It’s not your typical commute. That is unless you’re a professional touring musician like Beth Stevens. She and a busload of family and band members have just polished off her mother (and manager) Betty’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes, while her father (and guitarist) Douglas patiently navigates Knoxville’s rush-hour traffic. The Stevens Family Band will be traveling through the night to Columbia, Mississippi to play the Legends of Bluegrass Festival.

Beth’s boys – Chase (11) and Drew (7) – already are seasoned travelers, and they’ve settled in with their Playstation II. Fiddler Rachel Johnson is planning her remaining course of study at East Tennessee State University. Longtime friend and Lonesome River Band Dobro player Matt Leadbetter is along for the gig.

Yet unique circumstances (even for a touring band) accompany this excursion. Douglas is wearing a protective
boot on his left foot after falling off a ladder earlier in the week. He’ll be making his way to the stage on crutches, and performing while seated on a stool. Also, bassist Gary Laws’ wife is expecting any day. So the caravan will head home immediately after its second set the next evening.

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