I know there are many stories on the Cafe regarding this question. I just had my own experience with it. Wanted to pass it on, but can't find the old threads.
I was at a local well-known music venue two weeks ago to see a popular local bluegrass band. There were also a gospel and a country band playing that night. After the first bluegrass song, a lady on the row in front of me turned and said she was with a group from a retirement home, first time visiting this venue, and she said she had never heard bluegrass music before. I was astonished, but they all seemed to be excited like it was new.
A few songs later, she turned to the lady next to me and asked: "What is that little instrument that man is playing?" More astonishment. It just so happened that the lady next to me is the significant other of the man who was playing, so she was more than happy to explain what a mandolin is.
This past weekend, my bluegrass band played the venue. There was another crowd from an assisted living home visiting. It was fun to introduce the instruments along with the players, including that other little-known instrument - the banjo. The mandolin player received the most and the loudest applause from the audience!
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