Last Friday night, Jeff Bujak made a return to Albany’s Red Square, which hosted a number of other DJs that night including Sweatpants Money, Evac Protocol and Leila, providing plenty of variety for the crowd seeking their BassFix.
Jeff started the night out with a strong, fast tempo that went throughout both sets, living up to his label of electronic dance music. In Red Square’s small venue space, the floors were actually vibrating from Bujaks nonstop beats and key slamming fingers. It was music that you could literally feel, that physically moved you and forced you to use every part of your body. The air was electric; with such flow and control over his equipment, especially the piano, Bujak is a sight to see.
Despite the night being heavy on the electronic music, it was far from overwhelming, perfect for newcomers to the scene. With an array of mixes ranging from pop, 80s, rap and jam band, there was something to find in each song for everyone. Playing into the slogan on his website, “Finally, Something different” was exactly what the audience got and then some.
After every few songs, Jeff Bujak took the time to thank his fans, when really we should be thanking him. Jeff Bujak is touring around the East Coast and will make stops at Catskill Chill Music Festival (Sept 7-9, Hancock, NY) as well as 51BassCamp (August 25th, Maple Ski Ridge). For a complete list of his upcoming shows as well as a vast amount of free official recordings, go to www.jeffbujak.com
When you think of summer and music festivals for pure enjoyment, there is no festival better than the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in 2012. This is not just idle praise, The Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival was voted with the 2009 IBMA Award for best festival, a category they have been a finalist for on five separate occasions. In my mind with the organization and the lineup set for 2012 there is no better small music festival in this country. The festival runs July 19th through the 22nd on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, deemed a “who’s who” of the music scene. In fact I do not see another similar festival anywhere this summer that can match this line-up in terms of super stars and the diversity in the larger world of bluegrass.
The festival is set on a high country Catskill New York region farm. Located in such a stunning location, the physical beauty of the farm gets transformed by the tent and camp city that springs up every year. All festivals have a vibe, at Grey Fox the vibe is outwardly friendly, I believe you will find a sense throughout the weekend, that you are just where you ought to be- good music and good people all connected to the earth.
What makes the festival work is the organization. Grey Fox is produced by Mary Tyler Doub along with her able assistant, Mary Burdette and a crew who are self-less in their commitment to make the Grey Fox a good time for everyone. The layout is easy with tenting spots nicely marked off around “streets” named after the greats of the bluegrass world. The entrance into the festival is always a snap. Once there everything is easily accessible, need ice? Well the ice truck calling out “iiiiiiccceeeeeee” is right around the corner. If it rains hay bales will appear in an instant (not a drop fell in 2011). Best of all is that this is a participatory festival, the festival encourages folks to bring along an instrument, take a class or just meet folks and pick together. The headliners join right in, there will not be a performer that will not meet and greet and talk to folks to share the common love of fine music. In most festivals when the professional music stops the night would be over, not at Grey Fox, now the party begins and everyone heads down to the campground and gets out an instrument and finds group to sit and play with. The atmosphere invites you, no matter what your skill level to sit down with strangers and play and guess what, you ain’t strangers by morning.
In terms of the professional music, one of the great things about the festival is the multiple stages. The dance tent is always humming, the main stage perfectly set, but perhaps the gem is the Master tent, where the biggest names come and sit and talk and joke and play in a very up close and relaxed manner. All this and we have not even talked about the performers, and this year every day is loaded with the best in bluegrass.
As always the festival is hosted by the Dry Branch Fire Squad and they will open the festivities with their special blend of humor and straight ahead bluegrass. It is hard to say who I am most excited to see because there are so many people to talk about. That said, that Jessie McReynolds is coming with his friends to play the music of the Grateful Dead is at the top of my list. If you don’t have the disc they put out last year, you are missing something, as the master of the mandolin does really understand the music. Running a close second is Hot Rize, who have gathered together to play only a few dates, Tim O’Brien is just one of those people who have taken the music, kept the tradition but pushed it out to keep it fresh. Since we are talking mandolin, there is this fellow David Grisman who will be here, yea he can play. Then there is otherworldly player, Chris Thile who will play with both the Punch Brothers and with fellow nut Michael Daves (how they did not win the Emmy this year I don’t know). Punch Brothers banjo picker Noam Pikelny will also be doing double duty. The annual tradition of the Del McCoury Band will again grace us; a more talented group there just is not. As mentioned before, Grey Fox has wise ears, so David Bromberg is back this year; a friend to bluegrass is how he put it a couple years back. My sweetheart, the Claire Lynch Band is back again, thankfully. Two of the top mainstays of current bluegrass; the Infamous Stringdusters and the Lonesome River band will excite us. New York will be represented by the Gibson Brothers keeping the long, brothers in bluegrass tradition, very much alive and we will be treated to the banjo wizardry of Tony Trischka and Territory. There are also a host of names that may not be as well known but are exceptional musicians, the Dixie Bee Liners or the hip old time musician Frank Fairfield come to the front of my mind. I am also a huge fan of fiddler Darol Anger and he brings his Old-Tyme Kozmik Trio. Again this is just the short list, tons more. The point is that the Grey Fox is the place to be, a better time you will never have.
The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance started over 20 years ago as a concert to benefit local AIDS support organization AIDSwork at the State Theater in Ithaca NY. Featured artists were Donna the Buffalo and pals The Horse Flies, and Neon Baptist.
Encouraged by the success of that night, members of Donna the Buffalo conspired to create a festival that would continue to raise money for the fight against AIDS and other worthy causes, provide regional and national exposure for excellent local musicians, and expose the local and regional music lovers to excellent national and international artists.
The idea proved a success, and with the help of zillions of volunteers, and the generous support of many friends in the musical community, GrassRoots came into being as an annual event. In the intervening decade(s), GrassRoots has grown from humble beginnings to become a nationally recognized event, unique in its focus on traditional and contemporary roots music, and one of the few self-sustaining non-profit arts organizations in the state.
The festival is presented over a four day period (Thursday-Sunday) on four stages which run ridiculously long hours to accommodate the 60 some bands that play the festival. The band selection reflects the eclectic tastes of our ‘amorphous committee’, a difficult to nail down group of musicians and artists who lean toward roots related & world music.
GrassRoots doesn’t hesitate to bring you great music you’ve never heard of before. Every year wonderful new bands are discovered and presented along with many old and true friends. Check out the list of previous years artists for a general idea of what’s in store for the future.
The 22nd annual GrassRoots Festival is held at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds in Trumansburg New York, located about 10 miles north of Ithaca NY on Rt..96 on the west side of Cayuga Lake in the very scenic Finger Lakes region of central New York. It’s all about having a grand time, generating a feeling of community, and giving something back to enhance our town, our society, and our world.
The Wood Brothers made a greatly appreciated stop in Buffalo on the 24th of June in support of their first ever live release, Sky High, a title that seemed to describe the mood of the crowd on this perfect summer night at the Tralf Music Hall.
Few were prepared for the beautiful Sunday mass-style healing we were about to experience. The Wood brothers, Chris on upright bass and Oliver on guitar, joined the stage with their unique drummer Jano Rix, and opened with the stylish and soulful cover of ‘Up Above My Head’, immediately showcasing their perfect 3-part harmonies and the amazing acoustics that the Tralf has to offer. Their one long set of songs old and new, ranged from folk-type ballad ‘Lovin Arms’ (which was dedicated to their mother) to songs more gritty and blues driven like ‘Where My Baby Might Be’. It really made you wonder how they are pulling off so many genres of music with such style and accuracy.
The Wood brothers really took us back in time to a simpler place as they gathered around a mic in the front of the stage with Rix on ‘shuitar’, a beat up acoustic guitar with lots of gadgets that he played like a cajun. They played a few songs of this style like an old bluegrass group and the crowd that was mostly seated was now dancing like crazy. Chris Wood transitioned from the fingered jazz bass style to a classically bowed interlude during a beautiful solo that then opened the doors for a vivacious version of a Wood Brothers classic, ‘Liza Jane’. This portion of the show was some of the most soulful music this reviewer has ever seen performed. Things got a little more funky and free with songs like ‘One More Day’ and ‘Honey Jar’. It was here that Jano Rix proved himself to be the best possible addition to this amazing duo. His style of drumming is raw, but relaxed and it really compliments the more classic style of playing of the brothers.
The Wood Brothers took the stage once again for an encore, ‘Luckiest Man’, a song that really shows the world that the Woods are all about great songwriting. The guys really got the crowd going once more with ‘Shoofly Pie’ from their latest album, Smoke Ring Halo, again showing off their incredible harmonies and Oliver’s southern roots.
The band lingered happily after the show signing merchandise and chatting with fans until the venue was empty. In fact, at the very end there was about 6 fans sitting with Oliver chatting around a round table who looked like they weren’t going anywhere anytime soon. These are really great guys, truly amazing musicians with so much soul and talent that put on a show you can’t get anywhere else. Do not miss an opportunity to see them. Bands like this don’t come around too often. They will be performing at this year’s moe.down in Turin, NY at the end of August as well as other festivals around the country.
Visit www.thewoodbros.com to pick up a copy of their new live release, see complete tour dates, and more.
Writing two weeks out and I feel like I am still recovering from a huge Mountain Jam 8 musical onslaught. There is so much to say but first I just have to say that again the folks at Radio Woodstock throw one heel of a well run party. Warren Haynes deservedly gets a ton of credit but the behind scene work to make this festival so easy and enjoyable is what keeps me coming back.
As he has for the past couple years, Moose drove in from Detroit and picked me up, blasted tunes through some beautiful New York farmland and before you know it, we were in good old Hunter, NY. Again no lines getting in, MJ is just so hassle free. With much appreciation to top photographer, Rakes, we got hooked up in a ski lodge and were with a full house rockin’ crew. There are many ways to do Mountain Jam, good camping scene, some stay in the lodge ($), some in town, each way works, our place came with a foosball table which at 3 in the morning featured some serious competition. Anyway, the festival was led off by a teenage rock band- Going Dark who delivered a great set- Funny as the festival would close with a still young but not teenage Stevie Winwood closing. And that is Mountain Jam, so much musical diversity, like the mountain weather, if it isn’t working for you wait five minutes something else will come along. The musical highlight Thursday for our crew had to be the Brooklyn based funk outfit, Turkuaz. Basically if you want to dance and just have fun, these guys bring an army of fun. Later that night the heavy sound of Planet of the Abts and the groove and funk of Karl Denson had wet the appetite for a long weekend.
Friday made it down to hear the sacred steel of the Lee Boys. Coming out of a Florida church, this family band brings some inspired gospel driven rock. They proved to be one of my festival favorites, with the big one on drums destroying the place and the Dr. on the pedal steel constantly take us higher. The Sheepdogs out of Canada bring a mix of the Stones and the New Riders and easily lived up to the hype as one of the top up and coming rock outfits. Speaking of living up to the hype, Andres Osborne did a particularly fine version of Dylan’s Masterpiece. The late afternoon featured another of my personal festival favorites; the Travelin’ McCourys with Keller Williams. Even without brother Rob on the banjo, Ronnie on mando and Jason Carter on the fiddle are as good as it gets on their respective instruments and Keller, is well a nut. They are supercharged and can play anything, from a tip of the hat to recently departed Doc Watson (Tennessee Stud) to current pop hit by Foster the People (pumped up kicks), got some good dancing in with brother Rick. As mountain jam does, quick change into the blues powered rock of Gary Clark Jr. and then onto the Roots. The Roots are show stoppers, billed as hip hops hardest working band, they are propelled by drummer ?uestlove , but it is the horn section who run laps around the band that just kills me, especially the tuba player, gotta be seen, plus their cover of Curtis Mayfield’s people get read y was a musical highlight. Ok night number one of the Mule, what is left to say? They are the last man standing is the world of rock, there is no excuses they are going to bring it for hours. The only real question is could they out due last year? Friday night they came close, Saturday, well yea they did. Friday’s three plus hours featured a huge version of mule, plus great covers of the Who’s love ain’t for keeping, Dylan’s I shall be released and the Dead’s The other one. Big thanks to Butchie for guiding me back home, and also to Nancy and Jason for coming to get me for late night/early morning fun. Somehow Stern and I are in the burlesque tent (dancers long gone) listening to rockabilly at 3am, I don’t know.
Saturday. Here is my advice; make friends with a professional chef who likes to party and is willing to cook up breakfast for the masses, it is a good way to start a morning after. Went for a hike way up the mountain with Kevin and Pete and dug the tunes of Zack Deputy and the forest. Came down the mountain and caught the old school of Charles Bradley, gotta give best outfit to his leather jumpsuit as well as his seasoned vocal chops. The now for something completely different award went to Mariachi El Bronx, a L.A. based rock mariachi band- which either you loved or didn’t (I caught a nap in a hammock). Back up for the Word, so happy to see them again, a true supergroup. The set a groove and mine it until the whole mountain is dancing, which is just what Holz and I did. Early evening enjoyed a fine cocktail party while digging the return to the music performing world of the piano and songwriting brilliance of Ben Folds Five. Then the Mule. First set killed and concluded with a bit of Brit music: She came in through the bathroom window/Bitch. The second set was one of those moments that we all live to say we were at, their tribute to Levon Helm. With tons of guest including his band, download the set, youtube it, just get it. Most time musicians’ play for us, this set they were clearly playing for themselves, they were just happy to share. Emotional and yet tight, versions of Night they drove old Dixie down, Cripple Creek, It makes no difference and the Shape I’m in, were flawless. “Out of nine lives, I’ve spent seven, how in the world am I gonna get to heaven?” Knowing the set closer and having heard it, sung it, played it a million times, still does not prepare for the version of The Weight they laid on us. All this and they played a whole third set as long as any acts set. Late night was great, Nigel Hall Band, Lotus both were great.
Sunday, my head hurts and guess what the strongest day of music awaits. Had to miss some good music as I was slow and the mountain weather not conducive. But by the time Trombone Shorty got on, his high energy beat back the rain and Geoff got me to dance. Next up came another of my favorite sets, I had been dying to see the Carolina Chocolate Drops and they proved to be even better live than on disc. Playing the Black Southern Root music, their show-personship and musical talent puts them in a class by themselves be it on their own material (country girl) or covers (Johnny Cash’s Jackson) this music makes you feel good. Speaking of feeling good, Tedeschi Trucks followed and as they did two years ago, blew up the mountain. As large as a band can be they do not get in each other’s way Susan Tedeschi’s voice is unmatched and Derek Trucks unique guitar style will get anyone rollin’ and tumblin’. Dawes had the tough job of following but did well to keep the crowd with their Americana rock. Then it was time to make some noise, back for the 7th year Michael Franti and Spearhead. He even made the sun come out. You known he is going go into the crowd, the flower guy will do his thing, Franti will get the kids on the stage, the whole beach ball thing, but man is it just beautiful. Great version of ganja babe. Warren came out and tried to sneak some Beatles by Franti and he just grabbed it and ran with it. Dead tired, Spearhead will get anyone dancing. The festival closer was music legend Steve Winwood and his voice remains. A strong set of finely crafted music covering his whole career, the Blind Faith tune Can’t find my way home as well as the set closer with Warren of Gimme some lovin’ were highlights.
Need to give a shout out to the smaller acts as all through the weekend some of the up and comer sets were fantastic. The first rap artist at Mountain Jam; Philly’s Ground Up, were really good, as was soulful Simi Stone, the rock group Delta Rae was as enjoyable to look at as to hear and Franti’s acoustic set in the awareness village is worth the festival price of admission every year. So there you have it, Gary Chetkof and his WDST staff work for a year to make a perfect festival and they succeed because they are music fans that value experience over the almighty dollar, I say bless them for that righteousness and start planning yourself because it is less than 300 days to MJ 9.
One of the great rites of passage into summer that the Northeast offers every year takes place in a small campground tucked in the woods of northern Massachusetts. I’m talking about StrangeCreek Music and Arts Campout Festival of course, and Camp KeeWanee. This quaint campground in Greenfield, MA is typically used for children’s summer camps, but before that gets underway, the summer kicks off with a fantastic festival that features some of the finest bands that this region of the country has to offer as well as some true up and coming acts.
We arrived at the campgrounds late Thursday night after driving though a pretty light but constant rain storm. An early arrival like this is paramount for this festival. One of the more unique aspects of StrangeCreek is that pretty much all of the general camping area is in a wooded area right next to a small river. There are plenty of spots there to set up camp sites, and large ones at that, but they go quickly and the later you arrive, the further back into the woods you have to trek in order to set up a base camp. Early birds are really rewarded in this aspect as they get first dibs on the woods, so to speak.
After a quick hello and chat with festival promoter and Wormtown owner Mark Blanchette upon arrival, we were on our way to try to set up camp as best we could in the dark, wet surroundings. Mark and his Wormtown crew do an incredible of producing and hosting StrangeCreek every year. They seem to have it down to a science with the festival now in its 10th year of existence. There were plenty of people around for help if it was needed, readily available supplies like ice and security maintained a steady but low key presence all weekend.
Despite the elements, setting up camp in the woods was devoid of hassle. Having two experienced festival goers made things a little easier. Some much needed sleep parlayed into Friday morning and the first day of music. As more festival goers arrived with gear in tow, Timbre Coup played a relaxed but energetic set on the main stage. This group from Albany, NY always seems to deliver interesting, progressive music and definitely fit in the aforementioned ‘up and comer’ category. Their mix of rock and funk grooves, along with a bubble making machine in the audience, made for a fun set and nice start to the weekend.
The Alchemystics once again brought their mix of reggae, funk and soul to StrangeCreek and ushered in the evening session. This band is no stranger to this festival and by the end of their set, they had everyone moving and spirits were high. This gave way to the night’s headliners, Donna the Buffalo. This eclectic yet funky group has now been delivering infectious tunes for more than 20 years. Formed in Ithaca, NY, DtB offers a little bit of everything as a band. They have elements of rock, blues, country and zydeco in their music and the band has always maintained a socially conscious image. While some band members have come and gone, the core of the group remains in Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins. Donna’s set featured classics such as “If You Only Could See” , “No Place Like the Right Time” and “Family Picture”. Along with some newer tunes thrown in, their set threw the night into high gear and almost assuredly garnered them some new fans.
Another true rising star on the scene, Dopapod, threw it down in one of the late night cabins. Their set kept the party going and was high energy to say the least. With every performance, this group seems to get both collectively better and more off the wall. Their brand of rock meets acid jazz meets electronica is a welcome addition to any weekend. They have a full summer slate of shows this year and are sure to be a fixture in the late night festival slot. Do yourself a favor and make some time for this band this summer; you’ll have plenty of opportunities.
As night turned to day, the Wormtown Cabin was filled with the familiar sounds of The Grateful Dead via the cover band Shake Down. Their set kept the cabin nice and hot and was ended with a truly mesmerizing version of “Morning Dew.” With the sun almost fully risen, it was time to call day 1 a success and try to rest up for day 2.
Saturday saw both the temperature and amount of live music increase. The afternoon kicked into gear with a set from the new look McLovins. Guitar virtuoso Jeff Howard is out and two new guitarists, Atticus Kelly and Justin Berger, have entered the fold. Their set was light and enjoyable and included a take on “Shakedown Street”, keeping the Dead vibe alive and well. With two new members in the band, the musical execution may not have been as crisp as past shows, but clearly the foundation for a new and fuller sound has been laid. With more practice and regular gigs, this band should remain a must see on the festival circuit. It’s just a shame they no longer have a band member who slightly resembles the actual McLovin character.
The afternoon action on the main stage continued with Marco Benevento and a set full of musical mastery and whim. Playing with Dave Dreiwitz on bass and Andy Borger on drums, Benevento went through many song found on his solo albums. A true highlight was the new tune “Fireworks” which established a bright and sunny mood on a gorgeous sunny mood. A notorious consumer of Marker’s Mark, Marco even ducked off stage between songs and provided a fan with some from his personal stash. When he wasn’t playing bartender for the crowd, Benevento flashed the musical prowess and wackiness that have made him a household name as it pertains to the jamband scene.
Toubab Krewe, an act growing in national popularity, took the stage soon after and delivered a set full of its typical ethnic grooves and rhythms. They wowed the audience with their mastery of various instruments and styles. Afterwards, on the other main stage, a StrangeCreek staple, New Riders of the Purple Sage, kept the music going. This is another band that has performed at StrangeCreeks of yore and they kept the Dead vibe going that was prevalent all weekend with an absolutely stirring rendition of “Peggy-O”.
Finally, it was time for Saturday’s headliner and co-name sake of the festival, Max Creek. You can tell right away when a band consists of members that have been playing together for years and make musical mastery seem almost effortless. Max Creek fits this description and they delivered another set that was high in intensity and fun. They delivered a fun mix of originals and covers, the latter of which was highlighted by an explosive version of “Eminence Front” that closed the action on the main stage for the day. Other fun covers from this set included “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “Helter Skelter”.
The late night action was highlighted by a performance from Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. Their brand of high-octane reggae and funk is a welcome addition to any late night grouping. This band has sure come a long way from playing in the woods (and not being on the bill) at one the early Camp Biscos. A performance by Viral Sound kept everyone moving and shaking in the Kee Wanee cabin until the wee hours of the morning.
As Sunday arrived, some festival goers began to pack up and break down their campsites in an effort to stay ahead of the game. With Monday being Memorial Day, this is not an essential action by any means, but usually a smart one. We decided that leaving Sunday night wasn’t a bad idea, as a weekend full of sun and music was beginning to take its toll. However, there was business to attend to first.
The Tells, a StrangeFolk side project of sorts, played their typical Sunday set at the Vernville stage. They succeeded in keeping the spirit of The Grateful Dead alive with a sweet and soft cover of ‘Ripple’ after playing a few Strangefolk songs that had been on the shelf for over a year. Another fun aspect of StrangeCreek is the presence of small side stages placed in openings in the woods. All weekend long, lesser known bands filled the woods with music. Some not-so-lesser known bands also saw action on this stage as Tom Hamilton and his American Babies performed Sunday night and Dangermuffin the night before.
A hot and humid afternoon soon gave way to the night and two of the bigger acts on Sunday. Ryan MontbleauBand, another festival regular, got the crowd warmed up with a fun, hip set that showcased his song writing (and performing) talent. He’s developed a fervent following that seems to get a little bigger and louder each time out.
With everyone in good spirits, it was then time for the other co-name sake of the festival, Strangefolk, to take the stage. Earlier this year, the band had a very successful “reunion” tour with Reid Genauer back on vocals. However, this was the newer formation of Strangefolk, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t rock as hard. Hits like “Sweet New England” and “Entitled” were played to perfection and filled the night air with a beautiful and familiar sound. A cover of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Carry On” served as both the encore and the bookend (for us) of the weekend. Alchemystics delivered another set in one of the late night cabins and they were followed by Jimkata, a band that is no stranger to the festival late night schedule.
If you’re looking for a fun, close and well-run festival to kick start your summer, you need look no further than Greenfield, MA and StrangeCreek. It’s a truly special weekend that sees many attendees returning faithfully each year. This sense of togetherness and community is prevalent from the moment you park your car. So ditch the beach and the barbecue one year and get to StrangeCreek. You’ll certainly be glad you did.
Funk is great music for getting down to, although late night at StrangeCreek Music and Arts Festival brings out some of the best up and coming bands in the Northeast. When 10-piece band Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket from Boston started playing, I was drawn in by the horns and stayed for the rhythm and double threat vocals. The cabin got quite warm throughout the set, as it would be expected with a sexually charged dose of funk and world beats. The band is only two years old but holds great promise with strong live performances coupled with a great self-titled debut album
With strong influences from Parliament Funkadelic, The Meters, Stevie Wonder and most music from the Soul Train era of 70s funk, Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket has strong potential and with funk this deep, they should be on JamCruise within a few years time. The opener, Phototonic Amplifier People has blaring horns and impressive vocals from Sarah, aka Lil’ Shrimp. Mic Smoke gets sharp horns accenting catchy lyrics “When Smokey told Michael Jackson, When they give you the mic don’t give it back son”, Big Daddy Disco sings with a Q-Tip velocity and cadence to the words. SinLamento starts with a deep grooved bass before growing into a salsa/tejano number, sung entirely in Spanish. ChuckNorris is notable for weed references and high speed funk, Blue Dream gives a Stevie wonder groove on the keys while I Don’t Want to Ride Your Emotional Rollercoaster is soft in an R&B style, akin to Bill Withers ‘Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone’, a very emotional track. Black Cloud Joe is Wilson Pickett-esque with a big band backing a boisterous story about Joe. Capping it all off is a highlight, All Night Long and Once in the Mornin’, a sexually charged song, with a dash of Ohio Players and a porno-funk guitar in the background, plus balanced dueling vocals.
As said in the final track, “There ain’t no party like a bucket party cause a bucket party don’t stop” are true words, coming from first hand experience and listening to a funking wonderful debut album. Look for Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket this summer at a festival near you!
Key Tracks: Mic Smoke, Sin Lamento, All Night Long and Once in the Mornin’
Having been to many music festivals in the past few years, I have seen the growth of music festivals, the broadening of the crowd and lineups, as well as a community that is vibrant, positive and open to all. Music festivals are one of the great American cultural events and their continued development is a positive for local communities nationwide. However, there is a growing trend that is both disturbing and dangerous to both festival attendees and those in the local communities nearby. Sky Lanterns, also known as Chinese Lanterns, are a dangerous new trend at festivals that have the high potential to create the worst scenarios at a festival, and miles away.
After mentioning my concern in festival reviews over the past two years, where I witnessed the dangerous nature of Sky Lanterns, I attended StrangeCreek Music and Arts Festival in Greenfield, Mass over Memorial Day weekend where I saw these lanterns sent up in the air without concern for the risk or impact involved. In order to educate the festival-going populace, a few conversations were had with friends and acquaintances that led to this article.
First of all, what are Sky Lanterns? They are purchased completely flat and then expand to create a three foot tall cylindrical shape with a cardboard platform, roughly the size of a small pizza box. Once expanded, the wick is attached to the bottom of the paper lantern and lit on fire. Aside from not burning the paper, the lantern is held up and allows the flame to heat the air, thus rising up and floating away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUe-EuLO-mU
But wait, aren’t open fires banned at festivals? Indeed nearly all festivals ban open fires, with only a select few having a bonfire that is far away from spreading the fire to nearby trees and brush, and under the watchful eye of an attendant staff member. A sky lantern IS an open fire and if you can’t burn citronella candles, votives or campfires at a festival, common sense dictates that these should not be allowed, as it is an uncontained fire.
Yes, it is a bit appalling that folks who set them up and watch the fire grow will laugh and ogle. There’s little you can do here, but at the least, learn from a mistake, like these folks.
So why do people set them up? The number one reason given to me by multiple people at multiple festivals over the past few years: it looks cool. That’s all it takes, for something to look cool, you just have to ignore what happens after it is released. When I ask these folks during setup and take off, they are focused and want to make sure the wick is attached properly, and they happily share that it looks cool. Over three years and more than a dozen festivals, it’s still the only answer I have received.
You may ask yourself, is this actually a problem? Yes, very much so and a proactive community effort can stem this from becoming a tragic problem. Some may not notice this as an issue because they do not go to festivals or may not see one while at a festival. The presence of a sky lantern at a festival may be to add to the vibe of the festival but facts are facts: this is a flaming surface being sent up into the skies with no way to control its direction. Think of a flaming, stringless kite that doesn’t burn out for 20 minutes or so, and you get the idea.
I have seen these lanterns crash down, flame lit, causing damage. Here are a few stories from fans who have witnessed them in recent years:
Superball, July 2011
A first person account from Andy Hill: “At first I thought the sky lanterns were cool. I had seen them at a bunch of shows leading up to Phish’s Superball at Watkins Glen Speedway and they were set off without incident to my knowledge. So I didn’t give them much thought beyond that. They definitely look awesome when done in a proper and safe manner. But my opinion of them changed pretty quickly after Superball. I was in the back of the concert field, slightly Fish side enjoying the show. More than not, my eyes are closed when getting down at a Phish show, as was the case this time. Eventually I started hearing a commotion from the people surrounding me and as I opened my eyes and looked to see what the ruckus was about and out of the corner of my eye I saw a bright light coming towards me. Before I realized what it was it hit me it was gone. A sky lantern had been let go prematurely and did not have enough lift to fly. Instead it listed towards me and clipped my head and continued on into the crowd, staying dangerously low and leaving me with the smell of burnt hair…MY BURNT HAIR!!! Luckily, I was not hurt but it was far too close for comfort. I agree that under controlled circumstances, sky lanterns are pretty harmless and are pretty amazing to watch. But in a concert setting where there are so many variables that could allow a dangerous outcome, the risk is certainly not worth the reward.”
StrangeCreek, May 2012
This past weekend at the StrangeCreek Music and Arts Festival, near the main stage, a few fans were setting the sky lanterns up in the evening and night. Lowell Wurster, working festival staff recalls “I saw three sky lanterns get set off this weekend and one of them fell burning in the woods, which had to be extinguished. It’s the same reason why most festivals don’t allow fires.” There were at least a dozen set off Saturday and Sunday night at StrangeCreek, all because “it looks cool.” (This is an actual quote). Later reports indicate that these sky lanterns were landing in a cow pasture up the road and scaring the cows. It’s a bad idea at a venue such as Camp Kee-wa-nee due to the fact that fans are living in the forest for three or four days where there is a lot of material that could combust with ease.
Liberate, August 2011
Taking an early morning walk at Liberate Music Festival, near St. Albans, Vermont, I found some paths behind the stage that led into the woods. I got about ¼ of a mile down a trail and I saw something unique – a bush that was burnt out and had the shell and wires of a sky lantern. I looked around and found little around the bush that caught fire as a result, thankfully. It was a case of pure luck that this bush didn’t ignite the woods around bush. I brought the shell to the festival producer and his jaw dropped. Needless to say, no lanterns were set off that night. Proof again that these lanterns do not burn out and they are a fire hazard.
moe.down, September 2010
Standing to the left of the soundboard on Saturday night of moe.down, I saw some people setting these off from the top of the hill near ‘Gelston Castle’. Some took off over the trees into the Mohawk Valley but one took a dive from a windgust and dove directly into the tapers section right in front of the soundboard. This lantern came in with speed and wind behind it and dove direct into the taper pole, knocking a couple over before trailing off into the rest of the crowd, then taking off again! Of course, more lanterns followed after, and on Sunday night too.
Consider this point from frequent festival-goer Dan Weathers: “Everyone probably never thought their house would flood because who would think a hurricane would affect places like Vermont and New Jersey because there is a pretty small risk of that happening. Then we get a hurricane and no one is prepared and we have a catastrophe and major problem. And people freak out and say how could we not be prepared? Everyone says it’s minor and there is very little risk but guess what, that risk can be devastating. So while they are kind of cool, who wants to be that douche that starts a major fire and causes major destruction?”
In the conversations I have had this week, it was suggested that these are never seen at concerts. This is true because there is far more security to get into a concert so it would be difficult to find these in regular use at amphitheaters. At music festivals there is less security (compared to concerts, although the search can be more stringent) but there is also more freedom at a festival, one that is taken advantage of by some.
Tents, brush, trees, dry areas and drought-prone regions all can be set ablaze quickly. Ever seen a tent go up in flames? Nylon tents (most of the ones sold today) will burst into flames very fast, leaving only poles behind. I witnessed this in Boy Scouts at a demonstration of tent safety where we were shown the result of a single flame near a tent. It took only a 20 seconds before the tent was engulfed in flames. Imagine someone is in that tent and a sky lantern comes crashing down. A friend made a valid point – people don’t think that something of beauty can be dangerous and they do not fully understand and respect fire in all its forms. Flying fire in an arid environment can devastate.
I have always wondered if there was a religious nature to these lanterns, or at least a spiritual one. While this has never been confirmed from first person interviews, it seems to still be a possibility. Festivals are spiritual events for some, so adding to the spirit of the festival is a natural next step. However, where music festivals are bigger and grander than nearly all in America, Britain has bigger problems, where family houses have burned down as a result of these sky lanterns. Even in Vietnam, an area of the world where sky lanterns are set into the air or afloat on the ocean have banned these aerial arson machines after 20 forest fires were caused from their uncontrollable nature.
Should we await a tragedy like these before acting? Certainly not. A proactive community effort needs to be in place at all festivals, including notifications of this no-no sent out in advance, including the usual suspects: glass, weapons, nitrous, fireworks, open fires and now, sky lanterns. Penalties are the same – confiscation in the interest of the public good.
When a sky lantern gets trapped in a tree and sets it on fire, how will a wooded festival be able to put the flame out, get people away and prevent the fire from spreading? That festival would not be back the next year and the result would affect all festivals nationwide. The media feeds on stories of festivals that portray them in a negative light. What better than a random flaming drones to bring down all we enjoy about festivals?
There are proper places for these lanterns, although they are limited. One idea presented in discussions was to set them off over water, preferably the ocean where it can float out to sea with a good wind behind it. I would argue that this is acceptable and the risk is minimal at best, provided the winds take sky lantern out to sea. Few festivals are located right on the water, so for the most part, leaving these behind and not using them is the best recourse for this situation.
Education of this matter is also part of a proactive effort we can all take part in. Sharing this piece will hopefully wake people up and prevent them from setting them off, because its only a matter of time before a tragic story like the one in Britain is heard in the news and online in America.
In short, sky lanterns are not needed, provide little benefit and are dangerous to all at a festival. Unless you are on the ocean or far away from an area that may be flammable, do not use sky lanterns. They are a waste and danger to us all.
Please note, I DO encourage those who enjoy sky lanterns to step forward and share the benefits they have on a festival and the area around the festival. I have asked many but there is always more to this story.
And yes, glowsticks are also bad too for the environment in the longterm because they do not biodegrade. Lights and fires are pretty, but let’s use our heads folks.
Sad news in the folk and bluegrass music world, as 7-time Grammy winner Arthel Lane ‘Doc’ Watsonpassed away due to complications from surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was an amazing flat-picker and played for generations of folk fans, including the third Bonnaroo in 2004. Here, we present a review of Doc Watson’s final Capital Region performance from The Egg in Albany, NY on August 1st, 2010. RIP Doc Watson.
The first time I saw Doc Watson was in 2004 at Bonnaroo on the recommendation of Trey Anastasio who remarked in the program that Doc was one of the few acts he was dying to see. Having never heard of Doc Watson, I thought, “Well, if it’s good enough for Trey, it’s good enough for me”. I was not disappointed and I even had a chance to chat with mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush before he headed on stage to play a couple of tunes with Doc.
This performance was a bit more subdued from a tent stage playing to 5,000 sweaty 20-somethings. Instead, there were around 800 fans in attendance averaging around 40-50 years old with a few younger fans sprinkled throughout. Since I had last seen him, Doc Watson received a lifetime achievement award, predated by his 3-disk biographical album Legacy that won him one of his seven Grammys in 2002 for Best Traditional Folk Album. This collection is worth listening to if you want to acclimate yourself to this bluegrass legend.
With Doc Watson on guitar, T Michael Coleman on bass, David Holt on guitar/banjo and later, Doc’s grandson Richard Watson on guitar, the two 50-minute sets were a trip through American Roots music history. Songs were played that will one day be forgotten in time and were so old that that they bridge the gap from the 19th century to the 21st century in both their meanings and history. Doc Watson teaches this music to us like a non-activist Pete Seeger.
Still playing at 87 years old, Doc was born Arthel Lane Watson with the nickname ‘Doc’ given to him as a replacement for his stuffy birth name. While he may be blind, this does not define him. His music does. The only indication of his lack of sight is that of him being led to his seat on the stage. This does not hold him back in any form nor has it ever seemed to be more than a footnote to his musical legacy.
The songs over the course of the night gave a wide range of bluegrass and other blues-rooted music. The Carter Family song “Cannonball” which has its roots in English folk. “Feel Like Cryin’ Since She’s Gone” got the audience involved for the first of many sing-a-longs. The classic “Sittin’ On Top of the World” featured Holt on slide guitar with Doc singing a tune we all know from either The Grateful Dead or Cream or any number of acts that have made this song their own. Lyrics like “now she’s gone and I don’t worry” can resonate with so many different people that dozens of versions are the result.
The 2nd set featured various solo tunes from Doc, with his southern hills dialect from North Carolina that has a distinct drawl on the I’s which makes each song sound that much more personal and a hesitation of ‘aih’ every so often, giving an extra breath and half per measure throughout the night. Every so often, Doc called out to his guitar to ‘behave now’, while he was prepping for the next tune. It may have been the equipment, but it all seemed to be part of Doc’s character.
“Freight Train” by Elizabeth Cotten elicited a proud response from the crowd that knew the roots of this song. Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times” was slow and not as uplifting as the original and was nearly somber at points. “Big Bouquet of Roses (for every time you broke my heart)” continued the trend by telling us a story in each verse. “T for Texas, T for Tennessee”, a classic tune of Watson’s, was a great treat for the entire audience.
The rest of the ensemble returned for “Walk On” and the quartet provided the best tunes of the night. Some tunes in bluegrass are just arranged and meant to be played by multiple strings. “I Am a Pilgrim” by Merle Travis and “Frankie and Johnny”, a sweethearts song, were crowd-pleasers for those familiar with Doc’s catalog. “Workin’ Man’s Blues” was the most upbeat song of the night thanks to bass playing from the youngest Watson on stage.
A personal treat was “In the Pines”, a song that dates back to the 1870s. This song has the same musical/lyrical roots as ‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” (also known as “Black Girl”) and was made popular again by folk troupe Leadbelly in the 1940s and again by Nirvana on their Unplugged album recorded in 1993. This version was a bit more upbeat and happier than the pain and suffering ingrained in the song’s lyrics.
Sunday night services ended around 9:30 p.m. with Mississippi John Hurt’s “Blues for the Banjo” which had great lines that all can identify with:
“I get the blues but I can’t be satisfied…. I need a shot of whiskey to drive the blues away… I think I’ll need a quart today”
The crowd headed home smiling and content knowing that they had seen a living bluegrass legend play great songs that were both known and already forgotten. This was a masterfully guided trip through American bluegrass and blues roots.
Spring has sprung and there is only one thing left to do but strap on our dancing boots, and get ready for THE jam festival of the season – Mountain Jam number VIII. And yes bigger and better than ever, if that is humanly possible. For those who are uninitiated the boot reference relates to the foot-ware fashion favored by many- ladies that means the high multicolor rubber kind, gents this is mountain jam, so look the part- in any event you will be happy you did. In fairness, 2011 was totally dry and hot so the boot thing was more of a fashion statement, but my inner boy scout always wants you to be prepared! In terms of preparation for Mountain Jam VIII my best advice is to get ready to be rocked hard and put away wet, this is a festival done right in so many ways, I bet you will be like me and get to a place where you just do not want to stop.
Mountain Jam is held at the Hunter Mountain ski lodge and slopes. The four day festival runs May 31st through June 3rd. The mountain is located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Getting there is both easy- the roads are good condition but they are smaller roads and that always is part of the fun. Twist and turn through some of the most beautiful early summer farms and woods anyone can imagine. Once you arrive you will immediately discover why Mountain jam has been voted the one of best festivals of the year. The festival is completely constructed to make your experience the best it can be. Put together by the CEO, Gary Chetkof and his team from radio station WDST (Radio Woodstock), these folks live and breathe serious tunes every day, so they made a festival for us. So instead of getting hassled, you get a friendly face and some assistance. When you put the music in front of a profit motive, you get a fan experience. Parking is easy, entrance is easy. It is an intimate festival; tickets are capped at 15,000, so you are never “lost” in a crowd and actually can meet and connect with like minded humans. Staying is easy- plus there are a lot of options from an excellent camping scene, but you can also stay at a ski lodge or a hotel or one of the beautiful bed and breakfast places in town. From the get-go the festival has adopted green practices and has a whole awareness village to help us connect to the planet in sustainable ways. What is also really nice is that the main lodge is always open- got a full bar, a late late night jam room, lots of real bathrooms, food inside. The vending is unique so more than the usual stuff you can get some mountain jam homemade Jam, antique silver spoons or a real Jerry Garcia signed watercolor painting. So all and all it is just the best scene and wait, yes then there is the music.
Musically, the festival is co-produced by Warren Haynes. Warren sits in with many of the friends he helps to recruit to the festival lineup. And Warren has had an amazing few months as has been well chronicled- playing with Clapton, Jagger, Richards and Obama (yeah the President- pretty cool). The thing is, topping the Govt Mule sets from last year seems impossible- You tube it and you can feel the mountain shaking through your computer.
During their second set on Saturday night, Gov’t Mule will be joined by the full Levon Helm Band including Amy Helm, Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams and the LHB Horns among others. The set will feature music from Levon’s 50+ year career. Levon Helm, the long-time drummer and singer for The Band, a 2-time Mountain Jam performer and Woodstock resident, passed away in April at the age of 71 after a decade-long battle with cancer.
“Levon was a musical hero of mine,” says Warren Haynes. “His 70th birthday celebration at Mountain Jam two years ago was a magical night and a truly inspiring musical performance. So bringing back that incredible band to share in our tribute seemed like a great way to honor his memory.”
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX2GlgF-wBc&w=560&h=315]
Headlining this year is the original boy wonder- Mr. Stevie Winwood, so Gimme Some Lovin’, I am ready! Michael Franti and Spearhead have appeared every year since the first year and have this special ability to bring such a joyful mood to the crowd, last year sending out a boat load of giant beach balls the hill was awash in color. Tedeski Trucks Band, fresh off the Grammy for best blues disc is back this year and they know how to party. For me a must see will be the Roots. This is typical of Mountain Jam musically, the diversity of styles harkens back to the old Fillmore Auditorium with jam bands, blues band bluegrass bands (the Traveling McCoury’s), Americana, Urban, late night electronica and up and coming bands that Radio Woodstock has scouted out to turn us on to. There are four stages filled day and night with so many choices that your schedule is vital. Some other folks in this year’s lineup that I am dying to see include Trombone Shorty (who also recently played for the President), Lotus, the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ben Folds Five (who are reuniting after 11years, so a real musical treat for all of us) and the Word (featuring the other worldly Robert Randolph, John Medeski and the North Mississippi All-stars). Again that is just a personal list, go on the website and you will see that the lineup is just plain loaded.
Not to belabor a point but what makes Mountain Jam work so well is that it is organized for us and set in an honestly beautiful place. When music and beauty come together, who couldn’t be happy? A good example is that the chair lift is open for rides up the mountain (and to get to a seriously long zip line) and we were coming down the mountain last year as Mavis Staples hit the stage and launched into some of the Band’s tunes they had done in the Last Waltz movie way back when, we all were transformed, and that was early on the first day and we all just stayed in that place of pure joy the rest of the weekend. Take my advice, be kind to yourself and come to Mountain Jam VIII
With strong influences from Parliament Funkadelic, The Meters, Stevie Wonder and most music from the Soul Train era of 70s funk, Big Ol’ Dirty Bucket has strong potential and with funk this deep, they should be on 
