Just Fiddlin' Around!

Whoa! It’s been a while since we’ve posted to our blog. We just got back from a very relaxing and rejuvenating trip to one of our favorite places in the world – GALAX, VA! We went for the 71st (?) annual Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention. As most of you know, we go every year and we always have a GREAT time! This year was no exception. We went a day later than usual, and when we arrived, Annelle was sitting on the front porch of the shed, and Alice and Papa were in the shed playing some sweet, sweet music. Nanny was taking a nap. The dogs and family welcomed us, and the fun began! We shortly got out our own instruments and played along with Papa and Alice, which is always a treat – while Annelle tried to capture the spirit of the moment on film (well, digital). We headed down to the park after a bite to eat, and we were glad to be in the cool mountain air! Thursday night, we jammed with some folks a couple of campers down, and had a good time. We were so glad to have our dear friend Julie, and her sister Sasha, join us at the park. We turned in fairly early, but enjoyed some time around the table (at the farm) and said our “goodnights.” Friday morning, we awake to a cool mountain breeze, and Papa’s short-order breakfasts. I love this place. We play around a little with Sasha and Alice, then I head out for a run, while Doug, Douglas, Julie, and Sasha play a round (or 4) of cross-country Bocci. Patti arrives in the late afternoon, we have some pasta and puntenesca (that’s been cooking since yesterday in the sun), and some folks wimp out on going to the park in the dampness. Doug and I take Sasha and head down to the park with Nanny and Papa, thinking there might be some good deals on basses because of the weather. Unfortunately, the one we saw yesterday is sold. Doug says it wasn’t meant to be mine, and it turns out he’s right. We walk around in the muck a bit, and come across a tent with a 1970’s Englehart bass listed for sale, and the guy under the tent is playing “Magnolia Wind”. Is this a sign or what? We ask to see the bass when he’s done. She’s BEAUTIFUL. We play around a bit, then go get our instruments to jam with our new friend on bass. Not only is she BEAUTIFUL (did I already say that?), but she sounds so warm while we’re jamming. By the way, Lloyd (the bass man) is a great player and a super nice guy. Another young gentleman (Brad Harper) joins the jam on dobro, and we draw quite the rainy night crowd. It’s really fun! I’m pretty sure this is my bass, and we talk with Lloyd about the deal. He’s interested in what we’re doing (musically), and agrees to make us a little trade for a CD and T-shirt for the bass bag, and we talk about getting to the bank in the morning to finalize the transaction. Woo Hoo! I couldn’t be happier. Doug’s the best husband in the world – selling a saxophone for me to get a bass! Saturday morning, we’re up and around, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the rest of the gang. Today we expect Mike Maddox, the Lavery Family, and the Eskew’s. It’s kind of a cloudy day, but we’re really just enjoying a break in the weather. Not only are we anxious about our friends coming, but Doug and I have big business to take care of, so we head into town. We find Lloyd and his friend Butch, and head back to their tent to jam a little more and for me to become the official owner of the bass. Let me make a small note here. In this jam, there are three guitar players and they are all playing WAYNE HENDERSON guitars. We are so darn excited we can hardly contain ourselves. We hang out for a bit, then head back to the farm to check in on who’s arrived. We show off the new bass (sight and sound) and excitedly strike up a jam with Sasha, Steve and Georgeanne Lavery, Alice, and Mike Maddox. Even Big Doug likes the bass, and plays some fine tunes. This might be his instrument. The Eskews arrive, we dive into some barbecue and head down to the park. It is Saturday night, by the way! Matt Crance (our bass playin’ buddy) comes by to jam, and gives my new bass a little work out! It’s so fun to play with Matt. Sasha’s hangin’ in with her own bass, and picking up some good tips from him. We do a couple of “sets”, then my girl singing buddy, Marcie Horne stops by. I really like singing with her – she has a great voice, and she’s cute as a darn button. It’s a great Saturday night, and we really don’t want to stop, but everyone’s ready to head back to the farm, and we have been jamming ALL DAY! Everyone turns in after a night cap, except Mike, Doug, and me. We hang out and have another beer (or 4) and play a few more tunes together. Gambetti is such a fantastic place to be – everyone that’s ever come through really seems to get what it’s all about. We finally give in to our weak eyes around 3:00AM. Sunday morning sucks! Not really – it’s just the time that we all start heading out, one by one. I hate for the fun to end. Annelle fries up a little lunch time okra, and we hang out at the table and recap the great weekend. We thank Nanny and Papa for having such a great place for us to come home to, and tell them we can’t wait until we’re back there! Doug and I head home, and prepare for our upcoming trip in a couple of days.

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