It's Almost Time

It's almost time.

That one weekend of the year that I set aside for myself. Turn off the phone, baby, 'cause I'm going to the festival! See some old friends, laugh a lot, buy tee shirts, listen to great music and burn up. Every year I say that next year I'm going to have to move to the shade but then it's always next year. Every year there are elements of the Master Musician's Festival that get better. The vendors are better, the music is better (overall I mean. Sometimes the best just can't be beat) and my love for my friends becomes more sweet and precious. When I think about those people it comes to me that there have been a lot of years spent with them and they seem more like family than anything else.

This year we get to enjoy John Prine. As I have said, he and I met in 1974 and we've been friends ever since. Well, he doesn't really know who I am but he has shared his music and storytelling with me for those 44 years now. Gosh, that's a long time but he's an exceptional storyteller. If you haven't picked up a copy of his latest offering, The Tree of Forgiveness, here is a grand opportunity to do so. Whatever you do you should check on you tube and listen to the songs so you'll be familiar with them Saturday night. While you at it, listen to some of the songs off that first album that imprinted itself on so many hearts.

I could go on rhapsodizing about Prine but there will be other performers there. Some I've heard of and listened to and some will be virgin music to my ears. Amanda Shires is a great accompanist to Jason Isbell but I am anxious to see her live in her own show. People tend to shine in these live shows. Recently I've seen some people talking about Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Talk about shining in a live performance. His is one of the best that our festival has ever seen.

Pick up a program or check out the web site to see the artist list. I am unfamiliar with many of them but I was unfamiliar with the Avett Brothers too and what a surprise that was. The timing in having them at MMF was spot on. They went big time right after our seeing them. There's no telling how much it would cost to get them here now. It looks like most of the music is going to fall into that catch-all category of Americana. My favorite. I think the best musicians in America are working in this undefinable genre and we get to experience them in a family friendly atmosphere. That does not happen everywhere. In addition the festival is going to have another stage down in the hollow where the crafts and such are that will provide entertainment while the next act is setting up on the main stage. This year could keep people on the move.

Tiffany Finley and the board deserve lots of thanks for the hard work that they do so that we can see these artists for what is a very low ticket price (have you seen the prices of tickets lately)? I have noticed that several of these board members have given up the comforts of their own homes to venture forth to scout out the myriad talents that are out there. For one, I really appreciate their sacrifice.

Somerset-Pulaski County is really lucky to have this festival call this home. It is becoming more and more well known not only for its atmosphere but also for the quality of the talent. It is one of two well know events that happen here. Things like these are what will make this area a destination one day but only if the community is supportive.

THIS IS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF MMF. Who would have ever thought the festival would have this kind of staying power? Other than those hardy souls who set up a festival on a flatbed I mean and even in those down times someone would step up to do the hard work. Who would have ever thought that there was such a wealth of musical talent locally? The supporters of this movement have been very influential in the health of this festival and the blooming of local talent.

Friday afternoon I will be loading up and moving to Festival Field at SCC. Likely you will be able to find me front row center or very close to that. At least for a time. I may be forced to the shade. As usual, it will be hot as blue blazes. I really don't know how I used to do those big outdoor festivals in the blazing sun. The most logical explanation is youth.

Well, I'll see you there. I usually try to do some facebook posts while I'm there so you might be able to catch some info and photos there. Come on down and if you see me stop and say howdy.

As usual, My Take for this festival is be there or be square. Be bold and adventurous and come out to party with the rest of us.