How to Live the Festival Life
by Haven James
Event: Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Looks like everybody took
last week's column to heart, as Woodstock was
well represented at both the Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival--which drew a
record crowd and actually sold out camping tickets by Friday--and the
Peaceful Valley Bluegrass Festival, which was packed, too. There are many
more big gatherings on the bill for the summer, so this week we'll
preview the folk extravaganza coming up this weekend at Falcon Ridge in
Hillsdale, plus offer some tips on surviving a festival marathon out in
the heat and away from the amenities of home--no simple task, but
definitely a worthy one.
Beginning this Friday, July 24 and running through Sunday, July 26, is
the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival,
the biggest of its kind in the region.
New Artist Showcase:
Pamela Means called back for encore.
(Fri, July 24, 1998)
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The lineup at this festival is huge. It would take pages to list the
entire schedule
(see addendum below),
so count on this being three
fulldays of activity. There are four stages with dances,
workshops,
and all sorts of entertainment aside from the main performance stage, and
that's going to mean making some hard choices about where to go when.
More than a simple chart of who's playing and at what time, the program
lists thematic happenings in the various performance areas which often
include a bevy of players or bands of similar ilk, ready to explore the
avenues of a particular interest or form. Here's a representative
sampling of offerings: "The Care and Feeding of Hired Guns: Working With
and as Sidepersons," "Staying Healthy on the Road," "Basic Bare Bones
Swing," "Hot Sizzling Summer Salsa Party," "Gender-Free Contra Dance,"
"Boomers and Xers in a Round of Their Best," "A Toast To Those Who Are
Gone: Songs of John Denver," and "Evening Song Swaps."
Of course, there are also individual artist and group sets booked for the
concert area. In no particular order or eminence, some of them are Lori
McKenna, Andrew Calhoun, the Freight Hoppers, Dave Crossland, Sisterseed,
Paul Rosenberg with Beverwyck, Mindy Jostyn, Tom Payne, Kathryn
Wedderburn with the Clayfoot Strutters, The Westerleys, Michael Jerling,
Liz Queler, Tom Kimmel, Bill Parsons, Terri Allard, Wild Asparagus, Bruce
Pratt, The Nudes, John Gorka, Sloan Wainwright, Bill Morrissey, Alex
Torres y Los Reyes Latinos, Vance Gilbert, The Laura Love Band, Greg
Brown, The Nields, Dar Williams Band, The Basin Brothers, The Bobs, Patty
Larkin, Richard Shindell, and Woodstock's Bar Scott. And this is only a
partial list.
Festival-goers enjoy one of many spontaneous
performances.
(Fri, July 24, 1998)
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If your budget permits, take along the plastic or extra cash, as shopping
is another festival feature. Hats, clothes, jewelry, crafts, instruments,
all sorts of ethnic foods; it's amazing the cool stuff that turns up on
concession row at the better venues, and lately we've observed the prices
to be surprisingly approachable.
The Falcon Ridge Festival takes place on a dairy farm along State Route
23 just this side of Hillsdale, Columbia County. Fastest from Woodstock
is up the Thruway to the Catskill exit, over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge,
and out Route 23 toward Hillsdale till you're there (it's on the left,
about an hour). For specifics and tickets call 1-860-350-7472 or
1-860-364-0366, or check out the
festival's website, which will be linked
from this column at Werewolves on the Web at
http://www.HVmusic.com.
To guarantee a happy festival experience, whether you're going for a day
or a weekend, you'll need to make some important preparations. It may
seem obvious that there will be weather, and that you're going to get
hungry and thirsty, and then you'll need to .... Trivial notions now, but
not so trivial after the first 24 hours outdoors at over 90 DEGREES, not
to mention that passing thundershower with 40-mph winds and a panoramic
light show that would make Joshua jealous. Happy campers come prepared.
Sun is fun, but dangerous: sunscreen is mandatory, but only the beginning
of what you need to bring along. Hats, a kerchief for your neck, and
multiple pairs of shoes (walking on parched grass and hay is slippery;
there might be mud, and that won't cut it on the dance floor) are
advised. Black may be cool to wear style-wise, but white clothing,
including something lightweight with long sleeves, will keep you cooler.
A simple misting spray bottle makes a great air-conditioner, especially
if there is even the slightest breeze (tip: spray over relaxed closed
eyelids and face the wind; the cool goes right to the brain).
If you're camping, definitely figure on rigging some kind of tarp/awning
from your tent, van or car, and don't forget lots of lightweight rope,
extra tent stakes, and gaffer's (duct) tape, spring clamps and
clothespins are handy, too. There is never enough shade and getting out
of the rays periodically is essential. Do make sure you can drop the tarp
fast, though, so it covers your stuff in case there are surprises.
Basically, count on a passing storm; if it does happen, expect the rain
to be hard and cold. A simple plastic poncho is the best defense; they
squish up small and are lightweight. Most festivals proceed rain or shine
and they can still be fun if you're ready for the situation.
Then there's the night. Last year, at one festival, the temperature fell
over 45 degrees. And, it gets dark; take a flashlight and extra batteries
and maybe a lantern of some sort to light your site. Make sure the kids
have their own flashlights, too. A knife is a handy multi-tool, and
eating utensils, paper towels and plates, toilet paper, and water, water,
and more water are suggested. If you plan to cook, most festivals allow
contained barbecue grills or camp stoves but not open fires; be careful
and inquire as to restrictions. Eating at the concessions is usually
excellent but does add to the budget; sandwich stuff and fruit in a
cooler is the easiest way to go.
Most festivals have shower facilities, but solar bag showers are enough
to keep you refreshed and acceptable to be with. Depending on your
exhibitionist tendencies or lack thereof, you may want an extra tarp to
wrap around the tailgate for a shower stall or simply bring a bathing
suit.
Make a list of the stuff you use daily and take what you can including
toothbrush and paste, medicines, and the like. Forgetting something as
simple as a hairbrush can lead to misery. Folding chairs and/or blankets
to sit on at your camp and in the performance areas are good to bring.
(Tip #2: Do not buy the el cheapo folding chairs on Red-Dot Special at
you-know-where--ours broke right off. Another reason to bring along that
gaffer's tape.)
All that said, embarking on a festival adventure is well worth the
effort. The camaraderie that develops over the days of shared community
experience is a vital soul food and the core of what is globally called
the Woodstock experience. While all the urban dodos are invading our
little town in search of the Woodstock that didn't happen here, get out
of Dodge and go to where the spirit of Woodstock lives, the summer music
festivals flowering the countryside.
Haven James has been a consistent contributor to the Music & Arts
scene around the Hudson Valley and beyond for almost a decade through his
column, Werewolves of Woodstock, published weekly in the
Woodstock Times
A writer, musician, philanthropist, and Mac addict; he lives
reclusively, high atop Overlook Mountain with his son and a menagerie of
animals, both wild and domesticated. Though currently unmarried, rumors
abound as to his intimate relationships with Madonna, Sandra Bernhardt,
and Eli Bach; though he insists these notions to be pure hearsay. His
identity has remained a mystery to all but the closest of friends as he
often travels in disguise and appears unannounced and undercover at
concerts and venues in a dedicated effort to get the real story.
Go to the Werewolves of Woodstock page for
more articles by Haven James.
Haven James can be contacted at
werewolves@netstep.net
Posted on July 22, 1998
Press Release-- May 29, 1998
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
El Nino notwithstanding, summer is definitely here and the time is right
to start thinking about the Tenth Anniversary Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
this July 24, 25 and 26 at the beautiful Long Hill Farm in Hillsdale, New
York. From its humble beginnings as a small New England folk festival
nestled at the foot of the Berkshires, this event has become a premier 4
stage gala hosting approximately 8000 attendees last year. But Falcon
Ridge is first and foremost a Three Day Community sharing the tradition
and re-invention of folk music and dance. The festival features
mainstage concerts, dancing galore on 8500 square feet of all wood floor,
on-site camping, all manner of interesting, musical workshops, a family
stage, an Activities 4 Kids area, a wondrous array of crafts and vendors,
an international food court and much more.
For the dyed in the wool folk fan as well as the new to folk there is
plenty to enjoy. Over 40 acts on 4 stages! And the 98 lineup is one of
the most eclectic in the festival's ten year history. Many faves from
the fest's first years; Bill Morrissey, The Bobs and Patty Larkin return.
The Laura Love Band who shook the hill to rave reviews in 1995 returns.
The Friday Night Summer's Eve Song Swap where 4 of the brightest and best
in folkdom share stage and song features Gen X folkster/folkstar Dar
Williams along with 3 of today's most celebrated singer/songwriters, Greg
Brown, John Gorka and Richard Shindell. New England folk rockers, The
Nields return by popular demand for their fifth FRFF appearance.
Speaking of popular demand, Contra Dance virtuosos George Marshall with
Wild Asparagus, the Clayfoot Strutters and Nightingale plus swingmeisters
Peter Ecklund with Strings Attached will commandeer many hours of
continuous dance on Falcon Ridge's REALLY BIG all wood floor. It's under
a tent, yippee, and has plenty of space for spectators. Saturday's
Midnight Cajun Dance with Louisiana's Basin Brothers is not to be missed.
Afro-Cuban Rhythm complete with Salsa and Merengue courtesy of Alex
Torres y Los Reyos Latinos makes its FRFF debut. As does Old Time,
Appalachian String Band music delivered in a mix of high paced fiddle
tunes, traditional songs and mountain clogging from North Carolina's
Freight Hoppers. Spoken word artist Tim Mason, New Orleansy
roots/bluester Bob Malone, Native American performers Ulali and high
spirited Celtic rockers from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea will all be
there just to name a few.
The antics of Hoopoe the Clowne, musical hilarity with Nancy Tucker, The
Ivy Vine Players Puppet Theatre, The Storycrafters and others make the
Family Stage a very happening place. Workshops including Rolling in the
Aisles, Guitar Gods and Goddesses, The Songwriting Process, The Blues is
Still the News and A Toast to Those Who are Gone honoring the music of
John Denver take place throughout the weekend. The festival kicks off
Friday July 24 at Noon with its much lauded Artist Showcase featuring 26
performers picked by a panel of judges from among 412 entries.
For more information and tickets call 860 350-7472 or Email
FalcRidge@Aol.Com
or visit Falcon Ridge on the web at
www.FalconRidgeFolk.com.
Tenth Anniversary Falcon Ridge Folk Fest 98
July 24, 25, 26 1998
Long Hill Farm
Route 23, Hillsdale, New York
Tri-State Corner of MA, NY & CT
A Three Day Community of Folk Music
& Dance at the Foot of the Berkshires
Mainstage Concerts, All Day & into-the-Night Dancing, Camping, Song
Swaps, Crafts, Workshop Stage, Family Stage, Spoken Word, Ethnic Foods,
Activities 4 Kids, Recycling, Comedy, New Artist Showcase, over 40 acts
on 4 Stages, Roots Music, Musics of the 90's & beyond... 24 hour First
Aid and Security, Water, Showers, Ice & Variety of Foods on-site, Sound
by Klondike.
Emcees Meg Griffin from WFUV, Jim Olsen from WRSI and Andrew DiGiovanni
from WKZE.
Accessible & Sign-Language Interpreted
Dance Stage 98
Beautiful all-wood floor * Enlarged Dance Tent * All day and
into-the-night DANCES and DANCE workshops, Cajun, Contras & Squares,
Swing, World-Beat, Family and Gender-Free Dancing.
| Alex Torres y Los Reyes Latinos | Sat/Sun |
| Basin Brothers | Sat/Sun |
| Beverwyck Fri/ | Sat/Sun |
| Beth Molaro | Fri/Sat |
| The Clayfoot Strutters | Sat/Sun |
| George Marshall with Wild Asparagus | Fri/Sat |
| Cynthia Butcher | Sat/Sun |
| The Freight Hoppers | Fri/Sat/Sun |
| Kathryn Wedderburn | Fri/Sat/Sun |
| Nightingale | Fri/Sat |
| Pat Melita | Sat/Sun |
| Paul Rosenberg | Sat/Sun |
| Peter Ecklund with Strings Attached | Sat |
| Ralph Sweet with Wild Asparagus | Sat |
Other Featured Artists
| Bill Morrissey | Sat/Sun |
| Bob Malone | Sat/Sun |
| The Bobs | Sat/Sun |
| Brooks Williams | F/S/S |
| Bruce Pratt | Sat/Sun |
| Dar Williams | F/S/S |
| The Falcon Ridge House Band | F/S/S |
| Great Big Sea | Fri/Sat |
| Greg Brown | F/S/S |
| Hoopoe the Clowne | Sat/Sun |
| The Ivy Vine Players | Sat/Sun |
| John Gorka | F/S/S |
| June Rich | F/S/S |
| Karen Savoca | F/S/S |
| The Laura Love Band | Sat |
| Laurie's Stories | Sat/Sun |
| Lisa McCormick | Sat/Sun |
| Mustard's Retreat | Sat/Sun |
| Nancy Tucker | Sat/Sun |
| The Nields | Sat/Sun |
| The Nudes | Sat/Sun |
| Patty Larkin | Sat/Sun |
| Richard Shindell | F/S/S |
| Sloan Wainwright | Fri/Sat |
| The Storycrafters | Sat/Sun |
| Tim Mason | F/S/S |
| Tom Prasada-Rao | Sat/Sun |
| Ulali | Sun |
| Vance Gilbert | Sat/Sun |
The Friday Night Summer's Eve Song Swap
with Dar Williams, Greg Brown, John Gorka & Richard Shindell
New Artist Showcase starts Noon on Friday
Email for an application
or download directly from our website
www.FalconRidgeFolk.com
Deadline for submissions May 1
For Information and Advance Tickets
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
74 Modley Road, Sharon CT 06069
860 350-7472 / 860 364-0366 24 hour tickets/info
FalcRidge@Aol.Com
www.FalconRidgeFolk.Com
Tickets go on sale April 15
On-site camping available with a 3-day camping ticket ONLY.
3 day with camping, 3 day and one day tickets available in advance and at
Gate
Children Under 12 - FREE
Age 12-16 - $15 for any admission
Senior/College Student with ID - $5 discount on Day Tickets purchased at
Gate
Dogs--$25 with proof of rabies vaccination at Gate.
All dogs must remain at campsites and will not be allowed in any other
festval areas
See order form below
checks, money orders, Visa, MC accepted.
No Payments by check after July 10, please
Tickets ordered after July 15 will be held at Gate
RAIN OR SHINE...NO REFUNDS
3 Day Ticket with on-site Camping
$60 - until June 1
$65 - until July 15
$75 - after July 15
3 Day Ticket
$50 - until June 1
$55 - until July 15
$65 - after July 15
One Day Tickets
Friday - $23 until July 15 $25 after July 15
Saturday - $28 until July 15, $30 after July 15
Sunday - $23 until July 15 $25 after July 15
Times
Thursday Early Entry into Campgrounds for 3 day camping ticket holders
ONLY.
For all others Gates, open Friday 10AM
Music starts Friday at NOON
Mainstage Concerts: Friday 6:30PM til Midnight
Saturday 10:30AM til Midnight
Sunday 10:30AM til 7:30PM
Dance Stage: Friday 2PM til 2AM
Saturday 10AM til 2AM
Sunday 10AM til 6PM
Workshop Stage: Friday 1PM til 6:30PM
Saturday 10AM til 6:30PM
Sunday 10AM til 5PM
Family Stage: Saturday and Sunday 11:30AM til 5:30PM
Activities 4 Kids Area Fun stuff for the whole family Friday thru Sunday
Festival ends Sunday Evening at 7:30PM
New in 98
It's Falcon Ridge's Tenth Anniversary Celebration with many
performers from our early years plus many performers brand new to these
stages. Two very special guests are on board for the occasion, the Camp
Hoboken Revue and Singer/Songwriter Jack Hardy. We bring you our second
year of Friday Music Biz workshops covering artist management and
representation issues, publicity, using the internet, forming musical
collectives, putting on your own house concert series and more. The
Falcon Ridge House Band, Jenny Hersch, Mark Dann and David Hamburger
return. The Workshop Stage features some brand new and some familiar
faves including The Blues is Still the News, Guitar Gods and Goddesses,
The Songwriting Process, Rolling in the Aisles, Playing in the Band and A
Toast to Those Who Are Gone honoring the music of John Denver. Don't
forget the FRFF Nite Owl activities; Terry Kitchen, Joe Giacoio and Tony
Kearney into the midnight and beyond hosting the Nite Owl Swap by the
barn and the Nite Owl Hoot under the Tent. Plus many other folks host
their own jams, song circles and swaps. Our expanded international Food
Court is sure to please every palate. Don't miss our greatest assortment
ever of crafts, vendors and publications. Presenting the FRFF TENTH
ANNIVERSARY GRANATA GUITAR RAFFLE. Win a custom crafted guitar made by
renowned luthier Peter Granata.
Miscellaneous
**Early bird camping opens Thursday afternoon by 5PM for ticketholders
with
prepaid 3 day camping tickets ONLY. To enter the campgrounds AT ANY
TIME you
must have a 3 day camping wrist band. NO TICKET SALES at the Gate until
Friday at 10AM.**
Please remember a few necessary rules....
ABSOLUTELY NO OPEN FIRES ON THE GROUND
NO GLASS on Festival Grounds
YOUR DOG must remain in designated Campgrounds area
Festival wristbands must be worn at all times, dog bands attached to
collar
and visible
Falcon Ridge has a *NO OPEN CONTAINER POLICY* regarding alcoholic
beverages
Interested in Volunteering at the Festival - Free admission and meals
provided
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Michael Schwartz at 518 966-4865 or
VOLUNTEER@FalconRidgeFolk.Com
Long Hill Farm is 1 hour from Albany
3 hours from New York City and Boston
On-site Camping available with 3 day camping ticket ONLY. Nearby
campground/motel list available on request. See Ticket order form. Rough
camping in large, well-maintained field with shower trailer, water, ice &
food
all available on-site. Trailers/campers ok but NO HOOKUPS. Plenty of
space.
Camping on first-come basis; no reservations. Quiet Camping areas
available,
our campgrounds crew will be happy to assist.
PLEASE NOTE: Summer in the Berkshires is lovely but can be sunny & warm
during
the day yet quite chilly after sunset. Be sure to pack appropriate
clothing &
gear whether camping or not.
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