[Appalachia]

INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE DAY

Base Jumping in West Virgina with local talent Old School Abbey

Story and photos by TL Chester
(video courtesy of YouTube)

One can truly come to appreciate the life of living in a major city with all of its conveniences. The ability to take a flight to another major city with no extravagantly bizarre layovers, getting a taxi to your deluxe suite at the Hilton and sampling some of the finest wine from the finest establishments. These are things you won’t find in some of the more rural places we all pretend don’t exist. I was reminded of this upon visiting my one-time residence of Beckley, West Virgina.

One thing you can’t find in a major city full of jaded hipsters that you will in the Beckleys of the world is a lot of social hunger and determination. You’ll also find good-hearted people who will generally keep an eye out for you; people who are actually polite and people who never take anything for granted; so much so that I almost feel guilty for having visited. I had some contentment for my travel arraignments upon planning this visit. I was perplexed how any flight could possibly have three layovers in cities that are nowhere near its destination and in duration would take longer then a drive there. I was appalled that I could not get a taxi in less then fifteen minutes and awed that that there weren’t really any apparent establishments that cater to the finest palates. I was overjoyed to find peace, tranquility and comfort in the hospitality those of Beckley extend to even the strangest of strangers.

West Virginia is only known for a few things that I am aware of, like coal mining town, moonshine… Most of what I know is from having lived there in the past. What I do know is that the Bridge Day Festival is truly one-of-a-kind, a lot of fun and certainly a change of pace if you’re used to a solid nightlife where there are many lights that are blinding you, you’re getting shoved around in a crowd and ending the night with a hour and a half commute in the city due to traffic and not distance; this not something you will not experience in Fayetteville just outside of Beckley (location of the festival). The festival is a one-day affair and usually brings a crowd of 200,000 or more. The bridge is 876 feet over the New River Gorge. Along the bridge are various vendors for entertainment, food and activities. During Bridge Day base jumpers leap off of this bridge, and this is where fatalities have taken place. Google YouTube and you may find more video. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzxxfzyrZHw)

Whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding and any rustic activity you could possibly imagine are the main attractions in West Virgina. Speaking of determination, this region has more then meets the eye when it comes to talent. I suspect this greatly over looked place will soon start to emerge some seriously artistic individual’s who will start to receive some music scene recognition. Certainly not having access to so many of the novelties others may have in larger cities is a bonus when it comes to reflection and realization on where you want to be in life. I have no doubt that being in such rural areas can be greatly repressive and only ensures those who are discouraged will stay there.

Old School Abbey

In the case of some musical talent, specifically a group called OSA, short for Old School Abbey, I can certainly see that some barriers are made to be broken and some obstacles only present novel challenges. At the beginning of listening to this group my first impression was that this group was wonderful for all ages, and was all around listener friendly. They had a great sound, the music was catchy, and lyrics were unique and stood out. However, I wondered if that’s all there was? Was this a great band with great abilities that did not challenge those talents? If so then they would be one of many great bands that are loved by their town, as hardworking as they may be?

I will tell you; after having listened to a song called “Lay Down” I am absolutely speechless. When I say speechless, I mean I am a very critical human being and I am even harder to please when it comes to my fine palate, my short urban attitude and my level of patience when it comes to another going-to-get famous band.

I cannot claim to be an expert when it comes to music but I can claim to be an expert when it comes to being a consumer and culture. A vet of market research I have become very good at knowing what the masses will like regardless of what I feel. In this case it was a win-win situation. I found peace, tranquility and a hell of a band whose appeal will market well for all ages. I have no doubt that teenagers everywhere will be sending in fan mail or worse, panties. Here is where the sell is; I also have no misgivings that when someone like me comes home from partying in the city, drunk after having a hellish night I am going to listen to “Lay Down” and when you listen to it, I think you will understand why. I got a lot more from this trip then I could have bargained for. As for the band, boys, well you keep making songs like that one and you won’t be in Beckley anymore. (http://www.myspace.com/oldschoolabbey)