The third week in June is always a fun week for me. Normally, I leave on father's day for the National Old-Time Fiddle Contest in Weiser Idaho. This year Shaun (My fiddle travel buddy), and I decided that we would stay home. It was a last minute decision and I can honestly say that I am a little bummed. But since the gas prices are outragous I am sticking to my guns and committing to the sacrifice.
This year we have a lot of great events closer to home. So we are going to take advantage of them. Last weekend I volunteered to help out with the Sacajawea Bluegrass, and Dutch oven festival. I volunteered to help out so I could get in free. Last year volunteering meant that I sat at a camping gate as far away from the festival as possible. This year I managed to be in charge of the camping gate. Which meant that I only had to check on the poor folks who sat out there all week. Which was great for me because I was basically free to roam! I was able to listen to a lot of great bluegrass bands from Oregon, Colorado, Seattle, and Spokane. The best part of the festival was that I was able to jam with these bands in the camp ground! I really enjoyed playing gypse jazz music with Obedia DeWebber (Pasco), and Andrew Wilson (Spokane). it reminded me of Wesier, and I learned a lot from sitting in with these brilliant musicians! So now I don't feel so bad.
I also took a break from the festival to play at a fiddle "play date" at Flat Top park in West Richland. We were invited to play for a group that is into restoring old trucks and tractors. I especially loved the old GMC semi with the 8020 John Deer on the bed (See the picture). It was a very patriotic rig dedicated to the passangers who went down in Pennsylvania on 9/11.
I am going to culminate this vacation time with a trip to the Cashmere bluegrass festival. Shaun and I are going to stay with a couple of friends of ours who live in Wenatchee. They are both fiddle players who enjoy playing music into the wee hours of the morning. I feel sorry for my friends wife though. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to have four rowdy boys living at your house for a week. Two of my favorite bluegrass bands are going to be playing, and I can't wait to see them.
Although I do enjoy spending the third week of June at the fiddle contest I would enjoy it more if Kathleen and Kylee were there. I truely miss them when I am gone and can't wait for Kylee to get into fiddling. So far this week has been great! I have enjoyed spending time with my family, and friends. I also enjoy the common thread that has reamined universal in my life and has brought me closer to ach and every one of you. Music!
