Sunday, March 29, 2009

Shenandoah in Weirsdale, Fl at the Orange Blossom Opry/ March 28/0


Shenandoah in Weirsdale, Fl at the Orange Blossom Opry/ March 28/09

Shenandoah embarked on it's second road adventure for 2009, with a bus load of folks. Guests onboard the "Hillbilly Hotel" included singer/songwriters, Billy Ryan and Tyler Farr, Jake Seales and his buddy, David. John Gee was manning the cockpit and navigated us down to the great little town of Weirsdale, Florida...where we would be playing the Orange Blossom Opry.

We arrived Sat morning around 11 am..ish..We were running a little late but managed to get loaded in and get our soundcheck done in pretty good time. After soundcheck..we ate deli snacks and sat around till our first show, which was at 3:45. There was an opening house band that started around 2 pm. The first show's attendance was a little less that what we would have liked to have seen but they enjoyed the show... and that makes us happy.

After the show was over, we had a wonderful home-cooked meal that included, turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, turnip greens, cornbread, dressing, gravy and dessert...mmmm.. I'm getting hungry all over again just thinkin' back on it.

After dinner..we had a little time to rest or do whatever before the 2cnd show..so I wandered around looking at all of the pics they had on the wall.. of the artists that had played there.. very interesting. They also have a ton of local talent that are regulars at the Orange Blossom Opry..Some of the guys took naps, a couple went to the hotel for showers and I was feeling way too lazy to go back to the hotel..so what did I do?... I washed my hair in the tiny little sink in the bus bathroom..that was a lot harder than I thought it would be! lol

Shenandoah hit the stage again that evening at 8:45 and had a larger turnout than the earlier show and the crowd seemed a little more livelier.. and we appreciated them..appreciating us.
After the show the usual was done...signing autographs and taking pics..sayin' goodbyes and loading the bus.

We all appreciated Earl, Gloria and the rest of the staff for their warm and gracious hospitality and hope they have us back again real soon.

Kudos to Bart Barlettano and Byron Cumbie..our sound and merch guys..who always make it happen.

We arrived back in Nashville on Sunday, mid-morning..all of us knowing...

..another country music adventure had been had by all..

Down the Road...Stan Munsey