Tonight I went to a concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center, located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 7 miles south of Galax, Virginia. The headliner was Doc Watson, the great blind guitar picker. Doc is now 88 years old and there were a few times that he forgot the words to songs, but his voice is still strong and his picking is still great. Doc was accompanied by David Holt for most of the concert, who prompted him at times. However, Doc did do a solo part for several songs.
The opening act was Wayne Henderson from Rugby, Virginia. Wayne is an outstanding guitar picker and builder as well. Doc played a Henderson guitar tonight.
Wayne's girlfriend, Helen White, also performed on fiddle and guitar. Helen started JAM, Junior Appalachian Musicians, youngsters that learn traditional music and instruments. There are now 16 JAM classes in three states. Some of the JAM kids played as well and they are very good.
The evening started out pretty warm, but there was a shower that lasted for about 15 minutes. Luckily I carried my Mexican friend (Poncho) with me.
We were rewarded with a pretty rainbow afterwards.
At one point, Doc was tuning his guitar and asked David to tell a story, so David told the crowd about Wayne and Eric Clapton.
A number of years ago, Clapton had the opportunity to play a Henderson guitar and decided he wanted one. So he decided to visit Wayne's shop. Rugby is a wide spot in the road, way out in Southwest Virginia and ain't near nuthin'.
Anyway, Clapton's people wanted to know if Wayne was going to provide security for the visit.
Wayne snorted and said, "Security! It ain't like he's Ralph Stanley!"
The opening act was Wayne Henderson from Rugby, Virginia. Wayne is an outstanding guitar picker and builder as well. Doc played a Henderson guitar tonight.
Wayne's girlfriend, Helen White, also performed on fiddle and guitar. Helen started JAM, Junior Appalachian Musicians, youngsters that learn traditional music and instruments. There are now 16 JAM classes in three states. Some of the JAM kids played as well and they are very good.
The evening started out pretty warm, but there was a shower that lasted for about 15 minutes. Luckily I carried my Mexican friend (Poncho) with me.
We were rewarded with a pretty rainbow afterwards.
At one point, Doc was tuning his guitar and asked David to tell a story, so David told the crowd about Wayne and Eric Clapton.
A number of years ago, Clapton had the opportunity to play a Henderson guitar and decided he wanted one. So he decided to visit Wayne's shop. Rugby is a wide spot in the road, way out in Southwest Virginia and ain't near nuthin'.
Anyway, Clapton's people wanted to know if Wayne was going to provide security for the visit.
Wayne snorted and said, "Security! It ain't like he's Ralph Stanley!"
