This is Park Point, Duluth, Minnesota, on the shore of Lake Superior, on the hottest day of the year. The wind was not coming off the lake; if it had, we would have seen more sweatshirts and been a lot more comfortable.
The Hermit and I had a rare day to ourselves, having dropped the kids off to spend the night with my stepson and his fiance. We had heard some of our favorite local bands were going to be playing at this brand new, absolutely FREE (except for the beer) festival. What could be better?
Maybe the 90 degree weather, although I sat out in the sun from 2 until evening and there was enough breeze that it didn't bother me. I even took the precaution of putting on some #15 sunscreen. No burns on me.
The music was so good, it was worth it.
These are The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank. They live in a small town not too far from where I live, and they even have a great song about it. We have almost played their first CD to death. Anxiously awaiting their second. Good acoustic folk rock stuff.
Next up was a band called The Gallows. I ended up buying their CD. I liked the washboard player; he seemed to be having fun. They were rootsy, acoustic bluegrassy sort of music.
The festival drew listeners of all ages and species. I saw my first dog with dreadlocks. And there were so many little folks, babies just taking their first steps, half the fun was just watching them. Just watching them. I'm not getting any ideas, mind you...I'm getting too old for babies! :) I just like watching other peoples' babies.
We sat down at a picnic table in front of the stage just before 2:00, and left at about 9:30, while Trampled by Turtles was playing. I love their stuff, I waited all day to see them, but it was getting a bit crowded by then. I heard enough of them to see why everyone just loves them. Fun stuff to dance too.
We stayed out way past our bedtime, and now here I am blogging after midnight, but it was just so fun to hear a terrific music lineup and not have to tend kids at the same time!
9 comments:
"What could be better?"
Why if the beer were free too, of course!
Sounds like you both had a blast. Isn't it nice to spend some down time without the kids? I saw a CD by Tramped by Turtles in the local music section at the Electric Fetus when we were in Duluth last weekend. My daughter thinks that store is "sooo coool". I even bought a CD there that I'd been looking for forever- Eva Cassidy. Have you heard of her? Amazing voice.
trampled by turtles, now theres a grat name :)
enjoed your post on meeting fellow bloggers.. ine met 2 so fae, and youre on my 'hope to meet' list.. i love it uo there, but my eye forced us home early :(
great post un the cuckoo too.. we have both y.b. and n.nilled.. aren't their calls cool?
miss ya deb, enjoy the season..
Whoa, we were on similar paths today ... no kid duty and late night blogging.
Sounds like a great day!
Ya gotta love band names.
Pablo- The beer was "almost" free, as I found a couple of anniversary checks we hadn't cashed yet (since February!) so it was like a little bonus.
Lynne- It was so fun and relaxing. Usually on our trips to Duluth with kids we just make it up the hill to Sams Club and Game Stop, and don't have time for the cool stores downtown.
Cindy- It's good to hear from you! You've been on my mind a lot, and I keep checking your blog hoping to hear some good healing news. I deactivated comment pictures because of your request. Take care!
FC- I see you enjoyed your kid free time as well. Mine ended all too soon; having some time away just makes me all the more aware of how much of my attention they demand all the time.
Sounds like a blast Deb! Way to take advantage of summer!
Greg- You would have liked the music. I didn't mention, Low was also there. They kind of don't lend themselves to a sunny summer festival, but they were well received. It was the first time I saw them, and they kind of remind me of the Cowboy Junkies. But when Trampled by Turtles took the stage, everyone was DANCING!
I forgot to mention, I did burn my elbows. I had blisters where I rested my elbows on a hot picnic table for about four hours. Be warned. :)
I love free music festivals-I've been to Jazz,bluegrass, Zydeco, and blues festivals over the past couple of years.-By the way-I tagged you for an 8 random facts Meme.-If you want to participate go to my 7/10/07 post for details.-thanks
Larry- Music festivals are great; especially the free ones! I think supporting local music is as important as supporting local farmers...I could rant on about this, but that's a whole other post...
I think someone else tagged me for this, so I better respond soon! :)
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