Day 20 - My first day at Galax

---

Tuesday

Jackson and I checked our internet in the morning.
After lunch Martha, Jackson and I drove to Galax Fiddlers Convention
We met up with Debbie and Martha's family and watched the competition.
Did some jamming that night and got to meet up with a few of Martha's friends, including Jeremy, Stevie, Brett, Jerry Lee. Martha seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew her!
We had a late night jam with a previous member of the Whitetop Mountain Band, Spencer Pennington. He was in good spirits and it was good to meet him.
We then met John Lohman, Virginia State Folklorist, who took us for a ride in his new van.
Quite an exciting day and my first taste of Galax. It is a great place to be.

We got back to Jackson's place probably about 3am, so it was a very long day!

---

Photos

Martha on the Banjo
This is a great photo of Martha playing the Banjo. Warming up before heading off to Galax.

Arrival in Galax
One of the first people I met at Galax was Jeremy. He is a great guy and fantastic musician as well.

Kilby warming up
Kilby getting ready to play in the Old-time Fiddle competition. He played Whoa Mule.

Taking a seat at the Grandstand
Debbie and Jackson in the foreground

Food Stalls
They call them Concessions in America

The Whitetop Mountain Band
It's strange to see them without an instrument in their hands!

The campground
This is bluegrass and old time music on a grand scale. People come from all over the world, including Australia.

Thornton and Martha
This was an amazing experience to be jamming with the Whitetop Band at Galax.

Ersel at Galax
Where ever there is a jam, you'll find Ersel in the middle.

Late night jam with Spencer
Probably about 2am, we had a nice pick with Spencer and Jeremy. It was good to meet Spencer. He is quite a character.