Jan's BIG adventure!

Here's a photo from the highlight of the day, for sure. Mom & Dad were dancing to the cajun sounds of Beau Soleil ... the band was AWESOME!

Mom & Dad at the original stage. Just chillin' on the lawn!

The Kendrick crew just before going "underground" ... SCARY!

TRAVEL JOURNAL:

On July 11th, I went to Montana with mom & dad for the National Folk Festival. Talk about a party! We left for Butte at the "butt crack" of dawn on Saturday morning. And spent the whole day on Saturday touring around in Butte and listening to some amazing music.

On the way to Butte, we stopped at a terrific little whole in the wall for breakfast. Certainly would have qualified for "Diners, Drive Ins & Dives"! It is called The Calf-A. I had a delicious plate-sized pancake. Dad had some home-ground sausage. And mom had a sticky bun about the size of her head. (She shared with us!)

We saw some amazing groups on Saturday. Without a doubt, the best part of the day came after dark. We went to the dancing stage to see a group called Beau Soleil. They played the best Cajun rhythms that I've ever heard. Earlier in the day, my favorite band was the Jeff Little Trio. Jeff Little can play the piano like nothing I have ever seen. We went to see them twice, they were so good!

On Sunday, we started the day with a tour of the mines. It was fascinating to hear about the history of mining and to experience the working conditions. The tour guide informed us that thousands of men died underground. And lots of others were scarred for life by the machinery used. Or suffered a slow death due to black lung. I couldn't have done that work. I was terrified, especially when our tour guide recreated the situation by having us turn off our headlamps and blowing out the single candle that our group was allotted for the day. I confidently reported that I would have had to be a part of the other largest profession in Butte during that time. The brothels! Don't judge!

Sunday afternoon was filled with more great music, great food, and great company. We even weathered an INTENSE thunderstorm in order to see one of the greatest blues bands I've ever heard. The lead singer was named Magic Slim. I got to be right up and the edge of the stage for his rendition of "Proud Mary" ... we rocked the place! And I danced my butt off! It was fantastic!

It was a great time. And I plan to be back for more fun next year! Thanks mom & pop!