Apre' Ski Party Deluxe

One of the strongest memories of my childhood were the gatherings of friends and family members all coming together with musical instruments (could be just a bongo or a pair of spoons) and belting out songs at the top of their lungs.  A hometown hootenanny, if you will.  Trust me, other than one uncle who was actually a member of a barbershop quartet (yes, they showed up as well) no one could carry a tune.  Never-the less, singing and dancing by all ages lit up the night.

These memories returned in flood stages this past weekend when a few friends and family members of my own decided to visit a local restaurant to hear another friend perform.  It was lightly snowing outside, the room was packed with casual diners and soon the music began.  And what music!  Guitars, fiddles, mandolins, harmonicas (just two musicians) pulled together to present a lively and wide range of tunes.  ”What do you want to hear?” encouraged Ike.  ”Call ‘em out!”  ”Requests” And boy, did they.  Johnny  Cash, Neil Young, Elton Bishop, Britney Spears (yup) and on and on.  Old and new.  And before you knew it, the entire audience was singing along at the top of their lungs, sharing in the simple joy of music.  Heck, my new young friend Aaron (my guess is age 12ish?) downloaded a Zippo lighter on my IPhone so that I could join in on the waving of the light.

It was a great night. Living and working in Lake Tahoe can be such simple joy.