Falcon Ridge in Retrospect
Falcon Ridge 2010 won’t go down as the most exciting festival in its 22 year history...no big name headliner like Arlo or Ani, but no tornados, either. Still, a smallish crowd genuinely enjoyed performances by some of folk music’s old reliables (as well as some exciting newcomers), and in these perilous financial times maybe that’s enough.
Mainstays like John Gorka, Eliza Gilkyson, Tracy Grammer, Jimmy LaFave, and Cheryl Wheeler delivered solid (and in Cheryl’s case, hilarious) sets. Martyn Joseph, a veteran singer-songwriter from Wales not well known in the U.S., made a lot of new fans with his powerful set. The adorable young Toronto duo Dala charmed the crowd. Former Falcon Ridge emerging artists Ellis, We’re About 9, and Red Molly proved they’ve got the goods. The Red Molly set Saturday night was very emotional. The trio was born at Falcon Ridge in 2004, and this was their last gig with Carolann Solebello, who’ll be spending more time with her family and pursuing a solo career.
Speaking of emerging artists, a steady rain put a damper on the Friday afternoon showcase. It had to be discouraging for the 24 performers to travel all the way to Falcon Ridge to play for a few dozen hardy souls huddled under tarps on the hillside, but they never let that show. Some of the emerging artists who made an impression were Caleb Hawley, Rachel Sage, John Wort Hannam, Spuytin Duyvil, Rebecca Loebe, Chris O’Brien, Tripping Lily, Stepanie Nilles, and Barnaby Bright.
The Sunday morning Gospel Wake Up Call with Red Molly, Vance Gilbert, and Gandalf Murphy (who also tore up the dance tent on Friday night) was as soul-stirring as ever. The Kennedys turned out to be a great choice as the closing act. They performed a lot of their faves, including a truly inspired psychedelic medley that took off from “Eight Miles High” into musical outer space and the crowd-pleasing finale, “Stand.” That was the perfect segue into the traditional closing song, “Never Turning Back,” with a bunch of artists crowded onstage.
Hopefully, “Never Turning Back” doesn’t mean “never coming back.” Even on smaller scale, Falcon Ridge represents a special community for musicians and fans alike.
