Last night I went north with my buddy, Frazier, to see a bluegrass show at the Hayesville Opera House.
The drive was beautiful ... north through Mount Vernon (some of Ohio's most scenic landscape ... 100% rural), continuing along 13 through Bellville, Mansfield (our dinner of steamed mussels, striped bass, wild mushrooms over morel linguine was magnificent), and then over to Hayesville.
The Opera House was beautiful. Simple, low lighting. Hand-painted sylvan setting on the backdrop of the stage. Comfortable, wooden seats set in spacious rows, grinning fans aged eight to 80.
We missed the first band, but were fortunate to hear the second group, Copus Hill, perform a rousing set. Lively music played with virtuosity and heart. Their guitar player, a young man with a shaved head and a beard that would make a general of the Civil War envious, sang with such honesty and soul.
Here is a sample of his talent ...
The headliners, a group called Faces Made For Radio, were outstanding ... their bass player made it to the show despite being in a a car accident on the way!
One of the aspects of these traditional performances that I really enjoy is the choreography that must employed in order to share the single microphone the bands use. Some of the performers really get into their spins away from the mic as their band mate steps up, always in the center, to pick away!
There really is no way to fully appreciate the sound of acoustic instruments without hearing them in person. Last night was a wonderful time hearing amazing music in a beautiful space with a great friend. Thanks, Frazier!
One more from Copus Hill ...
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