Ohio River Valley Folk Festival - Get Outta Here

On Friday, May 15th Jim and I left our offices around 3 pm and headed west to Madison, Indiana. We had a bit of time so we took Route 42 and went along the river to Markland Dam and crossed over to Indiana. The ride was pleasant and the time passed quickly. Papa Joe called as we were leaving town to say he was there and settled in and would walk around the city and get the lay of the land. A call to Lenny and Linda revealed them just a mile behind so. We caught up in Madison and continued on to Clifty Falls where we pitched our tents then headed back to town for the Festival. It was drizzling but not heavy rain. Paul Burch and the WPA were performing when we arrived but soon after a few lightening flashes stopped the music for about a half hour. We took shelter from the brief pocket of rain then loaded up with plates of delicious pulled pork, green beans and buttery potatoes. Settled into our seats we enjoyed the remainder of Paul's set. With a brief change over we had our drinks of choice and awaited Richard Shindell. I had heard his music for years but had not seen him live. His songs painted pictures that brought us to tears and then laughter. Another change over and we were rocked by the Kennedys. Again I had listened to their sweet harmonies on WNKU but I was not aware of Pete Kennedy's amazing guitar work. Maura sang like an angel, played ferociously and didn't stop dancing and sending out energy for two straight hours. It was amazing!

During one of the breaks Jim bought me a lovely shawl made by a woman in Cambodia. Another tent provided us a chance to refresh our supply of homemade soap.

In the final minutes of Friday, we wandered back to our tents at Clifty Falls and enjoyed nature's concert of rolling thunder and an amazing light show as the rain pounded percussion above us.

Saturday morning was a bit drizzly but not enough to deter us from making a big campground breakfast. With full bellies we headed back to the festival for the workshops. First up, Katherine Wheatley, a beautiful musician from Canada, led us in a ceilidh-like play and singalong session. A family of talented brothers joined her on stage with mandolin, banjo and guitar. Each played Katherine as if they had met her before and had time to learn the original songs she threw at them.

Next up, Richard Shindell, looking like he was not a morning person, gave a true workshop on songwriting. His suggestions made sense and his method made me feel like I was doing something right. I wrote down his suggestions and how to incorporate some to my own process.

Without a break the amazing Tim O'Brien took the small stage and the tent filled to capacity. He explained mandolins and bouzoukis and we were able to hear a few songs before we slipped out to head to our next event....my cousin's wedding three hours east of where we sat.

We unanimously agreed that this is a Get Outta Here that needs to be on our calendars for next year!