2015-04-19 American Theater and Steep Canyon Rangers and Fort Monroe

Steep Canyon Rangers

Steve Martin, yes the actor, plays with and supports  a Bluegrass Band  called the Steep Canyon Rangers. I didn't know he was a musician until one day I saw and purchased a CD featuring  him and when I played it , I thought it was great.

We had the opportunity to attend a performance of his band at the American Theater in Phoebus, VA. Phoebus is a small city that dates back to when Fort Monroe was built in Hampton Roads along with Fort Wool on Rip Rap Island, across the entrance to the Elizabeth and James Rivers. Between the two, they provided protection to Norfolk, Phoebus  and city of  Hampton prior to the Civil War.

The performance was really outstanding. The first half was pretty much traditional bluegrass, but, the second was mostly new music they had created and seemed to be a mixture of bluegrass and classical. At one point , I thought they were serenading like the Italians in Venice does. The fiddle became a violin and the Mandolin sounded  Italian  They even had a percussionist playing with the band. The base guitar was played with a bow string instead of the fingers for some of the songs.

While we thoroughly enjoyed their music, I, at one time thought that maybe they were trying to create another genre of music. The violinist had a similiar, yet different, rendition of Orange Blossom Special" because it was called a different  name. Confusing?, yeah me too. They received a standing ovation and returned to perform two additional songs before exiting the stage.

Prior to the performance, we drove through Fort Monroe and marveled at the condition of such a   structure. It took 15 years to build it (1819-1834) It was originally opened as a fort in  1815 and is now a National  Park and Museum (Casemate Museum). Many homes are still occupied with Army (and civilian?)  families.The Chamberlain Hotel is still active. I think it was converted to civilian use several years ago (military lodge?). The senior officer quarters (0-5 and above) appear to be mostly empty.We must return and visit the Casemate Museum soon.

We took pictures of Fort Monroe, a beautiful historic memorial.  Hope you enjoy.

Crossing the moat on our exit of the interior of the fort.