Finally, Gus has come for a visit. I took this picture right out our back door today, and it is the first time I have seen Gus in our lagoon. I have been hearing about him since I moved here, and am excited to finally meet him. More on Gus and his kind later…
Aiken for Bluegrass
The old shutters from inside our Hotel Aiken room
Saturday morning, David and I travelled through small town South Carolina on our way to Aiken, where their 2nd annual bluegrass festival was underway. As we climbed from the Lowcountry into the hills, we witnessed the depressed backdrops of southern small town America. While listening to John Prine, his famous line, “there’s a hole in daddy’s arm where all the money goes” took on a whole new meaning while I watched the bleak and forgotten places roll by.
Interestingly enough, between Aiken and Allendale lay the Savannah River Site, which we discovered is government owned land and a hotbed of plutonium production. I keep wondering if there was ever big industry here, but it is hard to tell and looks as if it packed its bags generations ago.
Aiken, on the other hand, is an historically rich and thriving town. The festival attracted some big-time musicians and the town was a buzz, especially outside the Aiken Brewing Company. Their handcrafted beer was a treat, and Aiken definitely caters to beer lovers. To sleep it off, Hotel Aiken boasts a recent total renovation. While it still needs some polishing, the high ceilings, old-school original elevator, shuttered windows, and Peter Rowan wandering the halls in his pajamas, guitar in hand, all added to the charm.
The town is known for its equestrian roots, which were kindly brought to it by northerners who preferred the warm climate in the winter. They liked it so much, they eventually brought their horses and are the source of the equestrian presence there today.
DIY
My friend Alison Leber hosted Fearless Radio’s show Ghetto Boy and Monty this past Tuesday and Thursday. I am listening to her now. And it reminds me…with dedication, and a little bit of technology, the Radio’s door has been completely opened to anyone interested enough to walk in.
My dream is to produce radio. NPR and PRI, in particular. And it reminds me that all I have to do is do it. Just Do It. (Thanks, Dan Weiden…mostly cuz it’s true.) And I want to applaud Fearless Radio for just doing it.
And my girl, Ali, for following her dream of being a stand-up comic, which is probably the most intimidating field EVER.