A Bluegrass Oasis

Toady, on my way back to school from lunch at crown center, I ran into a bluegrass jam outside Hallmark headquarters. It was such a rare sight; a group of about 10 musicians playing bluegrass standards from memory. Besides the man playing washboard--who looked like he hiked up from the Ozarks--the entire group was neatly dressed in business atire. Obviously employees of the businesses located near crown center, they all had their name-badges hanging from their skirts and slacks.

There were 2 mandolins, 2 or 3 guitars, 3 banjos, washboard and voice. The musicians ranged in age from early 30s to almost retirement age. Best of all, the music was tight. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a woman, whose plain attire would make her blend unnoticed into any crowd, step forward and play a really hip banjo solo loaded with really great notes.

It's so refreshing to find an oasis of creativity, passion and excitement during the middle of the day. There was almost no one watching, it was just music for the sake of music. My hat goes off to these musicians, who despite the confines of their corporate day jobs, find time to make some awesome music.