Maple City Fest- part 3

[BGgr...@aol.com]

While there were "thirteen hundred and fifty-two banjo pickers in
Columbus"...I was in Norwalk,Oh at The Maple City Fest..and what a show it
was..(despite the threatening weather and some minor sound problems). LRB...
3TO...Dr Ralph...James King...Dave Evans...and more. Whew!!!!! What a bunch
of fine talent...but...besides the fantastic company of some really fun folks,
the highlight of my weekend was the super performance of The Freight
Hoppers...I'm tellin ya..These kids really impressed me...If you havnt had the
chance to hear or see them and get the opportunity..Please Do...However, if
your expecting to
hear bluegrass..guess again...These kids come straight from the hills..at
least there sound does...Good old traditional mountain music...they repeat the
sounds
of The Carter Family, The Skillet Lickers , Uncle Dave Macon and others from
the early 1900's pre-bluegrass era... Not only do they sound good, but they
perform well... not a boring moment. Frank Lee's clawhammer banjo style will
keep ya hoppin and if that doesnt work keep your eye on David Bass...this
young
man can fiddle, I'm tellin ya...He definitely has his own fiddlin style and
doesnt hesitate to throw in a jig or two. Even tho The Freight Hoppers were my
highlight, Cary and Frank's thrill for the evening was the opportunity to have
Sammy Shelor join them for a tune...
All in all I had a great time....This is one festival thats on my repeat list
and I will definitely be there next year...

Keep on Pickin
and I'll Keep on Grinnin
Charleen