Picture of the day - April 4, 2008

A fun evening at 'The Pickin' Porch Show'

(L-R) Robby Spencer - Michael T. Carr (Lardo) - Teddy Helton - Mike Hammonds (Burley) Photo by Rick Rouse. The Pickin' Porch Show is famous for the outstanding Bluegrass and Old-Time music that emanates from the stage every Thursday night, but there are usually plenty of laughs to be had as well. As luck would have it, last night's show featured two of the funniest acts ever to take the stage, and Cheria and I were lucky enough to be sitting in the front row as all the barbs were flying! The Moron Brothers took the stage first, and from the very first minute of their set they had the audience doubled over in stitches with their home-spun country humor. These guys could entertain any audience just with their flawless Bluegrass music alone, but with the "Morons" you get plenty of comedy thrown in to boot. Next up was Robby Spencer and good friend Teddy Helton. Both Robby and Teddy are well-known in these parts for their amazing musical talents, but each of them brings something extra to the stage that always leaves the crowd wanting to hear more. A master at Grandpa Jones' distinctive "drop-thumb" clawhammer banjo style, Robby can coax a wider range of sounds from the instrument than anyone else I have ever heard. But what really makes this young man's performances so special is the way he mixes his superb banjo pickin' with a whole heap of "Hee Haw" style corn-pone humor. Always reluctant to step into the spotlight, Teddy Helton is nonetheless one of the most popular and influential people in the world of Bluegrass music. When he isn't busy keeping the Pickin' Porch Show on track, Teddy plays stand-up bass and guitar with the wonderful Celtic group Fire In The Kitchen and the fine Bluegrass band Fast Train. And of course he is always ready and eager to perform with his good friend Robby Spencer (and bear the brunt of Robby's often pointed jokes). At one point during last night's show, Robby and Teddy joined the Moron Brothers on stage for a mini jam-session, proving once and for all that these funny guys can sure turn out some outstanding music. All in all, it was a great night of fun and family entertainment in Bristol, Virginia, and I can't wait to see all of these folks on the stage again!     Visitor Comments... Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA This is a great picture Rick! My middle daughter played the fiddle when she was 5 years old. She played in a couple of contests and won 2nd the first time and 1st the second time. I hated to see her stop as she would have done very well I think. We went down to Weiser, Idaho one time for the Old Time Fiddler's contest. It was a lot of fun!   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!                                 Place the "Picture of the Day" on your website, for free! Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"