I'd Rather Be in Some Dark (Hemlock) Hollow

I've been remiss in not giving a shout-out to Hemlock Hollow, a hard-working four piece band comprised of four of our best friends. Roger Wilkinson (Samurai insurance man by day, high lonesome sounding singer by night) leads the band, plays guitar and sings. His wife, Chris, plays the mandolin in a style more reminiscent of BB King than David Grisman -- wait, wait, I can justify that. She doesn't play thousands of notes, but the ones she plays are the right ones, giving the tune the mandolin flavor without a lot of busy junk. On guitar and vocals, the Don himself, Don Judy, who is in a lot of ways responsible for my interest in playing the guitar. I first heard Don playing at The Apocalypse
Coffeehouse on Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown back in the day. Later, Joreen and I were in The Cards with Don. Rounding out the foursome is Mike Miller on bass and vocals, who also plays in Jury of Five with my brother Steve. On occasions, Mike has a conflict like he did Friday night, and so there I was:

in my tie-dye glory, wardrobe courtesy of PK (thanks again, man).

Husband and wife musician teams are dear to my heart. If you can be in a band with your husband and not put a frying pan through his skull while he's sleeping, you're an uncommonly strong woman and to be highly commended.

These photos were taken by our good friend Bob Martin at the Middle Ridge Tavern. Bob is the kind of friend whose smile can lower your blood pressure. Yes, Bobby, you're that cool. Bob is also a bass player and I suppose de facto Webmaster for Hemlock Hollow at the following link:

www.myspace.com/hemlockhollow

Make it a point to catch the Hemlock Hollow if you want to hear a tasty blend of old bluegrass, sixties country rock, and just good tunes. Roger's voice was always good, but all this gigging has given it more strength and confidence. Don and Mike can harmonize anything anytime and make it look easy, and Don solos like he means it. It's always fun when we play together. Another thing about this band: their following are the kind of people you want to hang with, like Warren and Karen Newman. Before you know it, you'll be a Hollowhead too.

By the way, the Middle Ridge Tavern is out in the middle of nowhere but they have this Kalamazoo Stout which is one of the best I've ever tasted, expensive and worth every penny. It's like drinking a loaf of homemade bread. Nice place, good food, cool clientele. If you want to drive there don't trust the Mapquest directions. They're whacked. Link: http://www.middleridgetavern.com/