LJWorld.com weblogs Linda's Backroad Musings
Posted
by Linda Hanney
September 24, 2010 at 2:04 p.m.
By Special Consensus, an evening of bluegrass
In my opinion, there is no better live music concert than good bluegrass. Tickets are surprising affordable as are the popcorn and homemade pie. At least that was how it was Thursday night in Valley Falls, Kansas.
The Special Consensus, a bluegrass band “with an attitude” based out of Chicago played there on a layover from Missouri to Colorado. The audience was receptive and warm. The fact that this band is incredibly talented is one reason. There is another.
All bluegrass music enthusiasts in the region are familiar with the talented Faris Family. According to their web site, they have now retired as a touring group. Rick Faris, who primarily played guitar in their band, now plays mandolin with the Special Consensus.
The impressive talent bios of Rick and the other members of the Special Consensus show solid background in all music. They play traditional bluegrass as well swing renditions of big band numbers. Bluegrass and swing? It is a beautiful combination. Also, on their web site, I highly recommend listening to their number, “Land Up in the Air” for a no instrument gospel song that highlights the tight harmony in all their songs during the evening. In addition many of their songs were original, written by the obviously young members of the group. Perhaps the reason for their self-described “attitude.” Maybe a more modern beat but with traditional undercurrent.
After the break, in a surprise move, four of the Faris family members came up to the stage and played two numbers. I think most of the audience were long time friends of the family and their performance brought cheers with a standing ovation.
The program kept its upbeat tempo right up to the end making us feel fortunate to have been a part their layover in the Faris family stomping grounds.
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- On the street: How did you spend your Memorial Day? May 28, 2012 · 37 comments
- District Attorney Charles Branson to run for third term May 29, 2012 · 13 comments
- National group seeks repeal of 'Stand Your Ground' law in Kansas May 27, 2012 · 165 comments
- Information gap May 29, 2012 · 2 comments
- Experts: Remedial college classes need fixing May 28, 2012 · 19 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012 · 275 comments
- Poll: Have you ever considered running for public office? May 29, 2012 · 1 comment
- U.S. military sees new appreciation May 28, 2012 · 46 comments
- Blog: Iranian Nuclear Energy: Will It Destroy Lives Or Save Them? May 29, 2012 · 4 comments
- Tax gamble May 26, 2012 · 94 comments
- Kansas tax act most regressive in nation May 27, 2012
- Thread of pain ran through Jackson’s career June 28, 2009
- Friends mourn Lynn Bretz, former voice of KU May 28, 2012
- Hilltop executive director Pat Pisani stepping down May 28, 2012
- Town Talk: UPDATE: Frank Male files for county commission; keep an ear open for local sales tax talk; city hires new city engineer; wholesale water district buys land near Kaw; weekly land transfers May 29, 2012
- How to help: Guides needed for Lamplight Tour of Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park May 27, 2012
- Library kicks off reading program May 27, 2012
- City, county mull upgrade to emergency radio system May 28, 2012
- Town Talk: UPDATE: Thellman files for re-election to county commission; News of salvage yards, curbside recycling and a pig May 25, 2012
- Fraternal reorder: Clubs, lodges face dwindling membership in modern world January 10, 2010
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Sounds delightful, Linda. Lucky everyone who were there for the entertainment - natural and man made. I'm going to go listen to your suggestion now. Thanks.
Btw, do you like paw paws?
femail (Linda Hanney) says…
Ronda, I don't know if I like paw paws even though we have several trees. The animals always get to them first. Maybe I should try harder to get them.
justbegintowrite (Ronda Miller) says…
Yes, if you end up liking them, you'll be glad you did. I'm experimenting with them to find out how well they freeze. If they do, I'll have to beg from your source so I can make paw paw protein drinks and smoothies.