Tag Archives: bluegrass

House Party with Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen

This past week I had so much fun at a house party put on by Music City Roots featuring Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen.   Not only did Frank give us some great music he also made us dinner, ginger chicken with rice and this yummy relish… it was truly delish!  Turns out Frank is an excellent cook.  Check out the Live Stream video from the party and you can see Frank shop at Whole Foods and then prepare the meal… he shows off his chopping skills!!   Fast forward to about the 23 minute mark.

The band performed in the man cave, complete with stage, at the hosts house.  I love their sound and am now a huge fan!!  Check out a little bit of them live from the party here!

Somethings cookin' on the stove!! The house smelled yummy!

Somethings cookin' on the stove!! The house smelled yummy!

Sweet chili sauce and relish of local tomatoes, some cucumbers, green onions, peppers...

Sweet chili sauce and relish of local tomatoes, some cucumbers, green onions, peppers...

Ingredients for the ginger chicken.

Ingredients for the ginger chicken. All the food was from Whole Foods.

The cook!

The cook!

MCR's sponsor provided Moonshine for cocktails.

MCR's sponsor provided Moonshine for cocktails.

Waiting for dinner.

Waiting for dinner.

The stage waiting for the band.

The stage waiting for the band.

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Frank serving up the food!!

Frank serving up the food!!

The band.

The band.

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Bluegrass Underground: It Just Keeps Getting Better: Ralph Stanley Takes the Stage

Each time that I leave the Cumberland Caverns after a Bluegrass Underground show I think to myself that was the best show ever!   It is always good.  It is a great place to soak in some wonderful energy!

The cave was full!!  Beyond full really and why not?  Ralph Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys were in the house, cave.   Travis Stinson warmed up the crowd with 1925 along side.  Dana Romanello and 1925 rocked it out or should I say, bluegrassed it out?

Travis Stinson warming up the crowd for Dana Romanello and Ralph Stanley

Travis Stinson warming up the crowd for Dana Romanello and Ralph Stanley

Dana Romanello

Dana Romanello

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Ralph Stanley

Ralph Stanley

A Clinch Mountain Boy

A Clinch Mountain Boy

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There were two things I observed from watching Ralph. Number one: he loves that banjo!

There were two things I observed from watching Ralph. Number one: he loves that banjo!

Number two: the BIGGEST smile I saw on his face as he introduced his wife!

Number two: the BIGGEST smile I saw on his face as he introduced his wife!

A still from his hair raising, "O Death".

A still from his hair raising, "O Death".

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After the show, he signed autographs, posed with fans for photos.... the line was very long.

After the show, he signed autographs, posed with fans for photos.... the line was very long.

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike at Bluegrass Underground

Last Saturday the cave was a rockin’!  The perfect music for February’s installment of Bluegrass Underground at Cumberland Caverns.  Music full of passion, excitement and energy.  You need to listen to Valerie White.  She is a little piece of dynamite.  Her voice is strong and full of spark.  Along with her band Liberty Pike you have a band that is full of excitement.

Valerie along with Becky Buller on fiddle and guitar made me want to be a bluegrass star.  To say they are cool is such an understatement.  Their energy is never ending and once the show is over you are left wanting MORE!   The men of this group provided the calming yang to the ladies ying.  Dave Tousley on bass was as cool as they come and Shane Blackwell must be a guitar legend.  Check out more of Valerie and Liberty Pike.  You will not be disappointed.

Now on to some of my favorite images from their set.  They were so much fun to photograph!

Valerie Smith playing her mandolin at February's Bluegrass Underground

Valerie Smith playing her mandolin at February's Bluegrass Underground

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike jammin' at Bluegrass Underground

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike jammin' at Bluegrass Underground

Soulful sounds from Valerie Smith as she sings her rendition of "I'm Not Lisa" at Bluegrass Underground.

Soulful sounds from Valerie Smith as she sings her rendition of "I'm Not Lisa" at Bluegrass Underground.

Valerie and Becky of Liberty Pike whistling at the end of "Walk Like an Egyptian". This was the second time this song was preformed bluegrass style in Cumberland Caverns at Bluegrass Underground.

Valerie and Becky of Liberty Pike whistling at the end of "Walk Like an Egyptian". This was the second time this song was preformed bluegrass style in Cumberland Caverns at Bluegrass Underground.

Becky Buller of Liberty Pike on guitar.

Becky Buller of Liberty Pike on guitar.

The bass being played by Liberty Pike's, David Tousley.

The bass being played by Liberty Pike's, David Tousley.

The fiddle played by Becky Buller.

The fiddle played by Becky Buller.

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike at Bluegrass Underground.

Valerie Smith and Liberty Pike at Bluegrass Underground.

To see more images and concert information from Bluegrass Underground check them out on Facebook.  Also be sure to check out Mary Claire Crow’s beautiful images of nature.