Weekend in Easton
05/19/09 10:59 AM
This past weekend, the VZVBs loaded up banjos, mandolins and other implements of destruction and journeyed over Snoqualmie Pass to a ranch just east of Easton, Washington. We were there to play a wedding reception, even though most of the couples portrayed in our music meet an untimely demise.
The ranch/farm was a beautiful spot with a brook in front of a large farmhouse. At the far end of the brook was a little island, accessible by a wooden bridge. It was on this island that the wedding party congregated while Dancing Phil played bouncy tunes on the guitar.
Sparky, Jette and I watched from afar near the barn where we were to play the reception. Jette, astounded by the sight of his very first wedding, had his mouth so wide open that he actually swallowed a bug. This was followed by gagging, the flailing of arms, and what looked like a bad rendition of the Joe Cocker dance. It was our favorite moment of the wedding.
As the wedding proceeded, Sparky, Jette and I journeyed to beautiful downtown Easton, where we dined at Mountain High Hamburgers. It was good eating, with a special parking area for snowmobiles. Since it was 75+ degrees, nary a snowmobile was to be found.
The show went well, playing four hours for a couple of hundred people or more. I unveiled The Flamingo, my new banjo, and spent most of the first set trying to get it tuned. Heat and humidity will do that to a banjo.
The bride and groom were a great couple, and actually did some hoedown dancing to a few tunes. It was at that time we realized that the beer on tap must be pretty good stuff. This was later confirmed.
As we began the final set, Sparky’s hand cramped up to where he couldn’t play for awhile. Once he replenished himself with fluids, he returned for the final number (Dawgy Mt Breakdown). After reloading all the gear into Phil’s pickup, we headed home. Yes indeed, it was a fine day.
The ranch/farm was a beautiful spot with a brook in front of a large farmhouse. At the far end of the brook was a little island, accessible by a wooden bridge. It was on this island that the wedding party congregated while Dancing Phil played bouncy tunes on the guitar.
Sparky, Jette and I watched from afar near the barn where we were to play the reception. Jette, astounded by the sight of his very first wedding, had his mouth so wide open that he actually swallowed a bug. This was followed by gagging, the flailing of arms, and what looked like a bad rendition of the Joe Cocker dance. It was our favorite moment of the wedding.
As the wedding proceeded, Sparky, Jette and I journeyed to beautiful downtown Easton, where we dined at Mountain High Hamburgers. It was good eating, with a special parking area for snowmobiles. Since it was 75+ degrees, nary a snowmobile was to be found.
The show went well, playing four hours for a couple of hundred people or more. I unveiled The Flamingo, my new banjo, and spent most of the first set trying to get it tuned. Heat and humidity will do that to a banjo.
The bride and groom were a great couple, and actually did some hoedown dancing to a few tunes. It was at that time we realized that the beer on tap must be pretty good stuff. This was later confirmed.
As we began the final set, Sparky’s hand cramped up to where he couldn’t play for awhile. Once he replenished himself with fluids, he returned for the final number (Dawgy Mt Breakdown). After reloading all the gear into Phil’s pickup, we headed home. Yes indeed, it was a fine day.
Where Y'All Been?
05/15/09 11:57 AM
It has been a good long while since we have been in touch. Which is not to say we haven’t been busy. This weekend the VZs travel to Cle Elum, to play at a wedding reception. We’re not 100% sure where exactly, so we’ll drive around town until we see folks in tuxedos.
In the past month, we have each scattered to the four winds. Dancing Phil has been playing that fingerstyle blues he loves to play, and even allowed himself a whole week to go on vacation with his sweetheart. While he was away, he spent his time off looking for places to go and play music where he was.
Sparky’s journeys are always shrouded in secrecy, but we can tell that he arrived home safely, and that the world is a safer place after his latest, um, excursion. He got some new strings for his bass, which explains why a few folks in Maple Valley were without phone service for a few days. Man, those strings are big.
The Jette has been busying himself with plans for a trip to Europe this summer, where he will be playing Finnish folk tunes and pondering the meaning of the phrase, “What is bluegrass?” In recent weeks, his waking hours consist of eat, pick, eat, pick, eat, pick. And congratulations to The Jette on a brand new nephew!
Al spent two weeks back east, selling banjos at Merlefest and at stores from North Carolina to Toronto. No, he didn’t come home with the flu, but instead-- a brand new banjo, known hereafter as The Flamingo.
There have been several dates added to the calendar for the summer, so be sure to check out our Calendar page.
See you soon,
The VZVBs
In the past month, we have each scattered to the four winds. Dancing Phil has been playing that fingerstyle blues he loves to play, and even allowed himself a whole week to go on vacation with his sweetheart. While he was away, he spent his time off looking for places to go and play music where he was.
Sparky’s journeys are always shrouded in secrecy, but we can tell that he arrived home safely, and that the world is a safer place after his latest, um, excursion. He got some new strings for his bass, which explains why a few folks in Maple Valley were without phone service for a few days. Man, those strings are big.
The Jette has been busying himself with plans for a trip to Europe this summer, where he will be playing Finnish folk tunes and pondering the meaning of the phrase, “What is bluegrass?” In recent weeks, his waking hours consist of eat, pick, eat, pick, eat, pick. And congratulations to The Jette on a brand new nephew!
Al spent two weeks back east, selling banjos at Merlefest and at stores from North Carolina to Toronto. No, he didn’t come home with the flu, but instead-- a brand new banjo, known hereafter as The Flamingo.
There have been several dates added to the calendar for the summer, so be sure to check out our Calendar page.
See you soon,
The VZVBs