We heard over the weekend from reader Linda Wright, who runs the LocalGrass.com web site in Kingsport, TN. She sent along a report on the surprise birthday bash for Bobby Hicks which Brance had posted about earlier this month.

“I read the posting on The Bluegrass Blog about a birthday party that was being thrown for Bobby Hicks on Sunday July 20th in Marshall, NC, and decided to take the short trek from home to attend since it was open to the public.

The party was held at Marshall High Studios on what is called Blannahassett Island in Marshall, and is an old converted High School there. With the large gathering, the event was held in the building’s old gymnasium, and man-o-live! I bet it never rang out like that in all it’s life!

There were around 150-200 people there, all friends and family of Bobby’s, and the guest of honor was just about the happiest I have ever seen - his suprise and expressions were priceless. The invitation said to bring your instruments, and everyone did! There were so many fiddles and guitars, it was more of an orchestra than a ‘band.’

It was truly a wonderful gathering, and his family is to be commended for one of the best celebrations ever. I shot some video with my camera and it can be viewed on YouTube for anyone who might like to see it.”