Into It
Mandolin player Don Julin was into his music when I saw him at the Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, SC. He and his band were absolutely incredible, as was the entire bluegrass festival. A must see music festival!
Don JulinmandolinbluegrassmusicGreerAlbino Skunkmusic festival
Broken
This street musician explained that the broken bone tattooed on his left ring finger symbolized his divorce. The pain in his voice was immediately apparent in his music.
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Star Power
Woody, of the Sufi Brothers, in Asheville, NC strums his well-worn guitar in a local bar.
MusiciansPortraitSufi Brothersguitarmandolinviolinstreet performerstreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC
Dobro
Tim, a member of a North Carolina band, was playing on the sidewalk in Asheville, NC when I came upon him. He plays an eclectic mix of everything from Neil Young to country. After he put down his guitar, he picked up his dobro guitar, which he taught himself to play, and began making incredible music. He told me the story that he'd already bought his pics and slide, wanting to learn to play the dobro, when he pulled off the highway due to a traffic jam. He saw a guitar store, walked in, and an old 1970s, beat up dobro guitar was for sale. He bought it, and has been playing the dobro ever since.
MusiciansPortraitstreet performerguitartfm0722yahoo.comstreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC
Gypsa
I met Gypsa walking down Broadway in Asheville, NC. She explained that she was a photographer in a previous life, and felt more comfortable behind the camera than in front. I finally convinced her to let me take her photo, and she struck this pensive, shy pose.
MusiciansPortraitstreet performerguitargypsaliahgmail.comtattoostreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC
Musical Rings
A street musician in Asheville, NC entertains the crowd.
Stomp
Jason, one of the Sufi Brothers, simply can't resist stomping his feet when he gets into one of their songs.
MusiciansPortraitSufi Brothersguitarmandolinviolinstreet performerstreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC
Duet
These partner street musicians in Asheville, NC immediately opened up when we started talking. It was as if we'd known each other for years, and their immediate connection with people was readily visible in their music on this warm summer night.
MusiciansPortraitstreet performerbekihorneryahoo.comguitartattoostreet musicianmusicanAshevilleNC
Smooth
I heard Henry's music long before I found him in Asheville, NC. As soon as I got out of my car for a long day of wandering the streets, I heard the smooth sound of his saxophone. I walked and walked, letting the notes guide me, until I finally found him. He's definitely from another, and oh so cool, era.