If you go
› What: The Infamous Stringdusters with Dangermuffin› When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14› Admission: $20› What: Interstellar Echoes performs music of Pink Floyd› When: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15› Admission: $12 in advance, $15 day of show› What: Neon Moon: The Ultimate ’90s Country Tribute Band with Dakota Williams› When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16› Admission: $10› Where: Revelry Room, 41 Station St.› For more information: 423-521-2929› Online: revelryroom.co
It was just the other day that Andy Falco and his bandmates in The Infamous Stringdusters learned their latest album, "Laws of Gravity," had been nominated for a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album.
As anyone with children knows, that doesn't impress a 5-year-old. So when daddy was supposed to do a phone interview with yet another reporter wanting to ask the same old questions about whether the band is really a bluegrass band or not, and the toddler wants to spend time with dad, guess who took precedent?
It says a lot about who Falco and the band is. Even though the band spends a lot of time away from families while touring, family does come first.
"Absolutely. Thank God for Facetime," he says with a laugh.
"We did just get the Grammy nomination and that's important, but family life is sacred. It is an important part in all of our lives and as a band, it has always been that way."
He added that even while on the road, the guys in the band try to experience more than just being in a van and hotel rooms.
"We try to incorporate some elements of everywhere we go. On one trip, we did surfboards in Southern California and the ski runs in Telluride. We try to stay healthy and be healthy and see the places we visit instead of just the venues.
"We try to have a solid home life, and I do feel like that has been reflected in the music. Absolutely. Having a full life like that and experiencing what this life has to offer gives you something to write about."
Falco said he tries to be in the moment, but like a lot of people armed with technology such as smart phones, it isn't always as easy as we might think. He mentioned watching old concert footage of Queen recently and realizing how concerts used to be about what was happening onstage.
"Now, it's less about the band, but about seeing me seeing the band. Everything is kind of interactive. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes you miss the moment. You are giving up the experience to record the experience. I do it, too."
He said he recently made a point to put down his phone while eating a meal by himself only to look up and realize everyone around him was looking at their phone.
"I was like, 'Well, that's not that interesting.'"
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.