music – TrippinTwins

Music is an important part of both of our lives. We are known to fly to cities just to see a concert. We are lucky that we live within driving distance to Nashville, TN. Our playlists are always eclectic, but favor pop and current country.

Out favorites at the moment:

1. Taylor Swift-what can we say? We’ve seen her 3 times in concert and absolutely think she’s a genius songwriter.

2. Ed Sheeren-We’ve seen him twice live and he’s just adorable. “x” is one of our favorite cd’s ever.

3. Kelly Clarkson-Top 5 singers we’ve seen live with a heart of gold. Her covers are innovative and mostly better than the original artist versions. The girl can sing anything! Her smashup of “That I Would Be Good/Use Somebody” is a favorite.

4. Vance Joy-I didn’t know much about him until he opened for Taylor this summer, but he blew me away. I quickly bought every song from “Dream Your Life Away”.

5. Paul McDonald & Nikki Reed-“The Best Part” and “I’m Not Falling”. Totally blew me away. Don’t know if those two will continue to collaborate, but they should.

6. Matchbox Twenty-Well, we are early days Matchbox fans and a hard core Rob Thomas fan, but we are partial to their early stuff. Nothing better than “Hang, 3 am, Black & White People, Real World”

7. Bleachers “Strange Desire”-Probably read about this in an album of the year review list because it hasn’t been in the radio, but definitely a favorite at the moment.

8. Keith Urban -Probably seen him 3 or 4 times and he gives one of the best concerts out there. He’s got a song for any mood.

9. Jewel “Picking up the Pieces”, is a new favorite. Collabs with Dolly and Rodney Crowell make it even better. Still love “Spirit”, but glad she released new music that showcases her songwriting and vocal talent.

10. James Bay-“Chaos and the Calm”A coworker introduced us to him earlier this year, but we love him. Favorites are “Hold Back the River, Let it Go, Move Together”

Throw in a little Eminem on the more frustrating days and that is an average day of listening at the office.

W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum and Library

Are you interested in the history of Blues music? If so, add this museum to your bucket list! Are you a fan of old log cabins? If so, add this museum to your bucket list! Do you live near Florence, AL? If so, go soon! The museum is open year round from Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM and there is only a $2 admission fee.

Handy. W.C. Handy, was born in the log cabin that currently houses his museum and library. He was born a musical genius in 1873 and had an illustrious musical career as he was known as the “Father of the Blues”. The log cabin was built by his grandfather, William Wise Handy, who was an African Methodist Episcopal minster after emancipation. It was important to W.C. Handy that the cabin remain in Florence and be turned into a museum after his death. Later, the cabin was moved from its original location to the current location after the original location was thought to be developed.

MUSEUM ROOM ONE

The first room contains family photographs, awards he received, a few of his famous musical instruments such as a piano and letters he received from heads of state and other notable people on display.

P1070281 — Memphis Blues score is displayed on the right side. It was the first ballad W.C. Handy wrote and what some credit with being the first blues ballad in history.

MUSEUM ROOM TWO

The second room contains the Deagan Organ that belonged to Mr. Handy. It is unique because this is one of only three originals still known to exist today. Everyone is our group was encouraged to play the organ to get an idea how it sounded when played live.

CABIN ROOMS

After touring the museum and library, we toured the two room original cabin. The cabin consists of a dining room and a bedroom. The tour guide told our group that most of the items in the rooms were donated, not original to the family. However, all the items on display are items that fit the time period.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Looking for something to do at the end of July? More specifically, interested in going to a music festival in July? If so, you’re in luck because the W.C. Handy Blues Festival is held annually in Florence, AL in July. This year it will be held July 17-25. Here’s the link to the W.C. Handy Festival: http://www.wchandymusicfestival.org/festival.htm.

Tag: music

October Blogging Challenge:Our Current Playlist -Day 14

Day Trippin’: W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum and Library