SATURDAY NIGHT WITH EMYLOU HARRIS

EMMYLOU and BAND

Saturday night was the highlight for me. First up were The Shuffle Demons, who paraded through the crowd in their amazing  costumes before hitting the stage in a triple saxophone frenzy. The crowd loved the band and their set.

SHAKURA S’AIDA

Next up was Shakura S’Aida whom I had not heard of before. The Toronto native fronted a hot funky band which showcased her incredibly strong gospel influenced voice.

Then it was time for EmmyLou Harris and her band to hit the stage. For the first time all weekend, the crowd actually shushed people talking in the crowd as the set began! No one wanted to miss a note. Her wonderful, one-of-a kind voice washed over the crowd, and although she apologized about many of the songs being about “dead friends of hers” (Johnny and June Cash, Kate McGarrigle and Gram Parsons) they were all eagerly applauded by the crowd. The band, “The Red Dirt Boys” containing a keyboard/accordionist, mandolin, bass and percussionist were a perfect backdrop for this special set of songs. They included Red Dirt Girl, The Road, Darlin’ Kate, and I’ll Fly Away.

THE SATURDAY NIGHT AUDIENCE

Commitments prevented me from seeing the Sunday performances of The Be Good Tanyas, Laurie Anderson and Buffy Sainte-Marie, but I am sure the incredible sunny weather made for another perfect Festival day.

Anyone who has not been to this event is really missing something special. Superbly organized with a small army of cheerful volunteers, nothing is left to chance. Every act started on-time, the sound systems (especially the mainstage) were the best I have heard. THe audience was a mature well behaved group, who clearly loved being at this event.

Highly recommended