Fourth Chances

I think everybody has that band that has really influenced them in some way. For me, that group was the Dixie Chicks. I remember sitting on my bed, watching three blonde girls playing the hell out of their instruments. I loved their sound. I loved the girl who played the banjo (and her name is Emily!) I had never heard bluegrass mixed with country. And I loved it. I started listening to as much of their music as possible. I found their old stuff when it was more bluegrass. And through them, I discovered other artists like their collaboration with Ricky Skaggs. And he introduced me to Bill Monroe. Their mandolin player from the Home albumn plays in a band called Mountain Heart. And one of their earlier songs featured an up and coming guitarist named Keith Urban. 

But even more than expanding my playlist, the Dixie Chicks inspired me. I grew up playing piano but after I got married and moved out, my access to any musical instrument was limited. I tried once before to play the guitar and it didn't go so well. I learned a couple chords but I found the neck was too wide to play comfortably. So when I listened to Dixie Chicks' music, I discovered there's more than just guitars. I found a cheap mandolin on eBay and scoured the Internet for chord charts, tabs and YouTube videos. Anything to help me get started. I found the best thing to do was put on the headphones, turn on some music and start playing along. And more often than not, that music was by the Dixie Chicks. A few years later, Mark surprised me on Valentine's Day with a banjo. And a few yers after that, I added a dobro to my collection. I know I'll never be as good they are but it makes me happy and gives me something creative to do. 

Now after all that, you'd think that I would be be front and centre at every show within 100 mile radius. Well, it hasn't worked out that way. The first time they were close (Saskatoon), we had just moved to Flin Flon and Mark was starting his first job. Bad timing. Then years later they came to Winnipeg with the Eagles (man, that would've been a good show) but again we were in the process of moving and factoring in the cost of bus tickets and a hotel room along with the concert tickets ran a little too steep. And then they "took a break." So there went that dream. Until last summer when thy announced they were coming to Craven. And if there was any band that could pursuade me to get in that place, it would've been the Dixie Chicks. But it was not meant to be. And I was left so disappointed that once again I missed my opportunity. For the third time. But then I saw the news... The Dixie Chicks announced a short tour for select Canadian cities. I swore to myself (and a few people who happened to be standing nearby) that I would not let this chance pass me by. And once November rolls around, I can cross this of my bucket list. I've waited 7 years, I guess i can wait a few more months. Hopefully I can make it with no problems and maybe, just maybe I can get their autograph and mention how much they have influenced me. And how much I appreciate what they've done. Here's my chance. 

UPDATE: Just got tickets! Row 19 on the floor. Could not be more excited!!!!