05/30/2026
Montgomery Bell and a Trombonist
I recently visited one of my favorite state parks, Montgomery Bell. Back when I was working in Dickson, I spent a lot of time there and visited frequently. It had been several years since my last trip, so walking the grounds brought back a flood of memories.
On my way out of the park, I decided to take a drive through downtown Dickson. A lot has changed since I last cruised down Main Street. I really enjoyed the atmosphere—it felt vibrant and welcoming, with a lot more neon lighting than I remembered.
As I approached the railroad crossing, I heard a familiar sound. Looking to my right, I spotted a man playing the trombone. I immediately pulled over and grabbed my camera.
The sound caught my attention because I used to play the trombone myself. I have to admit, though, the music coming from John's instrument was far better than anything I ever managed to produce! His playing was soulful and expressive, the kind of sound you might expect to hear drifting out of a jazz club on Beale Street.
After taking a few photos, I introduced myself and struck up a conversation. John told me that Main Street can get quite crowded on weekend evenings. That immediately sparked my interest because I started thinking about the street photography opportunities. Between the crowds, the energy, and the neon lights, I could already imagine some great shots.
As we continued talking, I mentioned First Fridays in Columbia and suggested he check it out. He seemed interested, and I hope he follows through. I think his street performances would be a great addition to the event.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with John. Before leaving, I told him I'd probably be back. Exploring Main Street on a busy weekend night has definitely moved up on my photography list. Chances are I'll see John again, so stay tuned.
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Tennessee State Parks Montgomery Bell State Park
