Falcon Ridge, Pt. 1

Live from the FUV Booth, Sat. afternoon. Stop by, hi, and pick up a poncho - you might need it. There was light rain last night, but it didn’t put a damper on Kathy Mattea’s wonderful mainstage set, or Gandalf Murphy’s ass-kicking performance in the dance tent. You might not expect it from a band known for “psychedelic folk,” but they can get you shaking your booty with their medleys, which go from “Wipeout” to “Pipeline” to “Land of 1000 Dances to “White Wedding” to who knows where.

Today was the emerging artist showcase - 24 artists and not a loser in the bunch! Some of New York’s finest, like Nels Andrews, A. J. Roach, and Kelleigh McKenzie were in fine form. But California was well represented by John Elliott (who was probably the #1 crowd pleaser) and Calaveras. The Brilliant Inventions, a duo from Atlanta, also made a great impression with their catchy pop songs and harmonies.  It’ll be interesting to see who gets voted by the audience to return next year to perform on the mainstage.

Coming up later tonight is the song swap with Janis Ian, Susan Werner, Cliff Eberhardt, and Ellis Paul - 4 very talented (and quick-witted folks), who should keep each other on their toes. It doesn’t start till 10:45, which is pushing my bedtime. Hope I don’t fade too soon!