This was from the Merlefest report from early May 2007
Well, I only got to attend yesterday (Saturday). I think the crowd was bigger than when Dolly was at MerleFest a few years back. We attended that night aswell. The official figures may prove me wrong, though.
What got me was that we arrived at our customary time (10AM-ish) andthere wasn’t any paid parking to be found near the entrance to the festival. Last year, there was no problem, but yesterday all the lots were full.
My take is that there were more bluegrass acts on the bill, along with the TRAKUS show (Tony Rice, Alison Krauss & Union Station) to bring in the folks.
Just in the gate and we see Judie and Randy Gehman. You see Judie’s posts here lauding the effect that Dudley Connell’s musical efforts have on her. They waited patiently as we trekked about 3/4 mile from our parking across the creek from Burger King. Neck hugs from Judie are always good and Randy doesn’t seem to mind. <G> Even my wife says it’s OK and she hasn’t even met Judie. We had caught up with each other in this sea of people in years past, but this year we utilized cell phones. They can serve good purposes.
After dropping off instruments, we immediately saw that what is normally a Frisbee, hackey-sack, hula hoop area, was what was left for us to pick from for seat space. WAAAAAYYYYY in the back. Checked the schedule and saw that BHighway was playing the Americana stage (there’s only 13 stages). So we gathered up at the back of the stage, listening to the monitor mix and watching the musical interaction up close and personal.
I was accompanied by daughter Katie & son Aaron. Katie moved to check a bit of the hippie dresses and then returned. Spoke to Jason Burleson and his wife Shelley and then caught up a bit with Tim Stafford as their set ended. Classic BHighway, finishing with Little Maggie as they usually do, to the crowd’s approval.
Then we visited with friends running booths in the instrument tent. First was Mike Bucayu at FQMS (First Quality Musical Supply). I dropped a dollar and one of the Sullivans pointed it out to me. I asked what I could buy at FQMS for a dollar and he said not much, grinning and being truthful. I asked about buying Bucayu and he told I could probably get him for the dollar and get 50 cents back!
Then we talked a bit with Alan Bartram, bassman for Del McCoury. I hadn’t seen him since Wintergrass in Tacoma in 2006. Clay Hess and his Dad showed up along with Mark Brinkman and the fun began. Clay’s jokes along with everyone bouncing funny stuff off each lasted about 30 minutes. The bluegrass crowd is known for the shared humor and I’ll take may part every time.
Then we caught a bit of BHighway’s set from the Watson stage (main stage) and then food. Long lines persist at this festival and I think it’s a really grand thing that MerleFest uses local civic groups to provide food services each year. The vendors are quick to handle the throngs of customers, the food is good and the money they profit goes right back into the community.
A bit more visiting and looking at quilt makers, baskets, pottery, weaving and such and we returned to see Del McCoury at the Watson stage. They mashed and Del was generous with G-runs thrown up into the central vocal microphone. We moved up into the reserved seating and got fairly close. The big screen helps tremendously when you forget your binocs at home. That’s me. Sat next to fellow North Carolinian from Franklin, the extreme western part of the state. Didn’t catch his name but he spoke volumes in our greeting. He said, “I try to catch Del whenever he’s close enough to see.” We both then shared stories of seeing Del up close in venues in Asheville and not taking these opportunities for granted. Del is pushing 70 and I’ve heard rumors that he may be considering cutting back on appearances. I’ll cherish each chance from this point on.
After Del’s set a bit of picking on our part was in order. My Aaron played banjo, Tony Watt (originally from the Boston area) played Stafford styled guitar on his ‘37 D-18, myself and Katie shared bass duties and Aaron Williams played mandolin. He’s now 14 and on Thursday became the youngest player to win the mandolin competition at MerleFest. I heard him play with Kenny & Amanda Smith last summer (2006) at the MACC Festival in Columbus, OH. Not just a song or two, the entire show, then at the ripe
old age of 13. Remember the name and watch.
Aaron secured a backstage pass and went to experience the folks as they rest between sets and visit with other musicians, family and friends. He briefly visited with Barry Bales but decided it was much too crowded so he came back out front and we prepared to take in the TRAKUS show.
Many times, in these special shows, the tightness that is the trademark of any steady working band gets lost in the show. Not here. Alison and band rehearses prior to touring and they were most prepared. Visiting mostly Tony Rice material, it was a show like no other I’ve seen. I remember seeing Rice just before Me & My Guitar came out. I first heard that song, that night, in front of about 200-300 folks at the Sweet Union Playhouse between Charlotte, NC and Monroe, NC. It shook me up.
Last night had the same effect on me. Aaron is not one know to show his emotions very much, if at all. On the way home I had a 22 year old, hairy-legged male child tell me he almost cried during the performance. To me that’s a stout affirmation of how powerful this set of music was. I came near to welling up when Alison sang Streets of London.
They also visited some old JD Crowe material and even a few AKUS selections. It was about and hour and 45 minutes. I’ve never been able to hear Tony’s guitar any better than last night. Many times, over the years, the sound systems were good, but there was always a problem getting volume on the guitar. There was tons of rhythm and loads of
lead volume.
I won’t say is was a spiritual experience, but it was a highly emotional one. Towards the end of the set, they projected photos of Tony’s career, from extremely young family photos to shots of Tony with Vassar Clements. I’m certainly glad they are giving Tony his flowers while he’s living.
I’m just glad this music bit me hard, years ago, and I had sense enough to go pay $50 to get in the gate yesterday. Aaron said he would have paid $1000.
Tags: aaron williams, alison krauss, banjo, barry bales, bluegrass, clay hess, del mccoury, fiddle, martin guitar, merlefest, north carolina, tony rice, tony watt
