The late Pammy Lassiter, reso-guitarist, and friend to everyone in bluegrass, who passed away in January, and helped found the Charlotte Folk Music Society, High Lonesome Strings Bluegrass Association, and Resogat (a gathering of resophonic guitar players), was remembered in a beautiful quilt made by bluegrass musician, Toni Hodge of Albemarle, NC. The quilt is comprised of 75 vintage music t-shirts that Pammy had acquired over the years. It was presented to Pammy’s husband, Rolo (Big T) Lassiter, and was on display at the Malpass Brothers Bluegrass & Country Festival in Denton on Mother’s Day weekend. The handcrafted project was truly a labor of love for her fallen friend.
Toni shared…
“It takes two to three weeks (to complete) working on it a little every day. I have about 70 more already cut out for the grandchildren’s smaller quilts. We all need to hold on to our memories of those we’ve loved. This quilt shows us a few of the best moments along the way.”
Big T was obviously moved by Toni’s thoughtful gift.
“So many memories all in one piece. I have looked at the quilt for days. Each day brings another reminder of how much Pammy loved bluegrass and bluegrass people. The quilt itself is a remarkable piece of work. It is of the highest quality made with love. I am so humbled every time I look at it. Thank you, Toni, for a work of art that will last a lifetime.”
Toni responded…
“Pammy’s spirit remains as each colorful memory is stitched together to remind us that life is meant to be lived out loud, gathering friends as colors on a canvas, making life a work of art.”
A bluegrass festival in Lassiter’s memory, PammyFest, will be held June 12 and 13 at Big T’s home at 310 Tram Road, West End, NC, with proceeds benefiting charities associated with Pammy. Bands performing include Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Junior Sisk, Caroline Owens, Steve Dilling & friends, Starlett & Big John, and many others. Bring lawn chairs.
Free rough camping on 21 acres that includes a fishing pond. The music begins on Friday afternoon at 2:30 and each night ends with an open mic. There will be a pot luck dinner each day at 5:30. Free ice cream on Saturday. Suggested donation of $30 per day.
Pammy may be gone from this world, but she will never be forgotten. Her impact will be felt for years to come. Thank you, Toni Hodge, for the amazing quilt that reflects Pammy’s journey through bluegrass music and remember, “Be more like Pammy.”
