Cabin Fever String Band

www.rthum.com 

www.cabinfeverstringband.com

I'm here to tell you about an evening of sheer delight!

Bill, Will, and I met the Bisigs at Nick and Elena's.

If you've read the other post about Nick and Elena's, you will guess we had salad and pizza.  But that is not all.  Since one of our readers, Lisa, recommended Nick's toasted ravioli as "the best", we felt obliged to test her theory.  And you know what? Lisa was right! These were some seriously good ravioli.

However, tonight was about more than food. The Cabin Fever String Band was playing.  Rick Thum is leader of the band with his hand crafted and self-created dulcimer.  You may have seen his neater than nifty truck as you drive around town. (Man of many talents, Rick also refurbished this 1935 Ford Truck.)

Entrepreneur of excellence Rick used to manage a major music store in town.  Now he produces his uniquely designed hammered dulcimer, teaches, travels all over the country  and saves time to play for us here in St. Louis.  

We ordered our pizza and ravs while eagerly anticipating the music to come.

Bass fiddle,

banjo, guitar, harmonica, and 

hammered dulcimer came together to create some truly beautiful music.

Will had made a mountain dulcimer last year and has been thinking of sharpening his skills by making a more difficult instrument, the hammered dulcimer.  Mr. Thum with his convivial nature talked with Will at length and was more than gracious in his encouragement of Will's endeavor.  Not only are these guys outstanding musicians, they are really nice, too.

There are so many pros and cons with each new technology.
Who can deny the pleasure of recorded music at home?

....the fun of going to Webster Records, Record Exchange, or Euclid Records to buy a record or CD that brings joy to your heart?
....or the satisfaction of choosing from your own collection of musical favorites to enjoy while studying, cleaning or just relaxing?

Yet, before CD's, tapes, and records there was another way.  To hear music folks would come together with others either at home, the town square or a local gathering place. Those in the village who were good at beating a drum, blowing a horn, or playing a fiddle would provide the evening's entertainment.  It was good for everyone.  The gift of music was honored and appreciated, giving musicians a reason to develop their talent for the good of the community.

In St. Louis we have so many opportunities for live concerts, whether at Powell Hall with our world class orchestra or at a pavilion in the park with a small band. All of these offer us a chance to experience what that life might have been like, at the same time supporting our local musicians.

 Thursday, September 15th, the Cabin Fever String Band will be back at Nick and Elena's Italian Restaurant. So turn off the TV and come on down...it is the perfect non-smoking, family-friendly space 

for a night of great food and entertainment by local talent.