Mrs. Evelyn White's Christmas Party, 2008 Smithfield, Virginia

Though I have been invited too many times to count, this was my very first visit to Mrs. White's Christmas Party.  Let me assure you it won't be my last!  Mrs. Evelyn White passed away nearly six years ago, but this Christmas Party had become such a tradition that her daughters Darlene Bell, Pat Jarvis and Wanda Griffin wanted to continue to present this wonderful gathering, which by the way, has been a occurring, mainly on the third Saturday of December, for about 40 years.  Darlene told me she couldn't be sure how long, but she said the party has been going on since she was a kid.  Now, she did the math, not me!  Mrs. White dearly loved Bluegrass music and watched over the proceedings with great interest.  I am told she is a member of the same service organization I have been accused of heading up.  She was a member of the Bluegrass Police and she would tell any band that strayed too far from Bluegrass that if they didn't play just Bluegrass they wouldn't be invited back.  As a matter of fact she was called Mrs. Bluegrass.  In the beginning all of the food and drink was paid for and supplied by Mr. & Mrs. White, but as the party grew the expense was just too much to bear, so for quite some time now most everyone who attends will bring some sort of covered dish or dessert.  The food was great and plentiful.  Now, to the music.

When I arrived shortly after 2PM Some Assembly Required  was already on stage performing their own distinct style of acoustic and Bluegrass flavored music.  They announced that they had a CD in the works and expected delivery in time for the Cabin Fever Pickin' Party.  Leo said they would have a CD release party as part of Cabin Fever.  Next up was

 The Willow Creek Bluegrass Band. (I'm thinking I may have the order of appearance mixed up here, but the photos are correct.)  Willow Creek has been working very hard and their performance showed it.  After Willow Creek came the 

Flatland Bluegrass Band.  Randy Grigg and the band present a very pleasant and invigorating show.  Following Flatland was

Code Blue.  Bud and the guys always present a fast moving program of Bluegrass interlaced with a generous amount of humor.  Following Code Blue was a band I was quite unfamiliar with.  I'm glad i got a chance to hear

Roan Mountain.  For a relatively new band these folks had their music down and presented a fine set of Bluegrass.  Harbor Town was up next and gave us a really fun and fast moving set of fine Bluegrass.  After Harbor Town we were treated to an unexpected appearance of the group Salt Marsh.  Not knowing the groups of this area of Virginia I was unaware of Salt Marsh, but from the reception they received they must be a well loved group in the area.  The last group to play was Highway 35.  Highway 35 is comprised of folks from the Courtland/Franklin area of Virginia.  They did a super job and closed out the evening with style.

I'd like to thank Mrs. White and her daughters, Darlene, Pat and Wanda for inviting me over and over.  I am sorry I took so long to show up.  I'll be back next year, for sure!