Where does the time go? It seems like it was just winter not too long ago. This means that festival season is here! I hope to be attending some of my favorite festivals this summer, but we'll see how many I actually make it to. I'd say Merlefest isn't a bad start.
We had such a wonderful time at Merlefest! I drove from Nashville to Mouth of Wilson, Virginia to visit my Grandma on the way. I couldn't not go for a visit when I knew she was only two hours away! So I spent Wednesday night and Thursday morning visiting with my Grandma Caudill and my Aunt and then I was off to Merlefest!
The finalists, judges and chairman of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest
I got there in just enough time to check in and figure out where I was going. Unfortunately there was some sort of mishap with my parking/camping credentials and for a moment I thought I would be homeless (or campless) for the weekend, but luckily some wonderful festival goers came to the rescue and let me camp with them at Riverside Camping. Best bunch of people you could ask for to come to your rescue! Thursday night I jumped in the river... it wasn't too cold, but it sure was gross. Probably not the best idea I had all weekend, but it made for a good start to a festival.
Friday morning I met up with Jodi Harbin and Griff Martin for the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Finals. It was great to meet the other writers and hear everyone's songs. The bluegrass category went first, and we played second, just behind Louisa Branscomb. The crowed that comes to the finals is so quiet. The room is full, but it sounds empty. Its a rare treat to get to play for a group of people who are listening so intently! After hearing all the songs and making their decisions, the judges announced the places. Our song placed second!
The rest of the festival was awesome! I got to sit in the grass, listen to some of the finest music ever, and pick with old and new friends.
Sunday afternoon I packed up and drove to Asheville. Got to walk in the woods, play more music, and run some errands before heading back to Nashville just in time to be reunited with Ruby and Lump before heading out to the jam at the 5 Spot.
Balsam Range has recorded Row by Row on their upcoming album, Papertown! You can get it before all your friends do if you join Balsam Nation!
