Celebrating My New Orbit Around The Sun (Part II)

​Meeker Day Festival: Jessica Lynne and The Cousins, Sweetkiss Momma and Limberlost
 
As I sit in my red, vinyl bean bag chair, put my headsets on, cord attached to the turntable……
 
Even though I grew up on a farm, I did not listen to country music during my childhood. My Dad would turn the radio station in the pickup truck to country, but that was the only time I heard it. I don’t even remember my parents listening to very much music in the house. They didn’t own a record player, just a radio. I had a little 45 rpm record player that I would listen to as a child. Then in junior high, I finally used my allowance money to buy a turntable for full size LP’s. I loved rock, pop and Big Band 40’s style music (my Mom appreciated that!).  I knew who Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash were, but that was the extent of it. It wasn’t until I met Jessica Lynne, that I started listening to Country Music. Now, I really love it! Just this past spring I’ve seen Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw/Faith Hill in concert. And during a recent Nashville layover, I saw a free concert with Brett Young and Kip Moore. And bought my first pair of real cowboy boots. I have some fun shows coming up as Jessica Lynne’s Merchandise Girl, so a perfect opportunity to wear them. YeeHaw!
 
Summer is a busy time for musicians. There are outdoor summer concerts happening all over. We, Jessica Lynne’s Merchandise Team, receive email updates as far as opportunities to work her shows. I saw a fun one was happening, the day after my birthday. The Meeker Day Music and Arts Festival, in Puyallup WA. It was going to be a great lineup! Limberlost, Sweetkiss Momma and Jessica Lynne and The Cousins. Sign me up!
 
Unfortunately, I was not able to see Limberlost. Their ShowTime was at 1 pm, and I live about 90 minutes away. We arrived home late the night before, since we had been to The Band In Seattle taping. I was not ready to rally that early in the day 😉.  I love the sound of Limberlost! I wrote a blog about them earlier this spring. A hot and growing rock band from the Seattle/Tacoma area. I’m keeping an eye out for their future shows. They don’t disappoint. Other friends were there supporting them though, and I could see photos and talk to them later. Unfortunately, the sound system was not working properly during their set. So, if you saw Limberlost there, give them another chance! Krystle Pyette’s voice is powerfully amazing!

Sweetkiss Momma set was at 6pm, so I could make that. I drove by myself, having no idea where it was, or even what it was about. It was a good feeling to walk into the beer garden and immediately see and hug Jeff Hamel, the lead singer of Sweetkiss Momma! I had brought back Sweetkiss Momma from their European Tour last year (I wrote about it on a previous blog).  It was time for them to go get set up, so I grabbed a glass of wine, and sat down at a table by myself. But not for long. In walked Paul Beaudry, Jessica Lynne’s bass player! Paul also toured with Sweetkiss Momma on their European Tour. We sat together to listen to Jeff Hamel and Sweetkiss Momma.  I walk into a Music Festival, and know the musicians. Fantastic!  It was an impressive set. I love the Southern Rock sound of their music. It was interesting talking to Paul about it, since he played with the band last year. He felt it had a more edgier rock sound now. I loved seeing Kubby (Kevin White) on the drums. He’s also Jessica’s drummer. I saw Raymond Hayden sitting out in the audience. And soon, Bryan Groves walked by, along with Jessica Lynne. It was like old home week! Mike Burt, Limberlost’s drummer, walked by later and gave me a hug. That is what I love about this group of music people. Everyone shows up to support each other’s bands.  

​Soon it was time to set up for the Jessica Lynne and The Cousins Show! Looking back, this was the first time I had sold merchandise at one of their shows, since last fall. It was fun to be back behind the table and listening to their music

​Perlita Clark is a fan/friend/family member of our music group, too.  Some of these photos are hers, since she had a better view of the stage. And, of Bryan and I at the merchandise table. Check out my new cowboy boots from Nashville! 

​After the soundcheck, it was time for their show to start. Jessica Lynne lead vocals, Kat Bula fiddle, Dillon Warneck lead guitar, Kubby Casual drums, Paul Beaudry bass and Raymond Hayden Keys.  Once again, there were some sound issues at first. So, it was hard to hear the first couple of songs, which included a brand new one. But once the issues were resolved, it was time to get rockin’!

​The stage was right next to a packed beer garden, and there was a lot of dancing going on. I do not know how to country line dance. It always looks like so much fun when I see other people doing it! Something to add to my To Do List; take line dancing lessons.

I really enjoy talking to Jessica’s fans when they come over to the merchandise table to buy her Cd’s and t-shirts. Hear their stories and where they are from. And at the end of the show, she always comes back to meet them and sign their CD’s. An individualized touch, that goes a long way. I know, because that’s how I started out. A fan who would anxiously wait until the show ended, and I could say HI! thank you and get a hug. 
 
All in all, I would say my 7th year of Rockin’ Through My 50’s started out with a musical bang! In 2010, I had never talked to a musician, much less be friends with one. Now, in 2017, I am friends with many. And that’s a good thing.
 
Make sure and check out these bands website, for their summer concerts!
 
Jessica Lynne and The Cousins:  https://jessica-lynne.com
 
Sweetkiss Momma : www.skmband.com
​
Limberlost: Limberlost Music on Facebook
 
LET’S ROCK!
 
SUSAN IN SEATTLE