Well here was a treat. A few months ago I attended a beginner bluegrass jam class hosted by a local teacher and her assistant. About a week and a half ago the assistant ran his hand through a table saw (not wise but he’s fine and should make a full recovery) so the teacher asked ME to be a jam coach for the class and gave me small stipend to do it. Unfortunately I could not do the whole weekend (it was a jam “camp”of sorts) because I left today to go to Australia and New Zealand for 6 weeks…but I had a blast on the day and a half we played. We did a lot of basic jammin’ with a variety of beginner level folks…I was just happy to be able to share some of my limited talent, technique and encouragement along with getting to jam a bit. (The teacher wanted me to play the guitar for much of the class…not my primary instrument but I know enough basic chords to great by.)
You’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s a small world,” right? So there I was helping the teacher with student check-in and a guy walks up with his guitar. Looks oddly familiar but we didn’t say anything. After class he came back to me and says, “I get the idea we’ve met before, maybe at a camp?” After comparing notes it turns out he and I (both from Wisconsin) were at @BanjoBen ‘s April 2022 Cabin Camp near Nashville!
So here’s a funny. I’ve always wanted to own an Ovation Balladeer acoustic/electric guitar and finally bought one about 7 years ago. Yesterday while playing I looked a little more closely at what I thought was just a gain switch…turns out this guitar has a built in tuner in it! I put a battery in it, borrowed a cord and verified the pickup works….then used the tuner for the next tuning adjustment. (I did not jam with the guitar amp’s, trust me.) Total duh moment not knowing this tuner was on this!
I’m gonna end up missin’ my mandos again….cannot do this trip with them. I’ll be fine…gonna stay busy with cycling, hiking, kayaking and (watch this!) maybe even a bungee jump! Just one. And only if there is video to prove I did it. (Hmm, maybe not, we’ll see.)
Have a great Sunday!