I really can’t think of a better way to end FloydFest7 than with a festival closing performance by the Avett Brothers.  The band has earned it, their fans have earned it.  Over the last four years FloydFest and the Avett Brothers have in many ways grown up together. 

FloydFest has established itself as one of the best festival experiences around (and you can still get up close and personal with every act!) and the Avetts have done nothing but leave everything they have on the stage at every show (and don’t think folks are taking notice).  In case you haven’t heard they’ve just signed with American/Columbia Records and Rick Rubin is producing their next album! 

The “family affair” comes to a close with all the brothers and sisters gathered at Hill Holler for the Avett Brothers.

[photo print by Hevenerlee]

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After two full days at FloydFest I can say without a doubt that is one of my favorite music festivals around. Family-friendly, community-based, well-organized, and just the right mix of music ranging from old-time and bluegrass to world beats, blues, folk, and rock of all kinds, it’s no wonder that FloydFest continues to draw in more and more visitors each and every year.

The highlights and experiences after a full day of sun, music, extracurricular activities (have you ever played ‘horseballs’?), good beer, and random meetings of old friends and new can at times get all rolled up into one. I’ll do my very best to try and pull out of the Nersh as Saturday unfolded high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The details on the music follows after the break.

[Amos Lee digital polaroid by Hevenerlee]

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Popularity: 27% [?]

This was easily one of my favorite band performances from the entire day at FloydFest on Saturday.  Paleface, the folkcore duo of Monica ‘Mo’ Samalot on drums and front man and band namesake Paleface on guitar and harmonica put on one of the most entertaining sets of the day at the Blue Ridge to Bayou Dance Tent.  I rolled in just in time to see the start of their early Saturday performance and planted myself right in front of the stage speakers to the right side of the stage and marveled.  Tons of sweat flying energy, damn good songs that stomp and rumble, and a beautiful noise that is spreading to ears far and wide.

[photo by Hevenerlee]

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Popularity: 30% [?]

One of the first bands of the day I saw on Saturday morning/afternoon was the 11piece band The Superpowers from Boston, MA.  The band’s super tight grooves drew me to the stage, but it was the Superpowers blend of funk, blues, and world sounds that kept me there.  These guys were simply amazing.  They were voted Best World Act in the Phoenix 2007 Best Music Poll and in the 2006 Boston Music Awards, but to my ears they were a more organic version of James Brown meets Modeski, Martin, and Wood.  As the critics have said they are a “poly-rhythmic juggernaut”.  I’m with the critics all the way on this one!

[photo by Hevenerlee]

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This is the way FloydFest looks first thing in the morning.  Honestly, I only photographed it from the back.  Backstage.  I’m told all that you need to have to be a guest at FloydFest is a belly button.  Hell everyone has a belly button.  Therefore, we ALL must be guests.  Feels really good to be a guest.  The theme again here at Floyd ‘08?  Last time I checked it was “Family Affair”.  Feels really good to be family too.  Hats off everyone.

Here’s the deal…there is so much happening at any given moment that sometimes you just have to sit back and soak it up.  I’m soaking deeply.  Trust me on this…much has happened.  We’ll get to it all eventually I guarantee it.  But I don’t want to miss anything…so here’s what it felt like in some ways this morning…refreshed in many ways believe it or not.  But here’s a tease for next time….FloydFest has Superpowers!  [with pictures by Hevenerlee]

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Finally!  The best laid plans of mice and festival coverage.  Well if first you don’t succeed try, try again.  I have arrived.  Actually I arrived yesterday, but got in too late to do any blogging from FloydFest.  Adding to the mix is the fact that I couldn’t get the ol’ laptop to cooperate.  So it’s on to Plan B.  We’ll keep our fingers crossed.  I’ve got a recap of Day 1 here at FloydFest after the break.  But first enjoy the view from my weekend home in the woods of Floyd [photo above].

[photo by Hevenerlee]

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Alright gang, I’m going to be the first to admit that I have no idea what may come out of this…but it’s off to FloydFest I go…and I’m taking my laptop with me.  What does that mean to you O faithful reader?  Well, it could mean many things, but hopefully it turns out to be a positive.  I should be landing on the FloydFest grounds some time Friday afternoon and once home base is established, I will be blogging throughout the weekend live from FloydFest.

Scary ain’t it?  In the end, I’m going to go with whatever happens.  As I see it, you’ll read it.  Two in the afternoon or two in the morning…who knows?  But the reports from the field will be filed and hopefully you’ll read along.  This should be interesting.  (Should being the operative word).  We hope you stop in and check it out.  And feel free to add to send along questions, comments, and the like.  If you want a picture of something, I’ll try to take it.  I’m heading off to battle boys and girls…me versus the music festival.  If you hear from me on Monday you know I survived.  If not, send out the search dogs, because I’m off wandering somewhere in the mountains of southwest Virginia.  I’ll talk to you later this afternoon at FloydFest.  Wish the festival luck!

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July 24:  Song of the Day.  Gnarls Barkley–Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?

The latest video from the Gnarls Barkley duo of Cee-lo and Danger Mouse just hit the interweb yesterday and I have to say it’s one of the more interesting videos I’ve seen in a while.  The video for “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul” was directed by Chris Milk and the song appears on Gnarls Barkley’s latest album The Odd Couple which was released on Atlantic Records back in April of this year. Thoughts anyone?

[Video after the break].

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San Diego-based songwriter/rocker Matt Curreri, and yes, he’s also the brother of local singer/songwriter Paul Curreri, performs at the Gravity Lounge this Thurdsay, July 24.  Curreri shares the bill with special guest Joe Pollock (who opens) and headlining act Pine Radio.  (both Pollock and Pine Radio are from right here in Charlottesville).  The show starts at 7:30pm and the admission price is $10 at the door / $5 for students.

Curreri, who is probably best known for his widely praised debut album How to Play the Songs of Matt Curreri (City Salvage Records), is in town for what has become his semi-annual visit to central Virginia to see family and friends.  Given the fact that Matt only makes it into Charlottesville a couple times a year, the opportunity to see him live is not one to be missed.

There’s more after the break including a few additional details on Thursday night’s show as well as the heads up on Curreri’s brand new album.

[Matt Curreri photo by Dan Chusid]

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Previous Episodes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Sorry this was late. My dog ate my homework. Er, I left it on the bus? My grandfather died, and all that. Anyway, here goes part 16.

I was just, this past weekend, the Best Man (by title only) in a wedding. It made me a little nostalgic for my own wedding, so i figured I’d post this story.

Approximately 9 months ago, I married my wife. We had a beautiful ceremony outside of Reveille Church in Richmond. There were many people who had responsibilities to take care of that day, including myself. Someone was in charge of flowers. Someone was in charge of parking. Someone was in charge of making sure the groomsmen didn’t smell like booze. Everybody came through with their responsibilities flawlessly… almost. »Read More

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