Music & samples at the market

Shopping at farmers' markets has upped my happiness quotient in so many ways. Take today's visit to the Western Wake Farmers' Market. I stopped by to chat with market manager Kim Hunter and try her delicious Summer Ginger Quinoa recipe. Many folks stopped by the Redbud Organic Farm booth to congratulate Clay and Nancy on the story in the local paper: Two Ministers on Three Heavenly Acres.

And then, at the end of the row of white tents, I saw a singer and guitarist: Jo Gore and The Alternative. What terrific jazz delivery, rich emotion, and vivid lyrics. I moved nearer into the shade, listening to original songs and a few well-chosen covers. I was smitten enough to buy their CD, from which I learned that guitarist Bo Lankenau writes the music and lyrics. He looks a little like Sting and sounds a little like Leo Kotke, a winning combination. Checking out the website, I see that the full Alternative includes more musicians and that Jo has a glamorous side that she must have thought was too much for the early morning crowd. She seemed beautiful but shy in black knit leggings and top, but she knows what to do with a red dress. Can hardly wait to see a full live show.

What was good at the market today? Figs, melons, peaches, basil, potatoes, eggplant, and even the rare green beans. Tomatoes, eggs, and summer squash were scarce because of the heat. The first winter squash are starting to show up.

Friends, figs, and a new band! Sunshine and samples! Going to the farmers' market can be miles more fun than shopping under the fluorescents at Big Box Mart.