Hanging out around the fringes of the bluegrass music scene in the 70s I couldn't help hearing of and hearing the South Family Band. They always seemed to attract a good crowd of partiers...
Years later when I tentatively joined a session group at Meads Coffee House in Wasilla Doc was there, encouraging all who came. He called me by name, recalled stories of my family from the 70's, remembered tunes he had heard me play at obscure times in the past and played along reassuringly as I sawed or plucked away.
His warmth and inclusiveness along with an attitude that it is 'only music and s'posed to be fun' are some of the reasons I am active in music today.
I am sure Doc has forgotten more tunes than I will ever know, and he doesn't seem to forget much. His mental library expands back through a couple of generations for sure.
He is the most generous musician you could ever want to play with (Shonti Elder is on par and we all know it, but we're honoring Doc here....) and for his contribution to the music scene in Alaska he deserves much honor and praise.
You're awesome Doc! Enjoy your accolades!! Find some purty gals to waltz with down there and just soak up all the attention!
Rose Hendrickson
