Playing Since: 2009
Experience Level: Novice

Interests:
[Jamming] [Socializing]

Occupation: Tool Pusher

Gender: Male
Age: 53

My Instruments:
Banjo, Guitar, triangle

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
The High 48's, Flatt and Scruggs, blue hazzard, Stanley Brothers, Blackberry Bushes Stringband

Classified Rating: not rated
Rate this Member

Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 10/15/2009
Last Visit 10/26/2011

My name is Jay and have been playing since 2009. I really had a life changing experience when I went to town to get parts for a drilling rig and seen a flyer for a Bluegrass festival about 100 miles from where I live. What lured me in was that they were offering workshops for various instruments. I've played guitar since I was sixteen and thought what the heck...I'll give it a try. I called John, the main organizer, and signed up. When I went on days off I went right to the work shop the next day and then my wife and kids met me there a few days later when the actual festival began. It was a really welcoming family orientated experience. Everyone there made us feel at home and we didn't have to worry about our kids. Our oldest was 15 at the time and was a happy camper, but he met some kids his age and was chumming around with them. They disappeared right before the show began on the first night, he was sad he thought they ditched on him. We were watching one of the bands do a set and low and behold his buddies showed up....onstage! They were in one of the bands, he was hooked! He spent the rest of the weekend as their roadie, quit an experience. Rather than make a transition in my guitar playing style I figured my bluegrass playing would be with the banjo. I bought the Scruggs book and a Janet Davis book and started learning the basics on a $89.00 Hobo with a cracked neck, I later upgraded to a spirit of 76' ha ha. I've taken a few lessons from John, called the father of North Dakota bluegrass. What a great feeling! The Hangout has been a great place to hangout.