In anticipation of an upcoming road trip, I couldn’t help but remember a great experience I had last spring while traveling through Kentucky. Months later, it still brings a smile to my face. From March, 2014…
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but as soon as we got out of the car, we could hear the music coming from the small Kentucky Christian Church. It was time to go inside and find out. I hoped they didn’t mind that we were a few minutes late.
It had been a great day and this would cap it off. A short drive from Louisville with a stop in Lexington to surprise a friend, we landed in Berea, Kentucky about 2:00. This was my third visit to Berea and everyone who loves arts, crafts and a slice of Americana needs to visit here as they fly down I 75 on their way to Florida. The college has an amazing history, dedicated to social justice, sustainable living, maintaining long lost American folk crafts and providing a free education to low income students from Appalachia.
So after we checked into our lodging, walked around town and ate dinner at the famous Boone Tavern Inn, it was time for the entertainment. Every Thursday is Jammin’ on the Porch night at the small Christian Church and we were excited to visit. The weather chased the musicians inside tonight but the music still carried beyond the walls.
Fifteen fiddlers, banjo pickers, and guitarists sat in a circle, and took turns singing about locked up coal mines, family reunions, love gone wrong, and praising God. Singing in tune, playing in the right key and keeping a beat weren’t required but apparently, plaid shirts were. Thirty of us thoroughly enjoyed the music, especially when John, 7, one of Miss Donna’s students, played the fiddle. In the corner, Rose sold some of her fried pies – peach, apple and cherry.
I love a night like this – no Project Runway, Bachelor, HGTV or game of the week for this group. Just real life filled with hopes and heart break, hard work and sacrifice, and the opportunity to get together with friends once a week to read offbeat poems and sing corny songs about whistle pigs.
Pam, I am LOVING your blog! We just got home from a road trip to western New York to attend the wedding of my cousin's daughter. My sweet cousin, Diane, known to me as Dizey, passed away last April, so it was doubly important that we be there. Interestingly, a friend of mine visited from Arizona over Labor Day, and told me she and her husband had grown up just a few miles from Seneca Falls, where we were staying. Sooooo, it was delightful for us to make a side trip to Lyons and Clyde and take photos of my friend's childhood home for her. And the bonus????? Who knew that the Erie Canal (YES! The ERIE CANAL) goes through Clyde, New York!! There it was, just waiting for a picture. We were thrilled! The main roads and side roads always hold surprises.
Kathy, what a wonderful add-on to your trip. How fun! You just never know what you might find when you go discovering. Sounds like a good trip. Thanks for the comment.