“Cacophony in Campton” Nestled within the picturesque town of Campton, New Hampshire, Bones Fest XXVII: “Cacophony in Campton” unfurled its musical tapestry, September 7-10, 2023. Under the stewardship of hosts Sky and Jessye Bartlett, this unique gathering celebrated the rhythm bones, an instrument that defies musical norms and beckons those seeking a distinctive music adventure.Continue reading “Bonesfest XXVII”
Author Archives: Scott
The wedding venue, groomsman cottage, killing.
Well, I didn’t expect that. This and the Spanish Inquisition. The sun dipped below the rolling hills of the little rural town of Luray, Virginia, as the guests gathered at the picturesque wedding venue. The sprawling estate, nestled amidst lush green mountains, had an air of tranquility that seemed to permeate every corner. However, thisContinue reading “The wedding venue, groomsman cottage, killing.”
How do you get to kindness?
A remarkable family connection emerged during the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. My wife’s aunt married a nice man from her church. My first face-to-face introduction to him revealed a profound personal history. My new uncle, Jerry, life’s journey was intertwined with the themes of adoption, rural placements, and the emotional complexities thatContinue reading “How do you get to kindness?”
Just Get Started
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Full-Time RV Life I want to share my personal insights on getting started in full-time RV life and how I overcame my fears. It’s an incredible journey filled with freedom, exploration, and endless possibilities. But I know firsthand that it can be intimidating. That’s why I want to talk about howContinue reading “Just Get Started”
Ideas on playing in an Irish Session
Playing in an Irish Session for the first time Entering an Irish session for the first time can be a thrilling and transformative experience for any musician. Stepping into a lively pub filled with the enchanting sounds of fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and laughter, one becomes immersed in the rich tapestry of traditional Irish music. AsContinue reading “Ideas on playing in an Irish Session”
Fulks Run Grocery
What do a mounted moose head, extensive arrowhead collection, cigar box guitar, and antique croquet mallets have in common? Nothing, except for one place in the universe. Maybe one place in the entire multiverse. A place where you could find all those things and get a ham sandwich. I read about a place that advertisedContinue reading “Fulks Run Grocery”
Sometimes “Respect” means not asking.
In July of 2018, I walked through some of the oldest histories of the United States. I was in Old Town Albuquerque, and the past was layered on thick. I talked with artists from the Taos/Acoma tribe inside a restored Spanish mission building. My lunch included a generous sample of red and green chili salsaContinue reading “Sometimes “Respect” means not asking.”
Floyd Virginia, the heart of it.
Visiting family in Central Virginia always includes a visit to the little town of Floyd. Floyd is known for its annual music festival, FloydFest (July 21st this year). I heard about the Appalachian Culture being preserved in Floyd back in the 80’s when Virginia Tech professors would take students on field trips to see music, dancing and exotic mountain culture. I had a music experience in Floyd that was very different from the “Woodstock” like music festival or mountain safari. Continue reading “Floyd Virginia, the heart of it.”
Do you want to play in an Irish Session?
Do you want to play music in an Irish Session? I had a friend who returned from a vacation trip to Ireland, and he asked where he could play his new tin whistle. I must admit I wouldn’t direct just anyone to a session. My friend was an experienced musician and would quickly learn aContinue reading “Do you want to play in an Irish Session?”
Soft kindness from a hard place.
Appalachia has a reputation in the outside world as a hard place to live. If you are driving through a disintegrating coal village, you will miss most of the ordinary living that is happening. I look to Tipper Pressley and Shane Simmons to bring stories of simple pleasures and good living from Appalachia. I liveContinue reading “Soft kindness from a hard place.”