ROMP introduced us to both The 23 String Band and Pokey LaFarge in 2012, our first summer in town. It was a literal introduction for 23SB – we talked with them for a while before their after party show at Pioneer Village, and I’m fairly certain I still have Marty’s business card from when I followed them into that house as they were trying to get on stage (sorry, guys.. must’ve been the bourbon that I wasn’t yet used to). We’ve basically been minor groupies and have seen them pretty much every time they’ve been in town. I feel lucky that they signed their Bangin’ and Clangin’ colored vinyl at the last Waterfront Wednesday. Needless to say, it’s a huge bummer that Sunday evening was their final performance. I was a little disappointed about the turnout, but I suppose that a Sunday afternoon is a tough time to draw a huge crowd, even if it was the end of the Festival of Riverboats. People came trickling in for Pokey later on, and he delivered an equally stellar performance. What I love about him is that I don’t even know most of his songs but every time I see him I can dance and jam right along as if I do.
So, cheers to you, Belle of Louisville for turning 100. And a toast to Chris, Scotty, Marty, Dave & Curtis – we hope to see you all around doing awesome things!
-Brittany
Live Music Louisville 