Bluegrass Legend: Doc Watson (A Father/Daughter Date)
I just got back from taking my father on that father/daughter date I mentioned before. We went to see the legendary Doc Watson at the Weinberg Center. I only knew about it because I was updating their website sometime in October and ran across the show. I had excellent seats (albeit the place was sold out and packed).
My father had a great time, hooping and hollering with all of the other Bluegrass enthusiasts. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, as I’m also an avid Bluegrass fan (hence why I recognized the name). At 84 years old, he can still do a mean flatpicking and keep up with some of the younger guys that came out to play with him. His voice is still as twangy and heart-felt as I’ve ever heard him on the radio. His performances are always filled with many warm stories, and he calls his finger picks “scratchers.” And the show actually brought tears to my eyes, because not only was it entertaining, but I knew that this would be the only time I’d get to see him play, and probably one of his last performances, considering his age. That and I just can’t help but appreciate talented Bluegrass when I hear it.
It really made me wish that someday -I- would be up on that stage. Someday people would come to listen to -me- play. I don’t know if that’ll ever happen, I kinda don’t think it will. I may have some pipes, but I have no other talent besides a few basic chords on the guitar. If I could hunker down and put my mind to it, I know I could play better. But even then, I have no money to do much of anything anyway.
Still, I enjoy playing, and I enjoy listening. As long as I can do that, it’s all I can ask for.
Afterwards we stopped off at Taco Bell for some late night dinner. We didn’t get out of the jammed packed parking garage until 11:50pm or so. I was going to take my father to a fancy dinner before the show, but we decided to try and get there early.
One thing that did bother me though, is I don’t understand why people drag their kids with them that don’t appreciate the music. During the second set, they switched with their parents so they were sitting in front of me. And in front of -them- was a middle-aged hippy bobbing his head to the music. I don’t blame him, it was a great show. But they kept mocking him and giggling at each other.
Why do you have to be a spoiled brat and ruin the show for people? Why did you even come? Why not take your prissy ass and go listen to some Backstreet Boys or something? No one is going to miss you. No one is looking at you. No one gives a rats ass.
Doc Watson. If you haven’t heard some of his music, I invite you to download two of my favorite MP3’s.
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One Response to “Bluegrass Legend: Doc Watson (A Father/Daughter Date)”
April 9th, 2007 at 7:01 am
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