Bean Blossom

Arrived in the dark at Bean Blossom on Wed night and the festival had already started – we thought it was a Thursday start so that was a bonus – arrived just in time to catch the Boxcars! Set up tent high on the hill, amongst the elm trees – just above ‘Big Sandy Holler’! Beautiful park and concert setting amongst the trees – Bill Monroe bought the park in the 50s and the bluegrass has been blooming ever since. Jammed around our neighbours fire the first night – new Indiana friends – Mark and Dave…. then got ourselves organised in the morning. Took some great photos and film footage over the weekend. Some of the legends were there – Jesse McReynolds at 83 is still firing on the mandolin!; saw Dr Ralph – he’s not playing but still singing with his son and grandson on stage; J.D. Crowe is still firing on the banjo too, but apparently due to retire soon. Met some lovely folk from Portland Oregon, who were looking for a jam and wandered past… put in a good few hours jamming with them on Thursday night. The rains came on Fri night but not till right at the end of the concert and we survived well this time – no water in the tent. Temperature dropped right down on Sat night so too cold to pick outside after the concert. Great weekend – everyone telling us to come back in June when it is warmer and the event goes for 8 days and the picking goes all night!