Papa and I took a quick trip up to Pigeon Forge, for the Larkin Family’s annual show, “Christmas in the Smokies” last weekend. Things went great for a while, we saw and enjoyed Thursday night’s show. We headed out for the flea market Saturday morning, and got some stuff. About an hour into the Friday evening show, Papa got sick, pretty sick. He asked me to take him to the room, which I did. He never saw another performer during the weekend.
I bought some soda for him Friday night after the show, and he pretty much lived on that until late Saturday. He felt a little better then, so I grabbed a chicken, wrung it’s neck, and made soup. O.K., not really, I went to the store and bought a couple of packages of microwaveable soup. Not the best stuff, but what he needed. Sunday he was better, but I drove until we were into Kentucky, then he took over.
So, I guess I should have had my camera along, but I didn’t. I can’t even lift his up, never mind operate it. He did get a few photos Thursday, and they are here.
As for the show, here goes. It’s not a all star lineup, but a family friendly show in an area with many attractions. Thursday had the Larkins, Goldwing Express, J. Max McKee, The Lewis Family and Raymond Fairchild taking the stage. Goldwing is a fan favorite, that’s all I have to say about that. They also handled the sound.
J. Max is an entertainer, through and through. He grabs the stage, sings the songs, has fun, does an enjoyable show.
Polly Lewis needs your prayers, please don’t forget her. She was on the stage, and she sang the words to most of the songs, but it is a struggle for the entire family. It was nice to see Earl Phillips, he missed some shows this summer after his sister passed away.
Have ya see Raymond Fairchild play the banjo? You should. Raymond had Wayne Crowe singing with him, there’s a powerful voice, not often heard or commented on.
On Friday, Dailey & Vincent, Goldwing, the Larkins, Ralph Stanley II and Barry Scott took to the stage. It was nice to see Matt Ledbetter playing with the Larkins, but sad to think that Shauna was too sick to make the show.
As could be predicted, Dailey & Vincent had a loyal following, and delivered in spades. They are using new wireless mics for singing, an interesting change. They promised new everything for next year, website, songs, show, CD, you name it. Everything, that is, except new band members.
Barry Scott and Second Wind presented three shows over Friday and Saturday, featuring songs he has written, and some he sang in a past life with Doyle. Barry had a cold, which affected his voice to a certain extent. Barry has a great band, and Jason Leek sang some of the high parts. Barry actually pulled out his piano on the last show Saturday. A few people didn’t like it, but it didn’t hurt me any. He sang a great song he wrote, Grandpa’s Walking Cane; you may have heard a version by The Chapmans which did pretty well. See Barry when you can, you won’t be disappointed. I just noticed that they will be performing at Joe Mullins’ Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival in November, 2009; glad to see that.
Saturday brought Bobby Osborne and IIIrd Tyme Out, in addition to holdovers Goldwing, Matt & the Larkins, and Barry Scott. IIIrd Tyme out was good, perhaps great. They are really together, singing great right now. Edgar Loudermilk adds much to the band. I remember commenting to him at Vine Grove, KY earlier this year. I think it’s pretty amazing that he can sing bass on one song, and tenor on the next so seamlessly.
Russell Moore said it best, “Doesn’t Bobby sound great?” It’s the truth, Bobby Osborne keeps rolling along, sounding just like Bobby. It was nice to see Daryl Mosley with the band; he was on guitar. He did his little version of “Walt’s Across Texas”, it seems as if Tim Graves hadn’t heard that. Ha.
If you are interested in seeing photos of Thursday, Papa’s pictures are here.
