Scott Shewbridge
From:
Bay Area, N. California
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Posted 1 Jun 2010 4:45 pm |
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I got to spend the Memorial Day weekend at the Strawberry Music Festival. I thought forum members might be interested in a few photos and some stories.
The weather was bitter cold on Thursday evening, the first night of the festival. Despite the rain, hail and cold, many a brave camper came out to cheer on the Quebe Sisters band. They gave a great performance, showing off their exceptional talents. The skill and enthusiasm displayed was exhilarating, but I sense they will get even better as they get older, making them a promising study in musical maturation. No slight intended, the band is fantastic and it will be a joy to see what else time and experience imparts to these very talented young ladies.
Quebe Sisters Band getting ready to kick off their set at the Strawberry Music Festival on May 27, 2010.
Brrr, cold and wet on the ground, but warm and sweet in the air.
That night, after the show, the temperature dropped and so did the snow. Here's what stuck on my van the next morning:
Friday morning snow.
Despite the cold, Friday morning, the Quebe Sisters, Joey McKenzie (guitar) and Drew Phelps (bass) gave a very spirited and memorable workshop covering everything from fiddling and singing to arranging. The girls are quintessential girls, giggling and smiling, trying to keep their hands warm. Being a parent, I asked what did their folks do to encourage them? You all know the answer; The girls said they were attracted to it on their own already, but a bit of a push to practice, practice, practice, probably didn't hurt.
Quebe Sisters Band Workshop at Strawberry. See the snow on the ground near the stage. Pass the hot chocolate please!
Sunday afternoon, the sun was out in full glory and John Jorgenson ruled the roost. His performance with his Jazz Manouche Quintet was stunning. He played guitar, bouzouki and clarinet and his bandmates were up to the challenge. Mr. Jorgenson really impressed me with his clarinet, proving that it is not just a novelty addition to his act. He held one altissimo note mid-solo for so long, I'm certain he must have been circular breathing. That is a very hard skill to master. The depth and extent of his virtuosity are clearly exceptional.
The John Jorgenson Quintet on May 30, 2010 at the Strawberry Music Festival.
That evening, Mr. Jorgenson was also featured in the Desert Rose Band. Great performance, almost at times overwhelmed by Mr. Jorgenson's virtuosity. I very much enjoyed Mr. Jay Dee Maness' playing. I wonder how it felt to play the Buck Owens' tune Together Again? His interpretation was impeccable and faithful, though I'm not sure many in the crowd knew what they were witnessing.
The Desert Rose Band - May 30, 2010 at Strawberry. Jay Dee Maness on PSG.
This is a fantastic festival and I again highly recommend it. I've already bought my ticket for Labor Day. Though the weather was a challenge, it was worth it. Heck, even John Jorgenson's mother was camping in the mud. It was also a real pleasure to see some forumites and pick a few tunes along the way.
That's my report from the left coast. See you on the flip side.
Last edited by Scott Shewbridge on 1 Jun 2010 9:22 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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