Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Thirty years after they broke up, the Russellville High School band, Mountain Breeze, reunited recently for a concert to benefit Kerry Gilbert.  It was amazing. Special guests included The Secret Sisters.   I can't think of a better way to spend a cold Saturday night than in a packed auditorium with people we love, listening to our favorite music. It was a night we will long remember.  I am so thankful we were able to attend. 

Saddle Up For St. Jude   at the Gardiner Farm near Tuscumbia, Alabama, July 18, 2015.

The Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Russellville, Alabama, Friday, August 15. Watermelon royalty. Lots of watermelon to enjoy. Best steak sandwich ever. Estimation of the crowd: between four and five hundred thousand. Just guessing. Rewind. Kerry Gilbert, KGB.  Ask him about the hat. Wayne Walker, KGB. Mitchell Curtis, KGB Cains Trio. The watermelon festival continues today with a car show this morning, arts and crafts, and watermelon contests. There is music throughout the day, including Sammy Kershaw tonight at eight.   

Friday night was perfect for some outdoor entertainment.  FAME Girls Ranch Round-up is an annual benefit for the work of the ranch near Russellville, and we were able to attend this year.   The show opened with beautiful singer/songwriter, Hannah Aldridge and her band.   In a rare performance, legendary music producer Rick Hall entertained us with some mandolin playing and stories.     His rendition of the old hymn, It is Well With my Soul , was simply amazing. Mr. Hall was joined by local favorite and brilliant guitarist, Hugh Banks.   The show ended with my favorite local band, the KGB. We get to hear them frequently, and they always put on a fabulous show.   I can't think of a better way to raise funds for such a worthy cause.