Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

Live at the Macomb Performing Arts Center

It's been an honor getting to know Jim Mills, banjo player extraordinaire, but we were even more honored when he invited us to be his guests at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township, Michigan. This is one of the most impressive auditoriums I have seen in quite some time, and the sound quality was outstanding. This was an unusual kind of schedule for Kentucky Thunder, insofar as they were slated to play two shows (2:00 PM and 8:00 PM), Skaggs humorously commented that 2:00 PM is an early show, and that the boys in the band don't even get up until noon most the time. For anybody who might be wondering, that was a joke, and I'm sure these guys DO NOT sleep in until noon every day.

We finally got to the Macomb Center around 1:15 PM, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the great time we made driving all the way from Livonia. Typically, the drive from the western burbs to the east side is tedious and congested, even on weekends. After we picked up our tickets, we had the opportunity to pass out quite a few Tri-State Bluegrass Journals, and the left-over issues were strategically placed throughout the lobby for anyone interested who were coming for the 8:00 PM performance.

The show kicked off at 2:00 PM sharp, and all I can say is WOW! Skaggs and his crew are one well oiled machine, to-say-the-least. These guys came out armed for bear and lit the stage up with some down and dirty great bluegrass music. They have a finely choreographed stage show in addition to top grade playing abilities.

Jim Mills is an interesting performer to watch in that he doesn't move much at all, and he stays pretty much the same consistent distance from the mic at all times. He does move in for the kill when he takes a lead break, but not much. He never seems to stop grinning, and I think that is because he is a very joyful, happy person, especially when he's playing the banjo.

After about an hour and a half the show came to a conclusion and the audience demanded an encore. Eventually, Ricky and his crew came back out and did a verse and chorus of Rank Stranger and a quick round of Little Maggie. I have to say it was a great show, and whole lot of fun to take in. After the show we made our way to the CD table and after we waited a little while for Jim Mills to sign autographs and sell merchandise, I walked up behind him and said, "Who's pickin' a banjer?" after a few laughs and conversation we redeemed our passes to go back stage to spend a little time chatting with the guys from Kentucky Thunder.

It was obvious that Ricky was completely sidetracked and had little time to spend with anyone, but that was not an issue since we came to see Mr. Mills. We had the chance to chat with Jim Mills for about a half an hour, and he invited me to play his Jim Mills "Huber" banjo. His banjo is a hoss of an instrument, and it was very easy to play.

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We took a few photographs, shook hands and hit the road for the western suburbs with memories of a great show. We can't wait for the next road trip, and heaven knows where that will land us.

- By Dave Russell