Virginia Key Grassroots: The Festival

Well, the Virginia Key Grassroots was a busy festival with many bands, nature displays, movement workshops, drum circles, and even tea ceremonies.  

Early morning drum circle
on the beach

There is no way I could absorb the entire festival; however, that is usually the case so you pick and choose.

Watching Apple Butter Express
on the Zen Stage
(a Tampa based band)

Don't think it was always sunny and mild on Virginia Key...

we had wonderful days...

windy days...

and even cool wet days... 

but it was all fun.

Now, I was still volunteering a minimum of four hours each day and during the festival I was back in the kitchen.  This time was a bit different as I worked the Smoothie and Panini booth.  Most but not all of the time was spent on the register taking orders and making certain they were filled correctly.  At least two shifts I was 'Smoothie Queen' blending up delectable concoctions.  Just ask me, I tried most of the blends to be certain they were OK.  True we had recipes but fruit and vegetables vary in size, flavor, and intensity so a little taste test was always wise.

Head Chef Jenny Lynn supervising the Kitchen
My booth was just past the guys

Guess congratulations are in order... I took second place in the Instrument Contest that was held on Friday.  I wandered over to eat a slice of excellent pizza before starting my afternoon work shift. 

What a treat
2nd Place in the Instrument Contest
with awesome competitors

While watching the contest, which had some awesome performers, the emcee asked me to join on my fiddle.  I said "No way, but maybe the banjo.  And, I have to go early as my work shift started at 2 PM."  So, I ran back to get the banjo and proceeded to play and sing two songs.  One was finger style and the other clawhammer.  

Keith McManus of Stewed Mulligan
Hot fiddler from West Virginia
Liked my set

The audience was happy with the set which pleased me.  I handed the banjo to Billy and headed off to work the shift.  Later in the evening I learned I took 2nd place.  What a treat!

Marg & Alexa
Kitchen buddies from pre-fest to post-fest

Yes, we are looking forward to Virginia Key Grassroots 2016!