Congrats to Jim (with Nancy Shaw backing up on Bass), for the outstanding showing at the flapick contest at the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival. You did us 'Eastern Washington' folks proud!!!
Well, I'd like to thank my former agent, manager, and coach Tom Simurdak for all of his time, arduous instruction, wheedling, coercion, and advice; and my favorite bass player Nancy, for providing solid rhythmic backup and moral support. I couldn't have won this prize without them. I'd also like to thank all my musical friends who have provided encouragement and support for the 45 years it took to reach this, the pinnacle of my musical career to date, and I especially want to thank all the little people behind me that have added so much on my march to success. I plan to return triumphantly next year to the contest and claim first prize, provided that none of those hotshot 20-year-old kids with nimble fingers and clear minds show up. Thanks!
Jim is a lot braver than his coach Tom who didn't enter the fiddle contest at the Goose Creek Opry when Jim did. A big hand to Jim for showing that not all of us older folk are handicapted.