2017 Caverns Music Day series off to a rousing start

Winding down through the Jefferson River Canyon is an inspiring drive. The magnificent rock formations, the river so high and mighty and the vegetation as it highlights each curve brings a 'moment' to the traveler – if they take the time to breathe it in.

It had been one of those days but I was determined to make at least the last half of the Cavern Music Day at Lewis and Clark Caverns.

The weather wasn't co-operating, but the covered Pavilion with a fire in the fireplace made up for that inconvenience. I missed the beginning performances which began in the morning, but was able to have the opportunity to hear classically trained violinist Bethel Wagner of Whitehall. The spirited "Wizard's Walk" helped one to catch one's breath and then came "Ashakan Farewell" by Jay Ungar. One may be familiar with this piece as it was used on the PBS Civil War series. This melodious piece brought out the best in Ms. Wagner as her pure, legato tone made the music come alive.

With that music reverberating in my soul making the drive back through the Jefferson River Canyon even more inspiring, I vowed to be on time for the Sunday, July 23rd and Saturday, August 26th concerts. Producer Donna Weldon, who has brought together local musicians in these entertaining programs for six years, promised some known and some new performers during this season's presentations. See you there.