You gotta be Folkin' Kiddin' Me

I know I promised more media from the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and I still do, but I must let you know that my computer has, for a lack of a better word, spazzed. As I try to calm it down and get the new stuff prepared, hold tight and satiate your thirst for Falcon Ridge tid bits with this performance by Vance Gilbert. Here Vance sings a fantastic new song from his brand new album "Up On Rockfield" titled "Goodbye Pluto." Enjoy.

How the Folk did We Get Here?

As a resident of the Pioneer Valley, you are exposed to a type of community and culture that is not the norm in today's world. Every city and town in the Valley is shaped by art, music, writing and theater, and even more, the artists, musicians, writers and actors who live here.

As I hinted in an earlier entry, some of the best and most influential folk musicians today have lived in the valley, or have expressed their appreciation for the arts community in Western Massachusetts. The Valley and Massachusetts as a whole are celebrated as a sort of home to modern-day folk.

Last weekend, Chris and I had the opportunity to attend our first Falcon Ridge Folk Festival at Dodds Farm in Hillsdale, NY. The weekend included 4 straight days of music, dancing, food, and culture. More importantly, their was a palpable atmosphere that was proudly positive. For the first time in years we heard musician after musician step up to the mic and talk about their optimism and excitement for the future. In the midst of post 9/11 America, I think it has become all to easy for Americans to lose hope, and to fear what the world might be like for our children. However, if there was an overarching theme for the 20th Annual Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, it definitely would be Hope.

Over the next few entries, I want to share our experience at the festival, as well as our glimpse into the lives of the very sincere and unique group of people driving the social causes of today's folk music.

In addition, these entries mark our first serious venture into posting some edited performance video, and we have included our first full-length interview with the one and only Vance Gilbert. We hope you enjoy, and feel free to send us your thoughts and suggestions at pioneerinthevalley@gmail.com.

Above: So we arrived Thursday, the first night of music. This year was apparently the first year that people could begin camping Wednesday. We opted to play it safe and arrive early enough to find a good campsite. However, we underestimated what 2 days of rain would do to the gigantic hill that is Dodd's farm. This became our final resting spot, which is about a half-mile from our car. People who came Wednesday were able to drive their cars to their sites because the ground was fairly dry. We on the other hand carried all of our things ankle deep in mud. In fact, most of the weekend was spent completely slathered. It was half irritating, but also incredibly grounding-no pun intended.

Above: See what I mean?
Site map image courtesy falconridgefolk.com

Above: We camped where that little red dot is in the lower pasture. We found that it had great views, plenty of space, but was little louder than some of the other sections late a night. If you are looking to make a big adventurous weekend out of it, I think this is the way to go. If you are looking for a more quiet family atmosphere, I think the ledges or 15 Acre are a better way to go.

Above: Luckily the sun came out blazing just in time for us to move all of our stuff in the mud. This contributed to sever dehydration. We didn't wait for cups.

Above: Once we were settled in to our tent, we celebrated by breaking open our finest bottle of $6 Corbett Canyon. Classy? On that note, while I do thing it is appropriate to bring alcohol, I do encourage people to be reasonable. This festival does have a considerable amount of families, and the daily experience can not be compared to some of the more youth-driven music festivals.



Above: The view from inside our tent was spectacular. If you look close enough you can actually see the stage at the bottom of the ridge.

Above: The tent was even surrounded by tiny little flowers.


Above: Shortly after we arrive, we rushed to one of four stages, the Workshop Stage, for a performance critique with Vance Gilbert. A legendary Cambridge folk star, Vance Gilbert is well-known on the folk circuit. During this workshop, he took time to help teach new performers better their act. Stay tuned for more about Vance including a full video interview and performance highlights a future blog.


Above - Here Vance works with Boston-based acoustic group, Pesky J. Nixon on achieving a less muddied sound on their latest tune. This whole workshop set the tone for the community, "everybody is involved" vibe of the weekend.

Above: It was still early on in the weekend, but people were excited to stuff into the tent and begin enjoying the performances.

Above: The food is definitely something to prepare for at Falcon Ridge. While there are a wide variety of options including, this solar powered restaurant, a 24-hour dining spot, and more than one great coffee shop, food is quite expensive. Now, I think that an increased price should be expected at festivals such as this, but when you are camping for 4 or 5 days, I think the first time visitor should either prepare to spend $8 - $10 per person per meal, or bring some snacks and prepared food to alternate between. Also know that you will be exchanging your cash for funny money, however there is an ATM on site. A shining note however, the great people at Falcon Ridge have created a cafeteria tent of sorts that serves general barbecue food with sides and fruits. This option is considerably cheaper, and therefore very popular.

Above: Although our awesome blossom onion from Angelo's Pizza was $7 at the festival, you can see they did not skimp on servings.

Above: Our first night we wanted to sit back and observe as much as possible. I'm not making excuses for the poor quality of our performance picture, but merely giving an explanation. Anyway, not that we have that squared away, this is Crooked Still. They are a funky Boston-born neo-bluegrass quintet. They were really incredible in a lot of different ways. Their music is refreshingly energetic and pop-tinged while staying true to bluegrass standards, and vocalist Aoife O'Donovan is definitely one to watch. After seeing them live I think someday Crooked Still will be held in regard with the Allison Krauss' and Nickel Creeks.

Photo courtesy lorimckenna.com

Above: Finally, to close out Thursday night, we were treated to a performance by Boston Country superstar Lori McKenna. For those of you who have not heard of McKenna yet, she has a truly amazing story. She is a resident of Stoughton, MA and mother of 5 children. She wrote some hit songs for Faith Hill before she embarked on her own major debut "Unglamorous" in 2007. She previously had released 4 albums independently. Her music is predictably in the same vein as Hill's - a mesh of country, folk, pop and blues- however, McKenna is stronger and more interesting vocally, and just as striking in person.

While I though McKenna offered a really packed and talented set, it did not seem as though most of the crowd felt the same. Many people were quiet throughout the performance, and many more were talking, walking around, or leaving in the middle of songs. It seemed to us like this reaction was not deserved. You decide! We have posted a low-quality video of McKenna covering the classic "Dream a Little Dream," most notably recorded by the Mamas and the Papas.

Above: Following the moving of all of our stuff in the mud and the workshops and shows the first night, we were tuckered out and headed to the tent early.

Stay tuned over the next few days for much much more about the 2008 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. We have more info, performance video, performer interviews and much more.

Dialing for Dollars

I know. I know. The Falcon Ridge stuff is going to be up before you know it. In the meantime, I have another juicy tidbit for you. You know how when you watch PBS they are always having those pledge nights where you can call in and donate money and receive different tiers of free gifts? Whenever I watch those things I always wonder how the people answering the phones got that gig. Last night I found out. Myself and some of my co-workers went to WGBY to help out with the Historic Deerfield Pledge night. Check it out!

Above: We raised almost $5,000, nearly $2,000 past our goal. I like to think it was because of the good looking on-air talent!