John Theisen from the Bloody Jug band told me about this fundraising event at the Peacock Room. When I got to the Peacock Room I was fascinated by a phosphorescent blue tree in the main bar area. It would have made a great sketch but I heard music in the back room so I headed that way. The pool room had an exhibit of jugs from all over the country. The art exhibit was inspired by Traditional JUG Bands and the Americana Movement. The jugs were on shelves and with the dim lighting it was hard to see the name plates. I lit them up with my iPhone. Some jugs were already sold as indicated by the red dots. Orlando artist Mike Siedsma had his own wall filled with fanciful face jugs.
On a table there were a dozen or so cigar box guitars for sale. The artist, Jim Mitchell, stressed that cigar box guitars have a long, rich history in American music. He handcrafts each instrument one at a time so he is always open to clients individual needs. People were encouraged to pick up the guitars and try them out. John Theisen pointed out to me that the Bloody Jug Band would be using several in performances later that evening. All Proceeds from art sold that evening went to benefit, A Gift for Music and Crealde School of Art.
GT Springer was on stage performing some lively rock and roll covers. At one point several members of the Bloody Jug Band got on stage to join in on the vocals. Someone shouted “Freebird!” As the guitar gods performed, a washtub single string joined in performing in a green spot light.