I got to hear and talk to Kenny and Amanda Smith and their band last Mother's day weekend at the annual Appalachian Festival in Cincinnati. First time hearing Kenny. I really like his style with the use of open strings and everything. His tone is just mesmerizing. Amanda's voice is so pure and rich. You never grow tired of hearing her sing. It was interesting to watch how much fun they all had on stage.

I got to talk to both of them before and after their set. They are the nicest people. I think being the sole person wearing a Collings T-shirt helped. (Amanda recognized the logo from far off when her and Kenny passed me in the crowd of people. They were on their way to get their instruments before the set, I said hi guys and she responded "I saw that shirt !!".

We talked about his guitars and Amanda's beautiful D1A SB. He mentioned how he had the necks on their D1A's and D1 custom made similar to an old Gibson J35. He also told me how really likes his straight up D1 and how good it sounds.

Kenny was playing his 35' Martin D-18. I mentioned to Kenny that we have this little old Collings user forum. His eyes lit up. I gave him the URL and mentioned people would love to hear from him. He was eager to check out the forum.

It was like talking to old friends. I felt like we had know each other many years. That was the biggest impression, how nice they both were.

I ended up buying his 2-DVD instructional video at the festival. It is marketed by Acutab. I am very impressed with it so far. I think Me and My Farmall or Song for Emily will be the first one to tackle. It will be a handful, no pun intended.

If that wasn't enough, I listened to Jim Hurst, Missy Raines and the Claire Lynch band an hour later.

The stage was in a tent with park benches for seating, located with the Ohio River at our backs. I sat about 5 rows back.

What a great day of music !!

Randy Bauer

Randy,

Sounds like a great time. I've got to see those Smiths sometime!

I recently discovered Kenny and Amanda via CD. I think they're great. I believe Kenny play a D1A Varnish when he plays a Collings.

I just got back from our local BG festival where
they were the headliners. I've seen and met them before, so I knew what to expect. They put on a great show and it was a lot of fun. I got to talk to Kenny and he even let me play his 35' D-18. What an experience to play the instrument of one of my heroes, and what an awesome guitar.

Kenny and Amanda are some of the nicest people you could meet, check them out if you have the chance.