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What an AMAZING weekend!! Honestly, I just had the most fabulous two days. Totally restorative and utterly exhausting at the same time...if that makes any sense. I was so impressed by nearly every show that I took in. Even the ones that I figured I would merely enjoy for the sake of nostalgia...my expectations were pleasantly surpassed. livingstoned and I rolled in on the Saturday afternoon only to COMPLETELY luck out and enter into the festival at the exact location that we wanted to be. We were fortunate to meet up with friends within ten minutes of being there. All in all I figure there were over twenty Canadians (many of whom are skanks) in attendance which made for some great company. The festival was very well run. Only downside was how far away our site was from the festival grounds (nearly forty minute walk to the mainstage), and I think there should have been more locations where one could fill up their water bottles. My feet and hips, and legs have never been so sore!! Between the walking and the non-stop dancing...I didn't think I was going to make it back on Sunday night. But the trek was well worth it. Here are some brief thoughts on what I was able to take in. I included a few setlists too. Started off my festival experience by 'finally' getting the chance to see Railroad Earth. They met my high expectations and had me on my feet from start to finish. I don't know all of the names of their songs, but I think my highlight was that tune that involves a really trippy jam on the flute (or flute sounding instrument). I couldn't see the stage very well from where I stood, but I could not see a flute, so perhaps it was something else making that wondeful sound. From there I went on to see The Black Crowes. They always deliver as far as I'm concerned. They've never dissapointed me. Somethign about them sounded markedly different but I wasn't quite able to put my finger on it...perhaps it was my own auditory "interpretation" that was a little off. The Dead just knocked my socks off!! I enjoyed myself in Buffalo, but mostly because I just love the music so much, and enjoyed being back admist the scene. I was hoping for something more this time round, and their rothbury set was ten times better than what I took in in Buffalo. Setlist: Set 1: •Sugar Magnolia •Eyes of the World •Estimated Prophet (i couldn't get this out of my head all weekend!!) •Loose Lucy •Friend of the Devil •Into The Mystic (Warren's vocals on this were just incredible!!) •Help on the Way •Slipknot>Franklin’s Tower Set II: •One More Saturday Night •Shakedown Street •China Cat Sunflower (another highlight) •I Know You Rider •Rhythm Devils (enjoyed this much more than I usually do) •Space (even the space was good) •Viola Lee Blues •Morning Dew (absolutely beautiful...Bobby, I was shocked and impressed) •Throwin’ Stones •Sunshine Daydream Encore: •U.S Blues (With Fireworks!!! Just awesome!) •Not Fade Away I just did not want their show to end...what a rush! Afterwards I checked out Umphrey's second set, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I have seen them twice before but they never did much for me. For the first time I was able to appreciate how WICKED both of their guitarists are. I enjoyed the edgier, more rock-oriented vibe that they brought. Early sunday afternoon I opted for Peter Rowan/Tony Rice over Toots. Although Rice was not on stage for some reason. All in all Rowan and crew put on a nice show, but I was dissapointed that Rice was not up there, and I think I prefer the quartet line-up that includes the two lovely ladies on bass and mando (the lineup that they have had at gratefulfest the past two years)... I missed the female vocals complementing Rowans own great voice. Next was Yonder Mountain String Band which my first time seeing them. They were great energy and had me on my feet despite the sweltering, mid-afternoon sun that was beating down. I usually prefer artists to be a little more humble than show-boaty (referring to the lead singer), but his energy was infectious and the music won me over. Checked out The Hold Steady for the first time after that. I only caught about three or four songs, but I will say that they were the band that I was least into throughout my rothbury experience. Not that I wouldn't give them another chance, but they just didn't grab me. One of the tunes that I heard had a cool melody, but the rest...meh. I think I was expecting them to sound more like The Drive-by-Truckers. I thought the lead singer came off as preachy/simple while still managing to be pretentious. Oh well. Perfect antidote? Mr. Willy Nelson. Honestly, I don't really have anything new to say about Willy other than he is a pleasure to be in the presence of. You can't help but have a genuine love for this man. His voice sounds as good as ever, and he shows no signs of letting up any time soon. His sister can sure tickle those ivory! Toots came out to sing a duet as well, so I was happy to get to hear him despite missing his set earlier. Was a little hesitant to leave Willie early in order to catch some of Govt Mule, but boy am I glad that we did!!! Their cover-heavy set was a complete monster!! And along with the Dead and Dylan on of my absolute highlights of the weekend!! Set list below: 1st Set: Brand New Angel, Streamline Woman, I Can't Quit You Baby (sweeeeet!!) How Many More Years > Higher Ground tease (and what a tease it was), Don't Step On The Grass, Sam, Patchwork Quilt, Sugaree, (this was just amazing!! What a knarly, dirty groove he had goin' on for this.. Then Grace Potter (who was lookin' smokin' hot in a black sequined dress I might add...you go girl!)and one of her guitarists joined the Mule for Find The Cost Of Freedom >Ohio Grace's pipes had no problem matching Warren's!!! What a powerhouse, hard-hitting jam that was. Fallen Down > The Other One jam, All Apologies (wasn't expecting that!!) Gimme Shelter tease outro, I'm A Ram Ended off the night with Dylan. I was a little concerned that his set was going to be anti-climactic in comparison to what I had just seen. Last time I saw Bob it was fairly uninspiring. But honestly, that was the best I have EVER seen Bob. It was sooo good to see him up there enjoying himself. He looked so sly in his black suit, and his demeanor was just so captivating. He is still one groovy SOB!! Here is his setlist: 1.Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat (Bob on guitar) 2. Senor (Bob on guitar) 3. Tangled Up in Blue 4. Rollin' and Tumblin' 5. Spirit on the Water 6. High Water (for Charley Patton) 7. 'Til I Fell in Love with You (center stage with harp) 8. Po' Boy 9. Highway 61 Revisited 10. Ballad of a Thin Man 11. Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again 12. Nettie Moore 13. Thunder on the Mountain 14. Like a Rolling Stone (encore) 15. Jolene 16. All Along the Watchtower 17. Blowin' in the Wind Although he ended earlier than I would have liked, his setlist was fantastic, and I now realize that I NEED to get out and get his latest album. I opted to turn in early on Sunday night. Glad I did. Getting out of the festival on Monday morning was a total breeze. I would go back in a heartbeat....(but I really hope they have the two-day pass option again, and that those two days have a stellar lineup like this year, because I don't know if I could handle a four day run anymore) I'd rather do it up proper for two and have the energy to catch all that I wanted to. Okay, I really need to do some work now.

Go deep or go home!! This looks like a great gig!

Well i'm guessing that most people that are going are already on there way. We're rollin into Michigan Friday night and staying near the venue so that we can make it to Rothbury at a good time saturday morning. Wow am I looking forward to this! Sounds like there's going to be a fairly sizeable Canadian presence!

Happy belated Newrider! Boogie on.

Indeed. Happy pride.

At the Lula Lounge. Anybody planning on going to this? Looking forward to the opportunity to take in these AMAZING musicians! http://www.lulalounge.ca/Events/2009/jun09/AGS.html Indulge in the sounds of the finest Canadian guitarists of African origin – 2005 Juno Award winners for World Music Album on the Year – African Guitar Summit This star studded collective unites the talents of 9 musicians, each with an expert in their individual style and together creating musical magic with African Guitar Summit. Experience live this superb and unique achievement for African music; the mix of musicians who are distinct in cultural backgrounds and languages yet sharing stories and singing each other’s praises, the inspiration of these skilled hands and voices joined in common to reach the summit…A truly incredible experience! African Guitar Summit features: From Guinea, the smooth fire of Juno Award winner Alpha YaYa Diallo, with his countryman Naby Camara on balafon; from Ghana, the elder master of the guitar, Pa Joe, with “golden voice†Theo Boakye, and the heartbeat of drummer Kofi Ackah; from Kenya, the Fiesta guitar of Professor Adam Solomon; from Burundi/Rwanda, the bluesy Mighty Popo; and from Madagascar the quicksilver guitars and harmonies of Donne Roberts and multiple Juno Award winner Madagascar Slim. Their debut CD “African Guitar Summit†was honoured with a Juno as World Music Album of the Year at the 2006 Juno Awards in April. Their second album, "African Guitar Summit II", has just garnered a 2007 Juno award nomination in the same category.

Timmy!! I didn't know... Hope you've had a wonderful birthday. Sorry we've been doing the phone tag thing...I'll try and get a hold of you again at the end of the weekend (as we'll be out of town) Much love!

Sorry to hear that Jay. If they marketed this contest suggesting that the top so many winners would receive a van, and the final process departs in any way, than that's pretty shotty. Maybe you should invest your energy into a 'smear' campaign. I won't look at nissan the same.

Wow. Charming. I can barely contain myself.

Oh! And phunkyb! Check your email gal.

I'm in Tigger!! So is livingstoned. We should exchange digits. Do you guys get some spare time to shake it on down or what?

Happy happy. Hope the rest of the weekend treated you kindly

You wish!

Thanks Karin! Hope your phish runs treat you kindly, and that you're able to make it to the north for a visit sometime soon (despite the fact that its a much longer trek now...)

Well livingstoned and I have taken the plunge! Due to finances (and me being uncomfortable with being without my son) we opted for the two day pass. Unfortunately this means missing out on some great acts on the Thur/fri (e.g. keller, g.love, STI, Damian Marley, Martin Sexton, Femi Kuti, Soulive, etc) But nevertheless, Saturday and Sunday are sure to be a blast! Looking forward to (in no particular order) the crowes, rowan/rice, railroad earth, john butler, ralph stanley, the dead, UM, willie, dylan, zappa plays zappa, gov mule, grace potter, les claypool, YMSB, etc. Couple of scheduling overlaps so will have to make a couple of tough choices once we get there, but with those options i don't see how you can go wrong. STOKED!! Anyone know how far away (walking time) the stages are from each other? With a cellphone, ow easy do you think it would be to find a friend's campsite if you've never been there before and you're rolling in on the saturday? Anyone else going? (other than TimmyB...i'll be calling you shortly...)

Happy belated! Hope it was a good one.

Happy birthday Greg! Here's to many more.

Amen.

I just can't say enough about what a great time I had. What a crowd!! A perfect summary of the many experiences I have had there throughout the years! Ken, I hope the night was everything that you wanted it to be, and that you were able to actually find a few moments amidst the chaos to take it all in. I couldn't help but find myself wondering today what we're all going to do for Halloween? Much love to you and your staff!!

Happy birthday! Unfortunately I didn't get to see you the other night. Man it was packed in there!! I did get the chance to see your lovely other half though. Hope life is treating you well!

Agreed. While I only caught the last half of Spectacle last night, I enjoyed what I saw. I had never heard of She & Him Before. Almost weird seeing that girl from Elf with Will Farrell singing on stage. I love Jenny Lewis. What a cool voice. Confirmed to me that I need to broaden my collection of her work. Also enjoyed Jakob Dylan's take on things. He seems to be in a more comfortable space within the shadow of his father.

I'll admit to thinking the same thing.

You are a wise man!

It would be nice! I could definitely see some collaborative jams with a few of the acts on your bill (relentless couchmen, bluebuddz, etc) Making it out to Bonfire is definitely on my shortlist of future summer destinations!