The other day I was at the local watering hole, and was told "there is a great band playing tomorrow night at the Purple [XXXXX]" I'm leaving the name blank because at this point in the story i didn't know what they said (plus it's funnier later). So, having nothing better to do, I gather more information. The bands name is Special Ed and the Shortbus and they are "really good". The directions i got to get to this bar were, go to Mt. Storm, turn left at the gas station, drive for what seems like forever, at the "T" make a right, drive into town, and look for a sharp left, follow that and you'll see all the cars. Sounds pretty simple, Mt. Storm is like 18 miles from my Apt. so i know it's a little drive, but not too bad. Then another patron of the bar says, i've been by there, it looks like a real hole in the wall....but it's rural West Virginia, what would you expect.
So at 7PM yesterday i set out on this adventure to see Special Ed and the Shortbus. I drive to Mt. Storm, turn left, and see a sign Thomas 22 miles. I started thinking I sure as shit hope i don't have to drive there. Well to shorten this a little, i drove 20 miles from civilization. I thought i knew what rural WV was....not until last night, i was in the most remote, BFR part of this state that there is. I finally came to a town, one hour after i left home, and found the bar easily all the cars in the town were parked out front. I parked down the street and started walking, and there it was the Purple Fiddle, large bay windows in front, and i see a completely packed house the majority of which are wearing flannel shirts, jeans, cowboy boots, and cowboy hats...all that was missing was straw in the mouth.
I walk through the door, pay the 10 dollar cover charge...walk to the bar..and buy myself a PBR. For how much you might be asking, go ahead, take a guess.....one freakin dollar. i have not had beer that cheap in for-freakin-ever.
At this point the band wasn't on stage but i see guitars, fiddles, banjo, drums, washboard, and that big string thing that i like 6-7 feet tall. What would pass through your head??? Mine was saying "What the hell am i doing here?" So i found some friends from back in civilization (moorefield) and spent the next 4 hours drinking dollar PBR, clapping, stomping my feet, and even dancing to the intoxicating melodies of Richmond, VA finest bluegrass band.
Summary...
The good: dollar PBRs, friends, tunes, no cowboy/girl tried to kill the city boy, and bar that has bands 3-4 nights a week for when people come down to hang out.
The bad: one hour drives into the middle of nowhere are not fun, dress like you're from the city you might get shot
The unique: there was a guy who looked and acted like Cramer from Sinfeld who dances to bluegrass.
I do look forward to another fun night with the WV rednecks and their wonderful music.
