ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — Sen. Tim Kaine headed down south to the land of the pines and pulled out his harmonica to play some “Wagon Wheel” during a stop in North Carolina Monday evening.
Hillary Clinton’s running mate is known for his harmonica prowess.
“I have six harmonicas in my briefcase at all times,” he told CNN’s New Day last month. (Harmonicas come in different keys.)
After an Asheville rally, the Virginia senator joined his wife and staff for some traditional North Carolinian fare and two pitchers of Wicked Weed “Pernicious” beer at Buxton Hall Barbecue.
He wandered across the hall to Catawba Brewing Company and pulled out his mouth harp, joining performers Nikki Talley and Jason Sharp for some live music.
The trio played two songs, including a few freestyle Kaine solos, with the senator jamming and tapping his foot along to the beat.
Kaine’s wife, Anne Holton, got in on the act during the second song, clogging along to “My Home’s Across the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
Grabbing a beer after his performance, Kaine acknowledged he was nervous taking the stage.
“That felt great. Nothing makes me more nervous than doing that. But it’s good to get our of your comfort zone. Asheville is a pretty good place, huh?” he said.
This is the first time Kaine has performed publicly since being announced as Clinton’s vice presidential pick.
Just after Clinton announced her decision, famed 90s band Blues Traveler challenged him to a harmonica duel.
“Hey @timkaine, we know you have a fight ahead of you, but we hear you’re packing #harps. Consider this a standing invitation to duel! :)” the band tweeted.
