THE PROUD PROMOTERS AND HAPPY BAND…

I must begin by thanking everyone who attended and everyone who helped make this event happen.  It was a truly special day in the life of this concert promoter.  Though I have worked dozens of festivals, this was my first from start to finish creation.  And it was truly humbling and overwhelmingly amazing.  There are so many reviews and photos popping up all over the web and FB and Twitter.  I encourage you to seek them out and enjoy the differing perspectives.  For me, I want to simply post some photos and a tiny bit about the bands and the day here.

I didn’t know what to expect as my wife, toddler son and I drove in to Ithaca for breakfast at seven am as the ride behind an obviously drunk person (at SEVEN AM?) swerving all over the road was unnerving.  Anything to come could not be as stressful at that ten minutes.  And yes we turned their ass in by calling 911 on the cell phone and watched IPD take care of biz in the Big K parking lot…  But back to the pont… we arrived at the park to a beautiful morning with much re-arranging to do.  We had to turn an all access brewfest into a concert venue.  Thanks to the great staff for giving of their time to help us get it done just under the wire.

The small crowd that came out early was truly treated to amazing sets from Caution Children and The Rural Alberta Advantage.  My assistant plays sax in Caution Children, but their sound is what made them the only local choice for this bill.  Their energetic set was the perfect start to what was a highly anticipated day.  Thanks Reece and CC for starting The Positive Jam with some really positive jams.  Glad you were on the bill.

After thoroughly loving their recent album, Hometowns, I was long looking forward to seeing The RAA live.  The band did not disappoint and were the early highlight for me.  Their Neutral Milk Hotel-esque sound was energizing and provided a needed second wind for me.  I enjoyed meeting them, hanging with them backstage and I’m even wearing their T-shirt as I type this now.  They’ll be back soon in a local club.  Guarantee it.

Despite their late arrival, Deer Tick rolled right to work and ran through a great set of folk tinged rock that was the next logical step in the days musical progression.  Don’t worry, they’ll be back in a local club soon too because their set was genius.  Rocking through many selections from their latest album, Born on Flag Day, through covers from Townes Van Zandt and even La Bamba to close the set.  My son Wylie was dancing on the side of the stage through that last one.  John and the boys were hilarious and the drummer was truly amazing.  Can’t wait to see their own show next time.  Everyone was psyched for them backstage too – nearly every musician hung in the wings for the majority of their set.

What have I not already said about the Felice Bothers?  Down to earth.  Rocking.  Unique.  The war paint on their faces was a new touch.  The post band intro rap punk rawk drum dive ending was not.   Perhaps the best since Cobain?  They love Ithaca and Ithaca truly loves them.  Fellas – great to have you back and we look forward to our next hang!

Then it was on to the festival’s namesakes… If you couldn’t tell how humbled I was by the whole experience.. I wish I had my scratchy cracking voice intro to play for you.  It was a great moment to intro the band while they were on stage and be there as they busted straight into “Positive Jam” to start the 90 plus minute set.  Purposely choosing different songs from their early summer play and gracing us with FOUR NEW SONGS. All were amazing.  And damn, Craig… you thanked me so much I started to get a complex.  It is you and Tad and Franz and Bobby and Galen (oh and Q, Dusty etc…) who deserve the thanks.  Bravo fellas – enjoy Europe and Alaska and Canada and can’t wait to see you in Toronto end of September!

DEER TICK JOIN THE FELICE BROS…

more photos to come – all copyright angelina heyo zz