tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83817611053694277712024-02-06T21:36:19.298-08:00Dancin Dave's Bluegrass Festival CampingDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-37637648083812419872010-05-24T07:53:00.000-07:002010-05-24T09:30:04.403-07:00grey fox....!I started my festival service camping business in 1998, after having the idea pop into my head immediately following that wonderful festival, Merlefest, in North Carolina in April. The 2 1/2 day drive home from the festival gave me ample time to think think think about my new venture; my mind was reeling and the miles were also. When I arrived home the first phone call was to a good friend who is a successful businessman, lawyer, and someone whose judgment I trust due to his obvious success in business. The second call was to a festival promoter in Florida whose reaction was very positive...and I was on a roll.<br /><br />Then the third call was made, to a festival that was held in New York and named "Winterhawk". I had heard good things about this festival during my festival trips to both Merlefest and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado. In the back of the Merlefest program there was an advertisement for Winterhawk, which was being held in July. (and the lineup was outstanding!) I called the contact number and the business idea damned near sprung to life immediately!<br /><br />Lisa had answered the Winterhawk phone and her reaction to the idea was enthusiastic and positive, to say the least! In the course of the next couple of weeks we talked on the phone a few times a day, becoming fast friends and knocking around ideas pertaining to my business idea and the festival and music and on and on... She presented my idea to Mary Doub, the festival promoter, who also gave an enthusiastic "thumbs-up"..and "Dancin'Dave'sFestivalCamping" was officially off the ground!<br /><br />Lisa also started advertising my business, telling folks that my service would make its debut in July! Now...I had not yet bought one tent, didn't even hardly know how to spell "komputre", and had no business experience whatsoever. My very first customer was Hans, a fellow who lives in Austria and knows everything there is to know about bluegrass, from its beginnings to the present; but at the same time had never been to a bluegrass festival. His research had told him that he should come to Winterhawk, so he was planning his first trip to this country specifically to attend the festival...and he needed accommodations! Because of a talk with Lisa, he was literally waiting for me to buy a computer so he could email and book a tent! (whew....email?!)<br /><br />So...I became a businessman; didn't really have much of a choice at this point. >g< I became the owner of many tents, sleeping bags, cots, etc., etc., etc..... I bought a computer and after a friend set up a website for me I suddenly realized that I was advertising all over the world; a bit daunting, along with being damned exciting.<br /><br />I managed to book four customers before I left home, and off to New York for the first time I went. When I arrived at the site and asked some folks how to find Lisa I was told that she's up on the "hill". As I was driving up the hill for the first time I remember thinking: "wow...they hold these bluegrass festivals in the damndest places!" This "hill" was located on a farm and at that point the festival had been held there for over twenty years already...and it was beautiful! Over time I came to have a love for the hill and at the same time a feeling of intimidation and even at times a feeling of terror, because the possibility of disaster was always present. There were very few sections of the venue that were flat and most of it was at a steep incline, making for a dangerous situation particularly during rain. At the same time the sunsets were about the most spectacular that I've ever witnessed, and I also came to consider the week spent on the hill every summer to be a great way to get into shape! (working and climbing and dancing on that hill was great exercise...)<br /><br />So that first night I met Lisa face to face and we of course "hit it off" at an even "higher" level, and my festival fun was about to become even more fun! The Winterhawk staff was staying in a big ol' hunting lodge located a few miles from the venue, so that first night Lisa and I went to visit. She didn't really know exactly where this lodge was, so we managed to get very lost. During this lost adventure we ran into another friend of Mary's who was also lost, but eventually we found the lodge. There was no one there and the place was beautiful and we had a ball exploring. I by then needed a shower badly so I took one in an upstairs bathroom. After the shower I came downstairs, drying my hair with a towel, wearing only a pair of shorts, when I heard talk coming from the screened-in pool area. I was invited in and sheepishly entered, feeling way out of place, to tell the truth. Turned out that the festival staff was having a meeting/party in the pool area. It was then that I met Mary, who stood up and walked over to introduce herself. She introduced everyone else and I was immediately impressed with the friendliness and acceptance of me into this pre-festival meeting. There were several times that my opinion was asked for; they knew that I had been to many other festivals and were eager to see what I thought. I felt very privileged to be included in this meeting and couldn't have been more impressed with this new group of friends that I was making!<br /><br />Anyhoo....the years have gone by, the name of the festival has been changed to "Grey Fox" and even the venue has been changed. The core and heart of the festival has not changed however....Mary Doub has built a wonderfully loyal, energetic, totally dedicated to putting on the best festival possible staff of folks that I both admire and love. This dedication and love for a festival permeates down through the volunteers, the vendors, the artists that make the wonderful music, and especially the attendees. Mary and her staff are always open to ideas that may make the festival even better, to the point of holding what amounts to a "town meeting" during the festival itself....where the attendees are encouraged to voice their concerns for things that they see as problems and also their praise for all the things that they deem are done right. This in itself amazes and impresses the hell out of me...<br /><br />I am damned lucky to be able to attend many great, high-quality festivals because of my business. I am asked often if I have a favorite festival and it would be an almost impossible question to answer if it weren't for the reasons that I just explained.....<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-21583949340745898162010-02-01T07:07:00.000-08:002010-02-01T08:06:37.007-08:00a long time ago....I live on a piece of land in the northwoods of Wisconsin that has been in my family since the mid-30s. On this piece of land there stands "the cabin", a log house that was built back in 1911. This cabin and piece of land has always been and will always be special to me and eventually it will be passed down to my kids.<br /><br />There are of course many many stories that have sprung up surrounding the cabin; I started making trips to it when I was only one year old, and these trips were the highlight of my growing up years, all the way to the point where I built my own log house on the land in 1976. (I grew up in southern Wisconsin, 200 miles south..)<br />Someday I will blog more concerning my ties to this piece of property, but at the moment I have a specific trip in mind that I was reminded of because of a discussion with a friend about Jimi Hendrix.<br /><br />It was the summer of 1971 and I decided to take a trip to the cabin, solo. I had a few days to myself and I really never needed much of an excuse to take off for the northwoods! At the time I was driving a 1953 Chevrolet panel truck, which I had newly painted on the outside and remodeled in the interior. It was pretty darned sharp; I had used old barn boards for the inside siding and had recess mounted four eight inch speakers so that I could hear the 8-track tape player over any outside noise...>g< The floor was carpeted and I had had to build a box to hold the 12 volt battery that powered the tape player, since the vehicle itself ran on a 6 volt system.<br /><br />So--I was cruising north on Hwy 41 near Oshkosh in the pouring rain, blasting "Electric Ladyland", when I missed my turn-off. This was not much of a problem, it just meant that I was to take a different route than planned. It was soon after that I spied a hitchhiker on the side of the road and of course back in those days I would both hitch myself and also pick up folks hitching; I had many fine adventures!<br /><br />Sean was mighty pleased as punch that I had stopped to pick him up; he had been standing there for about three hours by then and it had just started to rain, besides. He jumped into the truck, heard Jimi, looked around and exclaimed: "Do you want to smoke some hashish?!" <br /><br />He was making his way through Wisconsin, headed to someplace in Michigan, and knew of three places in the state; Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. He was headed to Green Bay where he was going to continue his journey over to Michigan. He lived in San Diego and about the only thing he knew of Wisconsin was that we had cheese...<br /><br />We of course made instant friends and before long I had him talked into coming to the cabin with me! He was mighty interested in seeing the northwoods, staying at a cabin in the wilderness that had no electricity or running water, and simply kicking back. He also had a few days to spare, along with that ounce of hash in his pocket and a propensity for adventure. And when we stopped at an original genuine Wisconsin cheese store his giddiness couldn't be hid...when he discovered that he had a choice of one, two, three, or four year old aged cheddar cheese he happily chose the four year old and wasn't at all offended when I declined to share it with him.<br /><br />So we spent the next four days at the cabin hiking and exploring, swimming, listening to music, story-telling and giggling alot. We had an absolute blast; we even went out to hear some live music one night and had fun dancing with a couple of foxy young women...go figure. We had started this escapade on Tuesday, and on Saturday I took him into town where he picked up a bus to continue his journey to Michigan. (and he didn't have to worry about traveling on the bus with any hashish in his pocket by then...>g<)<br /><br />And I still to this day cannot believe that we never exchanged addresses, phone numbers...nothing! It sure would be a hoot to have him show up at my home someday.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-10860637780370763382010-01-12T06:14:00.000-08:002010-01-12T07:15:07.690-08:00a cool memory...Nine years ago I attended the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Festival and had a great time. As the festival ended a woman came up to me and told me that she was going to write a story about me and a little girl that I had danced with and that she'd send it to me when it was finished. A few weeks later I received the story via email and was amazed at the detail....Maryanne must have taken notes! She even had the story published in a magazine that I can't remember the name of anymore, and I cherish it and get a charge out of it every time I reread. The biblical references at the end don't jive in my opinion or with my lifestyle, but I do honor and respect her take on it.<br /><br /> Lord of the Dance<br /><br /> This is the story about "Dancin'Dave" and a beautiful little girl. I got to watch this grand mini-event while sitting on the front row at the Minnesota bluegrass festival.<br /> Dancin'Dave found himself a little spot in the sunshine up close to the stage but over to the side. Pretty much throughout the whole concert he was doing an extremely relaxed version of clogging or two-stepping, sometimes waltzing, even a dosey-doe once in awhile. He was so relaxed that it seemed almost that he was dancing in slow motion, although keeping time with the music.<br /> His clothes seemed a bit out of step with his dancing. He was wearing an Hawaiian print shirt, tan bermuda shorts, hiking boots, and a white straw cowboy hat that covered thick salt-and-pepper hair pulled back into a long pony tail. He had a beard, short but nicely shaped. I could not take my eyes off of him. He got at least as much of my attention as I gave the groups performing on stage.<br /> From far over on the right, way on the other side of the audience-maybe two hundred yards-came a beautiful, chubby, golden-haired little girl. The crowd of watching people she had to cross in front of did not intimidate her, she had her eyes on her goal. I would guess she was sevenish. Her hair hung down her back in one pretty braid. She was wearing a sleeveless cotton dress colored like a watermelon. The top was deep pink with black seeds, a ribbon of pale green rind at the waist, and the short skirt a dark mottled green like the skin of a ripe melon. She was wearing white tennis shoes with no socks.<br /> So far, I've just been trying to paint a picture for you so you can see it in your own mind. This visual information isn't particularly important to the story. The man could just as well have been wearing a dusty white robe and brown leather sandals, and had long, curly, dark hair and beard. The girl could have just as well been wearing a blue tunic and had dirty little bare feet.<br /> Well, here came this little girl, with golden skin and blushing pink cheeks. How can I possibly describe for you in mere words the charm and appeal of this child's face? But since the expression on her face was the real inspiration for this story, I must give it my best shot. Absolute innocence, trust, expectancy, confidence--and yet shyness--were written in her smile. Her face was eloquent--and exquisite. <br /> She was headed right for Dancin'Dave. I looked at him and saw that his eyes also had caught this little girl and were following her approach to him. His own face began to smile and sparkle as he continued to do his slow two-stepping. She stopped square in front of him, looking right up into his eyes--that shy smile of expectancy still holding--and she waited. After a second, Dancin'Dave held out his hands to her. She put her little hands in his, and they began to dance.<br /> At first she began to skip around in circles, not caring in the slightest that she had become a spectacle. Dancin'Dave skipped around with her. Next she began a kind of hopping, so he did too. After following her lead for a little while, he began to do some simple basic dance steps. She continued her own little steps until she had watched what he was doing for a while, and then began to try his steps. The fact that her first attempts were faltering and imperfect did not discourage her in the slightest. She was completely unselfconscious. After she had learned the first step and could follow, he began a bit more complicated step. Same thing. She continued with what she was doing until she felt confidant to start trying his new step. It went on this way until he had her doing spins, dosey-does, loopity-loops, linking elbows and then reversing--moves that I have no idea what they are called. His steps gave hers grace, and they danced as one.<br /> While this dancing was going on, the little girl held almost constant, unabashed eye contact with Dancin'Dave. Do you know how hard it is to hold eye contact with someone? Let alone a perfect stranger? A friend of mine, an elegant ball room dancer, once tried to teach me how to waltz. The closeness made me uncomfortable to where I could not look at his face, but stayed focused on his shoulder and chest, or my feet. But this little girl's eyes stayed riveted on the face of her new friend, her dance teacher. That in itself was amazing.<br /> Watching Dancin'Dave and the chubby little golden girl with the shy but confident face was, I'll have to say, the highlight of the concert for me. It was one of those visual moments that happen only rarely in a lifetime but stay imprinted forever in the memory. It was staged in a beautiful outdoor setting in the neighborhood of Spunk Lake in Minnesota. That's not important though, because it could just as well happened anywhere, perhaps on a sunny hillside of the Lake of Galillee. And that little girl could just as well have been me. I wish it had have been.<br /> Except we become as little children, and dare to enter before God's presence with boldness and confidence and expectancy, willing to try to follow "The Lord of the Dance" who has held out His hands in invitation, we will not enter into the rich experience and delights of His kingdom.<br /><br />----the end. Hope you enjoy it! MaryanneDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-31823854865075671592009-09-03T17:10:00.000-07:002009-09-20T13:49:14.233-07:00a final look at the 1st newgrass festival.......The biggest thanks for the 1st Annual International Newgrass Festival being held has to go to my buddy, Kenny Lee (Smith). A few minutes after I learned of the festival last winter I was on the phone with Kenny Lee, diggin' what he was telling me and mostly diggin' the idea that the festival was "all about Sam". Over the months we became friends via emails and phone calls and I was damned anxious to meet him in person! He is a big fan and longtime friend of Sam's, as well as being a bandmate in Duckbutter; and man, can he play a slide guitar! >g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvYUmQ8VEsCEXK1-nHiuHlF3qacXCrxjPHtH1fdFripfXVMS1Z7ooMnR093lg_ptul0YBuYoWbQgPuWf4GcIAAe-8iSFvUPSGIv9QBHfe_eNGGwratdk8oRCsVHUzWW7CxXpURhMDM2o/s1600-h/100_4281.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvYUmQ8VEsCEXK1-nHiuHlF3qacXCrxjPHtH1fdFripfXVMS1Z7ooMnR093lg_ptul0YBuYoWbQgPuWf4GcIAAe-8iSFvUPSGIv9QBHfe_eNGGwratdk8oRCsVHUzWW7CxXpURhMDM2o/s320/100_4281.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377407576403769650" border="0"></a><br /><br />I advertised the festival over the months as much as I could and was kind of surprised that I wasn't garnering more interest...but after all, this was a first year festival and by the time most folks learned of it their vacation plans were probably set or they simply heard of it too late. I was excited about the friends that I knew were coming and if I didn't so well business-wise, at least I knew that a good time would be had! (and I far exceeded that expectation..>g<)<br /><br />The fact that the festival was small enabled lots of folks to meet and become friends....the festival had a pretty intimate feel to it, while offering a fabulous musical lineup! The venue was sweet, and both John and Katie Ballance were excited about holding the first musical event on their land...they are used to holding events; John had built a motocross track and up to 13 races a year were held there. They were not familiar with any of the music, but they became big fans quickly after hearing what they had been missing! And I love the fact that they are interested in becoming a music/festival/concert venue as well. A finer young couple you will not find...and I look forward to working and hanging with them again next year!<br /><br />John was concentrating and enjoying Act of Congress...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Emq-vUoDY8GpPYizX0k8XsqILTB4Rnxpj5fOEI4eQrblreqQBEsZ_6nP0K1REvUB8db71V638CyEMiVyxccrwVMiOSgn5fOG1mTFgbAremFIQMThROB9R1pPbU_QFP_-cBeNoZaue8/s1600-h/100_4080.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1Emq-vUoDY8GpPYizX0k8XsqILTB4Rnxpj5fOEI4eQrblreqQBEsZ_6nP0K1REvUB8db71V638CyEMiVyxccrwVMiOSgn5fOG1mTFgbAremFIQMThROB9R1pPbU_QFP_-cBeNoZaue8/s320/100_4080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377412246308007682" border="0"></a><br /><br />John and Katie...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikzVOI8xfiKFP5wU1NhJ8iL2-dQTKZLJd9HxaQowp3soWyVLV2v5bR6HiqVhfvBS6OWPqwKDoi8FD5BSjfnpkIR4OPoaGYHz0EgCjx6Na1M1ZfLOiW3dNBukKPxTjSp4lVGm8iG9a1DM/s1600-h/100_4026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikzVOI8xfiKFP5wU1NhJ8iL2-dQTKZLJd9HxaQowp3soWyVLV2v5bR6HiqVhfvBS6OWPqwKDoi8FD5BSjfnpkIR4OPoaGYHz0EgCjx6Na1M1ZfLOiW3dNBukKPxTjSp4lVGm8iG9a1DM/s320/100_4026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377414370850719746" border="0"></a><br /><br />The venue...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGZDfYD3dZwU1RK3YKxxVWNxzM90Eie4tBZ4FUNcKv2i8TBCtaWe6PEQU0UKCX8BFfTT45z8kiVleD9J_-' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Sunrise through the fog...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5brgMJ5P3FoKBl0hJAxUHbMmJQPZYQzrgiA-H_Af9PRbaxnvEJMI1h9kHWO4HFlBfOJVjEp2Z-Tcjelh2-2kGup6HWLzkE9suhoMqlbN9mjfHe7wXDwJXhj3UBIpBwhyphenhyphenjh0ZtbB-AWpw/s1600-h/100_4006.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5brgMJ5P3FoKBl0hJAxUHbMmJQPZYQzrgiA-H_Af9PRbaxnvEJMI1h9kHWO4HFlBfOJVjEp2Z-Tcjelh2-2kGup6HWLzkE9suhoMqlbN9mjfHe7wXDwJXhj3UBIpBwhyphenhyphenjh0ZtbB-AWpw/s320/100_4006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377419496150513122" /></a><br /><br />Our camp during the sunrise. Lynn and I were the only people on the site at night the first two nights we were there...a new friend joined us on Wednesday night!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgduxLfPArpLkRK5H16r-zKNYNyg7FZxUt_7zXhHjLy5L7pZ_vMZz-gV0_Brqr3lfumAXBY5h_E8TTY8BYHPL4X1D5kEDj9UOCz5_xy_FDJYdVUwuWKkB18mpiV6czdnJcDtGJL7SruE/s1600-h/100_4007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgduxLfPArpLkRK5H16r-zKNYNyg7FZxUt_7zXhHjLy5L7pZ_vMZz-gV0_Brqr3lfumAXBY5h_E8TTY8BYHPL4X1D5kEDj9UOCz5_xy_FDJYdVUwuWKkB18mpiV6czdnJcDtGJL7SruE/s320/100_4007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377547722272024594" /></a><br /><br />A beautiful Kentucky sunset...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkAd6nKoGpFFuiNSHtrYSg1i2TDXFREts3VKhSe-C3YNDpfHcii0iZJmERCIAaOXtcGLKeKOz_QH3gc_WEhixocUdfi1Pq9LpIBYOoPsynEHVzfvYVr-6EgwWdQXN65AZYpSCXFfqLAY/s1600-h/100_4011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkAd6nKoGpFFuiNSHtrYSg1i2TDXFREts3VKhSe-C3YNDpfHcii0iZJmERCIAaOXtcGLKeKOz_QH3gc_WEhixocUdfi1Pq9LpIBYOoPsynEHVzfvYVr-6EgwWdQXN65AZYpSCXFfqLAY/s320/100_4011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377421284185685730" /></a<br /><br />Grace and Lynn and I were the signage crew...Grace's dad, Scott, quickly became a friend when he joined us on site on Wednesday night. He is a longtime Greyfox attendee who came to the Newgrass Festival with his vendor booth featuring ice cream/Italian ice and pretzels. Grace flew for the first time by herself to the festival and she also got her first truck driving lesson at the festival...>g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDOQ3sLo7b6pcXCxnpYoLB9JbQGj6TXucoQHfMXQ4XQ2YMvGvThJeNXeX7e9kcR7JWqDyrURjwOEKmV5juqXBxRKgnJY_Jwly4Tdhyphenhyphen4eoFw5z7PnpJ0K7XsG1A7KdB2aABs_cRlvq-Do/s1600-h/100_4016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDOQ3sLo7b6pcXCxnpYoLB9JbQGj6TXucoQHfMXQ4XQ2YMvGvThJeNXeX7e9kcR7JWqDyrURjwOEKmV5juqXBxRKgnJY_Jwly4Tdhyphenhyphen4eoFw5z7PnpJ0K7XsG1A7KdB2aABs_cRlvq-Do/s320/100_4016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377424083592874322" /></a><br /><br />Lucy is the kind of friend that you wish lived lots closer to you! She lives in Oklahoma, is a longtime friend of Sam's, and presents yoga classes at various festivals around the country. Her favorite festival, along with mine, is Greyfox.<br />I love Lucy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk7aUv2SkCmic9q-88XktWR5qvS1-eaIk62KU-ce34CHoG-jK6rXqfRvHH4gbyGDGy0ardwlMSMenQEEUfH_Ae1PlDwUlKVI3jNdQixQ4hDW3CQArIxZuRXBJgqT5xUKA-JS1L-aAM8Q/s1600-h/100_4022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk7aUv2SkCmic9q-88XktWR5qvS1-eaIk62KU-ce34CHoG-jK6rXqfRvHH4gbyGDGy0ardwlMSMenQEEUfH_Ae1PlDwUlKVI3jNdQixQ4hDW3CQArIxZuRXBJgqT5xUKA-JS1L-aAM8Q/s320/100_4022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377425179386453650" /></a><br /><br />Festivalyoga.com is where you can check out Lucy's gig. Her friend Pete, who came from Minnesota, played sweet quiet bass during the sessions...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEksnH5MoyasizbKYzwAlEae52iFcV7vcY5_cCEwEqnPfWPlZUmRTycLaVXw6L0j7nxAvUyEyPDSD1cQ-vmVjzRi7y1na-OX_up62U551wfG3szdUl6-gsSTY3GLdyw0xbn4wQkxgAofg/s1600-h/100_4074.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEksnH5MoyasizbKYzwAlEae52iFcV7vcY5_cCEwEqnPfWPlZUmRTycLaVXw6L0j7nxAvUyEyPDSD1cQ-vmVjzRi7y1na-OX_up62U551wfG3szdUl6-gsSTY3GLdyw0xbn4wQkxgAofg/s320/100_4074.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377427309323909234" /></a><br /><br />I met John and Chas McBroom at Floydfest; John is the Production Manager and I do believe that Chas works there also. They came from Virginia as friends and customers, and after experiencing the festival with us, they became even closer friends...there was much giggling.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymKCwPVXvk8D7xH_wOzuiWiUy4B0Ql_BXzJ5MdjsVYCfvw1mQZ-5P195XPYNXxzReK6WYP1HEnsKEfv8PyMHjsFn2-BI_xZNZ7kpjO1ofczSQeDLdG_I2z07tOsJccuXDoXQvXaNyo5Q/s1600-h/100_4085.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymKCwPVXvk8D7xH_wOzuiWiUy4B0Ql_BXzJ5MdjsVYCfvw1mQZ-5P195XPYNXxzReK6WYP1HEnsKEfv8PyMHjsFn2-BI_xZNZ7kpjO1ofczSQeDLdG_I2z07tOsJccuXDoXQvXaNyo5Q/s320/100_4085.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377429593879159506" /></a><br /><br />And my longtime festival buddy from Wisconsin, Maple Al, even was there! Al and I go way back, festival-wise, getting together at Mole Lake, Telluride, Rockygrass, and other smaller festivals here in Wisconsin. We were both glad that he took my advice and came to the Newgrass! He produces the best damned maple syrup there is...I prefer the Grade "B". >g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl8g07dmon8MzfaPBdFuUbcndFwNWfS6k0zoyPx0OHn_7ooUAjbWGjSHUf3JvzEWuki3wV0XGs-t_zhUOwoooz5I_hSoFfvyftrFH7tMZ6cOwiJyM6CTIsvOm-g1DBPgqlIFllsQc8Lw/s1600-h/100_4096.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl8g07dmon8MzfaPBdFuUbcndFwNWfS6k0zoyPx0OHn_7ooUAjbWGjSHUf3JvzEWuki3wV0XGs-t_zhUOwoooz5I_hSoFfvyftrFH7tMZ6cOwiJyM6CTIsvOm-g1DBPgqlIFllsQc8Lw/s320/100_4096.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377431083930561314" /></a><br /><br />Mary and Gregg Scott rode a train to the Newgrass Festival from California! Mary and I have been cyper friends for a few years now..we met because of our mutual fanship of Sam. It was a pleasure to finally meet her in person...we even kicked up our heels together!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaad2ScjIWwHP6oJUcRTaRdwl38cK5FrMcc4rFQs-xT4qyV4Io3cIWAZfqIaaIInsk6cTnBxtQgN_FwwLgI_AeCF-wOqu_bY-kYH52IWcI-SLOvx14iH7CJNlGi0x5pZFTo9eDTbSKEU/s1600-h/100_4086.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaad2ScjIWwHP6oJUcRTaRdwl38cK5FrMcc4rFQs-xT4qyV4Io3cIWAZfqIaaIInsk6cTnBxtQgN_FwwLgI_AeCF-wOqu_bY-kYH52IWcI-SLOvx14iH7CJNlGi0x5pZFTo9eDTbSKEU/s320/100_4086.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377432881870317634" /></a><br /><br />These were the first folks to set up their chairs at the 1st Newgrass Festival! They were making sure...>g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKrPP-wXlPLFwyK5dTCKLgtpgqssEULjQ7kbLMBFgnD57hdumKntx_9OUgPA5Naia5TYgOpFVPF6qw704l5KfF_qiDRPgp-dHRO4sX4V1oDWQ-NnnwQZs0MubuMdu7AJajQTMZIzHOTk/s1600-h/100_4019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKrPP-wXlPLFwyK5dTCKLgtpgqssEULjQ7kbLMBFgnD57hdumKntx_9OUgPA5Naia5TYgOpFVPF6qw704l5KfF_qiDRPgp-dHRO4sX4V1oDWQ-NnnwQZs0MubuMdu7AJajQTMZIzHOTk/s320/100_4019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377434397137721298" /></a><br /><br />Raelan was my new dance partner! She is cuter than cute at seven years old and hung on for dear life while I was spinning her around...it was the first time she had ever danced with a partner and she did lots of squealing with delight!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02BQSQN0sWJyJeIUYnf3M22wGkQZaMWLxln2Kjx2c4afccT-KkwQYz-GMMdtaUJD4YdTbPZdr6UqxuSqA5Mcm9lZxl_FRCssJhHp_Y25l4ZRkiVZcVpu2LHkecZOKR7Jn65P7Z_P5Wrs/s1600-h/100_4215.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02BQSQN0sWJyJeIUYnf3M22wGkQZaMWLxln2Kjx2c4afccT-KkwQYz-GMMdtaUJD4YdTbPZdr6UqxuSqA5Mcm9lZxl_FRCssJhHp_Y25l4ZRkiVZcVpu2LHkecZOKR7Jn65P7Z_P5Wrs/s320/100_4215.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377438636871911986" /></a><br /><br />In conclusion...I can admit that I have never had more fun at any festival! The combination of a first festival "all about..." a musical hero and friend of mine and the fact that it turned out to be a magical musical historical event for everyone in attendance was damned near "over the top". Sam grew up just a few miles from the festival site and the crowd was filled with his family and old buddies, all who had come to help celebrate his musical talents and influence. (plus, we can't overlook the contributions of the other Newgrass musicians over the years...Curtis, Courtney, John, Bela, Ebo Walker, and Pat Flynn))I met alot of those folks were in on the Newgrass Revival beginnings, even including Sam and John's ex-wives, Liz and Kathy; who still are big fans. I met Hazel Johnson, whose husband Courtney was the original Newgrass banjo player, and who is herself a marvelous mandolin picker. I am damned proud of the fact that Lynn and I played a pivotal role in getting the festival off the ground, especially on-site; and I can't wait to do it again! I don't think that it's much of a stretch to predict that this festival will grow quickly to become one of the class festivals in the country.<br /><br />Showing off our collector's t-shirts on the Monday after the festival....we were both glowing. >g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6K8Qv7fwPV606T74MOcXjEpOza7DoNBvyoSA2Sn8UCHPlBilkGuHeklY9E62QrdYUUKV_o9FtDA74tRgWKRtwcvNFitybQDRrcfkhuPpgNMxNQlt2l3NHeOoSF3qXtgfoY_0OfRAIE8/s1600-h/100_4303.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6K8Qv7fwPV606T74MOcXjEpOza7DoNBvyoSA2Sn8UCHPlBilkGuHeklY9E62QrdYUUKV_o9FtDA74tRgWKRtwcvNFitybQDRrcfkhuPpgNMxNQlt2l3NHeOoSF3qXtgfoY_0OfRAIE8/s320/100_4303.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377439913225051394" /></a><br /><br />Oh....does anyone recognize/know this lovely lady? She thanked me for "capturing her essence" in this photo...and I gotta' love a person with an obvious sense of humor that she possesses!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRSEYohaeTReyGQtR0XNNBKhYDhdAn6fURc84rqyJyiZazg8DWDOJueBNsIpm1Rfdpt20qdtryE8a4MJzvC22JFUD5xzlYNO0wQa_zRNR0tjhOGajipMDoisOeUkWl4lO1h37v0EwuiU/s1600-h/100_4174.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRSEYohaeTReyGQtR0XNNBKhYDhdAn6fURc84rqyJyiZazg8DWDOJueBNsIpm1Rfdpt20qdtryE8a4MJzvC22JFUD5xzlYNO0wQa_zRNR0tjhOGajipMDoisOeUkWl4lO1h37v0EwuiU/s320/100_4174.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377440795449122354" /></a><br /><br />Damn...what a festival!!<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-88264105279317786782009-09-02T13:43:00.000-07:002009-09-02T16:21:03.426-07:00newgrass festival musical finale....I would say that it is a rare festival that I'm not most looking forward to the Sam Bush Band set...in fact, it has really never happened before! (Oh wait...there were those years of New Grass Revival...) But after learning from Kenny Lee back in April that on Sunday all blues hell was going to break loose, and why, I definitely was fired up by the fact that Duckbutter was going to close the festival!<br /><br />I was staying overnight in Nashville many years ago, on my way to a Florida festival, when I noticed in the listings of musical events happening that night....."Duckbutter (Sam Bush & John Cowan)"; playing at 3rd & Lindsley. I had never heard of this band, but of course Sam and John were good enough for me! >g< At this point I hadn't listened to much rock 'n roll/rhythm 'n blues for a long time, but that was about to change! By the time the last of four sets started that night there weren't many folks in the club anymore, and I was actually sitting with my feet resting on the stage for part of the set...and I think I heard damned near most of the rockin' bluesy songs that I knew of and they were all played with a fervor! Since that night it's been a wish of mine to have both Lynn and my good buddy Mapleal hear Duckbutter...and this dream was realized when both of them were at the Newgrass Festival! (I knew it would make them smile...)<br /><br />I also found at the festival that it was Kenny Lee who started the band, back around 1981. I had heard that Duckbutter was Sammy's excuse to wail on his electric guitar..at the 3rd & Lindsley that night there was a sign on stage depicting a mandolin with a slash through it; no mandolins allowed that night! These guys don't play together often; in fact from what I hear it's a rare and special occasion when they do. They obviously are good longtime buddies and just as obviously they are all musical masters. And they have sooo much fun!<br /><br />Duckbutter includes Kenny Lee (Smith) on guitar, Sam on guitar, Byron House on bass, John Cowan on bass, but mostly vocals, Jeff Jones on drums, and Reese Wyans on keyboards. Reese was well known as the keyboardist for the Stevie Ray Vaughn Band.<br /><br />Kenny Lee & Sam...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDwQJLitj04nGDmPytasEmlbIFwyKaMqfcHXZEGABbRHube-__yM0evu1JaSuds6NboKODKNSDitK7g4DCWsbY-C7L6rEnE7WBfChs5oRdYDldY_VOrgC0hZinpPWrkm_sNsR59CfeYA/s1600-h/100_4221.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDwQJLitj04nGDmPytasEmlbIFwyKaMqfcHXZEGABbRHube-__yM0evu1JaSuds6NboKODKNSDitK7g4DCWsbY-C7L6rEnE7WBfChs5oRdYDldY_VOrgC0hZinpPWrkm_sNsR59CfeYA/s320/100_4221.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376988028105811714" border="0"></a><br /><br />Sam & John...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM6BKpU4LsROFRbnpdIx5AXTJgRdAjJjz2W2xaxeTId_c2_2u4Egss98kTkkZHmGaorbSIjhwY5EYX-ATAIHQ4pGFW1wxHv8_vhF4eZ-aSMUCAThbgmQzkseOAlXwLhimKZrAl8UHwog/s1600-h/100_4225.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM6BKpU4LsROFRbnpdIx5AXTJgRdAjJjz2W2xaxeTId_c2_2u4Egss98kTkkZHmGaorbSIjhwY5EYX-ATAIHQ4pGFW1wxHv8_vhF4eZ-aSMUCAThbgmQzkseOAlXwLhimKZrAl8UHwog/s320/100_4225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376988645419954770" border="0"></a><br /><br />The Man can get intense...>g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBo1Q9WuNlsAcESkpl2eyL40IcJxxl2LuWCEDZ0w5kqAibMVjjVWwDAInHxJoGphclGZSC-jKay7FZoUtd2e9Yv9Zz_dkLrnCEK8qU02rwPdOzU9wjrkNInVgd1o8qJyRcyvTCzkEpr0/s1600-h/100_4239.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBo1Q9WuNlsAcESkpl2eyL40IcJxxl2LuWCEDZ0w5kqAibMVjjVWwDAInHxJoGphclGZSC-jKay7FZoUtd2e9Yv9Zz_dkLrnCEK8qU02rwPdOzU9wjrkNInVgd1o8qJyRcyvTCzkEpr0/s320/100_4239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376989464094320354" border="0"></a><br /><br />Reese...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5ZPmWjOpJUa0wfPXYDQP4S5YibS5tDWRqxJlD1mKnXSk1lvlU-7LVYssZ6MRvHHH17TNYve39Xk01RHFFKftehcxZwyL1iRBngaCHHkQ7L9bzb5PN5UGz-Qgp2gz_B5nMfIykV7covE/s1600-h/100_4253.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5ZPmWjOpJUa0wfPXYDQP4S5YibS5tDWRqxJlD1mKnXSk1lvlU-7LVYssZ6MRvHHH17TNYve39Xk01RHFFKftehcxZwyL1iRBngaCHHkQ7L9bzb5PN5UGz-Qgp2gz_B5nMfIykV7covE/s320/100_4253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376990224559636274" border="0"></a><br /><br />John and Byron...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSXXvRkmQpCh07tUzmTdwXoKv8BqEQlODy-OH-mv3a4Bd3jhyHQYA4NZ1I-T5IvoXt-yGT0VD73fOnFXP14QWor5YD5G3cvDwQ923AVm_1SYX22bT_6uoXnx8yz1sDWAbAcUBn-BLfsE/s1600-h/100_4242.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSXXvRkmQpCh07tUzmTdwXoKv8BqEQlODy-OH-mv3a4Bd3jhyHQYA4NZ1I-T5IvoXt-yGT0VD73fOnFXP14QWor5YD5G3cvDwQ923AVm_1SYX22bT_6uoXnx8yz1sDWAbAcUBn-BLfsE/s320/100_4242.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376990744391193090" border="0"></a><br /><br />Byron was havin' fun...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-ZwDwYs8udyQzkHUEATA94Tua3DBRJ3O6ZI37rtPg4XsGqZUd-CF8hSsthNcwUEw66VGlbllixrjmgZO0hCENs36daTDZ-ZG3NY_DTK4E4d9mm5xtEBB-HdO4hCUYvZMsNZrE5wfT-s/s1600-h/100_4248.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-ZwDwYs8udyQzkHUEATA94Tua3DBRJ3O6ZI37rtPg4XsGqZUd-CF8hSsthNcwUEw66VGlbllixrjmgZO0hCENs36daTDZ-ZG3NY_DTK4E4d9mm5xtEBB-HdO4hCUYvZMsNZrE5wfT-s/s320/100_4248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376991570205747954" border="0"></a><br /><br />Kenny Lee can play guitar using a banana as a slide....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunnwSG8-1bjJmxtjzw0zv-eMRFqItwrBdnhEuAYkKCm0bVWjSs7HlHjHHJlWtn5VNlP7TTqlypLWVyhxmEJJ34pOKupKreaIu2sLzWWU1yTqkihYNY01bhMtw99YOWk2MR9VsxRDwPcE/s1600-h/100_4286.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunnwSG8-1bjJmxtjzw0zv-eMRFqItwrBdnhEuAYkKCm0bVWjSs7HlHjHHJlWtn5VNlP7TTqlypLWVyhxmEJJ34pOKupKreaIu2sLzWWU1yTqkihYNY01bhMtw99YOWk2MR9VsxRDwPcE/s320/100_4286.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376994832273271778" border="0"></a><br /><br />..or a chair<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJmn-9orhvBCtKX2qDTFrNyRzCjOGiqjwD7KepukgsaPOd7RFRA90lXAwhcN4R9XylXk3WSfJBvWLKg45iOR-Y2hhqIwF1kTCOVvqWORZyWwEtbc2zFM1lji8NKVmHRhgk5JWGoMQEA8/s1600-h/100_4291.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJmn-9orhvBCtKX2qDTFrNyRzCjOGiqjwD7KepukgsaPOd7RFRA90lXAwhcN4R9XylXk3WSfJBvWLKg45iOR-Y2hhqIwF1kTCOVvqWORZyWwEtbc2zFM1lji8NKVmHRhgk5JWGoMQEA8/s320/100_4291.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376996222249446674" border="0"></a><br /><br />or even a banana-covered condom! (did I mention that Kenny Lee is a character? >g<)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfVsRTlT6qLOEQsJiEzwe7Qdk2_W1p3VsxwM97Ykt_edU_RQ8R_eWiMqWLKNAbF-P5W-XaFM4l_K3rcddDIlzW7oreVu4II_rgD_p8D3yRkEtLcn07tNvl21DG6Ob_EAak8kv0F_53Qc/s1600-h/100_4294.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfVsRTlT6qLOEQsJiEzwe7Qdk2_W1p3VsxwM97Ykt_edU_RQ8R_eWiMqWLKNAbF-P5W-XaFM4l_K3rcddDIlzW7oreVu4II_rgD_p8D3yRkEtLcn07tNvl21DG6Ob_EAak8kv0F_53Qc/s320/100_4294.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376996891959266290" border="0"></a><br /><br />Sam, Jeff, and John....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrJ1VTezOT6GAYy207VlQktCxo71ntX7K5ahJClkZlqx52wXzzD4aZRjkIrOdoxw64BxcK4IpUmAhEURk3NsbQ6ehzhgqt7rVQ7KuwZZEmPoKPqOprDEvawRaDipasuotm6I0oKVu2n4/s1600-h/100_4277.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrJ1VTezOT6GAYy207VlQktCxo71ntX7K5ahJClkZlqx52wXzzD4aZRjkIrOdoxw64BxcK4IpUmAhEURk3NsbQ6ehzhgqt7rVQ7KuwZZEmPoKPqOprDEvawRaDipasuotm6I0oKVu2n4/s320/100_4277.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377013916408442242" /></a><br /><br /><br />And there was a special guest, 11 year old Nick Williams! The young musician was a definite hit....<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyw8obCRgzgge7qABT6k70k--zmf5eG3e8IsxZKRsIoOAszkUBnf5Tnks7KQ7iRPpZSRbh18CTwnE0cFrK62w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />So....a hotter finish to a hot festival couldn't happen, in my book! And when Kenny Lee asked for advice concerning the festival in the coming years, I had a bunch of ideas; and the two that I'm sure will happen are these: Sam closes on Saturday night, and Duckbutter closes the festival!<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-32812877875147623612009-09-01T17:53:00.000-07:002009-09-01T19:03:09.756-07:00newgrass festival....day 3After two days of excellent music and excellent weather, Day 3 was poised to rock!! Oh man....the excitement had been building, new friendships were popping up all over the place, and everyone in attendance was eagerly anticipating a big finish!<br /><br />The day started out with a very sweet set led by Hazel Johnson, widow of the original New Grass Revival banjo picker, Courtney Johnson. Hazel is a wonderful person, who according to her bandmate, Mark Whitley, knows more fiddle tunes than anyone!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz51YOSssIWiPS64Fz0wgYsksiDhF6YctDjhtAFGZqJtAy0rAVyUfDkwR98ibd-3xFvIhE6X-Zon6itd5iEuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Hazel, Mark Whitley, and David Foster...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZ0OCBgqeuXX9o-cPO0R2laajcU6JExdhRdbhO3JEdCifohuF39D6KmKNHNvIYkOCFTjfBtKgceyCNdAP3b9uUjrHZfyz32Sjduwch26YRcwSA4PGqlgHogCOvnUotWueb8GEokPTLUI/s1600-h/100_4182.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZ0OCBgqeuXX9o-cPO0R2laajcU6JExdhRdbhO3JEdCifohuF39D6KmKNHNvIYkOCFTjfBtKgceyCNdAP3b9uUjrHZfyz32Sjduwch26YRcwSA4PGqlgHogCOvnUotWueb8GEokPTLUI/s320/100_4182.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376674145155078002" /></a><br /><br />Safire Sun was the next group up on Sunday, and I was not at all familiar with them. The two fellows in the group were original members of the Bluegrass Alliance; this was a very fine band, handpicked by Curtis....<br /><br />Safire Sun...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0VZElgaKTv265zXMvg92P7yaOujhX7DpCwP9_dHir9xugeFeJVIRL5qsok2XX5OpJH4ILCI8m_PsDyBu5C0GSpHMLEhyphenhypheng4VHe0xAJXofM-3hqiYvWGaYWp42kmPfbS7P6NP7iuc1xMI/s1600-h/100_4184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0VZElgaKTv265zXMvg92P7yaOujhX7DpCwP9_dHir9xugeFeJVIRL5qsok2XX5OpJH4ILCI8m_PsDyBu5C0GSpHMLEhyphenhypheng4VHe0xAJXofM-3hqiYvWGaYWp42kmPfbS7P6NP7iuc1xMI/s320/100_4184.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376677610342472962" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately I have no photos of the Kentucky School of Bluegrass. Curtis Burch is an instructor at the college, and the performance by the students was super! I do wish my camera wasn't having battery issues at this time....<br /><br />The Farewell Drifters were the last acoustic/newgrass/bluegrass kind of band at the festival. I have seen and heard these young fellows at a few different festivals now, including Merlefest, Greyfox, and Floydfest and I'm enjoying the heck out of their music. They also have a fine stage presence, and they obviously are having fun with their music. I expect to see them often in the future....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NhlnV0yYMhhnG9Ms-2mBNX-ftit0JN4TMS6w7vbDAap1niKc4-4HzcDmZUYguwFB-wWUjg5Z2L240eHIvx3QlhiSnqbe5PaqrhuB0TOUQpe2CCPJOwAbrYb-DLsdEJUoqrivYnkWcFE/s1600-h/100_4202.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NhlnV0yYMhhnG9Ms-2mBNX-ftit0JN4TMS6w7vbDAap1niKc4-4HzcDmZUYguwFB-wWUjg5Z2L240eHIvx3QlhiSnqbe5PaqrhuB0TOUQpe2CCPJOwAbrYb-DLsdEJUoqrivYnkWcFE/s320/100_4202.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376679203717278482" /></a><br /><br /><br />And then all blues/electric music broke out! This was started by the Michael Gough Band, joined by Mr. Curtis Burch himself. It was a fun set...I understand that Michael is a blues fixture in the area, and a great lead-in to the next band!<br /><br />Curtis...laying on the steel!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNuRH17jdTMxvAm_0vR0GByF8ANuwbVqLCSqN6dUxFNLd54LqdGzM1699qoqS33wa-l97oNm8Jrdg9lnntEDSn9CMj1ngStsT471P64PzSxB65PvtvmWpwTtb2fRK8PzZ1tu0hUaLKTM/s1600-h/100_4207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNuRH17jdTMxvAm_0vR0GByF8ANuwbVqLCSqN6dUxFNLd54LqdGzM1699qoqS33wa-l97oNm8Jrdg9lnntEDSn9CMj1ngStsT471P64PzSxB65PvtvmWpwTtb2fRK8PzZ1tu0hUaLKTM/s320/100_4207.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376683158621435906" /></a><br /><br />I will be expounding on the final act of the festival, Duckbutter, in the next blog!<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-31026676347112865472009-08-28T17:17:00.000-07:002009-08-28T19:12:41.234-07:00newgrass festival....day 2The second day of the festival started with a young band that I hadn't heard of, Act of Congress. They are from the state of Alabama, and feature a very progressive acoustic style and sound...they reminded me alot of Nickel Creek. They have one cd out, entitled "Declaration"..and I'm liking it! I do appreciate a band who writes all their own material....<br /><br />A small sample of Act of Congress....<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwKFwb55DsNBCt-TQxXNPJtNRsP4mk1564OSvmsn6tsL-iy1nNusIppP2U4EKWPrmlvFrqgycFUPQE4jivcrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4Tu7zyCDHcDy-jbtvaNhIEkRgL86V5yTLqj60uIGGYxZzN0o20Iw93QaXyZ9M2_EqcZ_mkZ3-Ooa_I2jsV2DZNvubdGJzFCDygxWENCWW79oJ08XFnJ-TUVrRrF_JK1lr325P3BjYMM/s1600-h/100_4089.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4Tu7zyCDHcDy-jbtvaNhIEkRgL86V5yTLqj60uIGGYxZzN0o20Iw93QaXyZ9M2_EqcZ_mkZ3-Ooa_I2jsV2DZNvubdGJzFCDygxWENCWW79oJ08XFnJ-TUVrRrF_JK1lr325P3BjYMM/s320/100_4089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375179061314450706" border="0"></a><br /><br />Next up was the IIIrd Tyme Out, a traditional kick-ass bluegrass band that I hadn't had the pleasure of seeing/hearing for too many years...for some strange reason we haven't crossed paths lately. Great pickin', great vocals, and great songs add up to a tasty set...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfm7r5vqcg_dK9jcWQVmTuip5_TcRXd_lJQH-6YiY5XKiwzUlM3AyQgz5UroxQG03qucHJb1fDajv5F8GOiS9jt2mpLGtSQuaKASJtaeyhmVZMU3uCp6E2-EXNI6hURKiGYDh_vxO-P0/s1600-h/100_4093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfm7r5vqcg_dK9jcWQVmTuip5_TcRXd_lJQH-6YiY5XKiwzUlM3AyQgz5UroxQG03qucHJb1fDajv5F8GOiS9jt2mpLGtSQuaKASJtaeyhmVZMU3uCp6E2-EXNI6hURKiGYDh_vxO-P0/s320/100_4093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375181048707898066" border="0"></a><br /><br />The next three bands featured the three Newgrass Revival boys and their own bands; starting with the Curtis Burch Band. Both Lynn and I had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with Curtis, who is both a fine musician and a fine man. He spends part of his time teaching music at a Kentucky college that offers a course in traditional music.<br /><br />Dr. Dobro...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx0EKWG6NMfqbsI9aNzYI0zz-r0yYWE-YEw4UBbv9jsSwbyaJb1rZyxlI4V1zSoyrj0UcWa5buhFcHeViXX0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JPKGL_ycD1rdvZ-J_e8_qn2tyvRWi33AkJQf3hrYrmwLKdnVWX3Pb48YR3dEHnTodnWyXQE6yWyVxVLYL5G8o_Tx80YCbzgUk4vKZ5enh8eYKpcm1hYB_FlGNLtZhS-1H2tso698QYg/s1600-h/100_4098.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JPKGL_ycD1rdvZ-J_e8_qn2tyvRWi33AkJQf3hrYrmwLKdnVWX3Pb48YR3dEHnTodnWyXQE6yWyVxVLYL5G8o_Tx80YCbzgUk4vKZ5enh8eYKpcm1hYB_FlGNLtZhS-1H2tso698QYg/s320/100_4098.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375190261569001042" /></a><br /><br />Then came Johnny C.! I have been amazed at the man's voice since I first heard it at the ol' Mole Lake Bluegrass Festival, near my home here in Wisconsin. I've been really diggin' his band of the last few years, which includes Shad Cobb, brother of Jesse and of course a former member of the Cobb Brothers. (many years ago...>g< I saw this family back when all the boys were barely teenagers back in the early 90s; they are natives of Wisconsin.)<br /><br />The man can still wail...!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk6v6zKl4p5PCQg4eY2ujpayVA5to5Ujjw7It4TaZCH9akflzCTzhRcXOgkXytZ47y7vbT4CbAyAw4pXHmN-ajQGV2l_SS36g0mFJosphqxSTlPGiBNWgcklP8Xq4sFgZ8LGyK_tzq0o/s1600-h/100_4121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwk6v6zKl4p5PCQg4eY2ujpayVA5to5Ujjw7It4TaZCH9akflzCTzhRcXOgkXytZ47y7vbT4CbAyAw4pXHmN-ajQGV2l_SS36g0mFJosphqxSTlPGiBNWgcklP8Xq4sFgZ8LGyK_tzq0o/s320/100_4121.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375192441215177970" /></a><br /><br />He added a mandolin picker...! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY2Sq-874-iMEUqmUUvHRH4-t3BpebR_OxNZI9V0afQBkrwBaqA7ZwY_rvAd4NfW5st1tO6WhoL9y69ZKY9mL1V5I78BYmVhvnTHJKcPOGe1uJdyri4Tvrwyeg2Q8dulr47pQLjgfD5k/s1600-h/100_4124.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY2Sq-874-iMEUqmUUvHRH4-t3BpebR_OxNZI9V0afQBkrwBaqA7ZwY_rvAd4NfW5st1tO6WhoL9y69ZKY9mL1V5I78BYmVhvnTHJKcPOGe1uJdyri4Tvrwyeg2Q8dulr47pQLjgfD5k/s320/100_4124.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375193743231945042" /></a><br /><br />And then of course it was time for the closing set! Sammy stepped up to the plate, as they say in his baseball world, and knocked it out of the park.... I have never been disappointed with a Sam Bush show and really never expect to. The Man was on fire as usual...plus the fact that this festival was all about him, which I'm sure added a bit of spark. He had a great time on stage, going through some new songs that will be on his upcoming cd, lots of regular "Sammy" songs, some straight bluegrass, and a few old NGR songs when his buddy John joined him on stage. I liked it...>g<<br /><br />Gettin' down...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gsWAz6apQV2V85E8Y4IACE3-MhyphenhyphenuUtarHcvG2EQNWKvFcVaVB9tmIYzRZw9y_nTSj9uOc3nTJMvHlN8wucxZ483Lz3i2jRhiRFLe4gbeipgCBy4IqG03TdqCRqDgqf4A_VtBkrEZL1M/s1600-h/100_4149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gsWAz6apQV2V85E8Y4IACE3-MhyphenhyphenuUtarHcvG2EQNWKvFcVaVB9tmIYzRZw9y_nTSj9uOc3nTJMvHlN8wucxZ483Lz3i2jRhiRFLe4gbeipgCBy4IqG03TdqCRqDgqf4A_VtBkrEZL1M/s320/100_4149.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375198120083061762" /></a><br /><br />Sam and Byron...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlobG3Uzs7iBMKsTBRNkWYy1lt-c7l1QhJ4DxJIrz4FInzzejqxiggtgz2YA48u1dyqqocIFTtQqCtIFzivO4gMPZrb-JCF54LYT8HmnQemY5iIzKorLd-L0u7fG4cD1tXy02vftmGRAM/s1600-h/100_4154.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlobG3Uzs7iBMKsTBRNkWYy1lt-c7l1QhJ4DxJIrz4FInzzejqxiggtgz2YA48u1dyqqocIFTtQqCtIFzivO4gMPZrb-JCF54LYT8HmnQemY5iIzKorLd-L0u7fG4cD1tXy02vftmGRAM/s320/100_4154.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375199230726808818" /></a><br /><br />Spider John is my name, friends...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vSSRdJ7n2oIDbN8rAm-QTntpHqXPoTQrUE3KEH8JJNJYvvCodXLcWeGcUNwbNsSVkIeCDpf3kvsVTPIPmzyhStSj_Kkqts4oWrOoY_skDfmgS3Vd7ntTTlV3Va2FnMuYjYTzSz_ZLKU/s1600-h/100_4165.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vSSRdJ7n2oIDbN8rAm-QTntpHqXPoTQrUE3KEH8JJNJYvvCodXLcWeGcUNwbNsSVkIeCDpf3kvsVTPIPmzyhStSj_Kkqts4oWrOoY_skDfmgS3Vd7ntTTlV3Va2FnMuYjYTzSz_ZLKU/s320/100_4165.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375200478893025666" /></a><br /><br />So---Day 2 finished with a bang! After Sam's set Lynn and I got to visit him and Lynn a bit; he always had lots of friends, fans, and family around who wanted his attention, and he did his best to accomodate. We went back to our campsite in a joyful mood and actually listened to a little campground jammin' before crashing in our tent. Sure was a full, magnificent day of music!<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-25990319799182136792009-08-26T15:12:00.000-07:002009-08-26T18:37:50.423-07:00the newgrass festival...part 2Curtis Burch and Kenny Lee put together a fabulous lineup! I knew this was going to be good long before it happened....and it was even better than I thought. >g<<br />Day 1 opened with Larry Keel & Natural Bridge. I have seen/heard Larry many times over the years at various festivals, and dig his music. He has a wonderfully rough voice and a unique guitar style and he always has a great band put together. <br /><br />Larry Keel & Natural Bridge leading off the festival....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv1wWUoD4sfpiXqXiw0VimgnL5TWef6jOJCkQP6tEL7lmbn-sW6q_4kCCp7YaAYF6zUY5by3MzwUBSIfMcx5daguQF_4Dfq-cBsYKNgVtYHwg1oH19Cj8b62QIWpvHBiyCdBUOhtIc4U/s1600-h/100_4024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv1wWUoD4sfpiXqXiw0VimgnL5TWef6jOJCkQP6tEL7lmbn-sW6q_4kCCp7YaAYF6zUY5by3MzwUBSIfMcx5daguQF_4Dfq-cBsYKNgVtYHwg1oH19Cj8b62QIWpvHBiyCdBUOhtIc4U/s320/100_4024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374402095686943794" border="0"></a><br /><br />Larry and his wife Jenny...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6mP4kDy8Uzhc0whdzqHDJtExeIjqduzVnTh8xqIoNyxPz4n_9AxmBomPGL2EGcYPUyThI_24FN8icwaylkNCkistrf3e8KK1GwkXnuPBMOgCmWG6lPtiDxYoz5joVHHhG1G6tdtfFXw/s1600-h/100_4029.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6mP4kDy8Uzhc0whdzqHDJtExeIjqduzVnTh8xqIoNyxPz4n_9AxmBomPGL2EGcYPUyThI_24FN8icwaylkNCkistrf3e8KK1GwkXnuPBMOgCmWG6lPtiDxYoz5joVHHhG1G6tdtfFXw/s320/100_4029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374403433697236962" border="0"></a><br /><br />The Infamous Stringdusters followed Larry, and they are one of my favorite young bands...I am a big fan. I was hoping to visit a bit with Jesse Cobb, who I knew back when he was a teenager with his family band, but apparently they split the festival soon after playing; I'm sure to another gig somewhere. A very inventive, superb band....<br /><br />The Infamous Stringdusters....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEcg3Bnt5ImWxMPY9n1iSum_t6oTgRZNOgSmhHd9ta_9QYpUlMUDknVKW_DOUPdnWKdE83IjwK9CnEJV4auobf5lNiCszXKeuWUfK6QpVki-IQX5gLjGA6KSQGcty1-zZ48KNnzFPB1w/s1600-h/100_4033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEcg3Bnt5ImWxMPY9n1iSum_t6oTgRZNOgSmhHd9ta_9QYpUlMUDknVKW_DOUPdnWKdE83IjwK9CnEJV4auobf5lNiCszXKeuWUfK6QpVki-IQX5gLjGA6KSQGcty1-zZ48KNnzFPB1w/s320/100_4033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374430160256696978" border="0"></a><br /><br />Jesse Cobb and Travis Book...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRswUY_2z-DM7775Kfg8POnaPxMBAhUh1CIpaM6vEO8iky84YmfwpSsgfAJljsC_L3Deg1qrZHmqcLfMz8yy5Mu6oyElh8ivK5XbOdlO64PBaau-UbHIbmAWXYV8cE2h_Vgnqi37v7vzE/s1600-h/100_4038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRswUY_2z-DM7775Kfg8POnaPxMBAhUh1CIpaM6vEO8iky84YmfwpSsgfAJljsC_L3Deg1qrZHmqcLfMz8yy5Mu6oyElh8ivK5XbOdlO64PBaau-UbHIbmAWXYV8cE2h_Vgnqi37v7vzE/s320/100_4038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374431058335798770" border="0"></a><br /><br />The Infamous Stringdusters and the Friday afternoon audience....<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw6Af0WVXYR2IIH-Zhf97hxBWZjge-tPNSaFUgpsXqF9SGQO_pg5D1c3_x1vkjAFW7GH_dCTiRJj2evJOf1Dg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The Grascals were next on Friday, and they are one hot bluegrass band! I was enjoying their show when I noticed Mr. Bush making his way to the backstage, where he soon picked up his mandolin, indicating to me that the festival was about to get hotter! <br /><br />The Grascals and Sam....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEg8jm58kTlAtWxABhLQp-yed9BjIJHUZWVmDb3k05VHK4vxDSHC1zz2o16rIEfuthEt9PD1IbsSGgt4yk40IXwhjyTBSo3TsnW2aPrDE6nUMiQAyOkMcjGDbSm53HN6uLOiPhgl3BUc/s1600-h/100_4044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEg8jm58kTlAtWxABhLQp-yed9BjIJHUZWVmDb3k05VHK4vxDSHC1zz2o16rIEfuthEt9PD1IbsSGgt4yk40IXwhjyTBSo3TsnW2aPrDE6nUMiQAyOkMcjGDbSm53HN6uLOiPhgl3BUc/s320/100_4044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374442613664466514" border="0"><br /><br />Sam and his buddy Danny Roberts having some mandolin fun...<br /><br /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzfDkGbb2JN7Qrfg1Wj7vg3-TAGSFR3pCvDODbREqBMdxkvcAUTmiXHmTnZZ6VyM80i1EZgEO-0FDu7kJ2E2g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Cadillac Sky followed the Grascals, and unfortunately I have no videos or photos of their performance. This was the first time hearing them for me, and while I didn't take to them at all at first, once I moved back farther and wasn't blasted by the music that in my mind was presented way too loud, I could see that if I gave them more time I may become more of a fan.<br /><br />The Greencards closed Friday night and I am a big fan of theirs! Another one of those young hot bands that is always a pleasure to see and hear. And guess what? Sam also joined them for a few tunes and they made sure that everyone knew what a priviledge is it for them to have Sam join them. Again, unfortunately, I have no photos of them and Sammy...I was really having some camera/batteries issues goin' on at that time! I did manage to take a couple of decent photos of them before Sam joined them...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGCY1gnY06co8EiXPrQkNM8y1rPx1jWxFtWiEtA7ipSoO_WYkSCjpdcunp4GLOcN78nU7JftsrwSB43HWBaDJ65n4xb69H3iS-dPFpA6a2VXnlcXEt0FrCMC8xvKlqI65T_8vHim3Dws/s1600-h/100_4064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGCY1gnY06co8EiXPrQkNM8y1rPx1jWxFtWiEtA7ipSoO_WYkSCjpdcunp4GLOcN78nU7JftsrwSB43HWBaDJ65n4xb69H3iS-dPFpA6a2VXnlcXEt0FrCMC8xvKlqI65T_8vHim3Dws/s320/100_4064.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374449897691368050" /></a><br /><br />I'll work on the second day of the festival later....<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-67411574150687631282009-08-26T08:28:00.000-07:002009-09-02T13:40:30.366-07:001st annual Newgrass Festival!Back in March I regrettably came to the conclusion that I had to drop a couple of festivals from my schedule, as they were just not good for my business. (I have no clue why those two haven't been successful....and all the others have been.) It wasn't long after this decision that I received an email from a friend/patron, telling me of a new festival that I probably would be interested in....and she was right! I have since worked and become friends with Kenny Lee (Smith), the producer of the International Newgrass Festival...and it has been a hoot! When he told me in our first phone conversation that the festival is "all about Sam" (Bush), I knew that this was a festival for me! Kenny Lee is a longtime friend and bandmate of Sam's...I found out during the festival that actually Kenny Lee started the band Duckbutter back in the early 80s; more on them later.<br /><br />Kenny Lee<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41VijRGqnywHGm8tUurl3GLcOX3-uTwLNRPTklXyrGZbO9NEX81unzl3xMR5Hlo4oYb7l2XWTE87UJ8SmMxYRNmz_jHJ3AYj_57ZrEK8xruYe1jcO56g9N-yeOLYJaYBxxXaCeO-6N00/s1600-h/100_4251.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41VijRGqnywHGm8tUurl3GLcOX3-uTwLNRPTklXyrGZbO9NEX81unzl3xMR5Hlo4oYb7l2XWTE87UJ8SmMxYRNmz_jHJ3AYj_57ZrEK8xruYe1jcO56g9N-yeOLYJaYBxxXaCeO-6N00/s320/100_4251.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374301255873488914" border="0"></a><br /><br />And if this festival was "all about Sam", I should start with his contribution! He showed up on Friday, after telling Kenny Lee on Thursday night that he wanted to do some pickin' with friends....I was elated to hear this! On Friday afternoon he joined the Grascals on stage and tore it up Sammy-style, with a traditional-bluegrass taste. During his first solo the tears of joy were streaming down my cheeks....<br /><br /><br />Sammy tearin' it up, traditional-bluegrass style...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpz9h9UXE1gyP5Wqp4EQ513bBPyGh4UyInfHZn9RlciNnP0ChG77710j8VrkWIBcVGsAisx3zCIhXP4irF7w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Sam and the Grascals....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHUCZIhpfimSp3cLxMlcUXvvnsIs_S2-p83PQUaSP-DIRrOBj2aSAegysPmVhPHk-5bI2YyUznbWF56j4xBrnbEy0RERwTBQuHK2PJl2KQHLVROF7ozWi_ZxbllgI8cQ2nO0LSqfj3WI/s1600-h/100_4044.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHUCZIhpfimSp3cLxMlcUXvvnsIs_S2-p83PQUaSP-DIRrOBj2aSAegysPmVhPHk-5bI2YyUznbWF56j4xBrnbEy0RERwTBQuHK2PJl2KQHLVROF7ozWi_ZxbllgI8cQ2nO0LSqfj3WI/s320/100_4044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374306738289611410" border="0"></a><br /><br />Sam giggin' with his buddy; the John Cowan Band<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnHquZ4_H34S53emhLz7Fsfy4vaaV90M_HfWYsD1se6L9rNdJlCRgqn0b6jlM9cvYg5Xx_iAyik8VJAdisxGsSORTErNjBGpPybY5DDMhDU7b5O2bBjtFIX-btkBlkNtEcxJe5VT0HyA/s1600-h/100_4124.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnHquZ4_H34S53emhLz7Fsfy4vaaV90M_HfWYsD1se6L9rNdJlCRgqn0b6jlM9cvYg5Xx_iAyik8VJAdisxGsSORTErNjBGpPybY5DDMhDU7b5O2bBjtFIX-btkBlkNtEcxJe5VT0HyA/s320/100_4124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374311367682323986" border="0"></a><br /><br />Sam receiving accolades and proclamations from the county judge....Sam agreed to agree about anything the judge said. >g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoKJoIPm92CbX_nlJ07G0B4sDki0SR6yfHl6FoeiVX4ttuPJlWhxjPBPZoP6AxL-u8_GY3JTE8gDPm6or04usVRZoj3BoC5N5NjCyUhvzNAfrljc7lN86vEyYaqwCnEuNIN6JGEcX3nw/s1600-h/100_4142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoKJoIPm92CbX_nlJ07G0B4sDki0SR6yfHl6FoeiVX4ttuPJlWhxjPBPZoP6AxL-u8_GY3JTE8gDPm6or04usVRZoj3BoC5N5NjCyUhvzNAfrljc7lN86vEyYaqwCnEuNIN6JGEcX3nw/s320/100_4142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374313537777630834" border="0"></a><br /><br />Sam and Byron during the Saturday night closer...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdv7eVS8dbo5QBwHu2DHfKELYNm0uRvP1Da_VefUauaj0y5XpnnQnLQVwtjeVae_YX4FLlQ_igaFaA2dgYc0UAyQ3Fu3rPllHNSl2aOLFytb9yB4zTTqSlZx9nGt4-18yEUWlno15FPk/s1600-h/100_4155.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdv7eVS8dbo5QBwHu2DHfKELYNm0uRvP1Da_VefUauaj0y5XpnnQnLQVwtjeVae_YX4FLlQ_igaFaA2dgYc0UAyQ3Fu3rPllHNSl2aOLFytb9yB4zTTqSlZx9nGt4-18yEUWlno15FPk/s320/100_4155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374316622003731970" border="0"></a><br /><br />The Man was havin' a good time...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXmXsjp5Fh1i4hyphenhyphen4oij-jDJ-dCxaSTwxBhLdE2XMsbwHhRgMbjreWTbQEfIaFLc5_g3dKB1R9jWrOeUHr6CgzbGDv6cjdki1OdWz5Fnaab8lSKjPy0IPE6sajKJxj2wZe-57SnbnjjuI/s1600-h/100_4160.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXmXsjp5Fh1i4hyphenhyphen4oij-jDJ-dCxaSTwxBhLdE2XMsbwHhRgMbjreWTbQEfIaFLc5_g3dKB1R9jWrOeUHr6CgzbGDv6cjdki1OdWz5Fnaab8lSKjPy0IPE6sajKJxj2wZe-57SnbnjjuI/s320/100_4160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374323089388210578" border="0"></a><br /><br />The encore...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3Ne2pWx-tUgGRFhcnThoPF5LjfI-4NII6TTy06tmSNJNkUa4ULCkXq8PbGBuusK-S8K3ThSNw5P6VX-9c8Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Jammin' with Duckbutter...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxMerCjLlf7rgW00CcjNXBIIJTF5f-0gSVpgmCrzyVxcNR_Qjd90ptPDCACGwbWDO2pRWkJPqm0dLx_jxvA3g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Sam, John, and Kenny Lee....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjmtU5uB8RF7F1tL0zKURxRNtsMB6yoxi467N99DESmgQKFfKWzW3FR8A7DBdwVFWfZPfF-G9IO7XYZ-v0gedvfCdL4uE1RAFS88CmJ42ks4j2Xa_hIuJj104M2hi_DBy21Lpxu8Bs3Q/s1600-h/100_4264.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjmtU5uB8RF7F1tL0zKURxRNtsMB6yoxi467N99DESmgQKFfKWzW3FR8A7DBdwVFWfZPfF-G9IO7XYZ-v0gedvfCdL4uE1RAFS88CmJ42ks4j2Xa_hIuJj104M2hi_DBy21Lpxu8Bs3Q/s320/100_4264.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374336912351622562" /></a><br /><br />Sam and Duckbutter drummer Jeff Jones....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XvnmWorcmc7k_CEpjMX4_2vnYj0B9bUWRWp3e9EUACjhZJnYi4aLkBHe-oJU604gIfdY5b2g1Xe7A8Knd7jYItY-GXiVW-jFkpnQPA5Wx9hMK7Q695hYhpDxIFHDCJJbd97hPv-bado/s1600-h/100_4276.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XvnmWorcmc7k_CEpjMX4_2vnYj0B9bUWRWp3e9EUACjhZJnYi4aLkBHe-oJU604gIfdY5b2g1Xe7A8Knd7jYItY-GXiVW-jFkpnQPA5Wx9hMK7Q695hYhpDxIFHDCJJbd97hPv-bado/s320/100_4276.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374340208155847666" /></a><br /><br />Sam is The Man.....and it is fitting to hold a festival that is "all about Sam"! Thanks, Sammy, for your music and your attitude and your friendship.<br /><br />Part 2 will be on the way later...<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-82771205226956289212009-05-05T18:15:00.000-07:002009-06-03T13:19:35.165-07:00row 10; seats 38 & 39....I met a couple of friends early on in my business venture; David and Don are brothers who always camped next or near to my group at the River's Edge Campground, during Merlefest. It was great to see them every year, and David wrote a couple of great reviews concerning Dancin'Dave's... on a couple of chat groups.<br /><br />When Merlefest started the assigned seating, David scored a couple of beautiful seats, Row 10; seats 38 & 39. And for some reason, the folks in seats 36 & 37 never showed up. Because of this, Lynn and I many times sat in those seats, diggin' the music with David and Don....we wouldn't have wanted to share the music more with anyone.<br /><br />Then one year David showed up at Merlefest much lighter than usual....he had lost many pounds because of the start of a battle with cancer. At this point he actually looked great! He was slim and looking healthy but he was quick to point out why he had lost so many pounds so quickly...but seemed confidant that he had been "cured".<br /><br />Well, he wasn't....and for a few years he was obviously becoming sicker; but still seeing and hearing as much Merlefest music that he could handle. The last year that we saw him it was pretty clear that it was for the last time, but we all put up a good front. It was damned sad...<br /><br />The next year Don showed up with a friend of his and the story of David's last days. David had a super sense of humor and so was quick with the smile or the quips. He and Don shared this trait right to the end and Don told how David would be doin' the comforting and keeping everyone in good humor even as he was suffering. <br /><br />Don also had a few of David's ashes, and they were spread under seat 39. He also told me that in one of David's last days he instructed Don that if he ever could not make it to Merlefest that the tickets should go to Lynn and me.<br /><br />For the last three years or four years now Lynn and I have enjoyed the music and those seats even more than usual, for we are doin' it for our friend...and he would be happy to know that we are doing so.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-66114782839000491102009-04-03T12:34:00.000-07:002009-04-03T15:20:22.751-07:00the springfest 2009.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10-fEJ9QoTXxJThzPNBMSNZDJu2GqTBUh_mkLxL2wf89IWUsUTW-1c_kXH7SypBE3gOhn3oC_Pi7ImeoAISNnNagKyK77VQe0Icg4_7Fxtg4lwVMKtfYZQaDhLd5-APDXfMsziKTUyHY/s1600-h/100_3045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10-fEJ9QoTXxJThzPNBMSNZDJu2GqTBUh_mkLxL2wf89IWUsUTW-1c_kXH7SypBE3gOhn3oC_Pi7ImeoAISNnNagKyK77VQe0Icg4_7Fxtg4lwVMKtfYZQaDhLd5-APDXfMsziKTUyHY/s320/100_3045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320591923791099042" /></a><br />I've been attending the Suwannee Springfest since 1999 and it didn't take long for me to figure out that this would be one of my favorite festivals. Besides the wonderful wonderful music that I've heard and been introduced to at the Springfest, the venue and the weather and the people all have been superb. I can honestly say that that northern Florida spring festival weather is usually the best weather that any festival could hope for. (there are of course exceptions to all rules...>g<)<br /><br />Again, this year's lineup had many highlights in my ears...with the highest being of course the Mike/Darol/Vasen mindblower. Others included David Gans opening the Ampitheatre Stage on Friday morning and I wish I would have caught his set with the Rowan Brothers, doing a Beatle Tribute. I had heard them do some Beatle stuff during the post-Magfest party last October, and those guys are gooood! They call themselves the "Rubber Souldiers".... <br /><br />Darrell Scott is always a treat. The first time I saw him he was playing with Sam Bush and actually I watched a Station Inn rehearsal with Sam and John Cowan teaching songs to Darrell, with his first appearence with the band that night....and I've been a big fan ever since. Bryn Davies joined Darrell on the bass and both Darol Anger and Rushad Eggleston each played one of Darrell's sets. Super, super music....<br /><br />Darrell and Bryn....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0k_etVR35g5SWTRgeBQ5CRNUlYJvcIOldrAKR_rgakcEH5qt6XWg_xEktk11DTAmsRXUF8HjF2fSTlaIGMnJZOnzWAn9YRlrV1seloDNoa-Uppgfhdg8XdxV2oD84QhaPR8_hWECDYos/s1600-h/100_3006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0k_etVR35g5SWTRgeBQ5CRNUlYJvcIOldrAKR_rgakcEH5qt6XWg_xEktk11DTAmsRXUF8HjF2fSTlaIGMnJZOnzWAn9YRlrV1seloDNoa-Uppgfhdg8XdxV2oD84QhaPR8_hWECDYos/s320/100_3006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320558299898586690" border="0"></a><br /><br />Rushad joins in and I wish the sound from my camera was better....<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyDv5Z-b8itqJ206kCTK5RRBr3l7POuRznRQRcGIhR1S_3h62K3XnQA-cibVxSwP0Z3ZY8CgPodJ8J96lMmqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Darol joins Darrel and Bryn....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10-fEJ9QoTXxJThzPNBMSNZDJu2GqTBUh_mkLxL2wf89IWUsUTW-1c_kXH7SypBE3gOhn3oC_Pi7ImeoAISNnNagKyK77VQe0Icg4_7Fxtg4lwVMKtfYZQaDhLd5-APDXfMsziKTUyHY/s1600-h/100_3045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10-fEJ9QoTXxJThzPNBMSNZDJu2GqTBUh_mkLxL2wf89IWUsUTW-1c_kXH7SypBE3gOhn3oC_Pi7ImeoAISNnNagKyK77VQe0Icg4_7Fxtg4lwVMKtfYZQaDhLd5-APDXfMsziKTUyHY/s320/100_3045.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320591923791099042" /></a><br /><br />Scythian is a hoot! Total full-tilt energy happenin' with those boys...they are so much fun!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7W1quG-xPshaF9hyue4DNUwLE_lLDWKn-augzFnLhtbG9cg0ovo2fL-GjKKIdQzbEayqnjMFAHudRlNrctTbFdD78l9ukzhtC9aWfsRnf1sIlqzQ240OLNgcIlqfZkKcXUhKPECfDSU/s1600-h/100_3061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh7W1quG-xPshaF9hyue4DNUwLE_lLDWKn-augzFnLhtbG9cg0ovo2fL-GjKKIdQzbEayqnjMFAHudRlNrctTbFdD78l9ukzhtC9aWfsRnf1sIlqzQ240OLNgcIlqfZkKcXUhKPECfDSU/s320/100_3061.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320568740106644386" /></a><br /><br />And I'm really liking the Duhks these days...their sound continues to evolve and Sarah can really belt out a tune!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VGLFwqlnOXE2BA2oDPxSEVJdnPxOqwytx0nbgjxSX6r-VbQXlAJNHwoQcVnbpTdkwwuHwk_y3ybNyH3jMu3d0Iz0SDLxaXBOFptJvWxsx4N-kOX-qoXVasgcq76fKtfxTe9wqJTspks/s1600-h/100_3039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VGLFwqlnOXE2BA2oDPxSEVJdnPxOqwytx0nbgjxSX6r-VbQXlAJNHwoQcVnbpTdkwwuHwk_y3ybNyH3jMu3d0Iz0SDLxaXBOFptJvWxsx4N-kOX-qoXVasgcq76fKtfxTe9wqJTspks/s320/100_3039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320573492364161074" /></a><br /><br />The Emmitt Nershi Band always is a treat as well. I first heard Drew Emmitt and Bill Nershi back on the streets and campgrounds of Telluride in the late 80s, early 90s. They make a great team and the band is hot...especially when Darol joins them!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu9wyH7T5PROZInWeOWArz8VDFc4f9vWU_gygMsg2zcq21bnJ9ZG0ySOl0BhNUqSmeuPKr2wPdBs6yPSagy_gVah1r4GyFC1OaqrwEL-ahbV7s96SUXleX4hu1FVF2Q5-M65Xk3vip3c/s1600-h/100_3055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu9wyH7T5PROZInWeOWArz8VDFc4f9vWU_gygMsg2zcq21bnJ9ZG0ySOl0BhNUqSmeuPKr2wPdBs6yPSagy_gVah1r4GyFC1OaqrwEL-ahbV7s96SUXleX4hu1FVF2Q5-M65Xk3vip3c/s320/100_3055.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320580901687300210" /></a><br /><br />And there's always room for Peter. He put on a great solo set and he also called up his brothers to join him. He also led the Vassar Bluegrass Jam, and that's always a treat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmAdI0mmKsLNdLXrqdaO16QlIfCO8mnTF8cuJ8nM3m9UtBqBQK_9_72plt46ZIoDajI6RJtfn7IG7vTPLBiATLrpSwYv7wOhyphenhyphenlH1CeUhm1YVqeKvQB3jWg6FhZou26i80lYIrUJjkG6Y/s1600-h/100_3050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmAdI0mmKsLNdLXrqdaO16QlIfCO8mnTF8cuJ8nM3m9UtBqBQK_9_72plt46ZIoDajI6RJtfn7IG7vTPLBiATLrpSwYv7wOhyphenhyphenlH1CeUhm1YVqeKvQB3jWg6FhZou26i80lYIrUJjkG6Y/s320/100_3050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320582228081863794" /></a><br /><br />Vassar Bluegrass Band with the lovely Sue on fiddle...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0InTcd9ys0WRQdJRLwPtBxv_SqadzevIr1wnnnK_fRaMBBmjKvFucFjKYKCWDDGw3VXG_n8kDrfKtxpeApGfPIYIG-Hww9_DQNcKdJ1krwCLAeAsHyku6yFWbNL7SFQw1O-O3LwtYw2I/s1600-h/100_3070.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0InTcd9ys0WRQdJRLwPtBxv_SqadzevIr1wnnnK_fRaMBBmjKvFucFjKYKCWDDGw3VXG_n8kDrfKtxpeApGfPIYIG-Hww9_DQNcKdJ1krwCLAeAsHyku6yFWbNL7SFQw1O-O3LwtYw2I/s320/100_3070.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320583855174588626" /></a><br /><br />Richie Havens...went 35 years without ever seeing him and now I've seen him twice in the last couple of years; damned powerful.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAVjOSfPBh6jG8S07Hy2UwEpjXdTgGbaWyHE4Mk6-N936UjOpwGX-zcpyL4lUQDOjKxY3kmy8SDZetTsWUsUUAfofvVowqDmZjl-EkJeEuNWX0p4hLI9f3fbuIC2ad0oe6aPUH2SdfKg/s1600-h/100_3023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAVjOSfPBh6jG8S07Hy2UwEpjXdTgGbaWyHE4Mk6-N936UjOpwGX-zcpyL4lUQDOjKxY3kmy8SDZetTsWUsUUAfofvVowqDmZjl-EkJeEuNWX0p4hLI9f3fbuIC2ad0oe6aPUH2SdfKg/s320/100_3023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320585433189097378" /></a><br /><br />Verlon Thompson is the definition of southern cool....what a sweet man and a great entertainer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0INKZ1mfOJi4DzaBBQuMu1D_MX06ZiRGsTR20A7xxVvhRrnuTrIR09e1WSsSsjgx4baAoZWe7yllnimSsIIOZUxdxM4MFX4PtBBMOfJGgqfhXCyyrGkFauV8sEDCV9v55LDEqyinujm4/s1600-h/100_3067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0INKZ1mfOJi4DzaBBQuMu1D_MX06ZiRGsTR20A7xxVvhRrnuTrIR09e1WSsSsjgx4baAoZWe7yllnimSsIIOZUxdxM4MFX4PtBBMOfJGgqfhXCyyrGkFauV8sEDCV9v55LDEqyinujm4/s320/100_3067.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320586711326367122" /></a><br /><br />There were other musical acts that I enjoyed, without the photos! Roy Bookbinder is always fun, The Gourds had folks rockin', Seth Walker is a great bluesman (!), and then there was Tornado Rider! Rushad and his band are most certainly entertaining at a very high intensity level....it's a musical experience that you have to actually live though to try to understand; and it's still baffling. And the festival closing set with Donna the Buffalo and many friends jammin' it out was a great dancin' finale! My legs and feet at that time were telling me not to fool with them any longer....<br /><br />A great festival! Kudos again go out to Beth and Randy Judy....you do a helluva job, my friends.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-46618324243095754942009-04-03T10:45:00.000-07:002009-04-03T12:09:41.164-07:00springfest trip...part 2It truly was a magical musical trip to the south for me, despite the setbacks. (sometimes things just seem to work out....and I love it when that happens.)The first was the fact that Lynn and I had big plans to attend the Bluegrass Hotel concert, in Louisville, on March 20. This was the most anticipated concert that I can remember and when it fell on its face I was not happy! But, Lynn had taken a day off of work so she could ride with me to Louisville and we had purchased a plane ride home for her from Nashville on the 21st, so we decided to just head straight to Nashville; there was bound to be some good music somewhere in THAT town...>g<<br /><br />And there was! The Station Inn has been a destination/stop/detour for me for many years now and I've seen some mighty fine shows there. And that Friday night was no exception, for the Josh Williams Band was on the schedule. I had become aware of Josh around 10 years ago when he was playing with the Special Consensus, booked at the Minnesota Old-Time and Bluegrass Music Festival. I was mighty impressed with the young man and bought what probably was his debut cd...he was very young at the time and a very hot guitarist. Well, now he's a grown man and his playing is still hot (he's played with both Rhonda Vincent and Tony Rice since I saw him...) and he is fronting a hot young band that I sure got a kick out of. The Station Inn was packed that night, and Lynn and I and my good buddy Dave #2 were the last three patrons they let in the door. It was a fun night...<br /><br />Josh Williams Band...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7Ar0qtEvAE83udyU2VLTGXtFmL7F16DA08Ak5OBPJexnuiCog9X47OBNnaQVZBhXVINXCQVldRqhQLvjhE1XMRVH73X_VZKo1Ew2xUbfQziiIUbDPMeHfBbVTbulJ7K8vubrYWRQMik/s1600-h/100_2929.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7Ar0qtEvAE83udyU2VLTGXtFmL7F16DA08Ak5OBPJexnuiCog9X47OBNnaQVZBhXVINXCQVldRqhQLvjhE1XMRVH73X_VZKo1Ew2xUbfQziiIUbDPMeHfBbVTbulJ7K8vubrYWRQMik/s320/100_2929.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320526623994621490" border="0"></a><br /><br />During the day on Saturday we toured the Country Music Museum and Hall of Fame in Nashville. I had been to the old one back in the mid-90s and thought that it was very cool, and it sure has grown and changed since then and so now it's just as very cool. It's well worth the time and money spent if you have some time in Nashville. (man....did Bill Monroe ever beat up on his mandolin...! >g<)<br /><br />On Saturday Lynn flew home and I had planned on seeing the Steeldrivers at the Staion Inn that night, but a change in the schedule brought on Bobby Osborne and his Rocky-Top Express band...another "setback" (I use the term very loosely here...), but certainly worth being flexible about! Amazingly, it was the first time that Bobby had been booked at the Station Inn; he mentioned it a couple of times. He had been there as a guest vocalist a few times, but this was his first paying gig...>g< He celebrated by playing "Rocky Top" twice (once at the end of set one and then again at set two), and the crowd loved it! The place was not crowded at all, so I even got to do a little dancin' an the side...it was another fun night.<br /><br />Bobby Osborne and band....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqxMUYhWaKKPslZy-fimVBj_wYrKqayiSmgRWPf9mu4-GC-oyqXGgwakKx3J0UNpIi3whBgVCZdPmrTXVxFHRarw5zc7ucQEDNdQu8soO5eTPh5-L1j1PXxouHXnuaIzwaz3VHActu-E/s1600-h/100_2952.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqxMUYhWaKKPslZy-fimVBj_wYrKqayiSmgRWPf9mu4-GC-oyqXGgwakKx3J0UNpIi3whBgVCZdPmrTXVxFHRarw5zc7ucQEDNdQu8soO5eTPh5-L1j1PXxouHXnuaIzwaz3VHActu-E/s320/100_2952.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320543505547943602" /></a><br /><br />An Osborne treasure....<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhHnNs4bsCYZd0lJOAcqUIiRLgpoIW6vh59Qr9y5WeAZiR6woXxLu2m597BLsQcp4EPpWSd4wtYJj_QiUHyA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />This is some HOT bluegrass fiddlin'....! I love it.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxE1x-ff4GuYhHmqwZ2zXrHZAXmfNHjMY15KR27Pk6011DL0tK48IGKEJl-exZGH3LGXddqLs58iOSri5q4ng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />So...two nights spent and two nights not according to plan and two nights of butt-kickin' tradtitional bluegrass! Pretty damned sweet, I'd say...and the next night WOULD go according to plan, and that plan involved Atlanta and Darol Anger and my musical mind being taken to new places and I'm still diggin' it.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-90242522607250688122009-04-02T17:28:00.000-07:002009-04-03T10:43:03.557-07:00my type of march madness......Being the music lover that I am, this past March was a highlight that would be hard to top! Mike Marshall and Darol Anger rank in my musical book at the very top echelon, joined only by a few....Sam Bush, Richard Thompson, Doc Watson, to name the few. It's been frustrating at times, confusing to me as to why certain festivals have passed on booking them in the last couple of years; in my fantasy mind they'd be playing at EVERY festival that I'm going to...>g< But this past month helped to make up for this confusion, as I was treated to one amazing show after another.<br /><br />It started off in Minneapolis on March 6, which happens to be my twin daughters' birthday and it's not the first time that I have celebrated their birthday with a super concert. Mike and his Big Trio played the Cedar Cultural Center, along with classical mandolinist Caterina Lichtenberg and accompianist Mirko Shrader. This duo hails from Germany and were simply amazing..she played a very old small kind of mandolin, using a feather for a pick! She and Mike had met at a mandolin show somewhere and the two of them have become good friends and musical partners. This duo was followed by mandolinist Peter Ostroushko and his accompianist for a quick set. Peter is a legendary Twin Cities musician...he's been entertaining folks in these parts for many years.<br /><br />And then Mike and his Big trio took the stage and I almost immediately burst into tears....they blew me away damn near as soon as they started. The Big Trio consists of Mike and 16 year old violinist Alex Hargreaves and 22 year old bassist Paul Kowert, who according to Sam Bush would give Edgar Meyer a run for his bassist...<br />Mike specifically wrote the music for their cd with these two young phenoms in mind; he says in the liner notes that in all the thirty years of him playing with some of the world's top musicians that he'd rank these fellows up with any of them! Quite the statement....<br /><br />And added bonus to that night was the fact that Lynn and I were able to turn her aunt and uncle onto some new music! David and Ingrid were also blown away...they are classical music fans and this type of new acoustic music fit their tastes well! It was really fun to watch them being awed...>g< The only sad part of that night was that I got no pictures....<br /><br />Then...on the way down to Florida and the Suwannee Springfest, I was really lucky to be able to catch Darol and his Republic of Strings, at Eddie's Attic, in Atlanta! This is a superb venue...not only do they serve great food and beer and probably wine, but they also remind folks that this is a "listening room" and that everyone should turn off their cell phones and conversations except for those quick "hot damn.."s, or holy shit..."s or some such quick unavoidable comment. As good as Mike's Big Trio show was, Darol's was every bit as good!<br /><br />His band consisted of Scott Nygaard on guitar, Lauren Lioux on fiddle and Mike Block on cello. (both Lauren and Mike are of that young generation of spectacular musicians that is just bursting at the seams it seems...) After the show I asked Darol about the young phenoms that he and Mike like to find and he smiled broadly and said: "yah, we like the young folks around for the heavy lifting...when a hard part comes around we just nod it off to them....>g<"<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgYzDiS3qz_uPhpX4ZOC3p6wvqHXx0boHFtG8BL5JJUrsRsqkbEh4NsWGJJZfpHpfDAfpokRfM6EOANSDG3A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />Then it was time for the Suwannee Springfest, where the big anticipation was to see Mike and Darol, along with the Swedish super-group, Vasen. Thanks to Maria, I had heard the collaboration on a cd...so I was excited to hear them live, and there was no disappointment! In fact, elation would be a good term for what I was feeling. I first heard Vasen during a morning "Meet Vasen" set in the Music Hall. They played for about 45 minutes and Mike and Darol joined them for the last 15. This was supposed to be followed by a mandolin seminar with Mike, but he gleefully announced that they all wanted to keep playing, so I and everyone else there was treated to a two hour magnificent mind-blowing concert!<br /><br />Mike and Darol...<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyU9Bgw-9oTX5Ak-SSZGlzHkNIaafK-shi_9A5xHdTzk8866rMDptLXgjNFz1K4re6Cxt3kalTI91WDb_oZFw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br />Vasen....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQimSkhCn25pmOkFQeYGeWPSXyYvK5VNFl_oRUzc_cclRuPXUIiCeteqrnxT8uzcJcbe22OY_mIxLj878m3JB8Dixf8bKA6bpeLRl9h8zYC1MVDaLur_woRCKAUg1WFUV6g_lzqcM-kC0/s1600-h/100_2979.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQimSkhCn25pmOkFQeYGeWPSXyYvK5VNFl_oRUzc_cclRuPXUIiCeteqrnxT8uzcJcbe22OY_mIxLj878m3JB8Dixf8bKA6bpeLRl9h8zYC1MVDaLur_woRCKAUg1WFUV6g_lzqcM-kC0/s320/100_2979.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320283507594882370" border="0"></a><br /><br />Olov Johansson and his nykelharpa....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMEqtfS3o1XIsPVTbVYKNzLdWI3yFX0KxIzqsDnkmkUKCPQxucLnhFJ16ofQOXrUIF5dEmxfrEOUsiTc_Nm2qTicUQKBC2OePn9e5lmljrJsD1FlbqlA7Eq1s6jIyRV8mRMB9bp-PrMk/s1600-h/100_2981.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMEqtfS3o1XIsPVTbVYKNzLdWI3yFX0KxIzqsDnkmkUKCPQxucLnhFJ16ofQOXrUIF5dEmxfrEOUsiTc_Nm2qTicUQKBC2OePn9e5lmljrJsD1FlbqlA7Eq1s6jIyRV8mRMB9bp-PrMk/s320/100_2981.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320284474739347650" border="0"></a><br /><br />Mike and Darol....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdV3NEsEmDZ4IYPdBhFhNYX3ffygqtHj5Bc2D4ycQrxPqGeoPx6zDTHguBq5IFVvDANVFpMsTuPJIe8QANgN2wooDxnO2uCUIkmM20r49ufsI8O7O1dtP2C5cTrRWJfibUnCuvlDrQus/s1600-h/100_2996.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdV3NEsEmDZ4IYPdBhFhNYX3ffygqtHj5Bc2D4ycQrxPqGeoPx6zDTHguBq5IFVvDANVFpMsTuPJIe8QANgN2wooDxnO2uCUIkmM20r49ufsI8O7O1dtP2C5cTrRWJfibUnCuvlDrQus/s320/100_2996.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320285902297057378" border="0"></a><br /><br />Vasen....<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxvHT0ZwKtlKwxq2aqLMbjMDM5TyZqSvL147RAhvEre0svKjYA4xIBaf8NwlzEHZO58Nn5VeHjg5a1BPKJdWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Mike and Darol....from the Meadow Stage Friday evening<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNhmZILfEtkr-8UDn4ug2Nef4MQLZFlXwI4fg5_uKXMpUrPQTH4ONUUnbdBplPTnuj2OWisNZGTKbot9jBJA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The whole group...on the Meadow Stage<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz8LwrV-ZzQX5D8_xFpDFeuocwgsbIxSk99BCtA4TSFdQmXrG6BosTHXEGaZSRSkI9l0kGO9GDuePQEt1d4Lw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The next day the boys graced the Main (Ampitheater) Stage and the results were every bit as spectacular. I relish the Darol/Mike treat that was the month of March!<br /><br />The coolest cat on the face of the planet...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ-FYHnmUva8OAZ2ajLe_DZWLyJsbhZgCI7lipZCrQ9lVF6Ax70G8J6mXkFV9kCrqkTC7yiy-ldH7RIBmypsH8SfiCwh-uf81jwkloUCVT0iWVqskq78d3VuN2V-v3VnMhs6s9w5_EHs/s1600-h/100_3036.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZ-FYHnmUva8OAZ2ajLe_DZWLyJsbhZgCI7lipZCrQ9lVF6Ax70G8J6mXkFV9kCrqkTC7yiy-ldH7RIBmypsH8SfiCwh-uf81jwkloUCVT0iWVqskq78d3VuN2V-v3VnMhs6s9w5_EHs/s320/100_3036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320301186229059842" border="0"></a><br /><br />And I'd especially like to thank my dear friend Maria Camillo, booking agent for Mike and Darol and a host of other fine musicians, for making this past month of musical magic possible! Let's do this again, soon, my friend....<br /><br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-9418166224352096982009-02-16T17:10:00.000-08:002009-03-01T10:07:16.482-08:00my first trip of 2009....Pickin' at the Springfest<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFpFf5U9Urn9DaTXFFAwMMex2hLlJ4cQmpbzcfN5Mrr8nSFwHYIV3ufSsNOcVF_SD16zmZCk3bN9DVFGDLOmJ5wIkXWvMjbz-VYV0C2Df5NhBHeQXjz0cAGQ0FT3cTRrBo38nAjQ2Yew/s1600-h/100_1185.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFpFf5U9Urn9DaTXFFAwMMex2hLlJ4cQmpbzcfN5Mrr8nSFwHYIV3ufSsNOcVF_SD16zmZCk3bN9DVFGDLOmJ5wIkXWvMjbz-VYV0C2Df5NhBHeQXjz0cAGQ0FT3cTRrBo38nAjQ2Yew/s320/100_1185.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303576860518254610" /></a><br /><br /><br />Every year the first musical trip taken by "Dancin'Dave'sFestivalCamping" is to usually sunny Florida, for the Suwannee Springfest. I love this festival...the music is always hot, the weather is usually perfect festival weather, and I get to see many friends that I have made since starting to go to Florida festivals back in October of 1998. The Springfest's sister festival is the Magnoliafest, which is held in October at the same sweet venue and put on by the same two fine festival producers, Beth and Randy Judy. The Magfest in 1998 was actually the second festival that I went to as a businessman....<br /><br />I've had some very eventful trips to Florida in the spring. Coming from northern Wisconsin, I invariably have had to dodge late season snowstorms, along with several serious truck and trailer breakdowns; added to this has been the premature birth of my first grandchild on the way to Springfest 2002, and a breakdown of my trailer on the way the year (2005) that my daughter Erica got married on the beach in Mexico Beach, Florida. (I was carrying the wedding dresses and the wedding beer in the trailer on that trip! >g<)("Is it ok with you, Father, if Mike and I get married on the beach in Florida the weekend before your first festival?") ("Why yes, Erica...that would be just FINE!!" >g<)<br /><br />So---this year will prove again to be an eventful trip, for on the way I'll be stopping in Louisville, Kentucky, for the most anticipated concert that I can remember! The Bluegrass Hotel concert is happening on March 20 and the timing is perfect for me because that is the weekend I'll be leaving home and Louisville just happens to be not very far out of the way.....! This concert is a celebration of what came to be known in Louisville back in the 70s and 80s as the "bluegrass hotel", an old mansion that was bought by a young fellow who turned the place into a haven for the young musicians who were busy creating the new bluegrass genre called "newgrass". Musicians such as Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Tony Rice, John Cowan, etc....would jam into the night and the mornings, joined by a never-ending revolving door of young guys and bands, all intent on rockin' the musical world. And they did! The main band at the concert will consist of Sam and Tony and John, along with Curtis Burch, Dan Crary, and J.D. Crowe. There are many other special musical guests invited...it promises to quite the show! My sweet wife Lynn is able to join me for this concert...she'll ride down with me and then will fly home from Nashville the next day, while I continue on to Florida. You can check out the details of this concert at www.thebluegrasshotel.com <br /><br />Then it's on to the Springfest, which happens in Live Oak, March 26-29, at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. This year's lineup includes Richie Havens; Donna the Buffalo; the Emmitt Nershi Band; Peter Rowan; Guy Clark & Verlon Thompson; Darrell Scott; The Gourds; Darol Anger & Mike Marshall & Vasen; Jim Lauderdale; The Duhks; Tornado Rider; Scythian; David Gans, and many others. A fabulous lineup, to be sure! There are five stages, along with two campground pickin' stages, a Kids' Program, and lots of great food and craft vendors. Plus, of course, there is that northern Florida springtime weather that is such a treat.....<br /><br />Verlon Thompson and Guy Clark<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFoZf6SB98rn041CghP4LQU2gZOKviCkE1SUlrtLNch9gLuX5fclS94B4UHkIvTW6fvTzj9LA10S91k7EVi8OUSDjt1g4zCeo8COmhPOBOXJfDve4yKr0HZJMa_af0BQ3DmNuk4C3Wb0/s1600-h/100_1206.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFoZf6SB98rn041CghP4LQU2gZOKviCkE1SUlrtLNch9gLuX5fclS94B4UHkIvTW6fvTzj9LA10S91k7EVi8OUSDjt1g4zCeo8COmhPOBOXJfDve4yKr0HZJMa_af0BQ3DmNuk4C3Wb0/s320/100_1206.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303578120994705170" /></a><br /><br />David Gans with Railroad Earth<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU3d9iU0mSQx4iPqFHHf9RkogeZoKqWgpPDTKT8RXDfmz8V-0cRAB9043xFhKR1lJ5Zy96zhN1iLX4A4SMzSyNAkMH9jPMfr3guFSOuPbIgUgQVJ42mpcJqUEYBDJMZGvkOcJqyjHc0Q/s1600-h/100_1211.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU3d9iU0mSQx4iPqFHHf9RkogeZoKqWgpPDTKT8RXDfmz8V-0cRAB9043xFhKR1lJ5Zy96zhN1iLX4A4SMzSyNAkMH9jPMfr3guFSOuPbIgUgQVJ42mpcJqUEYBDJMZGvkOcJqyjHc0Q/s320/100_1211.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303579922926294034" /></a><br /><br /><br />And I'd love it if you'd join me! For details on my service, just check out my website....<br /><br />Peace, David<br /><br />Suwannee Springfest www.magmusic.com<br />"Dancin'Dave's..." www.dancindave.comDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-19222740695220196012009-02-01T05:19:00.000-08:002009-02-01T07:26:54.126-08:00hutch....As I've stated many times, I have been blessed with the best customers for my business that I could ask for. Many have become good friends...and I look forward to seeing my regular patrons every year; plus, it's always a gas to meet the new customers every year. And with all these folks, it's not hard for me to pick out the most interesting and entertaining patron of them all...!<br /><br />Hutch was 78 years old when he contacted me back in the fall of 2003, and I knew from our very first phone conversation that I was dealing with a character who was going to keep me humored during our entire relationship! He was wanting to book me for the Magnoliafest that October and he first explained that he had never camped before...his style was five-star hotels. Plus, he hadn't been to a festival since Woodstock back in 1969! But...his much younger girlfriend was an experienced camper and he wanted to impress and treat her to a camping experience and a festival experience all at the same time...<br /><br />During that first phone call he went on to tell me that during his full-time work career he worked for the largest entertainment agency in the country...I believe it was the William Morris agency, but my memory might be a little shaky on that. He still worked in the booking business...he still had a part-time swing band agency and he still kept in contact with all his old buddies in the business.<br /><br />And could he tell a story! It was during this first conversation that he told me that in '69 he was at Woodstock when Jerry Garcia came up to him and said: "Hey man, they stole your booze..." (Hutch had a box backstage of his favorite high-quality booze...whatever that was)Jerry added: "But don't worry, man...try this!" It was the first time that Hutch tasted marijuana...and he liked it! He also told me that he was in Italy one time with Trini Lopez and his band when he got a call from a fellow booking agent who told him to get his butt to Germany quick...there's a band here that's tearing it up. Turned out to be the Beatles...>g< Other stories that followed later had names such as Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey rolling off his tongue.<br /><br />So---how could I not be amused after that first phone conversation? In the next couple of weeks Hutch called more than several times and most of those calls were received by Lynn, and she was having a riot getting to know the man as well. (and the more she got to know him the more she wished that she could join me on that Magfest trip!) He was a bit apprehensive of sleeping in a tent, but was more than anxious to impress Kathy. Plus, this first camping experience of his also brought me another couple as a customer, who came to the festival just to witness Hutch....John is the director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida, and he and his wife are fine folks as well.<br /><br />So my excitement of meeting the man was justified almost immediately after he showed up at the festival! He was very impressed with his setup, both with the quality of equipment and the location. (and I of course camped him near my own campsite, as I knew that this was going to be fun) He sidled up to me saying: "check this out..." In his hand he had a vial with some very high-quality pot in it...his plan was to enjoy the smoke and the booze he brought along and the music and basically the whole scene and he was ready to start the party! <br /><br />At the Suwannee Music Park you can rent electric carts to get around, so Hutch's first project was to go off to rent one. The rest of the group was getting settled in, so off he went. We were just standing around visiting when he returned and he looked proud as peacock sitting on his cart, smiling as big as he could. Then, all of a sudden, the cart took off, full-tilt, right through the campsite! The tents were set up in a half circle and somehow he managed to avoid them on his left and the gazebos on his right. We all were stunned when this happened, speechless even. At the end of this flying through the campsite he ended up smashing directly into the front of Kathy's little red sports car, which was parked on the outside of camp! Everyone's first thought was that he had had a heart attack and that triggered the event, but when he turned around and looked at all of us with a shit-eating grin, there was a moment of pure relief, followed by uncontrollable laughter when we all realized that Hutch was just fine! He had tried to put the brake on, but instead had hit the accelerator and had panicked....but at least had enough sense of what was going on to be able to avoid hitting any of the tents. But he had to stop somewhere, and Kathy's bright red sports car was where he picked...>g< She was so relieved that she didn't even get mad...and Hutch showed a rare burst of humility after the incident!<br /><br />For the rest of the festival he pretty much sat on his cart next to the road, watching the parade of festivarians stream by....and he could hear the Main Stage music from his spot. He did take the time to erect about a 12 foot tower made of tinker-toy-type material...he didn't have a good explanation as to why he wanted to do this, but I guess it was some kind of artistic statement he wanted to build. He wasn't allowed to drive the cart anymore and he was not offended by this at all...he would sit there with his little cigarette-looking one hitter, taking puffs of pot every now and then; he was very contented! He wasn't very impressed with most of the music and he kept asking me who the best act was going to be and I of course had an easy answer...Sam Bush. So during Sammy's set he made his way down to the stage with the rest of the group. When we all returned to camp after Sam's set I was very relieved but not really very surprised that Hutch was estatic about Sammy! (and I was able to send him a copy of Sam's show about a year later...)<br /><br />Hutch and I kept in touch, but I never saw him again. He had a heart attack two years later and died, at the age of 80. John contacted me, telling me that they were going to have a memorial concert for Hutch at the Van Wezel...it happened on the Wednesday before the Magfest in 2005, so I was able to attend. John had booked Sam and Donna the Buffalo for this concert...Hutch was not impressed with Donna, but he sure was with Sammy, so it was a fine tribute to the man. I made it down to the concert and was able to catch Sam's set and then hang out with him and John and his wife and Kathy a bit after, before I had to go back to Magfest. We all had a few giggles remembering Hutch's first and only camping trip and I only wish that I had known him longer so that I could hear many more of his stories.<br /><br />As I mentioned, the man was quite the character! <br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-42761068144326890902009-01-19T17:46:00.000-08:002009-01-19T18:43:24.416-08:00another reason why I love festivals....Of course the music is the main reason I started attending festivals many years ago; I can never thank enough all of those wonderful musicians that choose to share their talents with the rest of us. But through the passage of these many years and these countless festivals another reason for me to love the experience of attendance has been the fact the I have found that I can meet the best people at a festival! Folks come to the festivals from all walks of life and all locales and many different views on life; and at the same time there is that one constant draw for everyone and that of course is the love of the music.<br /><br />Today I was reliving a marvelous experience and I figured it was certainly worth a blog! Back in 2007 I had back to back sellout festivals....the first weekend was at the LEAF in North Carolina and the next weekend was in Florida at the Magnoliafest. And I needed help to pull that off! I did a little advertising and soon received an email from Sara, a dear friend, telling me that some friends of hers were going to be at the Magfest and that she was certain that they would love to help me and that also she was certain that I'd enjoy their company. I had no qualm about taking her advice and after contacting Dale and Laura, I felt relieved that my search for help was over.<br /><br />The teardown at LEAF went smoothly, thanks to Lynne, another new friend/worker, and I headed down to Florida. I arrived and this fellow who I recognized walked up to me and introduced himself. We already knew each other, kind of....he and Laura had camped next to my regular patrons at Merlefest for a few years. We had only talked briefly; we never really had the time to get to know each other, as I was always super busy with my Merlefest setups.<br /><br />So----after re-introducing me to his wife Laura, the first thing that they told me was that they wouldn't accept any pay! Oh... The second thing they said was: "are you hungry?" Mmm...this was goin' good! During the next two days Dale and Laura not only worked their butts off for me, but they also fed me. What a deal! (could I be any luckier...? >g<) We got all the setups set up in plenty of time, and became good friends in the process.<br /><br />On Thursday the festival was about to start. I was hanging around my campsite when out from behind my trailer came bee-boppin' four women, dressed in red wigs that sported horns and they were all chanting something about "Dancin'Dave". The four were Laura, good friend Sara and another good friend Kerry, and one of their friends who I hadn't met before. And, they were all wearing t-shirts that read "Have You Slept With Dancin'Dave'sFestivalCamping.. Yet?" I absolutely cracked up, it was sooo hilarious! While I was busy cracking up Dale was busy filming the scene, and at the same time other friends had shown up...they were not in on the occurance, but their timing was impeccable! I was dumbfounded, to say the least...>g<<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdMUnkxfeNmaTeyPwfdUvbwFaskyYpbRhfcO-7pWaQjAzB9fBZb9ditww22DhdQwIe7zlzZ2zZDNauEynnQOvDeQTmd38RMx9Y15qUWf8DNr1KqlUVinGJNVP4IW9cIe33tz7AMom490/s1600-h/100_0575.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdMUnkxfeNmaTeyPwfdUvbwFaskyYpbRhfcO-7pWaQjAzB9fBZb9ditww22DhdQwIe7zlzZ2zZDNauEynnQOvDeQTmd38RMx9Y15qUWf8DNr1KqlUVinGJNVP4IW9cIe33tz7AMom490/s320/100_0575.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293199326595588690" /></a><br /><br />Turns out that Dale works at a screen-printing shop and he had took it upon himself to make up some Dancin'Dave t-shirts....there were four different models, consisting of around 20 shirts. He of course, in keeping with this theme, would not take any money for them. During the festival I handed a bunch of them out to friends, making sure that I saved a few for family back home. Then during the winter that year, a big package came delivered by UPS to my house one day...Dale had printed up yet another version, and this package included both t-shirts and sweatshirts. This was yet another crack-up...I laughed myself silly with this second surprise.<br /><br />Since then I have actually made an order and Dale actually let me pay for the shirts. I have continued to give them to friends and family...and may even have some made up for sale someday. Folks seem to get a charge out of them, and I certainly do! I have even shared them with a couple of musical heroes/friends of mine....at Merlefest last spring I gave one to Jack Lawrence and at Magfest this past October I gave one to Sam Bush. And if I ever run into Barack I'll be sure to give him one as well....>g<<br /><br />Gotta' love those festivals and those festivarians who hang out there!<br /><br />The Teardown Crew: Dale, My, and yours truly..<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9nGvUgqVnmGz3UrMBk6xDwuYN52TlCSgSNF6grK-Z7N6-r8j3TleNb1G16QSnQi6jS8sgLX9nHJAC0Cww-2d8BdA4SSmsCxaGHPllyuEBU4TPIEcfaE1574lOWMO7FRysP08tDP2l2E/s1600-h/100_0664.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9nGvUgqVnmGz3UrMBk6xDwuYN52TlCSgSNF6grK-Z7N6-r8j3TleNb1G16QSnQi6jS8sgLX9nHJAC0Cww-2d8BdA4SSmsCxaGHPllyuEBU4TPIEcfaE1574lOWMO7FRysP08tDP2l2E/s320/100_0664.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293200464190618754" /></a><br /> <br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-3010647788571419982009-01-11T04:46:00.000-08:002009-01-11T08:00:59.528-08:00monica and sean...part 2So the four of us sure had fun during the ride back to Madison that night! Lots of giggles, to say the least, and lots of fatherly questions that were both semi-serious and not even close to being semi-serious. It turns out that Sean had never done this before; he's a bit shy and when I contacted Chris's mother and related the story she was amused by the thought of the rest of the band urging and prodding him to take the step! (he did have the great taste to pick out an outstandingly beautiful and talented young woman...I will give him that! >g<)<br /><br />In the next couple of years Monica and Sean got together quite often...Monica would fly to several of Nickel Creek's gigs and went on a couple of bus trips with them as well. She got to go to some fabulous festivals...the Newport Folk Festival and the Austin City Limits Festival come to mind. She called me while walking around the Austin festival and she knew that her Daddy would be mighty jealous of where she was! When she came to Merlefest with me she warned me up front that she wouldn't be hanging around with me much on Friday.... Over the course of her hangin' out with Sean she got to meet many famous musicians; just the other day I mentioned Lyle Lovett for some reason and she told me: "he's a really nice guy..." Oh. The time I was the most jealous was when she got to see a Mark O'Connor concert that I would have LOVED to see! She was able to get Mark to sign the cd for me, though....>g<<br /><br />Monica is not the kind of person that gets starstruck, in any sense of the word. She does appreciate folks with talent, as we all do, but would never put a person on a pedestal for only that reason. So it was very refreshing to hear that she really liked the members of the band and that they had no ego issues at all. She told me that she would get a charge out of Chris, for he took an extreme interest in everything that was goin' on around him. She also really liked Mark Schatz, who was playing bass with the group during this time. She told me that after the Newport Folk Festival they were all sitting around on the bus when Sara noticed a large group of people waiting around for the buses to take them back to the parking area. It was apparently a long wait so she exclaimed: "Let's go play for them." So the entire group grabbed their instruments, hopped off the bus and gave an impromptu concert for the folks waiting....which actually set the bus schedule off; the security folks had to shut the concert down because the people were not that interested in getting on the buses anymore! There was another time when they did the same thing for a bunch of folks who were stranded in the rain, waiting for it to let up.<br /><br />And in the course of this time that Monica and Sean were seeing each other (I don't know how many times I heard: "we're NOT dating, Father...we're JUST friends..."), Nickel Creek won a Grammy, so I of course had visions of having a Grammy-winning guitar player son in law. (yet another >g<) It was a fun time, to be sure, and a great family source of humor and speculation.<br /><br />And in the end I suppose that they were "just friends", for Monica met a man who she fell in love with. And while Jeff doesn't play a guitar, he is a wonderful husband, son in law, brother in law, etc....and for the last year and a half he's been a wonderful father! Monica and he became the parents of Malia Mae, my more than beautiful precious granddaughter and come June they will be parents again when my next more than beautiful and precious granddaughter Keeli Ann will be born! (Monica is an ultrasound tech, so she knows exactly whats' goin' on inside her!)<br /><br />Monica and Jeff and Malia Mae<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMCx3IG7pVEAecl-G3CGLNAzOlVe5u-ObkLSB8AdzaeRNIEDl9QJ6nMKByrO7z-CfTUZyadWW5EzOK_iCXDEyDYyBDUmRA5Ci6xdhCyoynsXFOAbQfTjWVBYRiHItmgJ5Vem1Iz6VZoo/s1600-h/100e2190.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMCx3IG7pVEAecl-G3CGLNAzOlVe5u-ObkLSB8AdzaeRNIEDl9QJ6nMKByrO7z-CfTUZyadWW5EzOK_iCXDEyDYyBDUmRA5Ci6xdhCyoynsXFOAbQfTjWVBYRiHItmgJ5Vem1Iz6VZoo/s320/100e2190.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290065837677142802" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Malia Mae<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CqVFYA9qmG_sach-x23mPMOybpMJKhWYeTAmoLNIfbziGW54CgD05whEGpxCHqi5euMwkst86-RrM6WILfo_Y8DZerj0hshkkaELGBXtHbWKXa3VgO7EQ4V3pccMOWlOVxOvpIdeer4/s1600-h/100_2517.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CqVFYA9qmG_sach-x23mPMOybpMJKhWYeTAmoLNIfbziGW54CgD05whEGpxCHqi5euMwkst86-RrM6WILfo_Y8DZerj0hshkkaELGBXtHbWKXa3VgO7EQ4V3pccMOWlOVxOvpIdeer4/s320/100_2517.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290033945497055922" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-91791671899765193142009-01-10T07:45:00.000-08:002009-01-10T08:50:04.803-08:00monica and sean....I first saw Nickel Creek at Merlefest in about 1995, I believe. I think that Chris Thile and Sara Watkins were around 14 years old and that Sara's brother Sean is either 3 or 4 years older. I do remember being mighty impressed with these youngsters! In the following years I became a big fan and had a blast watching and listening to them mature. I met them and their families personally in 1998 at the IBMA convention in Louisville, and always looked forward to seeing and hearing them at various festivals around the country.<br /><br />During this time I had turned my family on to the Nickel Creek music. In December of 2001 I got a call from my lovely daughter in law Jenny, asking if Lynn and I would like to go to Milwaukee with her and my daughter Monica to see a Nickel Creek concert. It took a bit of talking for me to agree...it was a long drive and I had just seen them a couple of months before, but the girls were very excited about the concert, so away we went. On the way down there Jen was thinking outloud that I could get everyone backstage, seeing as how I knew the group. I told her that this probably could be arranged if the timing was right, but that I don't usually go way out of my way to do this....<br /><br />So---the concert was held at a venue that usually caters to the heavy-metal kind of music/crowd! I even had to empty my pocket of my little Swiss army knife that is always present...they didn't want any stabbings in the place! And once you entered you couldn't leave and re-enter...this was not feeling good. The only chairs in the place were a few folding chairs on the perimeter of the big room...so Lynn and I took seats and Monica and Jenny established standing positions right in front of the stage. And the wait was horrible....the club was blasting heavy-metal music and there was no escaping the onslaught! About the time I thought I'd go completely bonkers Nickel Creek came out and the concert began...just in the nick of time. >g<<br /><br />And they rocked the place! Hotter than hot....Lynn and I were actually on the outskirts of the crowd and actually had a great view and the sound was good besides. I didn't envy the girls being crushed at the front of the stage, but I suppose that "crushed" is an unaccurate term, for they were diggin' it. <br /><br />After the music ended we all found each other, and the girls were estatic...it was a great concert! We were just standing around, feeling the excitement, when a fellow came up to Monica and said: "Sean would like to say "hi"..." She smiled and said: "Hi". He (Nickel Creek's road manager) went on to explain that Sean would really like to meet her and asked if that would be possible, and she said: "sure..." (and we all smiled...)<br /><br />So we waited around for the band to come out and when they did they were quickly surrounded by folks wanting their autographs. Sean was intent on getting closer to Monica and it was fun to watch the looks on all the girls' faces who were trying to get his autograph when they realized that he was trying to get Monica's autograph! >g< <br /><br />At this point Lynn and I wandered off to find the restrooms, which were closing quickly! It took awhile to navigate the place and by the time we got back to the music room Monica and Jenny and Sean had disappeared. Chris was still there talking with a fan and when he saw me he greeted me and I replied with: "I'm looking for my daughter...I think she's with Sean." Chris gave a funny little explanation that if she was with Sean she's in good hands, etc...he's a hoot. So, we did end up backstage and had a fun rest of the night...they had some great food and some great beer back there!<br /><br />Anyhoo...what were the odds that Sean would pick out a girl from the crowd to meet that happened to be there with her Father?!<br /><br />I'll have a part 2 of this story...later.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-77436280069660535112008-12-13T05:40:00.000-08:002008-12-14T08:38:42.416-08:00monica and tony.....I of course will never forget that March evening in 1977 when the doctor said to me: "We have an emergency situation here; there's more than one baby and we don't know how many there are...get dressed!" There was a shock setting in as I donned the hospital robe and cap and as my wife Linda was being wheeled past me on the hospital bed she smiled and gave a little wave. <br /><br />As it turned out there were only two little girls born that night....still a complete surprise to all involved, and I am still pretty relieved that there were only two for I do believe I had visions of an entire basketball team! Erica Rae and Monica Lee have been a joy and a treat in my life ever since that night...and since Monica was the second to be born she has been known in the family as being the "bonus baby".<br /><br />During supper one night back when Monica was a teenager she asked me what time it was. I looked across the kitchen to the microwave, stated the time, and she replied: "You can see that?!" Of course the rest of us came back with: "You can't?" It was then that we knew that she needed to see the eye doctor! So she did, got fitted with glasses, and was very impressed by the fact that the doctor had helped her...that one person could do so much to help another. This feeling has stayed with her to this day and has also lead her to her vocation. <br /><br />She started off her higher education at a four year college. One night at a party she met a couple of folks who were radiologists and she was impressed enough with them that she dropped out of college (much to the chagrin of her older brother Noel) and enrolled in a tech school. She still had that dream of helping people, and she told me that although radiographers are not highly paid, she didn't grow up "rich" so it was no big deal. (have I mentioned yet how much I love my daughter?) <br /><br />After graduating as a radiographer Monica turned to ultrasound, applying at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for the ultrasound program. The clinic accepted only 100 applications and consequently only accepted 10 students....and of course Monica was accepted! (have I mentioned how intelligent she is? >g<) She finished the grueling 22 month program with a 4.0 grade point; and it was then that she discovered that there was an opportunity that made for an exciting few years....she became a "traveling ultrasound tech". Within a year of graduation she joined a company in which she was able to work in different parts of the country for either 6 months or a year...and she was making over a 6 figure salary! (so much for not being "rich"..>g<) Over the ensuing years she worked in Flagstaff, Arizona, Norfolk, Nebraska, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a few stints in Madison, Wisconsin. She would "go away" for a period of time but then come back to Wisconsin to be close to her family. <br /><br />And a big treat for me was the fact that during this time she was able to join me at every festival at least once that I was going to with my business! She would specify in her contract with whatever hospital she was going to work for that she needed such and such dates off 'cause she was going to a festival with her daddy! Sometimes she was able to travel with me and sometimes she'd just fly to the festival...and we sure had a blast!<br /><br />So---she took a job one time in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She had just arrived in town and had just got settled in her apartment when she called me and asked: "I should know Tony Trischka, shouldn't I?" "Of course...", I replied. "He's pretty good, right?" "Of course...you have heard lots of his music while growing up!" "Well...he's playing in a club just down the street on Friday night; should I go to see him?" "Of course...!"<br /><br />I have been a fan of Tony Trischka's since the mid-70s. I first became aware of him while he was playing with his band "Skyline". I was just getting into the bluegrass music, and while I realized that this band was not strictly bluegrass, it was close enough for me! Since then I have been treated to lots of fine music because of the man...and I wasn't really surprised when I found that he was actually Bela Fleck's banjo teacher. Tony is a monster musician, as they say....<br /><br />Anyhoo--I know a fellow who is a longtime friend of Tony's. I contacted him and he sent me Tony's email address. I wrote to Tony, explaining that Monica was brand new in "town" and knew no one, and would be coming to his show on Friday night. And, would he please dedicate a tune for her? He answered back, telling me that it would be his priviledge.<br /><br />That night's concert was a solo concert in which Tony featured his "World Turning" project; a marvelous project in which he explores the history of the banjo. (Monica told me later that she learned much more about the banjo than she ever thought possible..>g<) During the show she was diggin' the crowd, checking them out, when she heard Tony dedicate the next tune to "Monica". Her first thought was that: "wow..there's another Monica in the room; cool". But then when he went on to say that this tune was sent to her from her Father, she immediately knew what was going on and her thought was: "How did he DO this?!" (she knows her father very well....>g<) After the show she got to meet Tony, thanking him for the evening....he told her that her Dad is a big fan of hers.<br /><br />I have had the opportunity since to thank Tony in person for being so sweet...it's a treat to find that musical heroes of yours are also fine people.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-32767449842369629412008-11-20T15:06:00.000-08:002008-11-20T15:39:59.491-08:00last festival trip 2008...part 4This trip to the Magnoliafest turned out to be a bittersweet occasion. I first attended the Magfest back in 1998; it was the second festival that I attended as a businessman. I have many fond memories of this festival...it's always been fun and I have made many friends down there in Florida. There are of course many of the same friends that also attend the Suwannee Springfest, which is held in March at the same venue. Beth and Randy Judy are the promoters of both of these fine festivals and they always do a great job.<br /><br />This year I was walking away from the Meadow Stage when a fellow approached me and excitedly said "Hi!" He told me that we had met before...and that both he and his wife had been attending the Springfest and the Magfest for about 10 years now. He went on to tell me that they have had fun watching me dance all this while....they are especially impressed with the fact that it seemed as if I always get to dance with the most beautiful women! (I like that part, myself...>g<) He went on to say that they even have a name for me... (mmm..., is what I was thinking) When I asked what this was he replied: "We call you Mr. Dance Man!" I was of course amused by this, and then he asked me where in Florida that I live. When I told him that I live in Wisconsin he exclaimed: "And you come all the way down here for the festivals?!" I told him that I actually attend with my business and he then asked: "and what business is that?!" Now, I usually have in my pocket a live show or two on cd and I like to pass them out to friends, customers, and strangers. Included with the cd I put one of my business cards...it's a great way to share music and do a little advertising at the same time. The cd that I presented him was a Doc and Merle Watson show from Telluride 1985...and when I turned it over to reveal the card and he saw it he absolutely cracked up! It sure was a fun moment....>g<<br /><br />Another highlight of the festival happened during the after-festival party, held backstage. I came across a jam goin' on....all three Rowan brothers, David Gans, Randy Judy, and a mandolin player who I didn't know were rockin' out to a whole bunch of Beatle songs...it was great! It is such a treat to be able to witness and hear fine musicians such as these havin' fun and playing at such a high level. I love it...<br /><br />Ok---the bittersweet part of the Magfest for me is the fact that I probably won't be goin' back. For some reason that I can't for the life of me figure out, I don't do well at all, business-wise, at this festival! I promote it as I do all of the festivals I go to, it's of the same high quality as of all the other festivals on my schedule, the venue and the weather is top-notch, etc. etc...... It's a mystery to me; I sell out at all other festivals and actually have to turn away customers at most of them. My sellout is around 20 campsites, and for this particular Magfest I had 3....makes no sense. I don't do particularly well at the Springfest either...another mystery. I am very saddened by this, but I don't have a choice in dropping it from my schedule. I am going to go back to the Springfest next March to try it one more time, and hopefully I'll do well enough to justify continuing this festival. I have many many friends at these festivals and I'll miss all of them and all of them will miss me. I did tell quite a few folks about this during the festival and everyone had the same shocked response: "You HAVE to keep coming!" I am honored by their concern....<br /><br />Wish me luck!<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-77262243439261331972008-11-20T12:58:00.000-08:002008-11-20T14:41:23.389-08:00last festival trip 2008....part 3The teardown operation at LEAF went smoothly, as one always hopes it will! Lynne is a wonderful young woman who has helped me several times at LEAF, including the tornado episode from last May. She and I work great together...she's a hard worker who has a great sense of humor and a wonderful work ethic; I was lucky to find her and I hope she sticks around Asheville for a few more years!<br /><br /><br />After the teardown I headed down to Florida for the Magnoliafest, in Live Oak, Florida. This festival is held at the same venue as the Suwannee Springfest, which is held in March every year. It is one of those festivals that always has an eclectic lineup...it's geared more to the electric side of the musical genres, and the Springfest more to the acoustic. Besides being held at a sweet venue, the northern Florida weather in both March and October is usually ideal for a festival....and this year was no exception. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid <br />50s are perfect in my opinion, and we even received some timely rain; the kind that is welcomed as a dust quencher!<br /><br />This year's lineup was a dandy....it included Mr. Sam Bush, so I knew it would be a treat, right off the bat! Sammy of course did not disappoint...he first played with Dread Clampitt on the Meadow Stage on Saturday afternoon and as he always does, he made that young band elevate their music! He had befriended them while on vacation in Florida a couple of years ago and so had jammed with them on several previous occasions; plus, I do believe that he is featured on their new cd. Then on Saturday night he rocked the Ampitheatre Stage as only he can. I got to visit with him a bit after his performance and was proud to give him a Dancin'Dave t-shirt. He then sat in for a few songs with KBM, a band made up of former Grateful Dead drummer Bill <br />Kreutzmann, bassist Oteil Burbridge and guitarist Scott Muraski. I was not that impressed with this band, but the tunes that Sammy sat in with them on his electric mandolin sure were hot! <br /><br /><br />Sammy......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfhLYDm9_CtPiLOOORj__yAeyKftDgi2bee1MiqFgA6E8txk7IF4LjXl3zjayvCzoHxWG17LeulFNd2nCeUH9PNuclwIUub1J45YpW5QHBPoMMCvgAIFIvgcnKidQtiL-q1Xm8Vjwb3c/s1600-h/100_2286.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfhLYDm9_CtPiLOOORj__yAeyKftDgi2bee1MiqFgA6E8txk7IF4LjXl3zjayvCzoHxWG17LeulFNd2nCeUH9PNuclwIUub1J45YpW5QHBPoMMCvgAIFIvgcnKidQtiL-q1Xm8Vjwb3c/s320/100_2286.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270856650758301234" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu7i6PSJTY8DwajKkWkZiLZDM7G0Qsb7Py1NE4qSxm1E60vEX_qg5gOkJiuvV35gcbo9xNjcjaGUmtVDA2xF8gtkUF4G6roZkjYQ3nbs6xARgBX7Xi83upvWoj_0EbCyHe-yLCq41clM/s1600-h/100_2289.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu7i6PSJTY8DwajKkWkZiLZDM7G0Qsb7Py1NE4qSxm1E60vEX_qg5gOkJiuvV35gcbo9xNjcjaGUmtVDA2xF8gtkUF4G6roZkjYQ3nbs6xARgBX7Xi83upvWoj_0EbCyHe-yLCq41clM/s320/100_2289.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270857685307408578" /></a><br /><br />Sam and Dread Clampitt....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2lAhyphenhyphenpb6ar-ApchpArbkkKLbb4BBRMkJnQopB7L1Wv4eMVzimzTmQ8IMqnOQzCWuLwTMc13zeWXQNkKh0zL5xDBGig3r4WzVaY9Yj9E2vd3MeTQ-9WuN5PC6fUUrAgvhwyGro_7o46g/s1600-h/100_2283.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2lAhyphenhyphenpb6ar-ApchpArbkkKLbb4BBRMkJnQopB7L1Wv4eMVzimzTmQ8IMqnOQzCWuLwTMc13zeWXQNkKh0zL5xDBGig3r4WzVaY9Yj9E2vd3MeTQ-9WuN5PC6fUUrAgvhwyGro_7o46g/s320/100_2283.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270861199067519938" /></a><br /><br />And if it weren't for Sam, it would be an easy choice for what I would have chosen for the most exciting performances of the festival! I had been aware of Rushad Eggleston for a few years now...I first saw him and his cello playing with Darol Anger and Mike Marshall, and then of course with the outstanding band, Crooked Still. He definitely impressed me then and it was also obvious that he is a different sort of cat...he could even be described as just a "little" crazy! So, when I saw that he and his new band "Tornado Rider" were scheduled I didn't know what to expect! Well...he blew me away!! I don't know how to describe the music, other than powerful, loud, and unlike any I've heard before. Rushad was joined by a bassist and a drummer...quite the percussion-oriented ensemble! Rushad straps his cello to his body, sort of like a guitar, and he is frenetically driven. He's a whirling dervish, with frenzied movements all over the stage. I did take some videos, but the sound quality was poor, so I won't be uploading them to this blog. Needless to say, the two sets that I caught were mind-blowing and hard for me to describe while doing justice.<br /><br />Rushad...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMELLKpZ663rNqpn7A9VmBw_D3F7qZi5D2No5gCXz2XO1H3wFgamC2GFM61FaR7sHe_vu-1tvj_wzJcPk4v44vn7OP-hWD4w0b2lWpSEi6OO-zgUcTspV21wSRISz188kf02q9GNBfRSE/s1600-h/100_2244.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMELLKpZ663rNqpn7A9VmBw_D3F7qZi5D2No5gCXz2XO1H3wFgamC2GFM61FaR7sHe_vu-1tvj_wzJcPk4v44vn7OP-hWD4w0b2lWpSEi6OO-zgUcTspV21wSRISz188kf02q9GNBfRSE/s320/100_2244.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270864947344257250" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMDCPmbPPnNKUrawpMxgQ3TK3Y-9nc7RoA4XwD6k8DFC-W0oGHAOhHJPNpzBlbhQiZOiwlDC6o4pzYl5hZohS96Iu761RgvvkjGMFKu-ldfOXLi6uK3j0V6dypff0EPjEMf-50nGTT6E/s1600-h/100_2249.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMDCPmbPPnNKUrawpMxgQ3TK3Y-9nc7RoA4XwD6k8DFC-W0oGHAOhHJPNpzBlbhQiZOiwlDC6o4pzYl5hZohS96Iu761RgvvkjGMFKu-ldfOXLi6uK3j0V6dypff0EPjEMf-50nGTT6E/s320/100_2249.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270865555467458370" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkcihEpW9JHBUnIphyphenhyphenVEwhXghT-5YGLBwUh-GERx2hPTBomUAolNIgkZL-h_yoqESvoIYnTRLPDN9YpyP_yCDFaW3fidAOLRvWHTC8iXiEJaLkLyB9M1h7qW5fP2-Y1qaQU4Dief_gHU/s1600-h/100_2264.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkcihEpW9JHBUnIphyphenhyphenVEwhXghT-5YGLBwUh-GERx2hPTBomUAolNIgkZL-h_yoqESvoIYnTRLPDN9YpyP_yCDFaW3fidAOLRvWHTC8iXiEJaLkLyB9M1h7qW5fP2-Y1qaQU4Dief_gHU/s320/100_2264.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270866425023978322" /></a><br /><br />Other bands/acts that I really enjoyed were Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams; David Gans; Joe Craven; Peter Rowan; The Rowan Brothers; The Duhks; and the Sunday afternoon Bluegrass Jam which was hosted by Peter Rowan. Also, I was pretty impressed with a new band, Moonalice; a band that is named for "a mysterious tribe of mythical nomad farmers known for growing hemp". Plus, my old pals from Wisconsin, Sloppy Joe, are always fun.<br /><br />The Duhks...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcTZIyL9RXvjgf11J3v-HyYZJoM3LuR3hZ9ubLklZjrZNSmL-5dLH5OIfWFVM8HM_uJQcHaUHXAH6Z5x72P4jqLx94-Cijmjj_-5Lfr5brxKD4E7hyTQ_-hoU6Igq4SUUqzwX0UA9Usg/s1600-h/100_2307.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcTZIyL9RXvjgf11J3v-HyYZJoM3LuR3hZ9ubLklZjrZNSmL-5dLH5OIfWFVM8HM_uJQcHaUHXAH6Z5x72P4jqLx94-Cijmjj_-5Lfr5brxKD4E7hyTQ_-hoU6Igq4SUUqzwX0UA9Usg/s320/100_2307.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270869313714639954" /></a><br /><br />Sloppy Joe....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9WBBkX3eKb3x5ZSE05uHiUHzfLFVQRad_yDyxFE5Dgw7bJvgvI2G4gi3VMOC5h7bnS8dNkAy2T_7NtqmnXu3QAH6ZDIUnP20p1ZZ-0yQS6DvwIAHy8af7cvhqaGHDdbfnUqbfSfaPEY/s1600-h/100_2256.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9WBBkX3eKb3x5ZSE05uHiUHzfLFVQRad_yDyxFE5Dgw7bJvgvI2G4gi3VMOC5h7bnS8dNkAy2T_7NtqmnXu3QAH6ZDIUnP20p1ZZ-0yQS6DvwIAHy8af7cvhqaGHDdbfnUqbfSfaPEY/s320/100_2256.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270870192717330130" /></a><br /><br />Joe Craven...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkEbOUYpDStJjDkbN-GZbafdMQjLyT2f7ekwFWlE_PRGah-rECL1BcnSeMoIXErLqdbTZhqGQq0cv9ri6WrjguiMl65fDHAEgX0o_ezuYnU4JQp0apKNn-fwW4kPpnGCIlqML7DRlqyw/s1600-h/100_2232.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkEbOUYpDStJjDkbN-GZbafdMQjLyT2f7ekwFWlE_PRGah-rECL1BcnSeMoIXErLqdbTZhqGQq0cv9ri6WrjguiMl65fDHAEgX0o_ezuYnU4JQp0apKNn-fwW4kPpnGCIlqML7DRlqyw/s320/100_2232.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270871006599587138" /></a><br /><br />There will be a Part 4 to this "last festival trip..." blog; later.<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-80025433410886837182008-11-10T16:35:00.000-08:002008-11-10T18:15:05.180-08:00last 2008 festival trip....part 2Erica Bell, Development Directer; and Jennifer Pickering, producer...modeling their "Dancin'Dave" t-shirts!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafR3cJkwJppWYcLXM9bd2d6svRFgq48P_hkq_zRv90Yg2vTXf05rzAcGQfRhjRCgCptRNl2Xf9CcXRlfP3Z9jtU9z0jXR4d5QxfHwTfid5CGsI3WyMPS9Stt7qSYM32xfXEmqsnpCKyI/s1600-h/DncnDv08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafR3cJkwJppWYcLXM9bd2d6svRFgq48P_hkq_zRv90Yg2vTXf05rzAcGQfRhjRCgCptRNl2Xf9CcXRlfP3Z9jtU9z0jXR4d5QxfHwTfid5CGsI3WyMPS9Stt7qSYM32xfXEmqsnpCKyI/s320/DncnDv08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267217323473166018" /></a><br /><br /><br />The Sparrow Quartet<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2MmqQK-Cycf0-XganxjzoYcUQ8zuAYaiMnQ_eSSA7531z_ZYS4h7gfoYe0xU5Dn8gsm6m_L0HKOrFbqjb5zbqyqeMJt45NpAsfwFbqG27lrlVxy3-plJPQX7KeNsmlZYDEP3RmRAnuY/s1600-h/100_2227.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2MmqQK-Cycf0-XganxjzoYcUQ8zuAYaiMnQ_eSSA7531z_ZYS4h7gfoYe0xU5Dn8gsm6m_L0HKOrFbqjb5zbqyqeMJt45NpAsfwFbqG27lrlVxy3-plJPQX7KeNsmlZYDEP3RmRAnuY/s320/100_2227.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267215529318942354" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The Lake Eden Arts Festival quickly became one of my favorites as soon as I started attending a few years ago. Jennifer Pickering is the producer of this marvelous festival, and she had invited me to bring my business and I'm sure glad I took up her offer! It is the most eclectic festival on my schedule, along with being the dancin-est! (right up my alley...) It is held on a superb venue near Asheville, North Carolina; Camp Rockmont is a boys' camp and Jennifer actually grew up on the grounds. It is a magical place, the former home of Black Mountain College.<br /><br />One thing that really attracts me to this festival is the fact that I am never familiar with more than a few of the musical groups on the lineup! It truly is a world-music festival, and one that features many different genres of music. It also had a marvelous Kids' Program, fine arts, a variety of dance, and even a trapeze. (I opt to NOT learn how to fly through the air with any kind of ease...)<br /><br />On Thursday night attendees were treated to a steel pan jazz ensemble, some hypnotic world melodies with Rising Appalachia (which features two talented sisters who grew up attending LEAF and who are both are really fun to dance with...>g<), and Menage, a swinging roosty kind of rock band from the Asheville area. They were lots of fun to dance to as well.<br /><br />On Friday I got to see and hear Leon Redbone! Talk about smooth.... He was one of the artists I was anxious to see; I have never had the pleasure of catching him live, and he did not disappoint...what a hoot. Scott Perry played some sweet blues and Martha & The Moodswingers were also a treat for we folk who love to dance. Plus, I caught a little of Donna the Buffalo, and they were greeted as usual by an energetic, dancin' crowd. Alot of the day I roamed around, diggin' some sweet old-time jams and visiting with customers, both old and new.<br /><br />On Saturday the High Windy Band featured some fine traditional bluegrass; Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience had the Main Stage rockin'; and they were followed by Scythian, who I was very familiar with...this band takes a backseat to no band as far as energy displayed! They are a riot... I took in another swing dance set by Martha & The Moodswingers 'cause it would be hard to pass up such fine dance music and so many fine dance partners. My favorite act of the day had to be Robert Earl Keen, yet another act that I had been looking forward to....Robert and his hot band had everyone bouncin' around at the Main Stage! To close the night I took in the Legendary JC's, an R&B and Soul revue, followed by Dende & Hahahaes, a band that featured hot Brazilian Rhythms. It was quite the day...I slept well that night!<br /><br />Sunday always starts out at LEAF for me in the Eden Hall, with a performance by the Warren Wilson College Folk Choir. My buddy Milt is the choir director and he does such a fine job finding folk music from around the world and directing his students in presenting it. It is always a LEAF highlight for me. This performance was followed with an hour of waltzing in the Dance Hall! Whew...damned near a dream come true. >g< It is such a pleasure to waltz with 6 or 7 different partners, all of whom know how to waltz and who love it as much as I do. After the waltzing I caught a set by Ben Sollee, which was another highlight. Ben is a master cellist, who plays with the Sparrow Quartet, and he puts on a marvelous solo set. After his set I got to work with my teardown operation and that went well as well. Then of course I had to catch Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet! For those not familiar, this group features Abigail, Ben, Casey Driessen, and none other than Mr. Bela Fleck. Super super music, no doubt. A great way to end a great festival.<br /><br />I love this festival! I haven't hardly even touched on all of the music and/or musical genres presented. Plus, there is the lake that folks canoe, kayak, and swim in; there is also a zip-line that goes into the lake, along with a big slide called the Gulley Washer that also propels folks into the lake! The arts vendors and the food vendors are all of top-of-the-line quality, and the same goes for the attendees themselves. This is truly a first-rate family festival and I feel damned lucky to be able to attend both in May and in October. And along with all the other wondrous parts of this festival, Jennifer and her staff also hold a "Leaf in Schools & Streets" program that is an "educational outreach program matching artists with youth in local schools and communities for hands-on workshops, residences, interactive performances and mentoring". There is also LEAF International, "matching youth globally with instruments and mentors, connecting through cultural traditions, and empowering through music". (did I mention that I love this festival....?!)<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-71268396093738871872008-11-05T17:59:00.001-08:002008-11-06T10:24:18.344-08:00my last festival trip of 2008......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B4SzV0NwUDWGQaWySWuU3Q3EPUDOgUg_7dTkp1qSQTpADt8tY9TpBl2m0IWKdaPfeTg2ZBOMbKGkvp8zdUjeEO0XNkYslFXHb-8_92lNajj16MM6zolngwffAmpw_2XzOqjiYP1nVls/s1600-h/100_0537.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B4SzV0NwUDWGQaWySWuU3Q3EPUDOgUg_7dTkp1qSQTpADt8tY9TpBl2m0IWKdaPfeTg2ZBOMbKGkvp8zdUjeEO0XNkYslFXHb-8_92lNajj16MM6zolngwffAmpw_2XzOqjiYP1nVls/s320/100_0537.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265375432223937154" /></a><br /><br />First off, folks...I am elated about the election!! It brings me both goosebumps and teary eyes...<br /><br />My last festival trip of 2008 was a dandy! The first festival on the itinerary was the Lake Eden Arts Festival (Leaf) in North Carolina and the second stop was in Florida for the Magnoliafest. The trip did contain some mixed emotions, but mostly for the good. It started out on October 9th, where my first stop was in Madison. I met two of my daughters at daughter Amanda's club, the Alchemy, for supper. We were joined by Monica's hubby Jeff and their more than wonderfully cute daughter Malia (and one of my favorite grandchildren...>g<), and friends. Jon is a Merlefest buddy of mine and Steve is a longtime friend of my daughters; they both live in Madison, and it was a pleasure to have them join in our little family get together. I spent the night at Monica's house, and then headed off the next day for Nashville.<br /><br />It was a Friday night in Nashville when I arrived and I took in a Steep Canyon Rangers show at the World Famous Station Inn. I do love this place and have spent quite a few great musical nights there...I always check their schedule if I happen to be able to schedule a stop. I've been a fan of the Steep Canyon boys now for a few years; I really am diggin' their sound. Plus, Curley Seckler sat in with them for a few tunes and that was a treat as well. The Station Inn is a special musical treat!<br /><br />I arrived in Asheville on Saturday and set up camp at the French Broad River Campground, which is located only about 15-20 minutes from downtown Asheville. It is sooo sweet to camp on the side of this magnificent river, with a wireless-highspeed internet connection right in my campsite! (the best of at least a couple of worlds...>g<)That night I ate a nice supper at the Jack of the Woods in Asheville, another sweet club that features great music. I caught the David Earl and the Plowshares show and danced the night away! They were hot and so were the dance partners....<br /><br />At the end of the night I struck up a conversation with the keyboard player, who told me that his regular gig is with the Snake Oil Medicine Show....a band that I'm pretty familiar with from a couple of different festivals; they are a hoot! The lead singer, Caroline Pond, and I have danced...she is a riot; possessing enthusiasm galore, the rhythm to match, and sooo damned cute. He told me that the next night he'd be playing at the Rocket Club with an 8 or 9 piece swing jazz band...and that Caroline would sure to be there! I of course showed up, surprised Caroline, and had an awesome night of music and dance. I love Asheville....I have many friends, both old and new and in between, living there and so its a gas to be able to come to the area twice a year. If I ever moved to a town, Asheville would be at the top of the list.<br /><br />On Monday I moved on to the Leaf venue, which is located at Camp Rockmont. This camp was once home to the Black Mountain College, a trail-blazing arts college that flourished in the 30s and 40s in those magical mountains. It has a wonderfully special vibe happenin', and Jennifer Pickering and her Leaf staff have picked up and even expanded on this positive feeling; I felt at home from the first day I arrived 4 years ago. I love getting to the festival venues early, having the time to do all of my setup work and at the same time watching the festivals grow. 'Tis exhilerating, to say the least! For the first couple of nights I'm about the only person on the grounds...I love it.<br /><br />I will touch on the details of the Leaf itself in Part 2. Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-14550953955666068012008-09-27T22:45:00.000-07:002008-09-28T00:15:14.108-07:00another springfest adventure....I have a long drive to get to all of the festivals that are on my schedule! I live in the far northern part of Wisconsin and can't help where they hold all of those sweet festivals that I love so much... I have had both wonderful and not-so-wonderful experiences on those drives, and the one that I took a few years ago on the way to Florida for the Suwannee Springfest had elements of both.<br /><br />The Springfest is held in March and that's a trick in itself in that the weather in Wisconsin during this time of year can be a challenge! The potential for big-ass snowstorms is always present...these storms can produce massive amounts of heavy wet snow; the kind that is not very much fun to drive in. <br /><br />This particular trip had a potential for being a dandy! As luck looked to be on my side, I had planned on reaching Nashville on Friday night, just in time for a visit to the Station Inn for an evening of fabulous music with that fabulous guitarist, Bryan Sutton, and "friends". Then, after arriving in Florida on Saturday, the plan was to go over to Jacksonville on Sunday for a concert featuring none other than Sam Bush himself, along with none other than Natalie McMaster! I would have plenty of time to get over to Jacksonville during the day on Sunday, hang around on the beach, take in a good meal at sweet restaurant on the beach, and catch this for-sure fabulous concert...this was lookin' good. >g<<br /><br />So---the weather leading up to my departure from home sent a wrench into my plans; one of those storms was comin' on. But, it didn't look like a big problem, as I could simply leave a day earlier which would allow me to get south before the storm hit and consequently put me in Nashville a day earlier; I could handle that! Things were still lookin' good as I left home, but after only an hour and a half of driving my truck's engine decided that it had had enough. Luckily I was in a gas station across from a Ford dealership when this happened and just as lucky the fine fellow in the service department had a buddy who was in the salvage business and who had just taken in an accident truck whose engine was the same as mine and this engine had not been damaged in the accident...whew!<br /><br />I had to spend a couple of days in a motel near the dealership, which of course was not that much fun, even though they had a very nice pool and there was plenty of March madness basketball on the tv. My "new" engine was in the process of being removed from the damaged truck at the same time that my blown engine was being removed from my truck, so the process only took a couple of days...this was in itself a stroke of luck! During this time the snowstorm came and went, so I was able to avoid it, but the Nashville plans didn't happen. I was back on the road on Friday, however, so my Sunday date with Mr. Bush and Ms. McMaster still looked good.<br /><br />I arrived at the Suwannee park early on Sunday morning to find that a family was camped in "my spot". They were there for the weekend and would be leaving in the early afternoon, so I decided to try to nap in the truck. This didn't work very well, but I did come up with a Plan B. My truck and trailer were still covered with Wisconsin salt and snow grime and so they could certainly need a washing and I had plenty of time....a water spigot was handy and my cd boom box ready to make some sweet sounds. It was a slow process...I used a coffee pot from my camp kitchen to supply both the wash water and the rinse water, but while this was slow, the desired effect was obtained! <br /><br />It was around 1:00pm when the family finally had packed up and left and I was able to move over to start setting up my camp. When I got there I of course noticed that they had had a big campfire goin' all weekend, right where I always set up my tent! There was a huge build up of still hot coals and I of course had to remove them....I would shovel some sand into the bottom of my plastic wheelbarrow and then shovel some of those hot coals and then haul them over to another water spigot for cooling off. Whew, another slow process! Eventually I was successful and in the process I had produced a big depression where my tent would sit so I also had to replace the sand removed to make the area once again level. And then just for safety sake I hauled some water with my only partial-burnt plastic wheel barrow and dumped it on the area, making sure that I wouldn't be setting my tent up on a still-hot ground!<br /><br />It was sort of fun doing this job...the tunes were goin' good and the weather was nice and I usually like a challenge anyway. I was pretty far into the process when a fellow came up to me, asking just what this "Dancin'Dave" thing was all about anyway; he and his buddy and their families were camped near where I had done the wash job and so they had read the side of my trailer. I told him what I was up to and it was then that he mentioned: "Yah...we were watching you wash your truck and trailer; you were using a coffee pot!". I agreed with him of course and it was then he exclaimed that they were all wondering why I didn't come over and borrow their water hose! (and why they thought that I knew that they even HAD a water hose I've never been able to figure out...>g<)(it still makes me smile whenever I think about it...)<br /><br />Anyhoo...I was finally able to start setting up my camp! I had camped in the same spot for about 6 or 7 years at that point, twice a year...once for the Springfest and then again in the fall for the Magnoliafest, so I know exactly where everything fits. So, I set up my tent, staking the back edge, and then flipping it over so I could rake out the spot and put down the ground cloth. As I was raking I noticed that there was water seeping in and my first thought was: "Mmm...I must have dumped more water on the spot than I thought I did..." However, the water kept comin' at a good pace and it wasn't long before I realized that there was no way that I had dumped THAT much water....and sure enough, I had driven one of the tent stakes right through a 3/4 inch plastic water pipe that turned out was buried a whole three or four inches under the ground! Once I realized what was goin' on I rushed down to the park office and they assured me that a fellow would be up soon to take a look. <br /><br />The young fellow did show up quickly and we both proceeded to shovel in the gushing water to find the broken pipe; it was then that he mentioned: "oh...there's probably an electric line running in the same area." "HUH?!"....was my reaction to this news! So we gingerly shoveled and sure enough I did find an electric line buried right alongside the water line and luckily the ginger-shoveling had paid off for the electric line hadn't been damaged. (of course, if one of us would have hit said line hard enough with our shovels we probably wouldn't have had enough time to notice...)<br />He ran off to find a shut-off valve and I proceeded to dig a trench for the water to drain away. He came back soon and told me that he had found a shut-off valve...but I pointed out the fact that the water hadn't really stopped! And it was then that he said: "oh...we're at the high spot in the area and so all of the water is draining out here". Another "HUH?!" was my reaction to this observation! So I did talk him into going to look for another shut-off valve, which he finally did and so finally all the water stopped draining to the highest spot in the area.... (I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried, folks.)<br /><br />Whew...by the time I got all the water drained and my tent set up I had just enough time to hightail it over to Jacksonville for the Sammy/Natalie concert. I of course wasn't able to spend any time at the beach and my plan of eating at a sweet restaurant didn't pan out either...but hey, the concert was hot!!<br /><br />And consequently the rest of the week went smoothly and the Springfest was wonderful and I have had fun telling this story again and again; it still brings a smile to my face...<br /><br />Peace, DavidDancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8381761105369427771.post-46935058976658227902008-09-14T07:11:00.000-07:002008-09-14T07:25:11.308-07:00more northland dancin'.....Dancin'Dave and Dancin' Connor David....<br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz1S-0iXYWYweKZ7WRhG2Suz5UqXdGXsLZNC_jn_QwYGqRqboEGfL7XgxwAmzRXrCprIbBtrT7Ynn_edP1MkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Dancin Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05172539535127128136noreply@blogger.com0