Pioneer in the Valley: Saturday pre-tornado

So in advance, Chris and I realized that we had some prior unavoidable committments on Sunday, and it would be best if we left after the final show on Saturday evening. So that day we knew we would be our last. In the long run, we were quite fortunate because of our decision. On Sunday, the finald day of Falcon Ridge 2008, a rare tornado hit Hillsdale and cancelled the remaining hours of the show. Check out some of the crazy video this Youtuber posted. The people at Falcon Ridge have established a Tornado Fund to help pay for all the damage.

We began the day remarkebly like we ended as Vance Gilbert was on the main stage again by noon for his full solo set. He was sharp as usual, and gave a very comical performance. He took the opportunity to poke at the signer who was interpreting his lyrics by holding a very long note for more than a minute. When the signer looked puzzled and desperately search for a cue, Vance just smiled and kept going.

Following Vance was the Most Wanted Song Swap, complete with performances from last years' Upcoming Artists Showcase. Anthony Da Costa, Joe Crookston, Randall Williams and Lindsay Mac took turns sharing songs for the small early crowd. However, each of the performers seemed well received.

After really great sets by both John Gorka and Patti Larkin, Chris Smither took the stage as clouds began to hover over. Unaffected, the 65-year old Smither smoothly layered old and new tunes from his large library. His personality, voice, and amazing talent seemed to stun the entire crowd and other performers. Mr. Smither is clearly a hidden gem in folk music that deserves a lot more credit than he often gets. I implore anyone to check out his most recent album Leave the Light On, as well as the title track. He is brutally honest and insightful, and his voice has a perfectly matured tone throughout the album. Check it out!

Nerissa and Katryna Nields, the belles of Northampton, were up next on the main stage. I need to say that for 8 1/2 months pregnant, Nerissa can rock. The girls gave a raucus hour-set which included stuff from their new double disc Rock All Day/Rock All Night. They even also brought Dar Williams out in advance to her set ot play out a couple of tunes. Check out some of the Nields performances with Pioneer in the Valley original videos beneath.

Nerissa and Katryna Nields - Easy People - 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Nerissa and Katryna Nields - The Right Road - 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Nerissa and Katryna Nields with Dar Williams - I Know What Kind of Love This Is - 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Nerissa and Katryna Nields with Dar Williams - Endless Day - 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

The Nields were great, and as always, a perfect leadup to Dar Williams. Now, guessing by the size of the crowd when Dar took stage just after dark on Saturday night, many people came to Falcon Ridge specifically for Dar.

Her shows and music are legend, and a great source of pride for the pioneer valley. This night her set seemed politically charged. She played her new song buzzer, as well as some great Dar favorites such as "As Cool as I Am" and "Mercy Of the Fallen."

When it came time to play her standard and Falcon Ridge Tradition, Dar had a surprise. Now, every year when Dar plays "Iowa" at Falcon Ridge, the crowd puts up their cell phones to show a beautiful image of a sea full of lights. Last year Dar brought her son on stage to catch a glimpse of the light show. This year she told us all to hide our lights while she brought up Patty Larkin, the Nields, her hsuband and all of their children to the stage. She began to sing and when she said go, everyone held up the lights for what must have been a great view for the young children. Then Dar began to talk about how the world is in a tough place right now, but she told the children that "these people" were looking out for them. It was one of those beautiful moments where you just had to be there.

Beneath I have posted the last of the Falcon Ridge videos as we left soon after Dar. Please not that once dar took stage, my video camera battery had dies. So, unfortunately the Dar Williams perofmance videos are not complete as they were shot on my digital camera. Either way, enjoy.

Also, stay tuned yet again for the last of our Falcon Ridge posts. Next time, tarp people. I'll explain letter. Until then, enjoy Dar, I always do.

Dar Williams - Mercy of the Fallen - 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Dar Williams - Mercy of the Fallen - 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival