We’re on an adventure and a lot has changed. “We” is now five. Kristen and her daughter have moved in, we started a business (By Her Hand Tattoos), and we’re on our first vacation after a busy summer.
The top photo is from a pool pre-party at Bourbon & Beyond, a four-day music festival in Kentucky.
The kids are selling art and offering face painting in RV camping. This isn’t our usual hippie vibe kind of i7event, but we’re bringing a little weirdness to the glampers.
On day one we saw Lone Bellow, Two Runner, Brandy Clark, some of Mavis Staples, Drew Holcomb, a song from Midland, Billy Strings, Brandi Carlile, and…Train.
Bad news first. Train is as advertised. The setlist was artificially-flavored soft-serve vanilla. I’ve never listened to any of their albums, but I knew all but one song. Their covers were uninspired and they targeted me with two bands I despise (Steve Miller and The Eagles). The lead singer commented on the youth of the crowd, “Anyone old enough to remember this one?” Dude. Your first album came out in ’98. I was in college and I’m close to the mean age of the crowd. Your music is incessantly played in commercials and shows.
The performance wasn’t embarrassing, but every song sounded just like it did on FM, which made me wonder why they perform live at all.
The other performers were fantastic. As a bonus, they were all first time shows for me.
Two Runner was a new discovery and trio filled the spacious bluegrass tent with energy.
Billy Strings was as good as many friends have told me. He plays acoustic bluegrass like it’s speed metal and his band is full of musical wizards.
Brandi Carlile had more fun than anyone at the fest, including attendees. Her set was pure, uplifting joy.
The facilities and organization are top tier. The crowd is fairly boring and filthy when it comes to picking up after themselves. We’ve never been to a fest with this type of conventional vibe, but it is very well run.
We’re starting day two and I’ve snuck in a couple snacks. The weather is beautiful and I am super excited to see Wayne Newton this afternoon! His band is setting up and they are in tuxes!
