On Granny's Passing

"She's gone," shot through the upstairs floor
like that sharp stick in my bare foot
last summer as I ran in the woods.
Mama had been sitting with Granny for several days;
now the waiting was over.
Looking out of the window at the stars,
I had thoughts of her comfortable lap,
biscuits in the warming oven,
homemade quilts,
and her long hair pulled back on her head.
There was always time for us "younguns,"
a warm hug, her little laugh, and,
"come back and see me soon."
Now, she's gone.

Been enjoying lots of the fruits of my labor lately with the garden "coming in." I have more squash, peppers, and tomatoes than we can eat. Guess I'll to start putting some stuff up. I checked out the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention this past weekend and they had a great turn out, more than I had ever seen there. I got to say hello to some old friends who I only see at Galax and heard some great music.
I also got to meet Chris Shackleford, director of the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts in Galax and look forward to getting involved with them as time allows and as they need me to help. That's going to be a great addition to the area once they get up and rolling.
I also checked out the Steppin' Out in downtown Blacksburg, VA on Friday night. Talk about a mob scene, that was it and I could not wait to get outta there. I hope to be at Fries Fiddlers Convention in Carroll County, VA this coming weekend. That's a nice small convention with good local old time music. Come on out.

Cliftop

Just returned from my trip to the Appalachian String Band Festival in Cliftop. In spite of lots of rain and mud, it was the most enjoyable vacation I have ever spent. There were many long journeys into the wee hours of the morning searching for that perfect groove and, as far as I can say, on more than one occasion, it was achieved. I had many great sessions with some old friends and with some new friends. Playing with great Kentucky fiddler, Paul David Smith, on more than one occasion was the highlight of my week. Paul, even at an advanced age, has more energy than most people half his age and his fiddling seems to get better every time I see him.
Seeing the New Lost City Ramblers on stage, sadly missing member Mike Seegar, was very touching and a special moment for me. Tracy and John did Mike proud in carrying on, and on more than one occasion I started to tear up just at the sight of them on stage and what they represent in, and to, our traditional musical heritage. Even though the heavens opened up half way through their perfromance, it was one of the most memorable occasions I have had to date.
Thanks to all who I had the occasion to jam with--some of whom are: Jimmy Costa, Giles Mountain String Band (though not near enough), Henry The Fiddler, John Harrod, Betty Vornbrock, Billy Cornett, Chris Coole, Anna Roberts, Ben Townsend, Bob Cain, and many whose names I never learned.
Thanks to all who shared great food, tunes, friendship, and contributed to a great week for Peggy and myself. I'm looking forward to seeing you there next year.