i found my jugs at the cabooze

Sunday marked the first time I had ever experienced seeing a live jug band, let alone seeing 20 of them battle it out for a waffle iron trophy.
I didn't really know what to expect, but I secretly was thinking of something a little bit Beverly Hillbilly-ish. My guesstimate was somewhere in the middle of fantasy and reality. There were plenty of overalls, banjos and jug playing but they were paired with skilled musicians and songs we (should) all know.
I wasn't there for the whole event, because no matter how much I love drinking and music, I just don't think I could have lasted for 8+...okay I had no excuse, but I did need to do some sober laundry. The bands I did see though were amazing. The Pre Apocalyptic Junkband Orchestra was comprised of mainly 20-30 year olds and had a really solid sound. In-between the upbeat songs about road kill and kicking someone out there was a slower (one of the only slow songs of the night) tune, very easy to swing you're hips to. It's too bad I wasn't with anyone because we totally would have made out.
Another band that stuck out in my mind was Plan B. It was pretty obvious that these guys knew what they were doing and they knew that the key to success was singing a song about Mad Cow Disease. Nope, it's not too soon, they timed it perfectly. Lines like, "Who knew that this disease, could turn your brain into cheese" and my personal favorite, "A disease that turns a subtle animal into a cannibal" really got the crowd going.
The Geezers was the last band to play. I missed some of it, but I got there just in time for the best song of the night. Hand Jive!! The woman emceeing the event came up on stage to lead the dance. I figured she was more qualified than me because she learned the hand jive from Johnny Otis, while I learned it from John Travolta.
This concert had the most diverse cross section of people, from the veterans that have played the last 30 years, to the regular Cabooze crowd, newbies like myself and everyone in-between. If I had a few more beers in me I might have joined in with the girls in front doing the ho-down, or square dance or mad tap dance thing they were doing. I don't really know what they were doing, but I'm gonna guess their legs hurt today.
I also met a woman who had been going to this event since it began and she was happy to hear that this was my first year. There was no separation between young and old. The young were happy to take in some good music and the old were happy to see that this event would continue. I also met a guy, Corky, who was taking some amazing pictures of the event...way better than mine, so he said he would help me out and send some of those pictures over my way. Hopefully I'll be posting those up this week. I also met someone that wants me to join a jug band. Very cool.
All in all it was an awesome time. I feel a little sad because I don't think I'll be able to see anything like this until next year. So start planning, find your old flannel and be sure to make it next year. I know I'll be there with jugs on...or spoons, I don't know where my skills will fall.