Delay...

I FINALLY got out to hear some live music the other night. Tuesday (12/8), I visited 2 places. The first was the illustrious Handlebar, and Gene Dillard's jam. I had fun listening to Jim Rollings and Charlie McDaniel sing, while drinking a beer and cutting up with some of the regular patrons, that have become some really good friends. Charlie's wife is always so nice to me, and can be an absolute HOOT to hang out with.

I listened to them do about 5 or 6 songs before Jerry (my business partner, best friend, and jam buddy) wanted to go check out Smiley's. I forced him to stay a little longer, because I wanted to hear Charlie do "Drinking Dark Whiskey" (Steeldrivers). Charlie does a SUPERB job on this song, as his vocal style matches that of Chris Stapleton's.

We arrived at Smiley's somewhere around 10, and the stage was being occupied by a duo (guitar and mando). I didn't get their names, but they were obviously grass fans. They were just finishing up what was obviously their first set, and came off stage soon after finishing a song.

When going into Smiley's, you definitely feel like you are downtown. The atmosphere is great, and Smiley has done a great job decorating for the winter solstice holidays. I noticed that Charles Hedgepath (The Work), was hanging out in the back of the bar, and when the guys returned to the stage, Charles joined them. They did an eclectic mix of Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Rock, and Alternative Rock, so Charles' influence from The Work band was obvious.

Hopefully, I'll get out again and see some live music and jams sooner than this last blank spot in my life.