Dancin Dave's Bluegrass Festival Camping

a festival hoot...

2008-05-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have told this story now a couple of times in the last couple of days...totally by accident; sometimes stuff just comes up in a conversation, you know....
I live only about 10 miles from one of the biggest country music festivals in the country, the Hodag Country Festival, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. This festival has been going on since the mid-70s, and draws huge crowds, all fired up to see and hear alot of the biggest country acts around. (it's hard to imagine how much beer is drunk during the Hodag, which actually starts weeks before the festival, with a line of Rvs parked alongside the road, waiting in line to get in!)(very similar situation to Greyfox, actually...>g Anyhoo, I have attended a few days of this festival, and one day/night stands out in particular, for it was a major festival hoot.
There were so many people there that no matter where you walked you walked in a line. There was nothing you could do about it, and I didn't like it much. I was slowly making my way along with the line that I was in, when I was approached by a woman in an opposite direction line, who asked me if I had a light. I didn't, but my line and her line had stopped long enough so that I was able to ask her what she was standing in line for....and it turned out that she was waiting to get an autograph from some country artist that I can't remember. We chatted for awhile, and then word came down the line that the artist had had enough and that the autograph session was over.
The woman was bummed!`She had two programs, one her's and one her sister's, and she really wanted what's-his-name's autograph.... So, I consoled her by telling her that as a matter of fact I know how to spell what's-his-name's name, and that I'd be glad to sign her program for her; and she loved it! (at this point I have to confess that I don't remember the artist, but I'm thinking he was a good country-goodin'....) I signed both of her programs and the woman behind her joined in on the fun, and we all giggled as our lines dispersed.
About two hours later I was walking down an aisle and when I came to a "t" I took a right, and immediately heard a woman's voice call out: "There's that guy that signs autographs!" Well, she and her funtime group called me over and we were both excited to see each other. (and I'm bettin' that they had consumed much more beer at this point than I had...>g<)
And....there was a woman there who asked me if I knew how to spell Billy Ray Cyrus and I told her that I could close enough, so she opened up her flannel shirt to expose her Billy Ray Cyrus t-shirt and a huge mound of breasts that she had me sign Billy Ray on, which involved signing up and then down and then up and then down again, and there was lots of giggling going on during that autograph session!
And then yet another topper came about when the last lady wanted me to sign her Hodag Festival jacket, which probably cost in the $35-$40 price range at the time, with a Marie Osmond!
Man, I just gotta' love them festivals, even the ones that I don't normally care for...>g<
And here's another non or non-non bottom line deal: the Hodag Festival happens in July every year, the weekend before Greyfox. It sure would be a smart move business-wise if I took in a festival that I would probably sell out easily and one that is only 10 (!) miles from home, right? BUT>>>>would I trade that for driving 1200 miles to take in the best damned festival that I know of? Right.....
Peace, David

more merlefest music and dance....

2008-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Merlefest 2008 was a banner dance year for me....I actually visited the official Dance Tent a few times; and there's a nice little area at the Watson Stage to dance and I was fortunate to have a good friend/dance partner sitting nearby! I love to dance with sweet Lynn, but with sore knees her dancin' time is limited so she sends me off to find other partners and I always say: "yes, dear...".
Friday night the Dance tent was hoppin' to the cajun beat of the Pine Leaf Boys and it was a blast! At one point I noticed a beautiful young woman looking like she'd like to dance and of course she did....she was so beautiful that she reminded me of my daughter Monica; they both can dance and they have wonderful sweet smiles and they are both cuter than cute. And Annalisa has alot of the same facial mannerisms and even facial structure that Monica posseses.....spinnin' her around and looking into her eyes and her smile was almost WAY too much fun! >g< So of course I asked her where she lives (the two partners before her came from Maryland and Austin, Texas...) and probably wasn't surprised that she replied: "Alaska..". Wow. I then asked if she came to Merlefest with friends, family....? and she replied: "I'm in a band and we are playing on the Watson Stage tomorrow morning"!
The band is Bearfoot and probably my best new "find" of the festival. I of course made it to the Watson Stage the next morning, where they were joined on stage by the Lovell Sisters and Sierra Hull & Highway 111. (talk about a bunch of young talent...these youngins' in all of these bands are tearin' it up!!!) Annalisa had told me that her instrument is the fiddle, but I came to find out that in my opinion her instrument is her voice; and the rest of the band are wonderful vocalists as well. I bought their cd, "follow me", and still wasn't surprised to find that she also wrote most of the songs on the cd....whew. And I was really impressed by the fact that Bearfoot obviously takes pride in their appearance...."sharp" would only begin to describe the classy way they present themselves. I couldn't have been more impressed.
And the Lovells are a gem and a treat! Way way cute, these sisters are very talented and their sibling harmonies are precious. 16 year old mandolinist Rebecca is "ready for the big boys" as far as her prowess on her instrument, according to Jack Lawrence.
Sierra Hull is yet another cutie who has a very bright future in the world of acoustic or probably whatever other genre of music she heads for. I think she's also all of 16 now....during that Watson Stage set she said "hi" to her Daddy out in the audience who just so happened to be sitting next to my good buddy Ed who was sitting next to me. That was one proud-lookin' father, I can tell ya'!
And I really liked the Ricky Skaggs/Bruce Hornsby set...those fellows rocked it out. The Levon Helm set was super-hot! I never was a big Band fan, but of course I knew of a bunch of their tunes. It sure was a hoot to have Sammy join in the fun....it seems as if no big "star" doesn't want King Sammy to sit in for awhile. (I heard that Sam was going to be part of the Mandolin Mania at the Creekside, but got called away early by Mr. Watson himself, who wanted Sam to be part of the Merle tribute set.)
It was great to see the Waifs again! I became a big fan the last time they were at Merlefest and seeing them again was exciting....I love their sound and their attitude and their songwriting, and it would be hard to have too many cute sisters in too many hot bands; it just seems right.
I already touched on Sam and the Waybacks.....hot enough and enough said.
I'm not an Avett Brothers fan. But boy, it sure is obvious that there are alot of Avett Brother fans, including a couple of close friends of mine who don't understand why I'm not crazy about the Avett Brothers...too. But...I just don't get it.
Saw a really nice set with buddy Jack Lawrence, T. Michael Coleman and Jeff Little on the Austin Stage on Sunday. (I had also met T. back in the Mole Lake days and he's the guy who turned me on to Telluride, telling me that: "You should go..."; and he was right.) The three of them made some sweet music; I wasn't familiar with Jeff...he sure is a fine piano player! And after the set Lynn and I and Jack and his wife Katie and my buddy Ed got a chance to sit and visit for awhile at my campsite.....something that doesn't happen very often at Merlefest. It was fun to introduce Ed to Jack and Katie...Ed's a guitar player who wishes he could play guitar like Jack! We got caught up enough so that none of us was late for the Jerry Douglas set....>g< (another blistering set, of course, but I had to wonder what was with that hat?!" (another thing I guess I didn't get...)
Ah....the Claire Lynch Band! How do YOU spell sweet, or smooth? Claire has a voice of an angel and a band of masters that keep the good sounds flowing. I missed her Sunday set because of the upcoming weather, but luckily I caught her Saturday Hillside set. And the Infamous Stringdusters continue to impress....it is going to be so much fun to watch them mature as a band. The Austin set with Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Tish Hinojosa, Mike Bubb, and Laurie Lewis was a treat as well...
Whew....so in my listings of the shows I saw during the festival in my last blog, I did neglect to add one final set....the Bearfoot set on the Cabin Stage, which actually was the musical close to the festival for me. (and a fitting fine last treat, at that!) I could hear the Sparrow Quartet and the Dan Tyminski Band from my campsite that I was tearing down...in the rain! And if things had been right...I could have caught those shows; but...
There are no musical complaints from me concerning Merlefest 2008!! It was again a super super event and many thanks go out to all the folks who are responsible for its being.
Peace, David

finally....a time to relax and reflect

2008-05-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Merlefest 2008 has come and for my part, finally gone! Amazing, spectacular, magnificent and inspiring are just a few of the words to describe the experience....you'd think a guy would get used to or even blase about Merlefest after 14 years of it; but, NO friggin' way!!
I have seen the festival grow and change both from the outside and the inside over these years and I could not be prouder to be associated with this world-class organization. The logistics themselves are mind-boggling but somehow things just seem to go along at a relaxed pace...a tremendous tribute to B Townes, Ted Hagaman, and staff. Lynn and I have been volunteering for the festival at the RV lot since 1999 and have met many fine folks who work the festival on many levels because of this. And the staff at Merlefest has treated me and my business with the utmost of respect since I started...and have always asked if they could do more for me; I love it. Because of a shift in on-site camping for vendors, performers, and related fields, Lynn and I were asked to move from our usual camping spot...right down where I have wanted to camp for years! (sometimes things just work out....>g<)
And then there was the music!!!! There's where all those superlatives are appropo...and more.
I of course had my favorites: I saw Sam Bush four times; with Levon Helm, with Peter Rowan , Tish Hinojosa, Laurie Lewis and Mike Bubb, with Doc Watson's "Docabilly" set, and his rip-roarin' Watson Stage set on Friday night! He blistered it....started out with "Uncle Pen" and encored with "Rollin' In My Sweet Babie's Arms"! He also did a couple of other bluegrass tunes, more than I usually see him play in a set; it was great!!!
The Waybacks continue to blow me away as well. James Nash and co. are on fire! They hosted a couple of jams that were outta' sight; including the playing of the entire 2nd Led Zepplin album, from start to finish. I watched part of it...John Cowan was hitting all the notes and everyone was smokin'. But, even though I bought the first two Led Zepplin albums I was never a big fan, so I went off to dance to a cajun beat. >g< The rest of the crowd was goin' bananas....
Way up on my list of favorites was the Alison Brown Quartet, with Joe Craven making it a quintet. I've loved Alison's sound now for many years, and the addition of Joe only brings the group to a higher level in my book. Simply awesome music, and Joe is always a treat. It was nice to see Larry Atamaniuk had joined the group as well....hard to imagine two better percussionists than those two!
And I loved the Docabilly set. Good to hear that swing and ol' rock 'n roll stuff from one of my favorite Doc Watson albums. And thinking back, this might have been the only set of Doc's I saw....mmm.
So here's the sets that I saw, in the order I saw them. (I never went through this like this before...ought to be interesting...>g<)(and mind you...I take a much easier pace at Merlefest than I used to....!)
Thursday night: The Infamous Stringdusters; Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands; parts of both Blue Highway and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives; and the Old Crow Medicine Show.
Friday: Jack Lawrence and Tony Williamson; Welcome Home Jam Part Two, featuring the Waybacks, John Cowan, and Sally Van Meter; a Honky Tonk Dance with the Wilders; The Waifs; Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven; Peter Rowan, Tish Hinojosa, Sam Bush, Mike Bubb, and Laurie Lewis; a Free Style Dance with the Whitetop Mountain Band; The Carolina Chocolate Drops; Ruthie Foster; SAM BUSH; and a Cajun Dance with the Pine Leaf Boys! (quite a day...>g<)
Saturday: New Generation Super Jam, with the Lovell Sisters, Sierra Hull and Highway 111, and Bearfoot; (about this time on Saturday all hell broke loose, weather-wise! A big thunderstorm came through and Lynn and I were lucky enough to end up back at camp together, and spent the storm in a neighbor's RV, being charmed by a more than cute 2 1/2 year old girl who was good at giggling...it was a treat during a storm, to be sure. >g<); Alison Brown again; The Claire Lynch Band; Hillside Album Hour, the Led Zepplin deal; a Cajun Dance with The Pine Leaf Boys, Tara Nevins and Dirk Powell; Docabilly, with Doc Watson, Sam Bush, T Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little, Buddy Greene and Richard Watson; Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby and Kentucky Thunder; Levon Helm and the Ramble on the Road with Special Guests (which of course included Mr. Bush himself....the good bush that is.); Dance Tent with Donna the Buffalo, Peter Rowan and Friends. (kind of a full-music/dance day....>g<)
Sunday: I sure did skip some stuff on this day!!! The weather was threatening and I opted to work while I could...... A little bit of the Freestyle Dance; Alison and Joe again...partially; Jack Lawrence, T. Michael Coleman, and Jeff Little (and after this, Jack and I and Katie and Lynn and my good buddy Ed finally got to kick back and visit; this doesn't happen very often at Merlefest, so this was a treat. Jack and I go back a long time now, and have had many giggles along the way.); the Jerry Douglas Band....and that was it!
I didn't get to see some shows that I wouldn't have missed if it wasn't for the weather...and one of them would have been Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet. Lynn got to see that, and a good friend/customer also ranted and raved about how off-the-charts that show was. At least I got to hear it from afar, as I was tearing down my own camp at the time.
Whew.....all that to get to the point that that after all that festival magic the teardown and cleanup work was not very much fun but that now I'm sitting on the side of the French Broad River near Asheville and I have time to relax!!! So, of course I will be going downtown tonight to check out a hot zydeco band.....maybe I'll REALLY relax tomorrow.
Peace, David

the start of the merlefest 2008 adventure...

2008-04-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Every festival trip that is taken starts with the journey to the festival location itself, and for me that adventure usually involves a long truck/trailer drive, for I do live a long ways from all of those fine festivals that I like to go to! Of course Merlefest, being located in North Carolina, and about 12oo miles from home, is no exception.
I started this journey Friday afternoon, leaving home around 2:30pm. My first destination was Madison, where Lynn and I would be meeting my daughter Monica at my daughter Amanda's club/bar/restaurant, the Alchemy. Besides getting to see half of my children I'd get a great supper at Amanda's and then spend the night at Monica's house, where in the morning we'd get to see granddaughter Malia and her dad Jeff. (Malia is now 9 months old and cuter than cute....>g<) So...the first part of the trip promised to be a smooth and a sweet one, barring any truck or trailer breakdowns; of which I have had more than plenty over the years. (I could tell stories...)
As I was approaching Madtown, in the pouring rain and the heavy traffic, I noticed that a car had pulled up next to me and the driver was waving and pointing to me frantically, which of course first caused me to think: "damn...now what?!" I was sure that he had spotted a blown trailer tire or a burnt out trailer wheel bearing or some such nonsense, but it turned out that the driver was a friend of mine from my home area...a friend that I don't see much these days, but we sure were happy to see each other during the rain and the Madison traffic; it was fun.
The night and next morning went great, as expected...it is always a treat for me to visit with my family. The next morning Lynn and I had just left Monica's for the long trip to North Carolina when I spotted a red Corvette ahead of us, and I made just a little comment about it. She responded by getting into telling me about her old friend Ray, who owns a transmission shop in Neenah, and who many years ago would let her drive his Corvette whenever she needed an "attitude adjustment". She told me all about Ray...they were friends in high school, dated for awhile after, and became even closer friends after their dating experience didn't work out. He loves anything with speed, and even races cars as a hobby.
She had just pretty much finished her stories about Ray when I merged onto Interstate 39, heading south, when I noticed a truck pulling a trailer merging next to me....and the trailer read: "Ray's Transmission.....Neenah,Wisconsin"!
Lynn and I both cracked up, and Lynn dug out her address book, only to find that she had his business and home phone number, but no cell phone number; and being the race car driver that he is, I had no chance of catching up to him! So she called his home number, talked with both his daughter and his wife, learned the cell number, and gave him a call. He got a charge out of our "meeting" and the two of them talked for a half hour or so, doin' some catch-up, since they hadn't seen each other for a few years. And sure enough, he was on a weekend trip to a car race with his son....
It was just a good story the way it was, and I thought I might blog about it, but this thought was secured when we pulled into a Beloit gas station a bit later, and of course, Ray was already at the pumps! So----there were hugs all around, and he got to show off his fancy little race car and I got to show off my trailer full of camping gear!
The rest of the trip to Wilkesboro was smooth and of not much excitement...just the way I would hope it would be, for most of my driving excitement of late centers around breakdowns. We made it safely to Wilkesboro, we already met with the director of Merlefest who showed us our new camping spot on the campus (it IS sweet!!), and will be starting our Merlefest and Dancin'Dave work tomorrow morning.
I love comin' to these mountains in the spring.....seems like perfect Watson territory to me! And hopefully I'll be able to blog my way through the entire Merlefest week...that will depend on how smoothly my own work goes.
Peace, David

ooops.....

2008-04-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

I should proofread BEFORE I publish....
"Laps in Seven" was released in 2006 (!), NOT 1996!

me and sammy...final installment; for now

2008-04-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have had the opportunity to meet many musicians over these many years. Some very casually, of course, some on a more personal basis. I have met some super folks, who also just happen to thrill music-lovers with their talents. And I have met some folks, who despite their musical abilities, I wouldn't go out of my way to say "hi" again. Now, for sure, I realize that lots of these musicians are besieged by fans, all telling them how fabulous they are, and that it must get pretty tiring to have so many fans wanting even a little part of you. In the acoustic music world that I mostly inhabit, I have found the performers to be very approachable; something that is a sweet phenomenon inherent to this genre. And I certainly don't expect friendships to spring up for the simple reason that I am a fan....
And Sam is one of the most personable fabulous musicians that I've had the priviledge to meet. He has thrilled me many many times musically; I love the fact that he will take on almost any genre of music and somehow make it his own. And the respect that he receives from his peers only validates my humble judgement of his abilities. Plus, there is that positive joy and energy that he exudes on stage...I have spent time watching the audience during his shows, and diggin' the fact that most folks simply cannnot help but smile.
My four children are all grown now, although I of course feel like my "work" will never be done; that they are going to need my advice for another long-time to come! As they were growing up they heard lots and lots of New Grass Revival, and I love to point out the fact that they all know all the words...>g< So---starting in 1996 with the release of "Glamour and Grits" I have given all of them the latest Sammy cd for christmas. It has become a fun family holiday tradition and they all get a charge out of it. They are not what I would call big fans, but if Sam is playing anywhere in Wisconsin and the timing is right, they all will gather for a family outing to see his concert. (see...my work is never done...g<)
In 1996 Sam released "Laps in Seven", which I certainly can highly recommend. It was released in April, and when I saw that he would be playing at the Magoliafest in October I had the bright idea that I'd see if he could sign the cds for my kids. (another timing thing...)
After his Magfest set I went back to my camp to get some cash and then went back to the cd buying area. Sam was busy talking with fans, but I got to visit with Lynn...I don't get to see her often enough and she's so much fun to talk with. (while we were visiting a young man came up, asking about Telluride. She answered him and then looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said: "Tell him what you think about Telluride, David... >g<)(my response: "Fabulous festival, gorgeous scenery...you should go.")
Anyhow, I told her my cd signing plan, and she told me that she had just put all the cds away; that yesterday was their wedding anniversary so they were anxious to take off, but that I should give them a call...after the World Series. (according to her, Sam is like an 11 year-old boy during the Series, especially seeing as how the Cardinals were in it!) About this time Sam came over and we chatted a bit, but I didn't mention the cds.
So after the Cardinals won in four I gave Sam a call. He was all for it...he took down the names of my kids and told me that he and Lynn were off for vacation, so he'd send the cds out right away. The cds arrived in a few days, all signed with a different christmas greeting to each. We really hadn't even talked about price, so I simply wrote out a check and mailed it to him.
About a month passed, and I was surprised to receive a voicemail...which was in typical Sam Bush fashion; a message a couple of minute long, telling me that he hoped I wouldn't be offended, but that he is going to rip up the check; that there was no need for me to pay him for what amounted to a very sweet gesture by both he and Lynn. I of course called him back, and we ended up talking about music for some time and me telling him that: no, I'm not offended in the least!
So it was with great fun when the kids opened what they already knew must have been a new Sam cd...lots of giggles. Fortunately I was able to save the voicemail so they could hear that at least I TRIED to buy them a present...>g<
I'm looking forward to more of the man's music...I get to see and hear him soon at Merlefest. And I know that it will be a treat....
Peace, David

me and sammy...part 2

2008-04-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

In April of 1998 I had the idea for my festival camping business while driving home from Merlefest. When I got home I got the ball rollin', calling a host of folks and running my idea past them.
One of the first calls was made to the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival festival in New York...a festival that I had heard about for years and one I had dreamed about attending someday. Well, it turned out that it was the first festival trip I went on with my business, and I'll get into that story later. (suffice it to say that this festival, which of course is now called the Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, is my favorite festival, bar none.)
And of course the headliner, as least in my mind, was Sammy! And as usual, he tore the place up, as only he can...
Plus, he was playing in Saratoga Springs, New York, on the Tuesday night after the festival! I had some extra time on my hands so of course I made a side trip on the way home...>g< An added bonus to this trip was that I'd get to drive through part of the Adirondacks, a part of the world that I had never seen.
Had a neat little happening on the way to the gig.....I saw an older gentleman sitting in his driveway, so I stopped to ask directions. (I am not one of those men who refuse to do this....I would much rather find this info and be on my right way.) I rolled the window down in my truck, acknowledged the fact that this fellow would steer me the right way, to which he replied: "If you get out of that truck and sit here with me for awhile I'll certainly be able to help you!"
Man, it was a great visit....Ted was in his late 80s and talking with him was a definite treat! He told me all about the area, and which years he planted which trees and he was a pure delight. He shared his cold tasty lemondade, and of course he gave me great directions and I always hoped to get back there to visit with him again. And I'm pretty sure that he got a kick out of me, also...
So that night Sam and John and Jon Randall and Larry Atamaniuk were hot! It was great to see them at a venue that had fine beer and one where they could play for hours, loosening up and still staying tight at the same time...it was a blast. I don't remember the name of the bar/restaurant, but I do remember that it also was a dart-ball hall. Now, I have seen many a pool hall, but this was my first dart-ball hall....there were probably a couple dozen dart-boards lined up on the walls.
And after the show Sam and his buddies, less Johnny C., all hung around playing darts. I had the good fortune to meet Sam's lovely wife Lynn also, and wasn't surprised to find that she's as sweet as she is foxy.
Anyhoo----I am usually not a heavy drinker. I love a couple of good tasting beers, but learned many years ago not to enjoy too many, especially if I have to drive! But for some reason, I'm afraid I let down my guard that night...I was simply having too much fun! I had this fun until 3:00am, when the place finally closed. Sam and the boys only had to walk across the parking lot to their bus, but I had to drive the 15 minutes to where I was camped at a nice state campground.
Well....I started driving at around 3:15, and didn't find my tent until 6:15! (and oh, what a pretty sight it was by that time....>g<) I do remember telling myself: "David....concentrate!" So I was concentrating up a storm, but that didn't seem to help much, except that I was sure I was driving safely; I do know that I was driving slowly, but it sure seemed as if I was in one of those revolving cartoons, where most of the scenery looks alike...
When I finally found my tent I collapsed inside and slept until noon, and when I awoke I remembered distinctly why I don't over-drink. That day I did drive through some beautiful country, and would have enjoyed that scenery much more if my head didn't hurt from so much concentrating a few hours before...
I did call my Lynn, who was back at home, and told her that I just can't run with the big boys, and she did her best to feel sympathy for me....
Damn...that night sure was fun, though!
Peace, David

me and sammy....

2008-04-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

After my mother died my four grown children were having fun going through the old papers that she left behind. In those papers were my elementary report cards, including even my kindergarten report. They all got a big chuckle from the comment by my teacher: "David seems to like music....alot!!" They of course knew this and were not really surprised that I had shown this tendency early on....
Anyhoo----being such a music-lovin' nut all my life, I have seen and heard lots of musicians all these years. I do remember Elvis in his early days, and the pop radio music of the late 50s/early sixties, but really started listening intently when the Beatles came around! I bought my first album ("Introducing the Beatles") at the A&P food store just down the block; I think the cost was $1.99, which of course took awhile for me to save up.
And what I'm getting at is simple: of all of those musicians I can pick out one that stands above the rest for me, and he is Sam Bush.
I started listening intently to the bluegrass genre when the Mole Lake Bluegrass Festival started near home here in northern Wisconsin in 1976. I had quite the musical awakening...being introduced to Bill Monroe, Doc and Merle Watson, John Hartford, Benny Martin, Jim and Jesse, Ralph Stanley, and many other of the first generation bluegrass giants. I fell in love with the music, and came to the conclusion that these cats were the best musicians I had ever seen!
Then, in about 1983 there was a group on stage that I hadn't seen or even heard of, and they were blowing me away! The New Grass Revival had played Mole Lake earlier, back in the late 70s, but I must have simply missed them, for I had never been so taken by one band. It seemed as if they had taken all of the best of the genres that I had listened to up to that point, mixed them all up, and delivered the result with the most energy and verve and musical skill that I had ever witnessed! For example: the banjo player was doin' licks on the 5-string that I had never heard before, the guitar player was fast and fluid and tasteful, and the bass player/vocalist was amazing! Bela Fleck and Pat Flynn and John Cowan were becoming instant favorites of mine.....and then there was that fellow up there who was wailing on the mandolin and the fiddle!
Through the buying of bluegrass and related music I had come across the name "Sam Bush" on many albums; and by pouring over the "Flying Fish" and "Rounder" record catalogues, this name seemed to be on at least every other collection! I guess I figured that this Sam fellow was an old Nashville studio musician...and a good one from what I heard. >g<
So---when the leader of this new band was introduced I was finally introduced to Mr. Sammy... I bought "On the Boulevard" right after the set, along with a New Grass Revival t-shirt; but mainly I wanted to see these fellows up close...to see if they were really human. >g<
I started buying all the New Grass music that I could afford at a time, and of course also discovered Curtis Burch and Courtney Johnson through these albums. And, I had found the best damned music that I had ever heard!
In 1986 I was advised by T. Michael Coleman, who was playing bass with Doc Watson at the time and who I had met at Mole Lake, that I should check out the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I took his advice the next year, making my first trip to the San Juan mountains of Colorado for what turned out to be an annual musical pilgrimage for a dozen years. And who was dubbed the King of Telluride by Emmylou Harris?
And I had known for a long time that I should visit Nashville! I finally got that opportunity in 1996, when I had some extra time on my hands while on the way to Merlefest and I realized that I could alter my route just a little and end up there. I met some friends who were headed down to New Orleans for the Jazzfest, and we spent a couple of days exploring the Music City. It was a blast!
I had heard of the Station Inn in Nashville, so this was one spot that had to be checked out. We went there on Friday night, and upon entering the building I noticed a small, hand-written note on a torn off piece of paper, announcing that on April 21 Sam Bush would be playing! (wow...the timing was right, seeing as how I was reading this on the 20th.) That first show I saw at the Station Inn was Butch Balassardi's "Nashville Mandolin Ensemble"; eight mandolins, one guitar and one bass...it was amazing!
The next day we were driving around Nashville, thinking of getting something to eat, when I realized that we were near the Station Inn. Just for giggles, I mentioned that we ought to stop to see if Sam was rehearsing...>g< We actually did stop, noticing that the padlock was unlocked and just hanging on the door. (the Station Inn was and is a very low-tech musical venue...that produces very high-quality music!) My friend Sandra jumped out of the car, rushed into the place, came back out, and motioned for us to join her. Sure enough, Sam and his buddies were about to start to rehearse! I asked Sam (we didn't know each other at this point) if I could hang around and he graciously said: "Sure, make yourself at home...we're breaking in a new guitar player, a fellow named Darrell Scott, and he's a dandy."
Brian and Sandra were still hungry so they took off, but I somehow lost my appetite...so I stayed! It was a GAS listening and watching Sam and John Cowan teaching Darrell some songs...so much fun. Larry Atamaniuk was drummin' up a storm, and I hung around all afternoon; I was the only person in the place, other than the band and two sound men. At one point Sam pointed out the fact that there was beer in the coolers behind the bar, so I was in what really could be described as a heaven! (I do have some photos from that day, and should someday try to figure out how to post them on this blog...)
And that night they rocked the joint! After the show I ran into Sam and he tossed me a "Bush in '96" button that I sure have had fun with over the years. The button was a promotional deal for the release of his cd, "Glamour and Grits", by Sugar Hill. There were very few of them made up, which surprised me, but when asked both at Merlefest and Telluride that year: "WHERE did you get THAT?!", I always had a fun story to retell. >g< (I got pretty burned out with the telling of that story during Telluride that year, so as we were leaving town after the festival I took the button off so I didn't have to tell the story one more time. Lynn and I stopped at the grocery store and who did I run into to?...of course, Sammy! I did have on that original New Grass t-shirt that I had purchased many years before, and he was wearing a "new" shirt from the original New Grass Revival that a fan had just presented him...we had a chuckle about that, and it was fun to know that he had recognized me.)

Whew...I need to take a break, blog-wise. I will have to do a Part 2 and maybe even a Part 3 to this tribute to my buddy Sam; there are more stories!
Peace, David

merlefest...part 2 musings

2008-04-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

In 1998, on the way home from Merlefest I had the idea for my camping service business. It was a fun trip home.
The next weekend Doc and Jack were playing a gig in Madison, Wisconsin, and Jack and I had made plans to meet after the show. (He and I had become friends in 1985, at that same ol' Mole Lake Bluegrass Festival) But, I was so excited with my new business idea that I called Jack during the week, and arranged to go out for supper with him and Doc before the show. All week my sweet wife Lynn pondered over what song to request of Doc that night.
The meal was wonderful, with Doc sharing stories on the loss of his site, and he being the southern gentleman that he is, even straightened out my manners: when the waitress asked if we were ready to order and looked at me, I replied: "Doc...?" He replied: "well now, David, don't you think the lady should order first...?" Lynn smiled...
After the meal Lynn and I and Doc were standing outside the restaurant, talking about Merle. I told Doc that I had met Merle during that Charlie Daniels ordeal, and Doc of course remembered all the details of that fiasco. I had debated for years over whether if I would get the chance whether I would mention to Doc Merle's assessment of Charlie's fiddlin'...and I went ahead and told him. Doc chuckled and replied: "you know, Merle was always right..." >g<
It was then that I told Doc that when I had starting courting Lynn that I had sung to her: "She's My Curly-Headed Baby". He came back with: "And didn't Merle play a sweet slide on that?" I of course agreed and Doc added: "I haven't been able to play that song since Merle's death...I'd miss that slide too much".
Of course...out the window the request went!
But as we were walking back to the venue I overheard Doc whisper to Jack: "do you think we could play "She's My Curly-Headed Baby"?"
And sure enough, Doc opened the second set with the song, dedicating it to "Miss Lynn and David". After the show Lynn gave him a big hug of thanks, and as she tells it: "my hair must have brushed Doc's cheek, for he told me that I DO have beautiful hair"!
No wonder I get excited every year for my trip to Merlefest...
Peace, David

thinking of merle...

2008-04-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

In less than two weeks I'll be headed down to North Carolina for the Merlefest, a big daddy in the world of music festivals, and a highlight of mine every year since 1995.
Merlefest is very special to me for a few reasons, none of them more important than the fact that I had befriended Merle Watson back in 1983, when we met during the Mole Lake Bluegrass Festival. We had similar thoughts on home and family and being dedicated to and loving the part of the world we lived in. He was building his homestead in the mountains in North Carolina, and I was in the process of building mine in the great northwoods of Wisconsin. We made plans to visit each other's part of the world, and his chance was supposed to come far before mine!
At that point Merle had already hired Jack Lawrence to go out on the road with Doc and T. Michael....he was tired of the road and didn't care if he never saw the inside of a Holiday Inn again. He was planning on only playing a couple of festivals every year; Telluride and Mole Lake.
So--seeing as how I drove past the Rhinelander Holiday Inn every day on my way to Mole Lake, it was an easy call to offer Merle and Doc my spare cabin! (I had visions of the two of them pickin' on my screen porch, I can tell ya'...>g<) We exchanged addresses and phone numbers and made tentative plans....of which of course tragically were never pulled off. Doc and Merle played the Newport Folk Festival instead of Mole Lake in 1984, and Merle had his accident in 1985; so he didn't make it back to Mole Lake.
And an interesting end to our visit Merle and I had; he was on one side of the fence and I the other, near the backstage entrance. During our couple of hour conversation, there had been a fleet of trucks and buses pull into the backstage area....Charlie Daniels had arrived. There were probably 6 huge vehicles in the fleet, for Charlie apparently traveled in style. At one point Merle mentioned that he should get goin', that "the old man" would want to go back to the Holiday Inn....
We said our goodbyes and Merle headed to the door, when he was stopped by a woman who told him that no one could enter the backstage area while Charlie Daniels was there, on his orders. Merle kind of shrugged, turned and smiled kind of quizzically at me, and brushed on by her. (this smallish Indian woman was not much of a match for a big mountain man...) He again ran into resistence at the door itself, and I'm not sure how many folks that he had to brush aside before he got to Doc, but he did prevail...>g<
As promised, Merle drove Doc over to a gate so I'd have a chance to meet him as well. Doc was very gracious, but you could kind of tell that he might be in a bad mood....he was even thinking of not coming back for the next day's gig. But at some point Charlie apologized and Doc came back and we all were better off 'cause of THAT!!
Anyhoo...as Merle and I were saying our final goodbyes he whispered to me: "that fat little "farmer" can't even fiddle....!" ("farmer" being close enough for this description...>g<)
My next entry will of course have to be the second part of my Merlefest musings; musings about the start of my business at this wonderful festival.
Peace, David

bloggin' away...

2008-04-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hey folks...
I'm starting this blog for a couple of reasons; the main one being that I have had many requests to do so! And as it turns out, I already had a blog set up at my website, but have never really taken advantage....
This blog will of course center on the musical world that I inhabit; music being one of my main passions. There will also probably be sprinklings of family and cross-country ski musings, my other two passions. As I learn to handle posting photos and videos even, this blog will no doubt become even more personal.
Many of you folks that come here will have already known who I am and what I'm about; at least partially! >g< I have a festival camping business that I call "Dancin'Dave'sFestivalCamping", and I really have a ball with it. I bascially set up campsites for folks at festivals in different parts of the country, using all of my own equipment. My patrons show up at the festival to a comfortable, high-quality campsite and then after the festival they simply pack up their own belongings and drive away, leaving the teardown work to me as well. I meet and serve folks from it seems like damned near all over the world; including China, Australia, Austria, England, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, and even Russia. Many of my patrons have become good friends, as I'm generally camped right alongside everyone that's booked me.
I just returned home from a successful festival trip to the Suwannee Springfest, in Live Oak, Florida. It was a blast. My next trip will be to North Carolina and the Merlefest, followed by the Lake Eden Arts Festival. These two festivals are both awesome in their own ways, and I'll be blogging about them soon.....
Welcome to my blog..... Peace, David

"Dancin'Dave'sFestivalCamping" www.dancindave.com

2006-11-27T20:49:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Dancin Dave's Blog