Posted by Norm on 6/21/2009, 10:21 pm
(I'm sure the rain-and it was AWFUL-kept our Forum members here away). It was really a terrific Festival, although it rained almost all day Saturday, a raw wind blew massive droplets into the "Gazebo," where I had volunteered to sell T-shirts, sweatshirts, CD's from the artists (who would come by and drop them off, sign them if they weren't on stage, and chat a bit). Some of the volunteers didn't show up for their shifts for whatever reasons, so I ended up turning a 3-hour slot into 6.5 hours. My friend from AGF, Tony Burns, and his daughter, Holly, jumped in and we had a good time selling the merch, and taking raffle tix for a Martin DXK-2, and the basic Deering Goodtime Banjo that were donated as prizes.
Lots of really super players/pickers/singers. Clay Hess (who was Ricky Skaggs' back-up guitar player/singer/writer) had a stellar set with "friends," including Sierra Hull and the Walker Bros. After the concerts, they all came down to Webb's Motel/Resort a coupla blocks down from the park, and literally played their hearts and hands out for well-over 90 minutes of non-stop music from 10:00 until almost midnight, featuring all of them in various vocal and instrumental prowess. The room they were in was attached to the main (and very classy) bar area, but sunken about a foot. A few of us snagged one of the front tables, which meant we were within about 2 feet of the ensemble. Talk about being "part of the band!" Ensconced by super music, good snacks and drinks and a lot of good humor, back and forth reparté with Clay, Sierra, Jarred & Cory Walker, etc.; taking requests, some good jokes, and like having a "house concert" with about 9 of your closest friends as the performers.
The weather FINALLY cleared just before dusk, and today was gorgeous: mid-70's, lakeside breezes, jamming by the lake, terrific vendors' food (the clear winner IMO was "Bulldog's BBQ" ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Cooked SLOW (about 14 hours!) tender, moist and two choices of "secret recipe" sauces. *insert drool image here* :D Outstanding performances weekend-long by Chuck Pyle, Hard Ryde, Kate Lee and No Strings Attached, the Doerful Family (some amazing "progressive" rock/blues/inventive hybrid bluegrass), Josh Williams Band; the list goes on. "Sierra Hull & Friends" brought Clay Hess and the Walkers back to the stage for an early evening set. These young people are simply incredible, virtuoso players. Of course, Martin Guitars galore, some Gallagher, a Taylor or two, Mayes, and banjos and mandos that are literally heritage instruments.
All these performers are just super folks; down-to-earth, not all ego-consumed. No, it ain't "arena rock" with security out the whazzoo, and NO WAY you'd ever have any off-stage time with. Bluegrass Festivals are just "one big happy family," and Mayville's embodies the best of these qualities. I did a "roamer" volunteer stint today, plugging in where needed from backstage hospitality, some litter clean up, back to selling merch at the Gazebo, and eating waaaaay too much great food. My only "healthy choice" was likely the bottled water!
So, my feet and ankles are sore from all the standing, and waiting on folks, and trotting around in my winter shoe-boots to avoid drowning in the puddles! Given some of the stresses I've been under this year, it was simply, all-out good fun and relaxation. Congrats to Bill Ward and crew for making this a high-light event for all over W.NY and well-beyond! Got some great new CD's too.
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