Last night I was playing a show with one my bands, Long Meadow Mining Company. A very traditional bluegrass band. It's an annual Holiday show where we have guest guitarist Ken Oyerly and Ned Luberecki on 2nd banjo (Sirius/XM DJ). Also, master luthier Paul Beard on Dobro. Not to mention the other pros on stage, John, Matt and Jeff. My wife asked on the way to the show, "are you nervous?" and my reply was very certain, "nah, I'm good." Not sure what came over me but the moment we hit the stage to a packed house, everything that I prepared for this past month just left my head and left me feeling confused. So much of music is clearing the runway of thoughts so you can land what you've practiced. Well, my head got in the way. But only for a few tunes. Then I look out to my right and see Tom Gray. Bassist and Hall of Famer with the Seldom Scene. I met him last year at this show. The Seldom Scene are legendary! Now I'm back in the groove. Then, they announce that bassist Missy Raines was in the crowd, front row. She is a 10 time IBMA bass player of the year recipient. No pressure Eric...LOL. So, from that point on, those 2 could hear all of my mistakes...LOL. I'm elated with joy as I sit here typing this.
I plan on doing a little more search and learning a little bit more about these players. Getting to know my heroes!
My favorite moments of these shows are when I'm in the green room hearing stories about Sam and Tony. Bela and Trischka. Unreal.
I can relate. This was a festival we played the year before we left Alaska. These are musicians that are "well know" in the bluegrass world. The wonderful part - we know them all personally. Certainly some better than others, but I can tell you stories of the times...
Life has been good. The photo is from my facebook homepage. The caption below is what was posted to name the folks on the homepage:
Goodness. The folks on stage? Left to right. Greg Booth / 1st place on dobro at Rockygrass 2006, plays with Kathy Kallick Band; Betty Harford, 1st wife of John Hartford and mother of Jamie Harford; Ginger Boatwright, the Queen Of Bluegrass, inducted into Alabama Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Grammie nominated, performed with the Dillards for years; Danny Booth, was bassist for Dirty Kitchen, IBMA nominated as bassist of the year; Mary Lynn Oudean, guitarist, singer, fiddler for many bands, mother of Angela Oudean, fiddler for Bearfoot / Todd Grebe and Cold Country; Frank Solivan of Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, who has won so many awards now - can't keep up with them all, one of note - IBMA instrumental group of the year; Danny Berberich (background on dobro), long time Alaska musician and father of the lady running the show; and the guy on the right end got invited to play the set with these extraordinary people. What a blessing. What a memory.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Aw. That's beautiful! I've been to that bass player (Danny Booth's) shop "actually a shed in VA when he lived there. I think he's back in Alaska now. That's a cool pic!
BTW, OBS can go to "H..E..Double Hockey Sticks! lol
quote:
Originally posted by ErockinAw. That's beautiful! I've been to that bass player (Danny Booth's) shop "actually a shed in VA when he lived there. I think he's back in Alaska now. That's a cool pic!
Yes. He's back up in Alaska, married, has both a son and a daughter now. Goodness those kids are going to be a monster musicians - growing up in that family. His wife (Amanda Lynn Kerr) grew up in a family with "mom and dad" very well know - long time traditional Irish musicians *(Denise Martin - hammer dulcimer and concertina / Jim Kerr - traditional Irish guitarist and professional juggler).
Of course Danny's dad is one of the best banjo players anywhere - as well as pedal steel. And there is a LARGE number videos of Gregg playing dobro on YouTube (one of the best around anywhere). There are a few that has Gregg, Danny, and Amanda playing together - here's one just in time for Christmas
Amanda has some pretty weighty credentials behind her as well: Alaska State Fair Grand Champion; Western Open Junior Champion; Western Open Grand Champion; and National Junior Fiddle Champion
Danny's sister is an upright bass player in a bluegrass country band - along with her husband. (Andy King). And then there is the Booth Family Band (Greeg on pedal steel, Danny guitar, Amanda fiddle, Andy on drums, and Mandy on bass. I'm not sure about the others who came on stage at the end. The sound isn't the best- but they can put on a show.
Probably more than you wanted to see, hear, know. But - I'm taking liberty here - they are friends. Great folks.
Thanks for indulging me.
Oh Tony! That bear's a goner.
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