the most fun I've had so far...

Last night I joined several friends to go listen to live bluegrass music in Greenwich Village. It might seem like bluegrass musicians would be a little out of place in the City. However, throughout the night more and more musicians joined the "band". They were playing guitars, banjos, mandolins, harmonicas, an upright bass, violins, and a flute. Even with all the different people, they all knew the same songs. With the wide variety of instruments and the many harmonies, it was very impressive. These people were old and young, men and women. At one point at least 15 people were playing and singing bluegrass music.
The night was filled with a variety of bluegrass characters:

• The leader of the group was a guy my age who is a PhD student by day and bluegrass musician by night. He resembled Orlando Bloom. I will admit, he is part of the reason I fell in love with the experience. Even though I later caught him in a private jam session outside, followed by a not-so-private make-out session outside, I still admire his musical talents.
  
• The young and cute harmonica guy wore a harmonica belt aka artillery belt. As one friend said, "He was packing." He had an impressive collection of harmonicas.
  
• There was one very conservative Jewish guy who walked around in his hat and beard, carrying an instrument, but never joining in.
• There was the guy who stood at the back drinking a beer. Of course, when he did finally join in he was really good.

When I first arrived at the Baggot Inn, it was empty. But just as the musicians kept on coming in, so did the audience. By 11pm, the place was packed. I left long after the climax of the evening. Even as the last remaining musicians jammed at their table, I enjoyed the music.
Bluegrass Wednesdays just might be a new tradition...