My son, B, is a Bluegrass music fan. He's taking banjo lessons, admires Ralph Stanley, and is learning to sing harmony with one of his teachers. And I adore and admire Alison Krauss. So when B pointed out that Ms. Krauss and a lineup of bluegrass musicians would be playing at the Ben & Jerry's-sponsored music festival at the beautiful Shelburne Museum, I was all onboard.
Yesterday, we sat with hundreds of other fans on a scenic hillside and listened to six Bluegrass groups pick, strum, twang and kick butt. The music was amazing - but we almost melted. We're not used to the sun shining here in Vermont. More than the blazing sun and the huge turnout, what impressed me was the professionalism displayed by all of these gifted musicians. They couldn't have been more gracious, kind, committed to their craft and their fans.
Ralph Stanley - long-in-the-tooth and short of stature - thanked the audience many times for their patience with him. The 80+ year old sang "Man of Constant Sorrow" and "Oh Death" and the audience went wild. He also played some mean banjo - even though he forgot some parts. His band was so respectful of him - it was a joy to see. His son and grandson play in his band - he couldn't have displayed more joy in having them with him; and, in turn, they couldn't have shown any more commitment to and caring for him. Old guys always get me.
Of course, these were Bluegrass musicians, so there was lots of respect shown to Jesus, family and America (not so bad). But it was the love and respect they showed each other and the audience that won me over.
B had one worried moment when he thought Ms. Krauss was disrespecting Mr. Stanley - but once he understood she was joking and actually making fun of herself for admiring him so much, all was well. Our excellent friends are going to see George Thorogood in a few weeks: I wonderful if it will be the same kind of lovefest.
I'm new to this Blog thing. Cool close up of you and B. Sounds like a great time was had by attendees...
Posted by: Brenda S | 06/05/2010 at 10:36 AM
Hello my lovely Aunt! Thanks for sending me the email re: your blog. I would never have known about it, since I've quit Facebook cold turkey (oh and it feels so good!).
Keep up the good work! All my love to the family!
Posted by: Aimza Dooza | 06/05/2010 at 02:34 PM
Wish I could have been there. I'm with you, Blake. Bluegrass is my favorite genre of music.
Posted by: michele feiner | 06/06/2010 at 10:27 AM