I went to the "Thrill on the Hill" Saturday in the Junaluska community of Boone. It was a line up of Blues talent unseen anywhere for fifteen bucks a head. Root music was the word of the day and Etta Baker was certainly an inspiration. Her Piedmont Blues 2 finger pickin is legendary. At the age of 91 she is still quite able to keep up with the youngins. She has played with the likes of B.B. King, Doc Watson, David Holt and friends. When I closed my eyes to listen to her, she reminded me quite a bit of listening to Chet Atkins...who has been known to visit with her.
I celebrated the return of my youngest from camp on Saturday only to lose her soon to the working world... tomorrow. She has a job working on my husband's construction site earning money while learns the trade.
Eldest daughter is still at camp and has a week more to go. After a performance this afternoon we were able to steal her away for a couple of hours. Already I can tell a tremendous amount of growth in her--she is independent. I guess a month away from the parents will do that. She is a much better musician than the one we dropped off. She also has had the opportunity to see those who came to camp much more prepared . "I have learned that there are people in this world who have the same ambition and drive as me. I am not the only one who wants to be the best," she told me as she was driving to the grocery store to pick up popcicles. She has been inspired by her travels.
