(Image by Jesse Faatz Photography via Billy Strings Facebook)
Camp Counselor Amanda hit the road to see Billy Strings in the bluegrass state.
The future of bluegrass is changing and Billy Strings is front and center of these changes. This past weekend, Billy Strings debuted new pink hair at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky and showcased three incredible nights of progressive bluegrass for fans of all ages. I was able to attend the Sunday night show on May 23rd. I can’t wait to see the Billy Strings set at Summer Camp Music Festival 2021.
I enjoyed being able to see Billy Strings again after first seeing him perform at one of the drive-in shows in Peoria, Illinois. I feel so fortunate that live music is back, comfortable, and still that amazing place to kick back, relax, and have a good time. Wearing masks and following rules has made this experience safe for everyone who is in attendance and private pods allow for masks to be off while enjoying the show and dancing to the music.
(In loving memory of Adeline Violet Walton, 12/5/2011-12/20/2020)
Music has always been something that moves the soul. This past December my family experienced earth shattering and unthinkable tragedy when we lost our home and our youngest daughter, Adeline, in December. This was my first live music experience after this tragedy and the songs that were sung felt at times as though they were being sung directly to me.
(Image by Jesse Faatz Photography via Billy Strings Facebook)
Billy invited a young man whom he had seen picking a guitar to come up on stage and play two songs of set one with him. Trevor Shepich was a nice addition to the band and his smile could have lit up the entire stadium had it been dark outside. As a Phish fan, to hear Back on the Train was something that brought a simple kind of joy to my life.
Following Back on the Train was Bird Song during which the tears began to flow. You see, Bird Song is something that my little girl and I used to sing together quite frequently. When she would cry as a baby, I always sang this to her. As she grew older and I continued singing it when she would cry, she began to calm herself and sing along with me. This brought back years of special memories in the few moments where I was standing among friends watching the beautiful clouds roll by above the river.
The first set ended and the energy of the crowd could be felt throughout the venue. During the second set, the Help On the Way > Tangled Up in Blue > Slipknot > All Fall Down > Franklin’s Tower jam was one that I will likely never forget. Again, I felt as if this was being played just for me. Bob Dylan was the last concert that I will ever attend with my entire family.
When the music touches your soul and the crowd touches your heart, it is an experience that is as powerful as it is special. I am thankful that this was the first show that I had seen post-December. It was the perfect show for me and the show that I needed to see.
Set List
Set 1
Fire on My Tongue
Morning Light
Slow Train
This Old World
Thirst Mutilator > I Know Your Married (But I Still Love You)
Doin’ My Time
Back on the Train (w/ Trevor Shepich)
Bird Song (w/ Trevor Shepich)
Know It All
Set 2
Secrets
Running the Route > Running
Help on the Way > Tangled Up in Blue > Slipknot > All Fall Down > Franklin’s Tower
Meet Me at the Creek
Encore
Time to Move On
Little Maggie
