“Learn to trust the journey even if you do not understand it. Sometimes what you never wanted or expected turns out to be what you need.” ~ Unknown
We were walking through the Indian Fort Theater forest admiring the crafts of many gifted artists when I heard a familiar sound. I pretty much dumped Stacy and Kelly to find it, and sure enough there they were – The McLain Family Band – singing their beautiful harmonies again. You may recall that I just saw them for the first time at Shakertown just about three weeks ago. With that post, my friend Rose Conley Howell pointed out that the banjo player, Daxson Lewis, is from Morgan County and had worked with her as a young man (younger than he is now because he’s still young by my standards). Back at Shakertown I had fought the urge to go talk to the band because I was having a shy day, so when I saw them yesterday I vowed to get over myself and say something. And look at what a sea of smiles greeted me! When I introduced myself, Daxson knew who I was, not from my stint with music, but because he has some of my photos of the old Cannel City School on his wall. I was incredibly honoured by that. Of course, that was about the time I realized the rest of the band was waiting on me to shut up so they could keep playing, but I didn’t let that happen until photo number three was under my belt. It’s about the best multi-person selfie I’ve done so far, and it is so, so fun. They’re a sweet, obliging bunch for sure. I stood and listened to the band for some time and every song was wowing with musical virtuosity. The harmonies are so tight. I’ve posted just a couple of video captures from my phone below so you can hear just how good they are. Brother Raymond McLain was with them at Shakerttown but absent yesterday in case you are wondering where the fifth person was. I didn’t leave him out of the pictures on purpose. Maybe he’ll get to meet me next time. <insert laughter here> Let me tell ya, meeting Daxson and talking to him just a short bit absolutely made my day. I look forward to running into him and the McLain’s again. At this rate, it should be in about three weeks.
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