While I know that Nashville is the home of country music, I’ve got to admit that for the past few years, I’ve found myself not enjoying country music as much as I used to. Part of this could be that I’m getting old and more like Grandpa Simpson with each passing day, but I think another part of it is that country music has become so much more homogonized sounding the past couple of years.
That said, the past couple of years, I’ve found myself listening to and enjoying bluegrass music a lot more.
My parents have purchased tickets for the yearly Ryman bluegrass series for a couple of years now. They found out about it a few years ago when my mom borrowed my idea to get my dad bluegrass tickets for his birthday. Last year, I made my first trip to the historic Ryman audiorium to hear Doyle Lawton and Quicksliver and Rhonda Vincent. It was a great show and I looked forward to going back.
This year, my parents were kind enough to get me a season ticket to the event and I will be able to hear the entire series.
Last night was the first in the series, featuring the legendary Earl Scruggs. Now, I will admit I don’t know a lot about the history and development of bluegrass, but I do know what I like. And I really enjoyed the show. Scruggs put on a great show, seeming to gain energy as the evening went along. He came out on stage slowly and at first I wondered if he’d make it past songs…then an hour and a half later as he brought the house down with the theme to the Beverly Hillbillies and the theme from Bonnie and Clyde, it seemed as if though only a few moments had passed.
Before Scruggs took the stage, we were treated to the opening act of the Nashville Bluegrass Group.
Both acts were good and as I sat there enjoying the music, a thought struck me on one reason I may love bluegrass so much. I think it’s becuase bluegrass takes more group talent to make it work. Yes, Scruggs is great at what he does, but he is surrounded by great talent who make the music come alive..and during the show, each member of the band is given a chance to show off what he can do–or in the case of several band members, the multiple talents they have. And from what I’ve seen last year and last night, the top billings may bring in the fans, but they’re not so horribly convinced their the only reason for being there and aren’t afraid to let the band show-off their talent.
It makes for a great, fun and entertaining evening. And there are five more concerts left in the series, each one reasonably priced at $22.50. So if you’re looking for something fun to do on a Thursday evening, you might give a bluegrass night at the Ryman a try.
