When I got to Asheville the Map App on my phone had me do a U-turn onto a major road without enough room for a U-turn. I almost got hit as I had to reverse in order to complete the maneuver. Less than half a mile later it had me cut across three lanes of major traffic on a strip of Interstate that was just 40 yards long. If I didn't make the exit I would be forced back onto another Interstate that would run me out of town. The cars were steady and constant, and I still don't quite know how I managed to do it without getting in a major accident. I guess all the driving in L.A. helped, but when I finally arrived at the Crowne Plaza Resort I thanked God that I was there in one piece.
I had to circle around the parking lot a few times to figure out where it was okay to park since some areas were off limits. On one of my trips I saw Junior Sisk walking through the lot with a couple of his band members. I immediately knew that this was going to be an intimate affair with plenty of potential interaction with the bands as opposed to a strict separation between performers and attendees. I almost rolled down my window and threw out a hearty, "Hey Junior!" as he walked by, but I decided to let him continue on without interruption.
The scene in the lobby was fairly chaotic with lots of people milling about and several large lines going different places. It was enough to immediately confuse all newcomers as to where they should go for what. It took me a few minutes to find the right line to claim my ticket in, and no sooner had I gotten in it than I saw the Ross brothers walk in with their instruments. Because of all the crowds they got held up right next to me giving me a chance to exchange a "hello" and a "welcome" with them. A couple ladies in their party ended up getting in line behind me since they didn't know where the bands were suppose to check in at. They were understandably a little frazzled since the Ross Brothers were opening in
the Sunken Lobby in less than 25 minutes. I told them I wasn't sure where the band check-in was, but offered them to take my spot in line so they could find out that much sooner. One of the ladies said they asked a gentleman who worked there where to go, but that he wasn't much help. I commented, "that's pretty messed up that you guys are opening the Sunken Lobby and no one can even direct you to the proper check in. You'd think being the opening act they wouldn't just leave you hanging like that." As soon as I finished my thought a hotel employee cleared his throat with disgust over my shoulder before offering to take the women to band check in. A few minutes later I got my VIP pass and a day of bluegrass began.I alternated between performances in the Sunken Lobby and the Grand Ballroom. From 12:00pm - 6:00pm I saw the Ross Brothers, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, and Mountain Faith. They were all great performances. At six I went to the hotel bar for dinner. I almost put myself out of commission. I bought a chicken finger basket for much more than it should be, but a nice a couple from Virginia shared their large pizza with me making up for the pitiful serving of chicken fingers. While I got to know my new friends I drank three Guinness drafts on a stomach that was emptier than usual and on less sleep than I'm use to. I got really tired and wondered if I was still going to make it to midnight.
I wandered in a few minutes late to Junior Sisk's second performance of the day. He said in the first show that he was getting over the flu, but he still put on a great show. At this
performance you could tell he felt terrible and although he was doing his best it wasn't the same as the first one. I was really glad I caught them the first time around. I wandered out to the Sunken Lobby and caught the very end of Laurel Creek's performance. After that I went back to The Grand Ballroom for Rhonda Vincent's next show. She put on another great one and I got to meet her, Hunter Berry (violin), and Aaron McDaris (banjo) afterward. Rhonda signed her new cd, "Taken" for me and we took a picture together.I made it back in to catch the very end of The Grascals second show which led into Daily and Vincent who were highlighting the event. Daily and Vincent put on a great and really entertaining show that ended around 12:15am. It was a great day of bluegrass that I'm really glad I was a part of.
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