Music hath charms

Last night was yet another wonderful concert here at the festival I work for. It was a double bill of singer/songwriters: Caroline Aiken (from Georgia) and Ruthie Foster (from Texas), and I can't imagine a more enjoyable evening of song and community spirit.

Caroline was first. She's been around for a couple of decades in the music scene around Decatur, GA, but is pretty unknown outside of that region. Despite associations with Bonnie Raitt and the Indigo Girls, she remains fairly unheard of in most of the country. She played a set of incredible 12 string guitar and piano, doing her own songs as well as some neat covers. One particular stand out was Elton John's "Madman Across the Water", which she played on the concert Steinway piano in a haunting and ethereal style. Her guitar playing has echoes of Leo Kottke and John Fahey, but she gets a ringing quality that is almost percussive from her instrument. The audience warmed to her right away, and it was a great introduction to a fine performer.

Ruthie was a bit more well known to the crowd, and she did not disappoint. Joined on some songs by harp player Catfish Jack, she exudes a friendly and happy personality that made you feel she was enjoying every moment of playing there. Possessed of a strong voice and a confident manner, she was a real gem, getting most of the audience to sing along on several tunes, and marveling (generously, I think) at how good we sounded. Ruthie is a charismatic performer in the style of the old folk singers, and is very fun to see in person.

I got to meet both women too, and they were very friendly and down-to-earth. Caroline in particular seemed to appreciate the comments of her audience on her music, and acted like she had known me for years.

Today is my first full day off in ten days straight. I am utterly exhausted as we enter the final few days of the festival. It's been a long trip to get here, and the twelve days that encompass the performances are gruelling and yet rewarding. More to come . . . .