This:

was fun.

In fact, I would say that the Black Rose Acoustic Society is the world’s listeningest room. It is, after all, a subscription-based group dedicated exclusively to the curation and presentation of the best possible music based on traditional acoustic string instruments. Electric bass is sometimes allowed, but no electric guitars and no drums. You can have an electric lap steel. Now that I think about it, I guess it’s really styles-associated-with-acoustic-string-instruments that set the bar. But that’s fine with me. I’m no purist.

It’s a wonderful experience to have a great an like that. It’s easier to play well when you know the ears you’re falling on aren’t deaf. In fact, there is a distinct sensation that way in which the crowd is listening constitutes its force that contributes to the execution of the music. One might even call it a vibe. Active listening — that’s what it is.

Here are some photos by official BRAS photographer Todd Ryan: