Monday nights with the boys
ok men, old men.
*notice the old lady in the front row, she's our biggest fan!
My dad has been playing in a bluegrass band since he was well, my age. I have fond memories of those old bluegrass songs, mainly from going on tour with him to all of those Utah hot spots. Both he and I dreamed of the day I would be up on stage fiddling along, this is the main reason I was put on the violin, and Suzuki specifically since ear training is the method of learning the instrument. And I did. I didn't really learn the art of playing anything other than classical until college, nor did I gain a love for the instrument until I realized it could do and be something other than another violin in a symphony. But since, I crave writing my own parts to songs, and look for all opportunities to play even if they are with my dad and his "old" buddies.
Every Monday night, The Smith Brothers Dirt Band, and me, being the only female, and the only one under 60, get together and "jam". Bluegrass isn't my first choice of music to play, or even my second, but the group is really so good, and since I've listened to all of it since I was a wee one, I have really grown to love the sound and style of the music. We've had a few concerts since I have been back, one at a pretty big venue in Ogden, but mainly (for practice) at Alzheimer's homes, they get a big kick out of us!
My dad is the most passionate about his band, he is the founding member and originator. For the past two weeks he has been editing, splicing together this video of our practice before our last big concert. I'm not wearing makeup, and had I known it was going on YouTube I would have. Anyway, we are also putting on another "big" show this July 19th at Westminster College, if you so care to get your Blue Grass on.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 3:03AM
Reader Comments (9)
Are those red cowboy boots your dad is wearing? Awesome.
I haven't heard that song in ages. I grew up with a father who played the guitar and sang bluegrass. My uncle has a band. If they lived closer, my father would probably be in it. (I gave my father a mandolin for Christmas this year and my mother just bought him a month of lessons for Fathers Day.)
That is so cool! I was also raised listening to bluegrass and going to bluegrass festivals! What a special thing to share with your dad!
i want to go. what time is it? we're also supposed to go and see the Police that night, so there may be a conflict there . . .
Holy SMOKES Alysha that is so rad. My mouth was dropping to the floor while I watched that and my eyes totally welled up! what a dream come true- to get experience, bond with your dad and have that time with him, learn from them, and who knows what doors will open for you next. dude you can start your own thing just like him when you are ready and then MOVE OVER Bright Eyes.
you are a rock star. I love this video. I am so glad you posted it. how inspiring to me.
Forget Rock Band, this is the real thing! (Though I want that for my next birthday too.) How awesome, you guys sound incredible. My dad loves bluegrass and this would be his dream come true. He even tried to start a bluegrass band in college. I wish we were in town, we could join the old lady in the front row and be groupies!!
man, i wish we were staying longer. i love watching you perform.
don't let us forget about that one!!!
HAHAHAHA! You got the old lady! She was so cute. And was absolutely literally in the front row, dancing in her chair. Fantastic.
You guys rocked that night. ROCKED! I may have been feeling under the weather (what's over the weather feel like?) but you had me screaming and hollering like a great band would. And perhaps I'm a bit bias, but I swear the crowd went wild whenever you went solo. Awesome awesome awesome. I LOVE seeing you fiddle. It is so fun and you look like you are just 'in your element' up there (with the old guys).