Eve with Derrick Johnson and Jean Paul Miller of the Booty Band

Any of you who went to the All Go West Festival this weekend in West Asheville know that West Asheville rocks!  We stood in the rain to listen to our favorite musicians and friends, the crowd was huge, the music amazing, and there was, of course, great beer.

Prior to the festival, I hadn’t ever heard Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band.  As soon as they went on stage, I noticed they had an extra musician with them, whose name, I believe (from talking to someone who knows her) is Eve.  Eve rocked out with the Booty Band during their set, having a ball, and making me warm all the way through to my belly.  Eve apparently loves music…and also happens to live with Down Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality.  My sister, LOVES music and also happens to live with Down Syndrome, and I couldn’t help but beam as I watched the interaction on stage, creating a more whole community.

Seeing Eve on stage was amazing, but knowing that the musicians in the Booty Band welcomed Eve and interweaved her into their music and lives, even if just for the moment, challenging the silence that often surrounds disability in our society makes me nearly melt with gratitude.  If anyone knows anymore about Eve (I believe is her name) and the larger story behind this, please get in touch.  I would love to know more.

And, killer set Eve!  You rocked it!  Booty Band, you were great too