Tonight I was very fortunate to work an event at the Virginia Historical Society. It was a concert featuring Wayne Henderson, Helen White, and the Dixie Bee-Liners. I have hear Wayne and Helen before and this was my first time hearing DBL, none of them disappointed.
I learned about Henderson a while back when my husband got the book "Clapton's Guitar," which chronicles Henderson's building a guitar and a whole lot more. The book has been on my reading list for awhile and when I learned he would be coming, I started reading it. I was familiar with his picking style from some cds my husband got. I must admit, I had seen Wayne and Helen before, but I did not remember it until a friend reminded me. As it turns out, they played at her wedding, but I had completely forgotten. In my defense thought, I was not familiar with him then.
I could not wait to meet him tonight, eager to see if he was as genuine and friendly as the author made him seem. He was more so. When I was introduced to him, he actually tipped his hat (a Red Sox baseball cap) to me. It has been a long time since someone has shown me that courtesy. Listening to him talk and his his easy country manner made me almost as homesick as seeing the mountains.
He and Helen put on a great show. Their banter on stage was fun and relaxed and made the audience feel like they were sharing an evening with old friends. Their playing was excellent and Helen has a lovely clear voice. When she played "Jenny's Wedding Waltz," I actually got teary. It was beautiful and for some reason made me think of my dad, and home and I guess I just miss them both.
I talked to them both after their set and they were so friendly. Wayne graciously signed my book and also a flyer that will be donated to the VHS. Helen was generous in adding her signature as well. At the end of the night, I got my picture taken with both of them and I was just a crazy star-struck fan. He chuckled when I gushed, "I cannot believe I am here with the famous Wayne Henderson." I may have even embarrassed him with my awe. As usual I talked way to much and giggled the entire time!
The Dixie Bee-Liners were...well, they kicked ass! All the members were excellent musicians, even the 15 year old on the banjo. She apparently only got to rehearse with them today and played this evening's show. Color me impressed! The ladies had great soaring voices that twined together to form a beautiful harmony. The men blended in to make an even more complex sound. Their lyrics fit right in with those of traditional bluegrass, but with some modern sass. I laughed out loud a few times at their tongue-in-cheek lines. They too were just as warm and personable after the show. I hope they will be around for a long time to come and look forward to getting their latest cd.
It was a wonderful night and I hope to see them all again. Best of all it was at the VHS and I was so glad that we were able to host such an awesome event. We had a great crowd and everyone I talked to very happy with the evening.
