After having listened to Mignonette, Four Thieves Gone, and Emotionalism, I was in love. I began to find renewed interest in playing the banjo, which I had neglected for some time. I heard from my sister, a student at UA-T that the Brothers would be playing on the 20th.

I ordered tickets nearly a month ahead of time and grabbed my banjo picking partner and began a journey of epic proportions. Through rain, and heat and even a skirting the long arm of Johnny Law, we drove three hundred sixty-five miles to our destination.

The trip was a musical festival and celebration of good times. Our trip brought us to T-town in time, and in time we journeyed into the halls where many greats had played before and will play in the future.

As we began to listen to Scott's haunting "Disappear from your hometown..." a hush fell over the audience, until slowly voices chimed in and a unison was found amongst all in participation. Hundreds of voices united in harmony, kindred bond and love of music rose through the rain scarred night from the depths of the ancient walls.

The harsh quality of voices slowly became unimportant as they transcended sound itself and began playing the heartstrings of every member in attendance. This haunting chorus of touched souls would have stirred even the most hard-hearted demon.

The night progressed slowly and reached a fever pitch, A Talk on Indolence was given and the words I and Love and You were said. The strangers, joined by their common interest dispersed into the soaked streets, sharing a spare cigarette or a quick laugh at the events that had been shared that night.

My comrade and I returned to our car, grateful to have made it so far to see such a beautiful display of musical craftsmanship, and glorified in the sounds that the spirit of man can resonate with freely.

We departed the now sacred halls, to regale others with our tale of adventure, laughter, tears, merriment and life.

I am a fan of The Avett Brothers because the raw musical talent and gift of the spoken word is incomparable in today's pop culture. The same bubblegum packaged pop is dying. long live the true musicians who sing from their hearts and bring forth the songs of their souls.