Bluegrass Classic - Columbus, OH on June 27, 1998

Meg and I went to see Marty and Earl Scruggs and friends, Not the way it was booked but pretty much how the show was. It WAS GREAT, but the success of it was due to Marty. He held the crowd with his humor, great vocals, and some of the best mandolin playing I have every seen, by him or anyone else. It was an EVENT. There was no M&G as Marty said it was Earl's night, and it was. To the bluegrass crowd he is a god. His fans stood for hours waiting to get their banjo's signed, and some did, but many more did not.

When the buses arrived, they had to bring them in through the already seated crowd. A police car led the way with Marty's two buses following. All 2,000 people stood and gave Earl Scruggs a standing ovation, as the buses passed it was something I will never forget. Even at his age the man can still play the 5-string and you could see the love that Marty has for him and his ability.

We spent the day with Margie and Judy who were both at the Fan Club party. Margie is not on AOL but writes much better reviews than I do. So.....if she does I will get it posted somehow. Our love to all.

Review by Del Bittle (posted on Marty's folder on America Online)