Sweet music and swimmin at Harvestfest 2003

It was the only way to mark the beginning of a new season. An hour or so drive up I-75 with a detour through the winding Appalachian foothills led us to LaFayette in North Georgia . I don't know, nor care, why T-Dawg and his amazing team decided to move the event from its previous home in Fairburn but whatever the reason it was a good decision. Even the temperamental North Georgia weather couldn't put a frown on the faces of those who trekked to Harvestfest in its beautiful new home. The new site was spread out on vast tracts of land which even had a natural swimming hole with its own raft and jumping platform. It had more than enough room for camping and even had a special family camping area so that the many kids could get to sleep without party people dancing around them.

Of course partying was the reason most people came to Harvestfest and party they did from the first notes picked early in the weekend till the whole thing came to a close on Sunday evening. This year the line up was bigger and better than previous years with acts like Keller Williams, MOFRO and Donna the Buffalo among many others making welcome returns.

For me Saturday was the day to remember. A late breakfast got us there just in time for the incredible Jim Lauderdale with Donna the Buffalo who have been working together for some time now. Jim likes variety and is not afraid to try new things, from his work with Ralph Stanley to his own band and now his collaboration with the Buffalo gang.

After Jim had done his thing on the main stage I wandered to the Pickin Pad where Sam Bush was doing a very quiet workshop type set in front of a small, very appreciative crowd in the hot sun. Sam as always brought lots of fun into the proceedings and the audience loved every last note.

Poor old Jon Cleary and his Absolute Monster Gentlemen had really just got their groove going when the heavens opened and cut short what was looking like being a very hot set of tunes. I normally love a good storm like this one and despite delaying the music a little it didn't seem to faze anyone else either as we all sheltered patiently till the skies cleared and the party could start again.

As they uncovered the equipment on the main stage I took another wander to the Pickin Pad for a songwriter's workshop. I was there mainly to see Jim Lauderdale again. I love his songs and his gentle melodic touch and away from the back beat of a big band he takes you to a different place entirely. This time he was joined by the excellent Ralph Roddenbery who is set to be a big name on the Americana circuit. Then there was Martha. Martha Scanlan is a member of The Reeltime Travelers a band who are true to the real old time mountain music they play and love. Martha all on her lonesome is just a joy. She has the voice of a mountain angel and the strength of her songs holds you captive despite her very gentle ways. I swear I could see Jim Lauderdale visibly moved by her songs as he sat waiting his turn. Now there would be a wonderful collaboration though I reserve the right to whisk her off to an Irish mountain to record her first solo offering.

Sam Bush was up next with his band on the main stage. People had dried off again and were ready for some good time music and Sam never disappoints. Moving effortlessly from pure bluegrass to reggae and all points beyond Sam with regular band members Brad Davis and Byron House showed us how to get those feet tapping. The old favorites Eight More Miles to Louisville and They're Gonna Miss me when I'm Gone gave me a much relished rush of adrenalin and Sam's tribute to Bob Marley blew everyone away.

Then it was the turn of a true legend in the music world. John Prine has been around forever and his music will be heard long after the rest of us are pushing up daisies. I was surprised at just how many of the younger crowd knew and sang along with many of John's older songs. Dapper as ever John and his band led us through his catalogue from the very early days some 30 years ago to songs from an album not yet released. I sat with John's proud family and took in the decades of musical history and the huge crowd sang along with almost every word. Like a true pro John left them wanting more and sadly didn't do an encore but he had given us more than enough to take away as we wandered away from another wonderful Harvestfest.

For us it was over. Time and tide were leading us away but for the rest of the party goers there was still a lot of music and fun to be had that night and all day Sunday.

Next year we will be setting up a tent late on the Thursday night and settling in for the entire weekend. For those of you who missed the festival we will have a lovely picture album from it in the next few days.

As always I want to remind you that T-Dawg and his gang don't rest on their laurels the rest of the year. In fact they don't stop. They fill the bars and venues in Georgia with some of the purest and best music there is and give support to new young musicians as well as bringing you some of the most famous names in the music world. So keep checking back here or to the Harvestfest site to find out who you should be seeing in the next 12 months.

Related Links

Sam Bush http://www.sambush.com
Harvestfest http://www.harvestfest.com
Reeltime Travelers http://www.reeltimetravelers.com
Jim Lauderdale http://www.jimlauderdale.com
John Prine http://www.ohboy.com/johnprine.html
John Cleary http://www.joncleary.com