Narrative
"I caught a catfish a day or so ago and it had a tick on it!" So went a comment from one of the Marietta Festival participants on Friday evening. A means of describing the very dry conditions that have existed in the Marietta, GA area for the past few weeks. Also a metaphor in describing my recent drought of good bluegrass music. For me, that drought ended with a great two days of music...unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the parched lawns and beautiful landscape of this North Georgia region.

The spring and fall Marietta bluegrass festivals have long held a special place in my heart. The spring festival seems to herald the beginning of the bluegrass season and the fall 'get-together' brings about the finishing touches. And Billy and Faye Johnson always seem to know just exactly what to do and how to do it right. Even with a bout of poor health, Mr. Johnson was even more busy that usual this year as he joined in to play some excellent bass for several groups on Friday evening and Saturday. I know those groups felt honored.

My trip down to Marietta was rather uneventful other than the usual anticipation of getting to socialize with my many friends in the area as well as knowing that I would also make several new acquaintances. I was not disappointed...immediately ran into good friend Mike Fleming (who was acting as MC) and other members of Brush Fire. The Farleys and Pass Time were performing - I am looking forward already to visiting Armuchee on the Memorial Day weekend. And then there were the members of Bluegrass Five...a group including three members of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Honor - J.N. and Onie Baxter and Howard McGwire - can he ever pick that bass AND guitar! Then came Beth Shuler and members of the Rocky Top bluegrass band (and the excellent Rocky Top festivals)...I know I am going to leave out folks, but I have to mention Harold Cowart - playing banjo with several groups (and also promoter of the Southern Breeze Festival near Rome, GA), members of Georgia Bound - always a pleasure to get to see and hear - and Gene and Johnnie Daniell taking care of the sound - you know that will be excellent - none better anywhere! And one special moment happened outside the stage area when I came upon three of the finest banjo players that I know of anywhere - Jim 'Duck' Adkins, Mark Bramblet, and Kerry Warbington. I was lucky enough to get a couple of great photos for the candids section of this web site. Truly, three heavyweights of bluegrass musicianship!

Saturday morning was a time to get to visit a bit more with Mr. and Ms. Johnson. I was then able to get out to the jamming area for for some great music. Gene Roberts and Tiny Morris - are there any two folks who enjoy the music more AND who are better at it? I think not...Perhaps the most special moment came when I happened up on a small jam session with Estill Nicholson and Joyce Carey...guitar and mandolin...quietly doing several old hymns and gospel numbers - 'I Saw the Light,' etc. You will find a photo of this session on the index page for this Spring Festival. To me, this photo represents perhaps better than words can interpret just what this festival is all about. Mr. Nicholson (Estill) suffered some health problems here last fall and it was terrific to see him back with us and going strong this year.

The afternoon and evening provided more great music - both onstage and outside in the jam sessions. I should mention the great crowds for the stage shows on Saturday. I know the performing groups were appreciative....

All in all, a great festival! Perhaps many of us were a bit more reflective this year...but when all is said and done, the music is there as a constant...may it always be so!

Bill Brown, Ed.D

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