A lively mix of gray hair and budding youth filled Memorial Hall for the sold-out performance of legendary banjoist Earl Scruggs.
The only person not in attendance? Scruggs himself.
An anxious crowd applauded for Emil Kang, executive director for the arts, who was thought to be giving an introduction for the bluegrass banjoist. Instead, he broke the news that Scruggs had fallen ill and would not be able to play.
But, as has always been said, the show must go on.
The Red Clay Ramblers, on the bill as Scruggs’ special guests, took over the show. The North Carolina natives quickly won over the audience with their foot-tapping mountain bluegrass.
Clay Buckner began the show with a soulful solo on the fiddle, bringing in the other five players to kick off their signature round sound. With roars of applause from the crowd, the group carried on, easily making the show their own.
Jack Herrick, on bass and mandolin among other instruments, introduced another piece as an unguided sing-along.
“It’s kind of an anarchy thing,” he explained to laughs.
The laughs continued to roll, perfectly complementing the down-home atmosphere of the night. At times, the crystal harmonies of chord and voice made the performance feel like standing in line at Walt Disney World — the happiest place on Earth.
