Backstage Music

welcome to the world

Noah, I have some things I want to tell you. First of all, do you know that your mother has known me longer than any other friend I know now?  Since 1st grade...its true.  We went to elementary school, middle and high school together, and university together.  We have always been very different from one another.  But, the most important things...well, we have those in common and that is what really matters.  I love her and subsequently I love you just as much.

Also, your father is one of the funniest people I have ever met.  I know, he may not seem funny and hip now...but that is only because you cannot appreciate his humor and intelligence yet. Give it time.

Yes, your grandfather will cry at every milestone in your life.  But remember, he is no wimp.  He is just that confident and comfortable in his manhood that he can shead a tear with pride. 

Listen to grandma Betty, she knows her stuff. 

And when you get older, we will go on adventures.  I will teach you about what good music is and give you the best books to read and show you how to draw beautiful pictures.  But most importantly - I will tell you lots of secrets about mom and dad, I promise.

a crawfish boil

My family has created a new family tradition.  And I am pretty sure everyone is on board.  I mean, how could you turn down sweet corn, sausage, red potatoes, Cajun seasons, lemons, shrimp, and fresh crawfish.  It doesn't matter that we have no Cajun ties or history.... Kentucky's got crawfish and a history of big family gatherings...thats all we need.

Brooke and KJ plus one

The quote inside my baby shower card to Brooke and KJ: "There should be more people in the world like you guys. Glad you are finally doing something about it."  That pretty much says it.

on the farm

The Kentucky country side is the most beautiful land I will ever see.  I have driven through almost every state in this country, and I know that there are some amazing views and picturesque landscapes.  But the tie that I have because Kentucky is my home will trump all other rolling hills, evergreen forests and rocky shore lines.  This weekend I was able to look out at the green Kentucky farmland from the front porch of an old farm house in Cane Valley.  Some of my closest friends met me there to spend a weekend together before I leave.  My heart had a hard time handling the combination of the joy of such love and beauty and the sadness of our soon separation.

 

ghost of bill monroe

On a particular long and winding road, aptly named "The Blue Moon Of Kentucky Highway," one can often hear the faint tremolo of a far off  mandolin while driving under the glow of a thousand stars.  If you follow that melody, its timbre will grow and you will begin to make out other instruments - the pluck of a banjo, the slow screech of a fiddle, the harmony of southern voices.  This road will take you through memories of rich history and deep-rooted musicality.  It will take you to where it's hero rests and his legend still lives on.

happy birthday america