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banjerdawg |
You know, after owning and playing a banjo off and on for 30 years, one would think that going to hear someone play live and in person would be a thing to do. I took my first lessons nearly 30 years ago, and have probably played for about 5 out of those years due to people I was married to actually not liking banjo music! Can you believe there are people out there like that???
Well, this year I went to my first one. At age 48, I dragged my banjo teacher (banjer5) from way back when with me, and we went to the festival in Argyle, TX. It was probably one of the best times I have ever had in my life. We picked nearly two solid days and listened to probably some of the finest talent in bluegrass today. What I find to be the coolest thing about it all is how down to earth all of the performers are. Any other genre of music the "stars" leave backstage by limo or bus and go to a party somewhere. These guys are in the crowd, playing and signing autographs. I met Jamie Dailey (super nice guy), Pete Wernick (also9 super nice and he let me play his Granada), Cia Cherryhomes, Chris Pandolfi (he played my '26 Gibson) and Cory Walker (he played my '26 Gibson)who is the banjo player for Sierra Hull. These guys were hanging out talking with everyone and promoting sales of their CD's. Several of them were jamming in the back rooms of the facility as well, another thing I thought to be really neat. I also met a lot of guys just there to jam.
It took me nearly a week to come back to earth, but I have been picking more than ever and really pushing to be a better picker, playing at least two times a day... and boy do I love picking. Planning on going to Fire on the Strings this coming weekend, and then to Overton in a couple months.
Happy trails...
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