Steve Martin Plays The Banjo!

July 23, 2011


For the past 10 years I have discovered that no matter where I have to drive to around Denver, it will take me 15 minutes to get there.  In my head it doesn't matter if we are talking about going Downtown, to work, or to my parents house - yup, 15 minutes will do.  Turns out, that isn't exactly how it works.  I am late.  A lot.  


This blog post is also late.  But just like every other time, you all will forgive me. 


As many of you know, I come from a bluegrass music background.  My cousin, Adam, is in a very successful bluegrass band called Head for the Hills.  His full time job is touring the country with his band.  Super cool!  My dad is also a bluegrass/folk musician - so we like to get down on the banjo at Thanksgiving.  

(Adam on the left)

Every year we go to a bluegrass festival in the mountains.  It is the day that I look forward to every year.  I especially looked forward to it this summer because this year Steve Martin was performing with his banjo band!


Outside of the regulars, the new characters of Rockygrass 2011 included:


Caroline!

 

Ayor!

Adam (my cousin) and Alyssa (his girlfriend)!

So, the day started out as all good days do...with some giant hula hooping.

 

Ayor struggled to hula hoop.  I guess her hips really could not lie. At least she looked gorgeous just holding the hula hoop...in front of a giant connect 4 game.

Next, we heard some tunes from Adam on the stage. 

 

 My family has a rule that you must dunk your entire body in the river.  This year, with the runoff from the snow, the water was freezing.

 So, I made my mom go first.

 And that meant that I couldn't wimp out...

 Even Ayor got in on the action!

Afterwards, Ayor taught me a Sudanese card game.  It had no rules that I could understand.  Yet, Ayor kept getting mad because I kept winning.  I'm a natural I guess.  

Rockygrass always gets a little crazy.  At one point I found my mother picking her teeth with a knife:

 Steve Martin completely stole the show.  It was the perfect combination of comedy act mixed with incredible natural talent on the banjo.  Turns out he has always played the banjo, but got distracted by an acting career.  I can't remember another concert I enjoyed so much.  I highly recommend checking out his debut bluegrass cd - which won a GRAMMY last year!

Goodbye, Rockygrass 2011.  Once again, the best day of the year.