Good Day at Vandalia

[Redoverfarm]

Yesterday the family drove to the State Capitol to attend the Vandalia Heritage Music Festival.  In fact the reason for the attendance was that my son was asked to help out a 40-45 year old band who's Banjo player has fell on hard times physically.  They had been contracted to preform for two square dances on Saturday afternoon on the steps of the Capitol.  An honor in itself that they chose him a 16 year old over other capable players with more tenure.  He did an outstanding job at both performances.  The best part was that he actually got grown up wages for his playing.  2-1/2 Franklin notes($$) for 2&1/2 hours.







I tried to capture some of the music but between the professonial cloggers, square dancers, the callers and the shoe taps the music didn't turn out as well as I had hoped.  In person it was good but the video didn't reflect it. I will try to download one just to give you an idea of the square dance.  So after the sessions some of the musicians had a little Jam session in the parking lot.   Here is a sample.  I just happened to be standing next to the Mandolin player which almost dominated the music but you can still hear the rest of the instruments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_JU1Q0xe24

Square Dance

http://www.youtube.com/user/redoverfarm1#p/a/u/0/QYv2o4Ht6yM

[rick91351]

John is the listed JD Loudermilk the John D Loudermilk? 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._Loudermilk

By the way - once again your son is just great on the banjo.  Keep us informed and well post sure enjoy his music.

We are excited Alison Krauss and Union Station is going to be in Boise July 1.  Their new project tour.   

[Redoverfarm]

Original post revised to include an additional video.  Rick I believe he is actually Charles Loudermilk Jr.  So respectfully known as JR.  Thanks for the comments.

[peternap]

He just keeps getting better John!

[Sassy]

   Must make you proud!  I wanted to see some of the square dancing, too 

[ChuckinVa]

That's a great picture of the capital dome. When I was a little feller I can remember riding by the capital with the sun hitting the dome just right it looked like the whole thing was gold. Of course it does look different to me now since the renovations.