Sakes alive them Nickel Creek kids are good at the music.
Jenn and I went to see them this weekend at Samford University and I think that my foot will never stop tapping again. No really.
I've seen them once before at City Stages (a local music festival) but only for a few minutes and from pretty far back. This time I saw the whole concert and we sat so close I could see the woodworking details of Chris Thile's mandolin. They rocked out, throwing in new stuff with all the songs on teh first two albums, and improvising the whole way. At some points it turned into an all-out jam, just rediculously awesome. They did one song that was a continuation of the Lighthouse's Tale, and a version of The Fox that involved almost 10 minutes of solos. After the show they came back for an encore and did a no-mic tribute to Elliot Smith. At that point it was like we were all just hanging out with Nickel Creek. No mics, and they were just talking to the crowd about an artist they loved, too. It was incredible. They played for Samford's Homecoming, and there is an interesting reason why. About five years ago, when they were still relatively unknown, they came to Samford and played in the Cafeteria to a crowd of around 150 students. The reception was so warm they came back to a sold out crowd of 3,000. Thats alot for such a small school. Anyway, the show was unspeakably cool, and I saw it with my lady, making it that much better. Awesome weekend.
After the show Jenn saw a friend of hers and we talked for awhile. Jenn's friend's husband is a Luthier, and I have been wanting to get into instrument making for the last few years. Its one of those things I really want to do but know I don't have the time, money, tools, or facilities to carry out. But that changed at least a bit when I talked to this guy. He pointed me to Stewart MacDonald instruments, a website for luthiers and beginners. It has some high quality kits for sale. I have been wanting a Banjo, and this might be a way to afford one and also start making instruments. Time will tell if I have time. I guess we'll see.
Beyond that, its back to the school week. I have more exams and papers coming up, the story (though not a bad one... I love what I do) of my life.
My sister has updated her site! Check it out. It hasn't happened in awhile.
My brother Geoff has redesigned his site, and his wedding pics are all there. Check that out too.
Once last thing... the members of Nickel Creek are all 22 years old. I'm 22 years old. Its crazy to think that. At least to me. I guess you'd have to be me to think how crazy it is. Sigh.

Also, keep Jenn's family in your prayers, thoughts, meditations.

I hope everyone is well.
Peace,
Joe