John Check, Tony Shaffer and I played at the Old Johnson County Courthouse on Friday, Oct. 23, as a part of the 90.9 The Bridge, Eclectic Cafe Concert series, hosted by Eddie Osborne.  The series was in support of the New Harmonies Smithsonian exhibit at the Johnson County Historical Society.  From my point of view it was a truly magical night.

Playing in that historical building to a packed house of appreciative folks, and doing it the "old fashioned way" with no amplification and by candlelight, was simply thrilling.  It was a "goose bump" night for me.  I could truly appreciate what it must have been like to perform more than 100 years ago.  Sitting in the audience and enjoying the experience as others performed at the Old Courthouse only confirmed the magical qualities of that venue.

The November 7th Grand Finale concert at Hendricks Hall was also great fun.  It was topped that night only for community spirit by the spontaneous all-acoustic jam session and sing-a-long at the after-party for New Harmonies volunteers downtown at Bodie's, a place with a rich 30+ year musical history of its own.  This community has a wonderful wealth of talented and good-hearted people who I am proud to call my friends and neighbors.  The New Harmonies Historical Society events of the last two months have truly served to inspire a "new harmony" within our community.  Lisa Earle and all of the Johnson County Historical Society volunteers are to be commended for making this a wonderful reawakening of community pride and spirit.  Let's all keep it going!  Support musical diversity and live performances across our community!