Nashville: Week 2

Well, I feel like I've been here for months. I'm getting used to driving to work and I haven't even used a full tank of gas! Every time I drive out of Billy and Carolyn's neighborhood I remind myself that I really should take some pictures. It's such a sweet place to live.

Before I talk about my whole week I'll tell you about the best part. On a rainy Friday at work I was told I had a delivery. "No one knows I'm here." I was rather puzzled. Well, it turns out these were waiting for me. Yup. Mark sent me flowers. From Israel. How did I find such a kind, thoughtful, and loving man? xoxoxoxo

Saturday, the 29th, was a lot of fun. Billy and Carolyn had a yard sale with a few of their friends. It was a beautiful day to sit around and talk. I had popped out of the sun for a while only to find that I had missed the most interesting customer of the day. He was looking for a pressure cooker and a gun to get rid of the rabbits. True story. I scored this brand new cup. :)

Saturday afternoon I decided to make my way to Gruhn Guitars. Oh, my. I walked around (very slowly) and took it all in. It's a lovely space with instruments lining the walls. I saw a few banjos, a couple guitars, and one upright bass I would be very happy with. I left with only a new set of guitar strings. I'm sure Mark was happy that I showed a bit of restraint. That bass is still calling my name...

Since I was feeling a bit adventurous, I GPSd my way to a vintage shop. They had a lot of great old (over priced) boots. I tried these brand spankin' new ones on. My mom knows I have always loved snakes. I'm sure she will be happy to know I did not buy these. But, they sure felt good on!

Saturday night I met up with an old friend from middle school. It's a small world! My friend Buick always had an amazing voice. So, it was no surprise to find her living in Nashville and making a living as a singer/song writer/producer. I was rather amazed to know that she has won a couple of Grammys. I met her husband, Jerry, who comes from a family of musicians. His grandfather was Jerry Reed, whose guitar playing I rather admire. I'm sure Mark has seen all of his western films. Jerry (the young one) was playing with an artist, Brian, from Sugar Hill Records. The show was great! Little did I know the band was made up of: one of the best keyboard players in the biz, a bassist who is a local legend, Keith Urban's former guitar player and writer, and the guitarist from the Black Crowes. The music scene here  is too good!

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were pretty intense work days. Monday a bunch of us stayed until 10:00 pm to make a dead line. I didn't mind one bit. The work day, whether it ends at 5:00 or 10:00, seems to fly. I am so happy I am a part of this team.

Tuesday I had a banjo lesson with Ned Luberecki. He was an instructor at Kaufman Kamp and I had already heard wonderful things about him as a teacher. I was so nice to have a solid hour...and 10 minutes...of bluegrass instruction. (I have an amazing clawhammer teacher back in Florida.) We picked apart Flint Hill Special and worked through some other tunes that use D-tuners. If felt like I was being stretched as a musician. I've got two more lessons set up before I leave.

Wednesday night Patti drove in to town. We had THE BEST margarita and dinner at Rose Pepper. My spinach and mushroom burrito was so fresh. It tasted like they had just picked to veggies that morning. I've got to eat there again.

Billy and Carolyn threw a party on the 4th. It was a rainy day, so Billy had to grill under a tent. I really wish I had gotten a picture of that. It was nice to have a chance to talk and laugh and eat a lot! Patti and I headed out early to see Balsam Range and the Gibson Brothers at the Ryman. 
As we watched to show we couldn't believe we were sitting in the room that has been graced with so much incredible music. After the show we chatted with the Balsam Range guys a bit. They are kind and even remembered us from IBMA. When I mentioned I was a banjo player I was given a "You're hired!" I told them I've have to get a new suit before hitting the road.    

The Gibson Brothers

Balsam Range, my new bandmates!

Saturday morning Carolyn and I went to a dance class. Whew. Now, that was a fun workout! Jay wanted us to promote C.O.D.E. Jay fitness, so we snapped a picture. 

I actually sat down for quite a while to practice the banjo on Saturday. Yes, I practiced, I didn't just play. It felt nice to slow songs down and really work on technique. I've got a lot to learn and I'm still excited about it!

Saturday night Billy and I headed to Exit/In to hear some of his friends play. We saw four local bands. Most of them were really good. There was a duo who wrote some pretty funny lyrics, but I don't think Mark would have appreciated their vocal tone. No. He would have walked out. This band was really good. I think they are Turbo Fruits.


Today I did some grocery shopping and found a row of adorable little shops. This city is a mix of rather interesting people. Everyone I have come across has been so kind. It's off to bed for me. Sweet dreams.


xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox!