Pine Creek on a Thursday Night

Laurie and Mike (and Peter's tongue)

Uriah, Scotty and Pete

Jammin Away

The impromptu "second round" of the bands playing... Totally amazing.

Peter and I were late bloomers to the wonder that is Pine Creek Cafe on Thursday nights. We have some neighbors and friends that are very musically inclined and have repeatedly told us about bluegrass night at Pine Creek (a little town with a church, a cafe and bar, and Forest Service trail access just South of Livingston about 15 miles). The Pine Creek Cafe is a little log cabin with limited seating, a great menu, and the perfect place for a summer lunch. The small "Pine Creek" runs through it and it is very quaint. They have an outdoor pergola area with stage for small summer concerts and in the winter the inside makes for a perfect, small venue for acoustic music.

We finally went last Thursday and talked Mike and Laurie into asking "Mimi" (Laurie's mom) to watch the boys so they could go to. "Mimi" has always been a Saint to Peter and I, but it is official - she rocks!

It was FABULOUS! Little did we know that the "local boys" (and bad ass girl) playing banjos, fiddles, bass, guitars, mandolins, etc. are not small time. They are ridiculously talented, and most of them tour year round on their own or with some pretty big name bands and artists.

They all get together, whoever can make it and just play. The miracle of it all to me (someone who can't hear, sing or play a single note) is that they can pick up and play any song, switch instruments, change keys, and do it all with a few words or nods of the head. They jammed for hours and had us all tapping our toes (almost dancing) and laughing so hard. They stopped at one point in the evening and were all sitting around and then the music started up again - right from the chairs they were sitting in - I think Laurie and I ended up right in the middle of the band - and what did you say Laurie into the microphone that was recording? (hee hee)

It was one of those magical evenings when the mood is mellow, the lighting is right, you aren't thinking about home or work or life, and you can be in the moment, feeling grateful for your friends, soak in all the sounds and sights and just listen, enjoy and taste every last drop of your cold beer(s).

Pure Magic.

We are going back this Thursday and Laurie is bringing Caid and Brad. Jeanette and I gave them a quick refresher in cool bar dancing tonight - the roger rabbit, running man, and the sprinkler move when you gyrate your knee and arm -- We will see how it goes.