This musical evening was the culmination of a long day for me behind the scenes at the Pickin On the Picknic festival.
I work behind the stage providing a comfy space, cool drinks and fine cuisine to the artists and performers for the weekend. We call this Hospitality.
A crew of dedicated folks worked hard all day to prepare a special welcome for the evening's lineup.
The schedule for the night was out the window as The Travelin McCourys took the stage first.
The Travelin McCourys are one of the hottest traveling progressive bluegrass bands around today. They feature two of Del McCoury's sons, Rob and Ronnie.
The music began and I worked my way from backstage up to right in front of the stage to take in this much anticipated event.
Soon the crowd was warmed up and everyone's feet were moving.
They carried us away with their notes and before we knew it David 'Dawg' Grisman was being welcomed to the stage.
Set Lists for the night are not available. No recordings of this magical night of music seem to have been made.
Somehow these details make this experience all the more intimate for those of us who witnessed it.
David 'Dawg' Grisman music entered my life by means of my husband. I was introduced to Old and In the Way, which was Jerry Garcia's Bluegrass band which included David Grisman on mandolin. He has also played with the Grateful Dead from time to time.
His talent and love of the music shine through him on stage.
At some point The Travelin McCourys left the stage and were replaced by Del McCoury.
This is where the true magic began.
History came to life in the stories they told and through the strings they picked. The crowd was full of teary eyes. New memories and old mingling in a beautiful heart felt way. Yet their feet kept dancing and their smiles kept shining. I am in tears again now writing this.
Del McCoury is a Living Bluegrass Legend. This was my second time witnessing the presence of this man upon the stage.
The energy and smiles of these wise old musicians feels youthful and boy like as they let the music run through them and there fingers to us in the crowd.
I was honored to bear witness to this wonderful event.
I hope to see both Del and Dawg perform again. Yet, if that doesn't happen I am satisfied with having seen what my husband describes as one of the best shows of his life.
His photos captured the magic of this night and made it possible to share it with you.
Jamie Seed Photography on the Web
~all text is my own, images are credited
Just a girl...
Living, Loving and Dancing her way to Wholeness with the help of a Mountaintop and a Purpose.
@borrowedearth