Papa and I had an uneventful trip to the area, but it is a long haul, longer each year. The beach is beautiful, and we saw a dolphin near shore feeding on Wednesday.
The bluegrass show put on by Adams and Anderson has been enjoyable for Papa and I. Yesterday, we had an experience that was difficult for most in the audience and for the four men on stage. Allen Mills, the remaining founding member of Lost and Found, played what we think may have been his first show since the untimely death of his longtime partner, Dempsey Young. Scottie Sparks and Ronald Smith, current members of the band stood next to Allen on stage as they have for some time. Scott Napier had accepted the difficult job of filling in on the mandolin.
Scott is known to longtime Larry Sparks fans, and is a current member of Marty Raybon’s band, Full Circle. Scott did a masterful job on the mandolin, playing two well know Lost and Found tunes in perfect sync with Ronald Smith. He also performed many of Dempsey’s licks on other songs. I spoke with him briefly after the show and complimented him on a great job in tough circumstances. He said, “I’d sure rather be sitting out there watching him than doing this.” Enough said.
Also appearing were The Larry Gillis band, Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers, Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys, The Larry Stephenson Band, and the Country Gentlemen.
Kristin Scott Benson was GREAT with Stephenson. Larry is sounding great these days. Luke McKnight was able to take time off from his day job and was with his grandfather Jesse and cousin Garrett McReynolds. Gillis is an imposing force on the banjo.
Short post–it’s Saturday already!
Friday’s shows were great. The Grascals haven’t lost a thing, enjoyed Sista’s husband singing in the trio. Gary Waldrep continues to be a festival favorite! More later!
