Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa have recently returned from several weeks touring in Europe, with special guest Mike Scott on banjo in tow. Taylor sent along this quick recap of their time across the pond, along with a number of photos.
We departed Baltimore/Washington Airport on 9 July, arriving in Bergen, Norway on 10 July. Our first gig was on 11 July in Sandane, a 60 minute show for an enthusiastic crowd. Then on the 12th, we played in a nice auditorium for officials and government personnel at the Kulturhus TRAVELSHAGEN.
The next day we were able to take a sight-seeing tour at the BRIKSDAL Glacier, and that evening we played for sponsors of the festival.
On the 14th we played in a beautiful church in Reed with Bobby Bare, Vince Gill, and other European musicians.
Sunday the 15th we made our way back to the Bergen Airport to fly on to Amsterdam. Monday was a day off in Amsterdam; very interesting city.
Tuesday the 17th we performed in our contact’s home town of Nieuwkoop for a great crowd of bluegrass lovers. Four bluegrass fans came from Belgium to see the band. A couple of the guys knew most of the original material – that was pretty cool.
We flew out of Amsterdam headed for Edinburgh, Scotland on the 18th. John Sheldon of the Scottish Bluegrass Association housed our band, plus another group from the Czech Republic, Rough and Rocky Road.
On Thursday the 19th we played for a packed church in Longniddry, Scotland. Many thanks to Robin Hill. Then the 20th and 21st found us at the Guildtown Festival. John said it was his best crowd to date.
On the 22nd we visited the city of Edinburgh, went to the Castle and browsed the Royal Mile Street.
With us on this tour were Emory Lester on mandolin, Kene Hyatt on bass, Mike Scott on banjo and myself on guitar/vocals. We owe Mike Scott a ton of gratitude for helping us out. He is a true pro and good guy; we had a blast.
We made some good music made friends, and brought back memories for a lifetime.
Thanks to those responsible for helping us with the performances and for allowing us to share our music around the world.
