iI read a book a couple of years ago called Nomadland by Jessica Bruder. It’s a good book and I think many of my fellow bluegrass fans would enjoy it too because so many of us are nomads at heart. We pack up our stuff and head to every bluegrass festival we can find if we have the time. The book was later made into a movie starring Francis McDormand which won Academy awards for best picture and best actress. I was privildged to view the film, months after reading the book, in a fifth wheel motor home with one of my dearest bluegrass friends. The book and movie are different but both are great,
When we go to bluegrass events, we reach our rendezvous full of other like minded individuals. We park our RVs, pitch our tents, erect our pop up shades, etc. And we make a new home with friends we already know or new friends we meet for the first time at a campground, fairgrounds or other festival venue.
For the past few years we nomads have been all too restricted because of the pandemic. This is no life for nomads like us. I can feel the pent up energy all around to break out of our bubbles to hear live stage music and jam outdoors again together.
I’ve met people at bluegrass events who seem to spend most of their time going from one bluegrass festival to another. I wonder: what did those people do this past year? Bluegrass music is the perfect fit for any nomad who has it in his or her soul to roam our beautiful country in search of adventure. The bonds I see forming as I read my book about “houseless” nomads are no different from the bonds I form when I go to any bluegrass event. I hope we can all get out there again soon and renew those nomad friendships.
If you’ve read this far you might be interested in a theme song for your next nomadic adventure. I have to warn you, the tune I have chosen is not even close to being bluegrass but it was recorded by Mark O’Connor on an album that also includes Bill Monroe, Kenny Baker, Byron Berline, Marty Stuart and Vassar Clements. I have the original Heroes CD and I can assure you the final recoded version is truly mesmerizing. Perfect for driving down the open road in your nomad vehicle headed for your next adventure. The highlighted link appears to consist of recording session outtakes but is equally mesmerizing. Of course the tune is called Nomad.
