Backstage Music

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.

hardest part of dreamin' is waitin' on the body

Fundraising is definitely not the greatest, most fun, or easiest thing to do.  But one thing that I have found that I do like to do is give people a good time...and if they donate some money because of that said "fun" time, then, it is just extra-positive.

The Reneaus exemplified this idea of having a great time while bringing in some dough for a good cause.  They traveled up here from Bowling Green to play a set at The Bard's Town in my honor. A girl couldn't ask for better friends (or talented ones).  Louisville got a taste of some exceptional alt-country and rock'n roll tunes.  Hear some for yourself on The Reneaus Facebook Page.

gentlemenly good time

Sometimes I get frustrated at Louisville for not having good music shows.  What if I want to go out, pay 5-8 dollars, hear a good band and have a quality time?  For a city who has fathered some talented acts, it sure doesn't have many good small venues to attract really good traveling musicians.  I hope that this is changing and continues to for the better.  Last week I visited Gerstle's Place and was pleasantly surprised.

 

the minstrels at the bard's town

They were in their element.  It didn't matter that the audience looked thin.  They were going to rock.  And rock they did.  Turn on the spot lights and the Busted Soles take on a new confidence.  Their banter came off witty, melodies strong, and lyrics catchy.  They moved smoothly from a mellow feel to eerie to heavy.  The few of use who caught the show left feeling lucky and satisfied.

 

don't stop, can't stop, won't stop the beat

She dances with abandon.  She is united.  She pauses, thinks, and begins again.

the war and the mercy seat

Spit EP Jamie Barnes and Brooks Ritter release show at The 930.

Absent from flesh! illustrious day!
Surprising scene! triumphant stroke
That rends the prison of my clay;
And I can feel my fetters broke. 

Rosine Barn Jamboree

I have a list of my favorite "Kentucky" things.  What tops my list?  Rosine, Ky.  This little town in Ohio Co holds quite a Big presence in the Bluegrass world.  As Bill Monroe's birthplace, Rosine looks back to the "good ole days" of community get -togethers, classic music, and the All-American Two-Step.  Every time we visit Rosine, it is obvious that we are outsiders, but the community always welcomes us in.  They will come up to us, ask us where we are from, what bluegrass music are we familiar with, and will even let us borrow instruments for the jam sessions outside the general store.  Kentucky, I love you.

prodigal feet

Last night I was able to see a very talented friend perform his music to a packed house.  It is such a joy to see Brooks Ritter play to a large room of attentive listeners, especially since I have so many memories of watching Brooks play in loud coffee houses all through college.  But as his following has increased, he has remained the same humble Brooks.  His lyrics are inspiring and his rhythms, invigorating.  His motivation is only to love others - and one of the best ways he does this is by sharing his soulful voice.

I talk to the kids all the time about how lines are so important in art - where do they take your eyes?  do they give a feeling of chaos or serenity?  why are they soft or hard?  The little ones seem to grasp the concept right away...but here I am, the art teacher, and I didn't even notice what the lines said in this picture for a long time.  What do you think?  Where do they lead and what does this say about Brooks?