August 5:  Song of the Day.  Paleface–We Got All Night

So if you didn’t read any of my FloydFest coverage from the last week of July you’ll probably be in the dark about the fact that Paleface was ever here (on MUSE) in the first place.  But if you did happen to read the reports filed from the fields of Floyd, you know that Paleface was prominently featured.  (You also will receive a FloydFest scratch and sniff sticker.  There are plenty of varieties to chose from including patchoulli, beer garden, funnel cake, sweaty dirty hungover festie, and Nersh).  But for those who missed my Paleface post here’s a brief recap:

Indie folk, North Carolina via NYC, Beck’s old roommate, performed at the Twisted Branch in the last six months, kicked ass and took names at Floyd, next album on Ramseur Records, wrote “Dancin’ Days”, is cool as hell, blew me away, and he was captured brilliantly in photographic form in my post.  Also Paleface is the man and the band.  What I’ll add.    Mo’ is a sweetheart on drums and I just recently discovered this video for “We Got All Night” from Paleface’s most recent album A Different Story.  [video after the break]

[Paleface photo by Crackerfarm] »Read More

Popularity: 24% [?]

I’m not going to say it was always easy running around FloydFest, trying to see as much as possible, trying to post as much as possible, and trying to have as much fun as possible. 

There were a couple of early mornings that were just a scramble to get everything together, as I sat in a tent with a laptop, a data drive, and a rather inexpensive digital camera with the hopes of banging out some words and photos before heading up to the Cyber Cafe to wait in line for a computer and then post everything as quickly as possible.  But it’s done and overall I’m happy with what I got.  It wasn’t quite what I envisioned while heading down I-81 on the way to the festival, but what are expectations anyway?  Here are some final thoughts: »Read More

Popularity: 50% [?]

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]

»Read More

Popularity: 38% [?]

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]

»Read More

Popularity: 31% [?]

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]

»Read More

Popularity: 24% [?]

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]

»Read More

Popularity: 29% [?]

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!

Popularity: 29% [?]

Four days of music and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains kicks off Thursday at Floydfest

The real highpoint of the music festival season here in the Commonwealth has to be the midsummer’s rite of passage known near and far as FloydFest.  This year’s festival begins Thursday, July 24 and continues through Sunday, July 27.  FloydFest, now in it’s seventh year, brings together musicians, artists, and music fans from across the state and from around the world in a mountain setting that is both pristine and laid back.  (The festival is held on an 80-acre venue located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwest Virginia.)  And as Glide Magazine wrote back in 2004:

     “Some larger festivals boast a similar peace, love and music philosophy, but Floyd
      actually lives it, not just for one weekend, but throughout the entire year.”

»Read More

Popularity: 39% [?]