Thursday, June 19th
We certainly had a memorable start to this year’s Bluegrass Festival. We headed down to the park at around 11:30ish, arriving around Noon. My dad had gone early to set up our blankets and chairs, and it was pretty easy to find. We were pretty close to the front, right in the second section. We had easy in and out because we were right on the line that marked off the walking paths. Matt went off to explore, and I sat in one of the chairs reading Cat’s Cradle and listing to Cadillac Sky, who’s set included a kick-ass cover of Longview by Green Day.
During the set, I notice a lanky young man with bleach blond hair and a Black Sabbath t-shirt walking toward me. My heart started palpatating a little bit as he sat down on the tarp next to me. Immediately my eyes went to the tattoos on his arm: yep, I was sitting next to Ryan Adams. I, being a chicken, just sat in my chair. Soon, Matt returned, and introduced us to Ryan. Shortly thereafter, he asked if he could join us on our blanket.
Over the next few hours, we talked about everything from the setlist to what music he listens to (classical and death metal), his arthritis, his relationship status (single), other musicians (Bob Mould), Telluride, and more. He even took a phone call and told the person on the other line that he was going to hang out with his friends (us) for a while longer and not to worry about him.
He left shortly after Uncle Earl finished
their set, but not before I got a picture. We definitely bumped heads in the process of taking this picture. But that’s okay.
He came back after an hour or so with Laura Meyer, an artist who was playing in between acts. He introduced us to her and also gave us her CD’s – earlier he had talked about how much he liked her. It was a pretty thoughtful gesture.
Also, Matt mentioned to him that we had used his version of Wonderwall in our wedding. Apparently he thought that was pretty cool, and he played it during his set. We’re kind of hoping it was for us.
In addition to all that excitement, we saw Arlo Gurthrie (who told more stories than sang songs) and Ani DiFranco. Ani was great as always, and played a great mix of old and new.
Ryan was the last act of the day. He opened with Peaceful Valley, and also played a pretty okay mix of songs. I know a lot of people want
ed to hear more of Gold, but I was happy with what was played.
Friday, June 20
We really blew it out on Thursday, so we decided to take it easy on Friday. So easy, in fact, that we only made it for one set, Paolo Nutini.
Paolo was pretty awesome – everyone seemed to dig it and everyone was dancing their asses off.
After that, we went to Smugglers for dinner and just hung around the house.
Saturday, June 21
I’m not going to lie, I was pretty effing happy about this day. We went to a workshop in Elk’s Park help by Glen Hansard (of Frames and Once fame) and it was really just a really intimate concert. He played a few covers and a song he wrote when he was 16 or so. Marketa (Once) was with him, as was the fiddle player from the Frames. After their set, we stopped for a minute to get a picture with them. I also got some videos. All these are on my camera, which I neglected to bring the cord for, so those will come later. Below are some pics that Matt took. Click the thumbnail for the full size.
After dinner we headed back to the fest for the Frames. I have been a HUGE Frames fan since around 2000, so I was VERY excited to see them play. They did not disappoint, even though the next day Glen apologized for the bad energy – I thought they sounded wonderful.
Sunday, June 22
We had another easy day here. We went into the fest to see The Swell Season – otherwise known as the band Marketa and Glen formed because of the movie Once. They were just magical, playing almost every song from the movie, as well as some covers and a couple Frames songs. They finished with a cover a Heyday (of Guinness commercial fame) with everyone singing along. It was amazing.
Best. Bluegrass. Ever.
Waxing Esoteric 