Talking SMAC

A pending move in late July has put the kibosh on any major cultural adventures this summer. That's why I am giddy that some of my favorite performers are making their way to Maine this summer and last night, I got to hear my most favorite of them all: Dan Tyminski, playing mere feet from me at the Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield (which is a long drive from just about anywhere in Maine except New Hampshire).

Even for those of you not hip to the bluegrass scene (come on!), you most likely recognize Dan's voice from the Coen brothers movie "O Brother Where Art Though?" Though it looks like George Clooney is singing "Man of Constant Sorrow", it's actually Dan, who won a Grammy for the performance. At every show with him I've attended (I've seen him twice with Allison Krauss and Union Station and last night was the third and boy was it ever the charm), he's told us about his wife's reaction to learning her husband would be the voice beyond the face and body of George Cloooney: "That's my fantasy," she deadpans. (Personally, I prefer Dan.) But like Dan joked at the show last night, "Man of Constant Sorrow" was his Milli-Vanilli moment. It was insight I especially appreciated because I've been listening to Dan almost since I had ears to do so, and even though he sings and picks at least a dozen songs that are stronger and more influential within the genre than "Man of Constant Sorrow", it was that one which caused the crowd to erupt last night. Nonetheless, I am grateful for his help in making bluegrass more mainstream...

Anyway, I digress. The real reason for this post was to tell you about the Stone Mountain Arts Center, which is essentially a timber frame barn that sits about 200 people yet brings internationally acclaimed artists thanks to its reputation and the connections of its owner, Carol Noonan. Before I picked him up for the show, Kyle sent me a text message that said, "The furthest seat from the stage is 45 feet. Just saying." And it's true. The venue is so intimate, it's like having a concert in your living room. The drive up the western hills and over the mountain streams showcased a postcard around every turn- and when we arrived, Dan and his sound guy were sitting on the front porch, enjoying the view of the hills and horses. The center serves dinner, which I'd describe as bohemian comfort food like Fungus Among Us Pizza (with mushrooms), veggie lasagna and what I had- a big salad that even Elaine wouldn't have been able to handle with goat cheese, candied nuts, cranberries, corn and marinated peppers. Then the plates are cleared (though not the wine glasses) and the show starts. Because you are one of the maybe 200 tops people there, it feels like your own private show and the sound is incredible. The center is also open for weddings so if you are planning to wed there, definitely get in touch with me.

Even though it's in the middle of nowhere, I knew we'd run into people we know, and sure enough, I spotted Joe and Nellie, longtime family friends and former bandmates of my dad, who just so happened to play at our wedding! Now that my dad lives in Virginia, I can say Evergreen is the best bluegrass/roots band in New England.

Dan and his insanely talented band who are all famous bluegrassers in their own right played Kyle's favorite song and some of my favorite (though not my favorite two). One song, which reminds me of my dad and going to bluegrass festivals with him as a kid, was so buttery, I was in tears. And because the venue is so tiny, afterwards they came out to meet and greet those who had stuck around. I was like a 12-year-old at a Hannah Montana concert when I met Dan. I think I said the word "amazing" about seven times in as many seconds, and he responded by noting that I knew all the words to every song. That's how tight the venue is- he could see me being my own Milli-Vanilli about 20 feet away.

Upcoming acts at the center that I plan to check out include Taj Mahal in November and Bela Fleck in December. Maine comedian Bob Marley does a few shows up there as well, and other ones to check out if you are into folk/blues/bluegrass,etc. include Lucinda Williams, the Cowboy Junkies, John Hiatt, Marc Cohn ("Walking in Memphis"), Arlo Gutherie, and Carlene Carter (June Carter Cash's daughter). Even political satirists Capitol Steps will perform two days after the presidential election, but it's all sold out. Definitely check it out if you are a music fan. It was by far the best concert (if you could even call it that) I've ever been to (yeah, better than Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival) and the best date Kyle and I have been on in a long time (which is saying something because we generally have a blast together). He bought me the funniest shirt at the show that reads "I got hooked on S.M.A.C in Brownfield, Maine." So true!

Another great gem for good music in Maine is L.L. Bean's FREE! summer concert series. They tend to feature some of the same acts at the Stone Mountain Arts Center... they play at Bean's on Saturday and then at Brownfield on Sunday. The show I am definitely putting out a lawn chair for at 5 a.m. is Jerry Douglass (a fantastic dobro player who also plays with Allison Krauss and Union Station) on August 16. I cannot believe I don't have a wedding this day. It's like fate. John Hiatt comes on August 23 and Lonestar is on August 30.

I wish I could have taken pictures at the show, but no cameras allowed inside... trust me, it's worth the trip! Thanks Kyle for taking me there!