saturday May 24th!!! www.TheAcousticCafe.com We are about forty miles North of Birmingham, Alabama. steve masterson hayden, al - Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 13:02:06 (EDT) Hi Tony, I have always loved your music. You're the reason I started loving BG music. I was thrilled to see you and AKUS last year in Knoxville. What a wonderful show. Hope to see you all again soon. Take care. Lori Copeland Lori Powell, TN - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 09:10:03 (EDT) The Tony Rice Unit just rocked my hometown of Warsaw, VA. After being a huge fan for the past 20 years and having already met him once. I left his show today with even more respect for him than I had before. Tony is not only the greatest musician in the world but a true gentleman as well. He took the time to talk to me and autographed a few items as well. I read an entry where someone was asking who was currently playing with the Unit, well today it was Tony and Wyatt, Ricky Simpkins, Bryn Davies, and Rob Ickes. Daniel Warsaw, VA - Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 01:51:54 (EDT) Im 48yrs. old now,and have been listening to Tonys music since the age of 20. My brother,who also loved bluegrass,was introduced to Tony by me.Sadly,he died at the age of 38,but took the music of Tony along with him to his grave.He asked while living, to have a Tony Rice song played at his funeral,and so it was. I also will have the same done at my funeral,as long as my wishes are granted.Is taht a true fan or not? Thanks,Ray Lester Ray Lester Meherrin, Va. - Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 17:08:12 (EDT) Looking foreward to seeing Tony or should I say (Mr.Rice)this weekend. I cant believe he is coming to my small hometown Warsaw,VA! Daniel Warsaw, VA - Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 23:23:23 (EDT) Does anyone know who is playing in the Unit with Tony this go around? If so please post. Thanks! Bob B. Midlothian, va - Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 17:21:07 (EDT) yee-yah!!! Phil Harmon Villa Hills, KY - Friday, May 02, 2008 at 15:31:38 (EDT) Just got back from Merlefest 08. Your performance was as usual spot on perfect! You are by far the best guitar player in the world. Play on! Best wishes, P. Scott. P. Scott McMinnville, TN - Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 23:06:09 (EDT) Drove six hours to see Tony & The Unit on Monday April 29th in South Carolina. It was well worth it!!! This was the first in a string of shows The Unit is doing. The last one will be in my front yard on May 24th. We are about forty miles North of Birmingham, Alabama www.TheAcousticCafe.com Since 1996 our goal has been to provide the worlds coolest atmosphere to see live music. We think we have achieved that goal. steve masterson hayden, al - Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 11:41:42 (EDT) Hi Tony If you are reading this, is it possible that you might click on your YouTube video of "Church Street Blues" and resolve the issue of your Martin D 28 with the enlarged soundhole ? If you don't want to reply on the comments thread, then feel free to email me at murmac1946@aol.com btw, I first saw you play at Cambridge Folk Festival 1976 , with David Grisman and Bill Keith, you guys were GREEEAATTT ! Murray Edinburgh, - Friday, April 25, 2008 at 15:35:27 (EDT) You have been my #1 bluegrass guitar hero since I saw you with the Bluegrass Alliance. Mike Olliver Levittown, PA - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 17:43:34 (EDT) wow - thank you so much, you are amazing - thank you so very much for so much music which I have truly enjoyed so very, very much I can't comment but thank you Jeanne - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 09:05:51 (EDT) Hi Tony.. Been a big fan of yours forever and would love to interview you someday soon on the WWB~WorldWideBluegrass.com. We spin your music as well as Donna Hughes and still spinning Larry's projects on the WWB. Hope you are getting feedback on that. If you are interested in an interview please contact me at gracie@worldwidebluegrass.com Thanks for all the years of wonderful music to listen to. Its spinning at the WWB!WorldWideBluegrass.com God bless, Gracie Muldoon General Manager WorldWideBluegrass.com Gracie Muldoon Cincinnati, OH - Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 09:19:32 (EDT) Ya know what??....I think you're the reason Bluegrass Guitar is what it is today, without a doubt. You, and more importantly, your influences deserve the credit for what "BLUEGRASS GUITAR" (lead and rhythm) is today. That said, I truly don't want to seem rude, but, I must say, as an avid fan, and a guy who checks this website regularly, if your latest news on this site is Wyatt's August 2007 Clinic, that was posted in July of 2007, is the best your webmaster or publicist can do for us, your fans, then please, take that feature off of your site or at least update your "news" with some sort of regularity, please. Maybe post about Bub and Simpkins who are now 1/2 of the Quartet, or tell us the status of your Biography by Tim Stafford & Carolyn Wright? Any release (DVD or CD) coming from the AKUS/Tony Rice Tour?? Anything on a regular basis would be nice. Keep us posted man. We are interested. Jeff Dodson Berea, KY - Wednesday, April 09, 2008 at 00:55:16 (EDT) I'm a fan for life! You are the best Tony! Whitetrash Talahassee, FL - Tuesday, April 08, 2008 at 02:34:17 (EDT) Below is the brand new and comprehensive article on the Merlefest Music Festival in Gritz Music Magazine. It is an all encompassing piece, covering the stories of Doc and Merle Watson and the origins of the festival, and previews the upcoming Merlefest 2008. But, it also goes indepth about Merlefest 2007, using those exceptional performances from last year to showcase what is special about this event. Highlighted in the article are a few of the performances that featured Tony, including the meteor-enhanced jam under the stars with Alison and Union Station. The article is here, http://www.swampland.com/articles/view/swampland/521. Derek Halsey Derek Halsey Cincinnati, OH - Friday, April 04, 2008 at 17:58:10 (EDT) Hey Tony, Since we have never talked I would like to take this opertunity to say I was sad to hear of Larrys passing. I lived in Inverness Fl. until 2000, and got to see him play a few times. I was first turned on to you guys by JD Crowe and One of the McClain Brothers. I have wondered over the years as to weither we are related, who knows. I was born in Flatwoods But my dads family came from southeastern, Ky. and from Arkansa before that. Love the music Dave; The Mesaris Band. David Rice Somerset , Ky - Wednesday, April 02, 2008 at 09:52:25 (EDT) Hi Tony, Hope you and your families are all well. I recently purchased "New Acoustic Guitar" and just wanted to thank you for sharing your musical knowledge so freely and openly. Just listening to you talk about how you interrupt and play music is a gift from god...it really is. Thanks Man, Bob Bob Londonderry, VT - Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 11:01:42 (EDT)