We had a great time the first time we went to a Billy Strings show, but we had an even more fun time when we went again. Our fearless leader was Betty. She knows not only the Billy Strings touring family, but also the ropes and the behind the scenes lore. We have learned by now that if you are going to go to Billy Strings, go with Betty.
We drove up Friday just in the nick of time to get stuck in rainy day Pittsburgh rush hour traffic on our way to the Monaco. Betty encouraged us to get to the show when the gates opened so we could get a good spot in the pit (which of course required having pit tickets), so we had a quick bite at the hotel and walked over to the show.
We’ll kick things off with pictures and videos of the Friday show (which later you can compare with the Saturday show posted below).
We were close enough to the stage to have a fantastic view of the band.
The crowd was enthusiastic and lots of fun. We only had minor issues with a gaggle of drunk hippie chicks who invaded our space. By and large the crowd controls itself really well and people have a great time together. (This is especially true of the special area at the very front of the pit where Billy stations himself.)
Billy is the best flat picker on the planet.
Lots of jam
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Did we mention the jam?
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Stratosphere Blues
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Seney Stretch
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Just before halftime we went for some tequila and changed locations.
Soundboard
Richard Petty
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The Billy community gathered for a post-concert photo (this apparently happens after every show). Betty is in here somewhere.
Saturday morning, our intrepid leader got up early to secure super double plus good bands for us to get into the show with the first 100 people. Our place in the pit was even more incredible as a result. We are so grateful to just ride along. What a treat.
In the mid-afternoon after some art, we returned to the Monaco at a perfect time. We spotted Billy and his dog Bear in the lobby and went over to pat the dog. As we rode the elevetor together, Romey talked about Maybelline while loving on Bear. It was a sweet moment.
We had a really fun time being 95 and 96 and goofing around with the others. This all meant we were on the floor just after 6 securing our location and meeting our neighbors. Betty knows everybody.
Razzle dazzle is required in this section of the pit. Caturday? (Or “pigturday” if you are wearing a Pink Floyd concert tee from the Animals tour.)
There was no goofing off.
This fella has been to 333 Billy shows.
Ring bling.
This was the view. Dang.
Love Like Me
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There was some jam
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We were in charge of tequila procurement. That’s something we are mighty good at.
Bass solo
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Psycho (Jack Kittel)
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One of my favorite pictures from the show.
Billy deep in the moment.
Billy played some excellent old timey bluegrass.
Wait a Minute (Seldom Scene)
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Outstanding in all respects. We had even more fun Saturday than the other two shows we’ve attended. Betty must be on to something.
