Recharged and regenerated on the weekend past; 25 solid hours of music in a 53 hour span. This year I took Friday off and Maria and I volunteered, jumping all the way into composting, recycling, and sorting. San Francisco is at an 80 percent rate of reducing waste and leading the nation in doing so. Most people were plenty nice in thanking us, and being careful (even if not correct) in trying to sort out their own stuff.
In it's first year without its leader, Warren Hellman, the festival missed his presence and the joy he brought to the stage when addressing the crowds and the musicians. Even so, his family kept things as they had been with the wonderful team that always presents great players and a spirit that saturates the event in joyful sounds.
By volunteering, HSB takes care of its own and we would have access to the Family and Friends areas of the festival- proximity to stages, space to breathe, shelter from sun (or cold),and food and beverage. Also, Maria scored for me a backstage wristband. Going back stage at all the stages was thrilling, awkward and part mystery solving. What is behind the stages in the musician areas? Mostly just more chairs, couches, picnic tables, space and better food! Plus the musicians! I made a rule to not photograph anyone back stage if they weren't on stage and I wasn't going to bother anyone too.
Just the same, standing next to Steve Earle as he welcomed Dave Alvin, or Del McCloury greeting John Doe, or somewhere really close to Ralph Stanley and Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins was a major threat to my major poker face. Often standing next to musicians watching their peers or heroes on stage, or near a playful dance and tender moments with their children. With my guys I played catch although at one point my concerns behind the Banjo stage curtain might be the distraction of the silhouette of our ball floating in the sky.
Also at one point I was shocked (no!I've been discovered) by someone calling out "Brian". I sheepishly looked up (small hope that it was Emmylou Harris) and saw the person smiling at me, who I could not recognize. Walking toward her, I was perplexed -who is this??- fortunately face to face, recognition set in- was someone I had not seen in 10 years, who always had a way with hanging with musicians....Michelle Barnett. Whew! The rat was not ratted out.
Running around less and less each year, understanding that all the acts are good and I'm simply going to miss most of them. The Family and Friends viewing areas allow a more enjoyable view of crowded areas so seeing old friends in the Knitters, or Del McCloury, Jenny Lewis, Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris was rewarding. Small stage performances of Allison Moorer and Sara Watkins were powerful. To be anywhere near Ralph Stanley is always a pleasure and historically, feels unreal- in my lifetime! First time views of Dwight Yoakam, Son Volt, O'Brien Party of 7, the Civil Wars and the crazy New Orleans Bingo Show were rewarding as well as watching the tribute to Doug Sahm and all the guests that showed up to honor a man who blended Tex-Mex sounds into the Texas Tornadoes and with the Sir Douglas Quartet, "She's About A Mover". Always catching up with this year's New Orleans contingent, the Soul Rebels and Amanda Shaw. There are no (on stage anyway) shy performers from New Orleans. Nods to the Time Jumpers, Jerry Douglas, the Flatlanders and Elvis Costello. Also Robert Plant showed up to play harmonica...
Thursday night I began with a concert of Septeto Nacional from Cuba but enjoyed the group intreplay of Preservation Hall Jazz Band with Allison Moorer and Steve Earle, Friday at the Chapel/Preservation Hall West (777 Valencia). Then Saturday night it was another show by Jenny Lewis, the Watson Twins, Jonathan Richman and Farmer Dave at the Great American Hall, with Cailin and Hale.
(Nice to spend some time with the Burckins!). Other than special days with the family or our travels, this weekend is something I do most of all for myself. And it just feels right.
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