When I was eight years old my dad bought me my first mandolin, it was a Washburn A-Style with a Rosewood finish. I am fortunate enough to have this instrument hanging on my wall today. If that mandolin could talk it would tell you some incredible stories; how Mr. Pat Holland put mother of pearl fret markers in the top of it so I would know where to place my fingers, how I played it with my brother on guitar for Lafayette Elementary School at their talent show when I was in 3rd grade, how in my teen years it sat lonely under my bed while I explored electric bass and the heavy metal music my parents hated. But, with all the stories I can think of, probably the most memorable would be the times I would go with my family to Bass Mountain Music Park and watch my heroes play. I would follow my dad to a jam circle and watch the other mandolin players fingers for hours, trying to imitate their moves. I remember seeing The Bass Mounta in Boys, Bluegrass Cardinals, Johnston Mountain Boys, and many other of my favorite bands perform there. As a kid of only 8-10 years old the thought of one day playing on that stage was non-existent. I am thrilled to say that this kid, now 32, will be playing at the famous Music Park that inspired me so. The now labeled, Lil Johns Mountain Music Festival is September 3-5th and will host such bands as James King, Dailey and Vincent, Carolina Road, Al Batten, Bluegrass Brothers and many others including us, The Kickin Grass Band. We will be playing Thursday night September 3rd with James King and Dailey and Vincent. It is bound to be a night to remember!
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