Picture of the day - January 27, 2008

An evening at the Carter Family Fold

Every Saturday night the stage at the Carter Family Fold comes alive with the wonderful sounds of traditional Appalachian music, and last night's show featuring Fast Train and Fire in the Kitchen was one of the best ever! The first half of the show featured the music of Fast Train, a fine Bluegrass band that combines strong vocals and flawless instrumentals to create an authentic mountain sound all their own. Throughout the course of the evening they treated the audience to approximately two hours of lively dance tunes, waltzes, and ballads.   Fast Train: (L-R) Kevin Jackson - Teddy Helton - Glenn Harlow - Howard Burchett - Randy Singleton The second half of the show got off to a great start with local favorite Tommy Shortt taking the stage to pick and sing a tune for us. Cheria and I have heard this talented young man perform many times in recent years, and he always does an outstanding job - and last night's performance was probably his best ever!   Tommy Shortt The versatile and ever-popular Teddy Helton took a break from his duties with Fast Train to perform a few songs with "his women". Collectively known as Fire in the Kitchen, this amazing ensemble combines their wonderful variety of musical talents to create a Celtic sound unlike any other, and everyone in the audience last night surely learned why they are one of the region's most popular groups.   Fire in the Kitchen: (L-R) Tammy Martin - Teddy Helton - Debbie Shrewsbury - Linda Walter After Fire In The Kitchen finished wowing the audience with their beautiful music, Teddy and Fast Train re-took the stage to finish out the show, and it sure turned out to be a barn-burner! As always, a great time was had by all at "The Fold" last night, and Cheria and I were blessed to be able to spend it in the company of Phyllis and Gay Helton (Teddy's wife and mother respectively, and two of the nicest people on the planet). All in all, it was a wonderful evening packed with non-stop musical entertainment the likes of which you will find only in the heart and soul of the Appalachians.   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!            Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"