I love performing me and that old guitar, singing, performing, pouring my heart out for a live audience. What a high some snort for it, smoke for it, stick needles in their veins for it all I need is a stage called to the spotlight once again.
I received my first guitar for Christmas when I was five other girls were playing with Barbie dolls while I was learning cords and keys. Music became a big part of my life first performing Amazing Grace at Church when I was seven. I was in the pep band, talent shows, even formed a band so we could play at parties and dances.
When I went off to university summer music festivals became a big part of my life. I would perform anywhere they would let me I was a slut to the music. The act of performing for a live audience is such a great high. I was 20 the summer I loaded my old jeep and headed to the Bill Monroe music park for a week-end of playing music, performing..
The drive was relaxing and fun down those Indiana hi-ways around those Indianapolis bi-ways to those curvy country roads through Brown County. I had my tent and camping supplies this was going to be a great week-end at the Bluegrass Festival. This annual event is held in beautiful Brown County, Indiana at the historic Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground. The Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival is one of the longest running bluegrass festivals in the country. Rhonda Vincent and the Rage were the headliner I loved their music. I was playing the first night at seven a warn up act but I would get a pass for the week-end.
Stopping at the gate I got my pass & badge and was given a map. Finding my campsite I unloaded the jeep, set up my tent, set out the chairs. Music already playing from the stage, people wandering around, the smell of beans cooking filled the air. I passed the time playing my old guitar, I took a nap, then headed to the stage. Sound check went well people setting up their lawn chairs on the hill preparing for the show.
When I hit the first note as the lights came up I was already turned on to be performing chairs and people has far as I could see. The applause caused the usual warm feeling has my juices started to flow. What a great audience when they got up on their feet, well, that was sweet, Finishing my set, I thank the audience.
I hung around backstage listening to the other performers sipping on a cold beer. Then there she was standing at the bottom of the stairs Rhonda Vincent, yes, I was a little star struck. She is gorgeous, luscious blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, perfect breast, long legs. I just starred at her as she passed me headed to the stage.
"Your set was tight," she said in that beautiful voice of hers as she passed me.
My mind trying to catch up to what had just happened. I watched as Rhonda Vincent and the Rage took the stage they started with "When the Angels Sing" a beautiful song I loved the crowd erupting.
Watching them perform from backstage was a dream come true. Rhonda has such a stage presence she owned the crowd. As their set was winding down Rhonda said this "For are last song I would like to bring out a great young performer to help me Sing," turning to the back stage area, "Cheryle will you join me?"
Taking the stage we sang their hit song "Homecoming" my head spinning. At the end of the song Rhonda grab my hand raising our arms in the air the crowd exploding in cheers and applause. Exiting the stage Ronda still holding my hand we walk the short distance to her RV.
