Growing up in the same town as a music festival like Merlefest, you quickly begin to take it for granted. Field trips to the festival to learn about music, specials concerts at the schools, random musicians at the local restaurants. It all becomes part of the norm for a high school kid. It wasn’t until I moved across the country that I realized just how special it was. I guess that old adage of not knowing what you’ve got till it’s gone would apply here. And even though I don’t listen to too much bluegrass or country music these days, it’s hard not to love seeing so many musicians with so much raw talent in one place at one time.

After a six year hiatus, I would return to NC this spring, but this time with camera in-hand and a list of artists. I guess those hometown connections finally payed off.

Here’s a few shots from Merlefest ’11.

I think I was 12 when my dad bought me my first guitar.  We bought it at a pawn shop in my hometown for about $75.  It was a no-name electric and it came with a 15W amp.  The best part was it had an “overdrive” switch.  And when you’re 12, that’s like having an “awesome” switch (actually, it’s still like having an “awesome” switch).  That first electric was a real “piece”, but it got the job done and was the first of many guitars I’ve owned.

Last winter, I had the the opportunity to work with a guitar builder on the other end of the spectrum.  We shot for 6 days, edited for 3 weeks and checked one major goal of the bucket list.

It was a real pleasure working with the guys at Taylor.  Needless to say, they know what they’re doing over there.  Can’t wait to work with them again soon.