It was as though I had been touched by a celebrity. By someone I might find somewhere along Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills. I felt giddy, excited, my heart racing just slightly faster as I tried to retell the story. It wouldn't mean much to some, but to me, he was their "daddy" as he called himself. The one that was to introduce them to music and well...come on, he's their father.
Walking through the warm streets of Asheville, I figured it would be just a nice way to kill some time before the big show on New Year's Eve. Walking into a gallery of all concert posters, I was pulled into every direction to see everything on those walls. Picking up the poster for the show I was to see that night, I had no idea the conversation it would open up for me.
Waiting, poster in hand, my arm was touched softly and a man said, "thank you for buying that". "well of course, i'm a huge fan." "well, i'm their daddy, Jim Avett." As my face lit up, he put one finger over his lips and shushed me as to not make too much of a scene.
For whatever reason this moment would stay with me throughout the weekend, at the show, as I just kept thinking, "how special. to meet the father of the boys that make such magical music. the music that speaks to me that speaks to so many that is so heartfelt." It's one of those things that while, it may not mean much to everybody, it stuck with me. The hometown, homegrown boys have stayed true to themselves, and to the family that they were brought up with. I would like to think every person in the spotlight could stay so true to themselves and their roots.
Being the type of person who is so very close to her family, I think this random moment meant so much to me because it's something I believe my father or mother would do given the opportunity. It's something they do do when people ask what their daughter does, they are proud and supportive, and sincere. Everything I saw and felt in a brief meeting with Jim Avett...
Just a girl, with a love of the Avett Brothers, and feeling special by meeting the one who raised them, even if only for a brief moment, 800 miles from home.
Being the type of person who is so very close to her family, I think this random moment meant so much to me because it's something I believe my father or mother would do given the opportunity. It's something they do do when people ask what their daughter does, they are proud and supportive, and sincere. Everything I saw and felt in a brief meeting with Jim Avett...
Just a girl, with a love of the Avett Brothers, and feeling special by meeting the one who raised them, even if only for a brief moment, 800 miles from home.
Amazing story.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofONipV-4hY
Jim Avett is a dear man. So glad you had the chance to meet him :) i have had the pleasure of spending time with him, with one time being my daughter's 10th birthday party prior to an Avetts show. He was so sweet to her! Made her feel like a million bucks! She felt like she met a celebrity as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat story! I've had the pleasure of hanging out with Mr. Jim, myself. I am an independent promoter of roots music in Athens, GA. I booked and promoted the 1st 5 Avett shows in Athens, from 30 people to hundreds. The 1st time they played the Georgia Theatre, Mr. Jim came with them and we hung out most of the evening. My wife spent more time with him than I did, having driven him around Athens to see the town. I've always been fascinated by the parents of the artists I love. I want to be that kind of Dad; a Dad that encourages artistic exploration. He's terrific!
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