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Henry Reed's Fiddle

Jill, Peter and Leslie packed the vanjo and headed out for the 5th Annual Henry Reed Memorial Fiddler's Convention in beautiful Glen Lyn, VA.  This year they were joined by fellow FOB'rs Howard, Jim, Bill B., Katy and Rich from the DC area, Bill L.  and Emily from the Pennsylvania contingent and Steve from the Delaware branch.  Diane and the rest of the Rounders were there as well as Laura and Jamie and Melanie, friends from the Joe Hermann workshop and the North River Mills porch jam earlier in the spring. A good time was had by all.  Howard competed in the fiddle contest with a little help from Jim then Howard, Jim, Jill and Peter, as the Streaky Meat String Band, competed in the old time band contest.  A special treat was getting to see Henry Reed's fiddle, on display and available for playing to fiddlers.  The weather was pretty good and the grounds were well kept.  Chris Via, the mastermind of the festival, was on hand and hospitable as usual. Bill L. brought some of his banjo collection with him for Jill and Leslie to fight over and his 12-inch Chuck Lee was very popular.  Steve had his new (old) Whyte Laydie for us to ogle over and play.  Emily scored some tapes at the flea market and spent quality time with her water colors.  We had some great communal meals and Peter made his famous festival omelets on Saturday morning. We celebrated Peter's tenure and Bill's retirement.  The lightening bugs were in full force again, as were the twinkling stars and aromatic honeysuckle blossoms.  Hope even more folks can join us next year.  It sure is fun.