High Lonesome Strings

A couple of months ago I saw The Snyder Family Band perform at MusicFest 'n Sugar Grove, and I was very impressed. During their performance Laine Snyder mentioned that 3-year-old Owen was starting banjo lessons, and I wished that I had one of my brother Tom's homemade banjos to show him.

Tom has been building prototypes for the past couple of months, and recently sent me one.

Last weekend I parked the house at Shakori Hills and helped prepare for the upcoming events there. I intended to be back at Shakori Hills later this week for the fiddler's convention. But, by Wednesday I wasn't feeling at all like moving again. The High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association had an event scheduled for this weekend where I was parked (Hagan-Stone Park), so I decided to just stay put.

This evening I didn't feel much like going out to listen to the music, but I did anyway, and discovered that The Snyder Family Band was performing...right here!

Owen and a few other banjo players got to try out Tom's banjo. (Owen didn't want to give it up!) Click here for some photos.

Shakori Hills

A few weeks ago my brother Tom sent me the URL to the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, thinking that I might be interested in it. At first glance I knew that I would be. As I read the website I became even more enthused.

The music would be enough to draw me: Donna the Buffalo, Elikem African Dance, The Duhks, Bearfoot, The Belleville Outfit, Samba Mapangala, Mountain Heart...about 50 bands total. They also have tons of events and attractions for kids and families.

The Shakori Hills fall festival is just 4 weeks away: October 8 - 11.

Next Friday and Saturday (September 18 & 19) the Hoppin' John Old-Time Bluegrass & Fiddler's Convention is happening at Shakori Hills.