It's always a good time, campers. Highlights for me this year:
- Claire Lynch's songwriting master class. What an amazing, and generous, artist she is.
- Hanging out in Bill Haye's room and jamming with some amazing players (see Bill's thread on the topic).
- The Josh Williams Band. Only act I made a point of catching both sets for - what a terrific band, and what an affable and entertaining band leader. You need to catch these guys if you haven't yet.
- Flatt Lonesome. These kids were jamming in the lobby Saturday night as I was wandering by, and I was on my way somewhere and didn't know who they were. But it was clear they knew their stuff. Saw their set Sunday - this kids have GOT IT. They need a little work on their stage show, but boy oh boy can they play and sing. Keep an ear - and an eye - out for 'em.
- Della Mae. They played last year and I wasn't overwhelmed - I thought them good but not great. Lemme tell you, they've put the last year to very good use. These gals are no longer a novelty act - they're the real deal.
Blue Highway - I've been listening to these guys for some time now but this was the first time I've caught them live, and I gotta say that a non-stop 90 minute set in an auditorium setting suits them. The show was just plain spectacular. I also attended a workshop with Jason Burleson earlier in the day and got several very handy nuggets out of him.
A great weekend. And Arnie, it was great to finally put face to name!