Balls and Bluegrass

Believe it or not, since I have been home life has been pretty hectic. I met a great group of artists here in Charleston so I actually have a social life. Last weekend my friend Michael called and asked if I wanted to attend a ball. A client he had shot a commercial for was managing the event so they gave him some tickets. Of course, I accepted the invitation! Although we arrived rather late, we definitely closed the dance floor down. We also networked and ended up meeting some great people by the end of the night. Hopefully, there will be some more tickets in the near future. :)

I have also been frequenting quite a few music events here in Charleston. Mountain Stage to be one mentioned, as well as some jazz nights featuring my guitar teacher Ryan Kennedy. But I must say that the one I attended tonight may well be my favorite thus far. A man at my parents church plays quite a few string instruments and filled me in on a neat weekly gathering -- Bluegrass Night at Hardees in Big Chimney. Yep, that's right, I said Hardees. I was determined to get there tonight, and Michael was totally in since he plays quite a few instruments. We had no clue what to expect, but we turned out staying the entire time and playing about every instrument they had there. It was so cool. People brought instruments and just jammed. It was great practice for me. You are free to mess up because no one can hear you. I fooled around on the mandolin a bit and played the guitar. Michael played every instrument there, except the bass. We sat with Lewis, the man I know, and he called out chords, and we played along. I sang too and got invited to sing at some churches. Mike Parker, if you read this, I may start that "love offering" circuit. Haha.

Tonight is what I love about West Virginia. The people were great, along with the music. Where else can you find a weekly "pickin' and grinnin'" meeting at a fast food joint. Hopefully, I will be there again next week, along with my mom. (hint)

Lewis and I getting ready to pick a little

The mandolin was lots of fun. Thanks, Lewis.

Michael and I fit right in. Notice him w/ the fiddle. After my Smoke on Mt. attempt, I decided to let that one rest.

We really were having as much fun as we appear to be.