A lot of people don't realize Beethoven basically invented modern music.
Caught Billy Strings again last night in Greensboro. If you haven't been, try and go see him. Don't know how to describe his music, other than Jamgrass. It's certainly bluegrass instruments, but he'll weave a 2.5 minutes song into an 8 minute jam you'll lose yourself in, and you're as likely to hear a Beatles, Dylan or Sabbath song as you are Jimmie Rodgers or Earl Scruggs. Never saw the Dead, but it's gotta be the closest vibe going to that. Everyone is in a good mood and the crowd is pretty evenly spread from 18-80. Saw a ton of the little walking stroller/rollators like my 87 year old Mom and her retirement cronies use. Great tailgate scene too. Long live BMFS!
Now gotta get ready for Merlefest next Thursday! Getting a years supply of live music in a week and a half.
Caught Billy Strings again last night in Greensboro. If you haven't been, try and go see him. Don't know how to describe his music, other than Jamgrass. It's certainly bluegrass instruments, but he'll weave a 2.5 minutes song into an 8 minute jam you'll lose yourself in, and you're as likely to hear a Beatles, Dylan or Sabbath song as you are Jimmie Rodgers or Earl Scruggs. Never saw the Dead, but it's gotta be the closest vibe going to that. Everyone is in a good mood and the crowd is pretty evenly spread from 18-80. Saw a ton of the little walking stroller/rollators like my 87 year old Mom and her retirement cronies use. Great tailgate scene too. Long live BMFS!
Now gotta get ready for Merlefest next Thursday! Getting a years supply of live music in a week and a half.
I'm so happy to see your taste in music has drastically improved. vbg
@scam-likely Went and saw Taj Mahal Saturday too, and he and his band were fantastic. 83 years young and still jams. Great surrounding band, and one of the more enjoyable nights of music I've had. Funky little venue down here called the Newberry Opera House in Newberry SC. Nice little theater style seating, and only seats 415 so not a bad seat in the house, but I've never seen a music venue that is more strict about not standing up. I've seen 3 acts there that were all acts you'd normally stand and dance or react to, but they don't allow folks to stand unless you're somewhere where you can't block anyone and they allow it. I got my ticket last minute off the wait list and was seated literally in the last row of the theater, so they didn't hassle me, but weird to me you'd book music that seems made to stand up and dance to and then not allow it.
@scam-likely Went and saw Taj Mahal Saturday too, and he and his band were fantastic. 83 years young and still jams. Great surrounding band, and one of the more enjoyable nights of music I've had. Funky little venue down here called the Newberry Opera House in Newberry SC. Nice little theater style seating, and only seats 415 so not a bad seat in the house, but I've never seen a music venue that is more strict about not standing up. I've seen 3 acts there that were all acts you'd normally stand and dance or react to, but they don't allow folks to stand unless you're somewhere where you can't block anyone and they allow it. I got my ticket last minute off the wait list and was seated literally in the last row of the theater, so they didn't hassle me, but weird to me you'd book music that seems made to stand up and dance to and then not allow it.
Nice ..
I'm jealous AF. Taj has been on my bucket list for 30 years.. I've never had the pleasure of hearing him live.
fwiw - Jimmy broke his leg skateboarding backstage. Tour may be cancelled or at least delayed for awhile.
@scam-likely Better hurry, Taj was great once seated and playing, but watching him shuffle to and from his chair was painful, and he's 83, although I think the playing is keeping him young. Plus, he's not just playing his old tunes, but is still working with and collaborating with other/younger artists. Some douchebag was screaming for an encore, when I think it was obvious to everyone he couldn't come back out. I'd have been happy listening to his band, but that doesn't fit when Taj Mahal is on the billboard.
Heard that about Billy Strings. I'd imagine once he's recovered he'll continue and just play from a chair. He doesn't really move around much during a performance anyway. Since he was in NC, he played at least 4 or 5 Doc Watson songs.
Back from Merlefest, and gotta say, if you get the chance to go, go! Didn't feel like this was quite as strong a lineup as last year, but still saw a ton of great artists and music. Good energy and vibe too and it's such an important part of the community it benefits. Alcohol-free event, so while there's plenty of lubrication happening, no one hassles anyone and never seen anyone get sloppy. It's just about the music and vibe. I guess the downside is if you just don't like bluegrass style music. There's still plenty to see and hear, but that would take away a good chunk of the artists. Tons of spontaneous jamming going on and workshops and instruction if you play. Highlights were Railroad Earth, Fireside Collective, Saturday Album hour at the hillside (Marley's Legend) and Corey Harris and a blues hour show Sunday morning. Think there are 12 stages, so there is music from 11 - 11, and after if you go to the late night jam.
Biggest challenge is lodging, especially if you don't want to camp or have access to an RV. I think RV is the way to go, but if you don't mind a tent for a 4 day festival, it's good also. Very little in the way of local hotels, or Airbnbs. We camped Thursday and Friday and then went with friends to their cabin outside Boone Saturday night when it rained, which was about an hour's drive. If you have an interest in going, let me know and I'll share info/suggestions that might be helpful.
I've been hearing this on Outlaw Country channel. Grew on me.
love OutLaw County
A lot of people don't realize Beethoven basically invented modern music.
can’t imagine the imagination required to imagine that opening
I've been hearing this on Outlaw Country channel. Grew on me.
love OutLaw County
Me too and miss Mojo and his show on there.
Hope is not optimism, which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for. - Seamus Heaney, Irish poet and likely Hoosier basketball fan.
POTFB
I thought this was some combination of cool, interesting and strange. The Rolling Stones released a new single and in their video they used AI to make it look like younger versions of themselves are performing it. It's not a bad song.