I had been attempting to learn the Chet Atkins/ Merle Travis style of guitar playing for a number of years.  However, my improvement was very slow without input and interaction with other players. In July of 2004 I decided to start an area finger style group for the purpose of exchanging information about the style and to mutually improve our playing.  I began by placing classified ads in the local news papers and advertising publications.  The results were positive and as I expected for an area as large as Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon and Bradenton, there were many players with the appreciation for this difficult style. I also contacted the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society and asked for addressed and phone numbers of members living in Florida, which they graciously supplied. After writing letters and taking telephone calls I soon had quite a large list of interested players. In August of 2004 we had our first playing session and have steadily grown to a membership of about 70 players.  

Thanks must go to Palmer Moore of the Ohio Finger Style Guitar Club for advice and hints on getting the Tampa Bay Finger Style Players Club up and running.