So i had an experience last night that i wasn't going to write about at first... but then i just figured that it was too good to pass up. And despite the fact that the story and setting seem mostly contrived, i don't think it'll hurt to write about it.. mostly because it's all real. heck, i don't even have to change names to protect the innocent. :)
I went to a "pickin'" last night. a real, down to earth, redneck, complete-with-PBR-and-potato-salad pickin'! now, most of you may not know what a pickin' is-- i know i didn't until it was explained... and then it all made sense. a pickin' is essentially a community get together featuring some sort of bluegrass band, set in or around a barn or some kind. it features booze, music, food, and all sorts of profanities.
my experience last night, featured a small four piece: Al, Trampus, Bernice, and Billy the Banjo guy. Al, the 70-year-old front man and the son of a bluegrass legend (Bill Monroe), lives only 4 miles up the road from the venue site with his 10 coonhounds and a mule named Jenny. His incredibly cool custom-made western style boots were purchased in El Paso, TX back in the 70s for a staggering $250-- that's a lot for boots back then! And in 1974, Al recorded a album at the Rounder Records Studio in Somerville, MA. (I used to drive by that studio when i lived up in Boston!) His mutton chops were as white and fluffy as any mall santa's beard... and then he started hitting on my partner. wow. you go al!
Trampus was a younger guitar picker. a big boy, he was. and he has a great voice, with just enough twang to get yer attention... but not so much that you can't understand what he's saying. :) Trampus likes to record albums in his home studio. I'm not so sure that his home recording label goes thru all the necessary legal proceedings to be able to sell noted hits such as "knockin' on heaven's door" and "heart of gold"... but at least he's out there playing the gigs and makin' the music he likes to make. you go, too, Trampus!
Sorry bernice (upright bass) and billy (banjo), i don't know so much about y'all.
I think the real getter was when we first arrived to the scene. I believe the words out of one guy's mouth were:"they are so lost!" at which point, we knew we were in the right place. my friend doug, who had invited us to the pickin' had warned us that it would be very "country" and that we would probably be some of the yougest people out there. Doug was right. thanks for the warning, Doug. :)
All in all, it was a blast. And only here in Virginia have i ever been able to experience this. I feel truly blessed. really. i think.
See, Virginia isn't only for lovers!
andy
