jammin' in strong city

avery and i spent this past weekend in strong city, ks.  my parents are in the middle of a move from one very small kansas town to a bit bigger one.  

just across the river from strong city is a town called cotton wood falls...were my sister and her family live.  these two towns used to be one, but are now two...i can't wait to see what the history is with that.

in the downtown of cotton wood falls there is a little cafe called "emma chase's cafe".  it is a cafe and store in one.  the store part sells local artesian crafts, homemade jelly, and fudge.  

they also love to open up the cafe to local musicians.  every friday night is music night.  

they have a piano that is always there and the last time we visited i suggested to avery that he should play.  he wasn't so sure.  we finished lunch and he decided against playing.  

as soon as we left he wished he had and since then has talked non-stop about the NEXT time he visited the cafe he was going to play.  

so, me, my parents, and avery decided to have dinner at the cafe last friday night.  avery was dressed and ready...already working out his set in his head.  

as soon as we hit the door he was talking to "emma", asking her if he could play the piano.  of course she welcomed him and he went right over to begin his gig.  

he played and played while the "official" musicians (lots of cowboys and cowgirls) for the night were setting up their gear.  

our food came and he made his way to our table, just as the musicians were ready to roll.  the main guy came on the mic introducing himself and band mates and then said that they would play a couple of songs and then he would like the pianist to join them.  avery's face lit up and he went into another world...planning his next set.  

they invited him up and attempted to play along...fur elise is not easy to accompany with guitars, violins, harmonicas, banjos, steel guitars, etc...it was quite funny to the audience.  he played a couple of more times and was in his groove.  

when it was time to go they all peppered him with encouraging words and then played a song for us about oklahoma.  it was such a wonderful experience for avery and i could see the pride spread across my parents' faces.  he said next time he is bringing his percussion set.