Full Moon Pickin' and Grinnin'

Jammin' in the horse barn during a rain storm.

I'm often asked by friends planning a trip to Nashville about where to see live music. Of course, the Ryman Auditorium and Broadway are king, but I also mention the Listening Room, Commodore Grille and a few lesser know places depending on the friend's musical preferences. However, one place that I rarely have the opportunity to bring up, but is a very close second for me behind the Mother Church, is the Full Moon Pickin' Party.

It's truly a one of a kind experience.

From the stage at the Full Moon Pickin' Party. 2018 maybe?

The Full Moon Pickin' Party is hosted by the Friends of Percy Warner Park in the beautiful Warner Parks Equestrian Center on the Friday evenings closest to each full moon during the summer season, usually May to October. In short, it's a family and pet friendly bluegrass immersive experience that lets musicians, non-musicians, pro's and amateurs of all musical styles blend and jam together on standard bluegrass tunes in jam circles around the grounds. Yes there are many children and dogs that show up.

At the IMEA Awards with William Lauren Bandy.

When I first arrived in Nashville I started a couple of bands with friends I met through the Pickin' Party. A couple of years later, one of those groups eventually was invited to play the main stage, The Roscoe Dandies. We even won the International Musician and Entertainer Association Bluegrass Group of the Year in 2019. How's that for going full circle? These days, I don't play as much fiddle as I did then, but I do enjoy taking my wife and young son once in a while. Its good to see old friends, jam a bit and hear some great music. Truly, a treasure.