This is a snapshot of me with perhaps the World's premier banjoist, Bela Fleck. He attended the gathering as not to perform, but simply to learn from the others. Neat guy.
Friday, April 15, 2005
jamming
This photo was taken at the Black Banjo Then & Now Gathering in Boone, NC last weekend. For 4 days, I attended seminars, discussions, concert, and jam sessions centered around the African-American origins of the banjo and related music. There were people literally from all over the world there. I made friends of many ages, cultures, and races. It was a great experience. I'm jamming with some other folks in this one. Hunter might say this is folkin steve at his best.
ToysRus
This is at Toys R Us during the midnight madness event, when the new Star Wars toys came out. 14 of us went after a Campus Crusade for Christ event in Charlotte. Here I am pulling my Yoda out of the box it was shipped in. Lots of fun.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Dr.Ellis & me
This is Dr. Rex Ellis, Vice President of the Historic Area at Williamsburg, VA. He is also with the Smithsonian. He's written on the history of the banjo, and much of the history I know I learned from his writing. I ran into him at Williamsburg this Feb. We got to talk and jam for a while.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
1800sStephen
This photo was taken after a black history month event our group did at Winthrop. I'm in mid-19th century attire with the gourd banjo David made.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Haulin'
This is a photo of Hunter and me with Duke Devlin, who is on the first season of Town Haul, which airs Saturdays in January/February. The first season was filmed in Jeffersonville, NY - which is about 7 miles from Woodstock. Hunter and I had read about Duke on the internet, so we were very excited to meet him. He went to Woodstock in '69 and never left. On the show, Duke lead a group of people who fixed up an apartment for a disabled man who had to ride a wheelchair to the outskirts of town before. The man, Cowboy Bob, gave Duke a puppy in appreciation. That's the puppy in the picture. Cowboy Bob and Duke named their dogs after one another.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Town Haul
This is a pic of me with Trading Spaces/Town Haul host Genevieve Gorder. We were working on the amphitheatre project when this was shot. Town Haul is at 10:00 pm on Saturdays. The Laurens episodes start March 5.
Ski
Hello All,
It's been a while since I updated this thing. A lot has happened! December was a very busy month for me. Toward the end of the semester, I had to do some staying up all night working on art projects. It got very hectic the last few days, and then it was sweet relief. I had a great first semester of college, but I was so glad to go home for a while. Right when I got home, I started helping out with The Learning Channel show that was filmed in Laurens, Town Haul. The show is going to be about the community coming together to work on big projects. TLC was there for about a month, and the left us with a new riverside amphitheatre, a playground, miniature golf course, a farmer's market, refurbished historical barber shop, a teen coffee house, and other cosmetic improvements like a courtyard, refurbished facade of a century old building, and two old murals revitalized on our town square. I got to work on most of the projects in some way, helping other volunteers scrape bricks from the old mill, build playground equipment, plant trees, and other things. At the unveiling of the amphitheatre, our group of Thursday night pickers got to play a song - right before they brought out surprise quest Hootie and the Blowfish. It was an awesome night. I met many people around town that I had never met, and became closer to others. It was so awesome to see people putting so much effort into the projects, so eager to build up the community.
Christmas came quick, and it was a good one. I had a great time at the two large family gatherings, on both sides of the family I'm blessed with grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
After Christmas came and went, I went on the annual church ski retreat in West Virginia (a beautiful state!) We had an awesome time, ringing in the new year with so many friends. I fell on an advanced slope and twisted my knee a bit. It's better now.
I got to spend time with some family and friends between that and coming back to school. I'm settled back in very well, and feel even better about this semester now that I know what things are like. It was also good to see friends that I haven't seen in about a month.
It's been a while since I updated this thing. A lot has happened! December was a very busy month for me. Toward the end of the semester, I had to do some staying up all night working on art projects. It got very hectic the last few days, and then it was sweet relief. I had a great first semester of college, but I was so glad to go home for a while. Right when I got home, I started helping out with The Learning Channel show that was filmed in Laurens, Town Haul. The show is going to be about the community coming together to work on big projects. TLC was there for about a month, and the left us with a new riverside amphitheatre, a playground, miniature golf course, a farmer's market, refurbished historical barber shop, a teen coffee house, and other cosmetic improvements like a courtyard, refurbished facade of a century old building, and two old murals revitalized on our town square. I got to work on most of the projects in some way, helping other volunteers scrape bricks from the old mill, build playground equipment, plant trees, and other things. At the unveiling of the amphitheatre, our group of Thursday night pickers got to play a song - right before they brought out surprise quest Hootie and the Blowfish. It was an awesome night. I met many people around town that I had never met, and became closer to others. It was so awesome to see people putting so much effort into the projects, so eager to build up the community.
Christmas came quick, and it was a good one. I had a great time at the two large family gatherings, on both sides of the family I'm blessed with grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
After Christmas came and went, I went on the annual church ski retreat in West Virginia (a beautiful state!) We had an awesome time, ringing in the new year with so many friends. I fell on an advanced slope and twisted my knee a bit. It's better now.
I got to spend time with some family and friends between that and coming back to school. I'm settled back in very well, and feel even better about this semester now that I know what things are like. It was also good to see friends that I haven't seen in about a month.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Thanksgiving Break
Sorry about not posting for a while - I've been pretty busy. There have been many late night art projects going on this month. I've also been home a good bit this month.
A few weeks ago I saw the movie Ray with Laura and HS Spanish teacher Mr.Ballenger - it was good.
Also recently, there was a meeting in town about the upcoming show Town Haul, which will be filmed in December. The Learning Channel will be airing a show early next year featuring our town as the show. It will involve volunteers working together on projects that will benefit the community. They will also be helping us get a lot of things done downtown that we've been needing for a while. There is much excitement around town right now, and I'm excited about being able to help.
On the 21st, I had my Eagle Scout Board of Review. It went well and I was approved to become an Eagle Scout. I'll have a ceremony early next year.
Thanksgiving Break was a lot of fun. I spent the night before Thanksgiving with Nanny. We woke up in the morning and worked on lunch while watching the parade. After we were all through on Dad's side, we went to Mom's side and had supper. Friday I went to downtown Greenville with the Holmes family. Saturday morning I got up at 4:30 and left for the Mall of Georgia with Mom and some friends. We shopped all day and then Mom dropped me off at the Handlebar in Greenville. There I met Dad, Hunter, and our friend Bob. We went to see Bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley. The opening act was a group of friends, the Blue Ridge Rounders. After they played some great Old-Time tunes, Ralph came out with his Clinch Mountain Boys. They did several great pieces together, then Ralph played a great clawhammer tune. After that he was all tuckered out. He left the stage but his son led the group in several more songs. It was a great show, and fun ending to the break.
Click Photo for larger version:
1st - Hunter & Me with Dr. Ralph
2nd- The Blue Ridge Rounders
3rd- Ralph playing Clawhammer style
A few weeks ago I saw the movie Ray with Laura and HS Spanish teacher Mr.Ballenger - it was good.
Also recently, there was a meeting in town about the upcoming show Town Haul, which will be filmed in December. The Learning Channel will be airing a show early next year featuring our town as the show. It will involve volunteers working together on projects that will benefit the community. They will also be helping us get a lot of things done downtown that we've been needing for a while. There is much excitement around town right now, and I'm excited about being able to help.
On the 21st, I had my Eagle Scout Board of Review. It went well and I was approved to become an Eagle Scout. I'll have a ceremony early next year.
Thanksgiving Break was a lot of fun. I spent the night before Thanksgiving with Nanny. We woke up in the morning and worked on lunch while watching the parade. After we were all through on Dad's side, we went to Mom's side and had supper. Friday I went to downtown Greenville with the Holmes family. Saturday morning I got up at 4:30 and left for the Mall of Georgia with Mom and some friends. We shopped all day and then Mom dropped me off at the Handlebar in Greenville. There I met Dad, Hunter, and our friend Bob. We went to see Bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley. The opening act was a group of friends, the Blue Ridge Rounders. After they played some great Old-Time tunes, Ralph came out with his Clinch Mountain Boys. They did several great pieces together, then Ralph played a great clawhammer tune. After that he was all tuckered out. He left the stage but his son led the group in several more songs. It was a great show, and fun ending to the break.
Click Photo for larger version:
1st - Hunter & Me with Dr. Ralph
2nd- The Blue Ridge Rounders
3rd- Ralph playing Clawhammer style
Monday, November 08, 2004
Incredible
A new week is here already. The last one was fair, but ended well.
Friday, we had a British rock band. They were called Caffeine. They gave a great show, and then we went out to eat with them afterwards.
Saturday, I went with some friends to see the new Disney/Pixar movie The Incredibles. It was great. After that we ate at Moe's Southwest Grill - superb burrito. Saturday evening, a Jamaican poet came. He was more like a preacher, and the crowd really got into it.
Sunday I went to church, took a long nap, and went to a meeting.
Friday, we had a British rock band. They were called Caffeine. They gave a great show, and then we went out to eat with them afterwards.
Saturday, I went with some friends to see the new Disney/Pixar movie The Incredibles. It was great. After that we ate at Moe's Southwest Grill - superb burrito. Saturday evening, a Jamaican poet came. He was more like a preacher, and the crowd really got into it.
Sunday I went to church, took a long nap, and went to a meeting.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Election
Well Folks, looks like we did it again. Thank God this thing is done. During the last four years, we have seen the country bitterly divided, and it has been most terrible this election year. I truly hope that this time Americans can know that the president was at least elected - and not decided on by judges. I pray that our president - and the legislature - can see the things that have divided us, and start to pull us together instead. Our country stands at a crossroads. We're either going to pull together and move forward - or keep going the wrong way. I'm going to be optimistic, although it is difficult. I fear this election will only make the present leadership feel like things are ok, which gives them no incentive to work for the rest of us. Let's all hope our government can make a new start.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Kingsley
Hello,
This has been a great weekend. I participated in my first living history/re-enactment event. Friday morning, I left with the group (4 others) for Florida. Once we got to the hotel in Jacksonville, we discovered the entire state of Georgia was staying there for the Florida/Georgia game. After going out to eat, we went over all of what we would be doing Saturday. Mostly we practiced lines and group songs. Then we relaxed.
Saturday morning, we all had breakfast and then got dressed in period attire (mid 1800s) Then it was off to the plantation. The event was the annual heritage celebration at Kingsley Plantation, a part of Timucuan National Park on the Sea Islands outside of Jacksonville. We set up our gear in the slave quarters. The remains of several slave houses still stand. They were made of an oyster shell and lime concrete called tabby. The ladies, Dot and Tiffani, cooked typical items of slave diet all day. We had greens, fatback, beef stew, hoe cake, and some good real lemonade (I drank mine from the gourd cup I made) Chuck made brooms, and I played the gourd banjo that David made. Ian, the leader of the group, spent a lot of time answering questions from the visitors. Every once in a while, when a group came along, we would stop and sing a song to the banjo. There were several other speakers and activities throughout the day, and we also had a scheduled event. Our group interpreted "hush harbor" a secret slave worship service. I played Kum Ba Yah and Do Lord while the group sang, and then Ian appeared as a traveling preacher, and gave a firey sermon. At the end, he said, "Jesus is on my left hand, and Sam Walker is on my right" He told the group that Sam was loud friend. "When Sam talks, everyone listens. When Sam talks, the valley echos) Then he introduced the group to Sam Walker, his Colt pistol. He fired the gun and left. After the crowd calmed down, we did a bit of improvisational praise shaking a gourd with seeds in it. The crowd got into it, clapped and hummed. It was a really great day.
Saturday evening, we ate a a great Seafood restaurant, and then returned very tired to the hotel, where all of the screaming drunk Georgia fans showed off the Bush stickers they got at the game. Sleeping was not hard. Sunday morning we left.
Sunday night, we had a Halloween Drive-In movie behind the Coliseum here at school. The movie was the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It was extremley horrifying. After helping take everything down and get it loaded, I returned to the room to finish work for Monday.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Weekend
Hello,
Friday night we had a latino fingerstyle guitarist come to school. It was a pretty good show.
Saturday morning, I was up early with one of my classes for a community service project. We cleared a trail in a neighboring town. After that, I had a meeting with Voices from the Past, the living history group that I'm going to Florida with. When I returned to school from my meeting, Hunter and Jim were arriving from their journey here (it was a journey) We went out around town to different stores and then went out to eat. Then we went to open mic night. Hunter and I played a few songs. After that, I showed them around campus some. We played viedo games with some friends, and then watched movies.
Sunday we went to Historic Brattonsville, a living history village. There was a Civil War Battle that day, and I got to meet several interesting people. We checked out the battlefield encampment for a while, then toured the grounds of Brattonsville, where Jim's ancestors lived. The guys left for home after that. I had a great time.
Friday night we had a latino fingerstyle guitarist come to school. It was a pretty good show.
Saturday morning, I was up early with one of my classes for a community service project. We cleared a trail in a neighboring town. After that, I had a meeting with Voices from the Past, the living history group that I'm going to Florida with. When I returned to school from my meeting, Hunter and Jim were arriving from their journey here (it was a journey) We went out around town to different stores and then went out to eat. Then we went to open mic night. Hunter and I played a few songs. After that, I showed them around campus some. We played viedo games with some friends, and then watched movies.
Sunday we went to Historic Brattonsville, a living history village. There was a Civil War Battle that day, and I got to meet several interesting people. We checked out the battlefield encampment for a while, then toured the grounds of Brattonsville, where Jim's ancestors lived. The guys left for home after that. I had a great time.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Fall Break & More
-Well, It has been a good while since I last posted. A lot has happened...
-Last weekend was Fall Break. I got to come home Thursday night and jam with friends at Crew's Music. After that, I went out to eat with the crew for Julia's Birthday. It was great to see them all. -Friday morning, I left with Dad, Tyler, Hunter, Phillip, Mitchell, Gary, Phillip J, and Marc for the NC Mountains! We stopped at the Waffle House and Diamond Brand Outfitters before hitting the trail outside of Brevard. We started in on the Turkey Pen Trailhead with our backpacks. After hiking a 45 degree angle uphill for a long time, we went down the mountain. We got to the river where the swinging bridge had been washed away with the hurricane weather. So we got to cross it horse-style. It was pretty cold. Just across the river we set up camp. A fire was made, tents and hammocks set up, and food was cooked. We all sat around and chilled before going to bed.
In the morning we hiked out, cleaned up, and got some great North Carolina BBQ, with plenty of vinegar. We figured we had gotten our fill of strenuous backpacking for the weekend, and set up in our family favorite Davidson River campground in Pisgah Forest. After setting up camp, Hunter and I rode to Brevard. We went to Celestial Mountain Music, a great acoustic instrument store owned by some friends-of-friends. I got to play some awesome gourd banjos, and I bought a great shirt (I posted the graphic at the top) We then cruised around the campus of Brevard College, which Hunter is looking at pretty hard. After that we got some groceries and went back to camp. The cold didn't get to us because the guys were busy pushing down dead trees, breaking them apart, and keeping a huge fire going the whole time.
-In the morning, we had breakfast and the guys kept finding pelnty of wood to make big flames with. After visiting some more outfitters stores and eating some Mexican, we headed back. It was a great weekend.
-Monday, I had to go to the dentist. Enough said.
Then, I went to Papa & Grandmother's. We watched a video of a recent family event which was cool. After that I met Nanny for some lunch. It was good to visit my grandparents - who all live in the same town now! The last thing I did before coming back to school was VOTE. Yep, I went down to the courthouse and cast my first ballot. It made me feel very grateful to live in a country where my voice can be heard, without being opressed for it.
-This week I have been busy working on lots of projects and getting ready for my trip to Florida next weekend. It is going to be my first time participating in a Living History event. My main role will be a mid-1800s banjo player. Saturday, Hunter and Jim are coming to stay with me for a night. I'm looking forward to that. Also, Julia called last night and told me she got accepted to my school. Congratgulations pal!
Until next time......
-Last weekend was Fall Break. I got to come home Thursday night and jam with friends at Crew's Music. After that, I went out to eat with the crew for Julia's Birthday. It was great to see them all. -Friday morning, I left with Dad, Tyler, Hunter, Phillip, Mitchell, Gary, Phillip J, and Marc for the NC Mountains! We stopped at the Waffle House and Diamond Brand Outfitters before hitting the trail outside of Brevard. We started in on the Turkey Pen Trailhead with our backpacks. After hiking a 45 degree angle uphill for a long time, we went down the mountain. We got to the river where the swinging bridge had been washed away with the hurricane weather. So we got to cross it horse-style. It was pretty cold. Just across the river we set up camp. A fire was made, tents and hammocks set up, and food was cooked. We all sat around and chilled before going to bed.
In the morning we hiked out, cleaned up, and got some great North Carolina BBQ, with plenty of vinegar. We figured we had gotten our fill of strenuous backpacking for the weekend, and set up in our family favorite Davidson River campground in Pisgah Forest. After setting up camp, Hunter and I rode to Brevard. We went to Celestial Mountain Music, a great acoustic instrument store owned by some friends-of-friends. I got to play some awesome gourd banjos, and I bought a great shirt (I posted the graphic at the top) We then cruised around the campus of Brevard College, which Hunter is looking at pretty hard. After that we got some groceries and went back to camp. The cold didn't get to us because the guys were busy pushing down dead trees, breaking them apart, and keeping a huge fire going the whole time.
-In the morning, we had breakfast and the guys kept finding pelnty of wood to make big flames with. After visiting some more outfitters stores and eating some Mexican, we headed back. It was a great weekend.
-Monday, I had to go to the dentist. Enough said.
Then, I went to Papa & Grandmother's. We watched a video of a recent family event which was cool. After that I met Nanny for some lunch. It was good to visit my grandparents - who all live in the same town now! The last thing I did before coming back to school was VOTE. Yep, I went down to the courthouse and cast my first ballot. It made me feel very grateful to live in a country where my voice can be heard, without being opressed for it.
-This week I have been busy working on lots of projects and getting ready for my trip to Florida next weekend. It is going to be my first time participating in a Living History event. My main role will be a mid-1800s banjo player. Saturday, Hunter and Jim are coming to stay with me for a night. I'm looking forward to that. Also, Julia called last night and told me she got accepted to my school. Congratgulations pal!
Until next time......
Friday, October 08, 2004
6570 days and counting...
Well, today I turned 18. Been around for 6570 days. Good run so far.
I got a lot done...cleaned up, organized, worked on things. I ate with some friends, and went to Wal-mart. With the gift card I got from the group I did the shirt design for, I got the movie Gods and Generals. Its a really long civil war movie, but its supposed to be very authentic and good. It also has a really cool scene with banjo playing in it.
Oh yeah - the photo is from jibjab.com - a website with funny cartoons of different things. I just watched the second debate. It was much more intense than the first one. They got specific on issues, which is something I've wanted to see. They both showed a passion that I have not seen in them yet. There is a movement here to make Samuel L. Jackson president - sounds good to me, he has a PURPLE Lightsaber! haha
I got a lot done...cleaned up, organized, worked on things. I ate with some friends, and went to Wal-mart. With the gift card I got from the group I did the shirt design for, I got the movie Gods and Generals. Its a really long civil war movie, but its supposed to be very authentic and good. It also has a really cool scene with banjo playing in it.
Oh yeah - the photo is from jibjab.com - a website with funny cartoons of different things. I just watched the second debate. It was much more intense than the first one. They got specific on issues, which is something I've wanted to see. They both showed a passion that I have not seen in them yet. There is a movement here to make Samuel L. Jackson president - sounds good to me, he has a PURPLE Lightsaber! haha
Thursday, October 07, 2004
A Wonderful Life...
Last night Conan O'Brien, he compared Edwards and Cheney to George Bailey and Mr. Potter from Capra's Christmas classic, It's A Wonderful Life. I hunted around and found some photos that illustrate the comparison. Humerous.
Tonight I went to a meeting of the Ebonites, where they presented me with a framed copy of the shirt I designed for them. They also gave me some money. Cool. Tommorow, I will be of legal age to buy cigarettes, be drafted, and vote. I hope you all are having a wonderful life!
Tonight I went to a meeting of the Ebonites, where they presented me with a framed copy of the shirt I designed for them. They also gave me some money. Cool. Tommorow, I will be of legal age to buy cigarettes, be drafted, and vote. I hope you all are having a wonderful life!
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Squealin'
Well Hello Folks,
This weekend I got to do lots of fun things. It was Squealin On The Square, our town's annual Barbeque festival. I volunteered at the event, changing the trash barrels with Hunter. We got to ride around on a golf cart Friday & Saturday, which was fun, minus the trash. I got to see tons of great friends, and had lots of good conversations with folks. The Artist's Coop held its Grand-reopening, and we made a great profit from our silent auction. I enjoyed spending time with my great friends there, and playing music with Hunter and others. One person who walked in told me about a banjo he built several years ago, he then offered to give it to me! Later he brought it back to the Coop, how cool. I went to eat with family and friends, including Laura. Later, Laura and her friend came back to the Coop and we hung out for a while. Good times. I spent the night at my second home, at Hunter's house, Saturday night.
Sunday I went to church and enjoyed Sunday School with the crew. Afterwards, I met with my scoutmaster and finished working out my eagle scout paperwork. In the next month or two, I'll be able to have a board of review, where a group of citezens will decide if I should get it.
I got back to school Sunday night. I've been staying plenty busy. Tonight, after Bible Study, I had the VP debate on while working on homework. I caught some interesting bits from both. Dick and John are both good speakers, they each have a way with words. This debate was a lot better than the last one. Since there weren't as many rules, they could clear up some issues, which are often blurred by both sides. I find these two to be much more articulate, and at times more interesting than their counterparts. )
Ok, back to work. God Bless!
This weekend I got to do lots of fun things. It was Squealin On The Square, our town's annual Barbeque festival. I volunteered at the event, changing the trash barrels with Hunter. We got to ride around on a golf cart Friday & Saturday, which was fun, minus the trash. I got to see tons of great friends, and had lots of good conversations with folks. The Artist's Coop held its Grand-reopening, and we made a great profit from our silent auction. I enjoyed spending time with my great friends there, and playing music with Hunter and others. One person who walked in told me about a banjo he built several years ago, he then offered to give it to me! Later he brought it back to the Coop, how cool. I went to eat with family and friends, including Laura. Later, Laura and her friend came back to the Coop and we hung out for a while. Good times. I spent the night at my second home, at Hunter's house, Saturday night.
Sunday I went to church and enjoyed Sunday School with the crew. Afterwards, I met with my scoutmaster and finished working out my eagle scout paperwork. In the next month or two, I'll be able to have a board of review, where a group of citezens will decide if I should get it.
I got back to school Sunday night. I've been staying plenty busy. Tonight, after Bible Study, I had the VP debate on while working on homework. I caught some interesting bits from both. Dick and John are both good speakers, they each have a way with words. This debate was a lot better than the last one. Since there weren't as many rules, they could clear up some issues, which are often blurred by both sides. I find these two to be much more articulate, and at times more interesting than their counterparts. )
Ok, back to work. God Bless!
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
DSU
These are some ideas for a t-shirt for our Student Union Board, which I'm on. We are Dinkins Student Union, or DSU: The Entertainment Crew. So we thought it would be cool to try to dress up our name with famous logos! These are MTV and Disney, if you couldn't tell.
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