We just returned from Nelson County, Virginia where I enjoyed the complete Festy experience of bands, food, camping, crunchiness, and more. Went an entire weekend without popping one collar—it was epic.

I haven’t camped out for a music festival since I was in college and spent a few days at The Gorge in Washington state for DMB.

*this is not me. I don’t know if those are shorts, a skirt, or coolats (which is a misnomer because there is nothing cool about them). 

Here are the top lessons that I learned from my festival experience:

1. Molly is not some girl. (No, I do not know her).
2. Opium actually still exists. (No, I do not “know” it).
3. Jean shorts (which I refer to as jorts) are a girl concert staple.
4. It is “appropriate” to just wear your bra if it’s hot enough out.
5. Watching people dance during the day is awkward.
6. Dancing during the day is awkward.
7. Hula hooping is hard. (I’ve been told my attempts make me look like a bobble-head having weird sex).
8. Listening to some of the bands ahead of time on Spotify definitely enhances the experience.
9. Wear deodorant. Maybe bring extras and share with your neighbors.
10. Being in a different tent is not like a different room…we can definitely hear you having sex.

- Alexandra

P.S. The Festy crew did an amazing job and should be commended for the awesome experience that took hundreds of hours to put together. They also did a really good job of creating a family friendly event so my drug mentions here were really limited to the camping areas and were not around kids at all. Thanks to Kellie for bringing that distinction to my attention.

A few Fridays ago (8/24 to be exact), hometown faves The Hackensaw Boys did not disappoint and they had heavy competition for partying that night. A popular Friday’s After Five act, the Best of CVille Party, Friday night with the bunko club…just to name a few.  No wonder the show (meaning the opening act) didn’t start until 9.  

(yes, moonshine cherries happened)

Speaking of the opening act, Jim Waive and The Young Divorcees opened the show and it was the first time I (probably should be “we”) had seen them play.  A top notch, well dressed and talented foursome that has quite a fan base on their own.  I mean how often do you see a steel guitar like that on stage? (at least I think that’s what that contraption was… see picture below and correct me if I’m wrong).  Well done, young divorcees (and you too, Jim).

Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees. Turns out one of these guys was filling in for his wife. Wait a minute…

What I liked and remembered most about The Hackensaw Boys was the joy they bring to the audience.  Generally already a laid back joyful type of crowd, but if you weren’t, when they started playing it didn’t take long to feel inspired.  

Boys…Hackensaw Boys

With my limited bluegrass musical experience (but nonetheless enjoyment of it) it was hard for me to tell one song from the other, but it made for a consistent show that flowed easily from one song to the next and kept the dancing going.

My litmus test: I would pay to see them again.  I would purchase/download their music.

Paula and Alexandra…plus some guy named Sykora

My Stage crush: Takes some explaining… First, Alexandra’s idea we pick a stage crush for each show, but I don’t think that has made it to the blog yet.  Second, my stage crush for this show was apparently a former Hackensaw Boy. After a few songs played by 6 band members, (3 bearded versus 3 non-bearded divided that way on stage…by design???) 3 more joined, totaling 9 guys on one stage.  

I heard from another audience member the additional 3 were previous Hackensaw Boys?  Not sure if that is true, but I’ll roll with it.  It was in the extra 3 that I found my stage crush.  Non-bearded banjo man with sunglasses on his head.  Don’t know your name, but I’ll just call you “stage crush banjo man”.

- Paula

Alexandra’s postscript: Paula and I won’t have to fight over the same guy because I am all about the rhythm guys in this band. Not sure what you guys were playing (washboards? tin cans?) but I like it.