As blogs go, the most effective tend to operate around a theme-for obvious reasons. After committing to one thus encumbered for a period I realized that I neither have the attention span nor the drive to dedicate myself to one subject ad nauseum...yet. The only purposes this one serves, therefore, are as an artificial memory (the organic one is a crapshoot, I'm afraid) and a writing exercise of sorts, the benefits of which will hopefully make themselves clear to me at some point in future.
I have recently relocated to Johnson City and started a new degree program. I am still becoming accustomed to starting life afresh in a new town. Luckily it is a great little city and I'm looking forward to exploring it.
The city's culture seems to be shaped around it's history of storytelling, bootlegging, and old-time and bluegrass music. The university even developed a major in bluegrass. It's tempting, but I will resist.
My first taste of great music here, however, was from an out-of-town band called the Blair Street Mugwumps.
"The Blair Street Mugwumps on Myspace"
I was captivated by the diversity of instruments in this band- banjolele, banjolin, kazoo, and washtub bass. The highlight for me, though, was definitely the washboard player. While I don't have much experience judging washboard playing, I can say that it was skillfully and enthusiastically managed and a joy to watch.
They have a website
"Official Website for Blair Street Mugwumps" but it is still under construction.
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