Review of SoundQuilt 2008

SoundQuilt 2008 was a little different. Of course, each SQ is a little different from all the others. What I'm thinking of this time is that this year it wasn't held at a public campground, but at a private property, Stewart-Matheny Farm. The new setting was intimate and charming, with plentiful semi-shaded camping, most of it not far from the stage and campfire area. Mark "Walnutt" Stewart trimmed and mowed ~ then trimmed some more ~ for weeks prior, getting it just right.

The stage is nestled into the southwestern corner of the camping area, backed by trees that work like stage curtains behind the musicians. One tree even reaches under the protective white tarp that floats like a cloud above the stage. Rough cedar poles (harvested as Walnutt groomed the area) support a delicate railing at the back of the stage. I like to call it the Woodland Theater.

The Woodland Theater did a great job of accomodating bands of varying size and style at SoundQuilt 2008. The largest band at SQ 2008 had maybe seven musicians at times, and was not too crowded to put on a great show. With the stage's basic white lights and simplicity, all attention could focus on the music.

Walnut Grove Band was out of the box with a bang to start the day off, around 10:30 a.m. It was a special show for them ~ the first to feature recent the additions of keyboard player Wayne Zimmerman and drummer Ray Legnini. Old friends of the band were delighted at the new sound. More at the Walnut Grove Band website, see the news page.

SleepFeeder, of Luray, Virginia, took over for WGB, with an aggressive sound. Casey Firkin formed SleepFeeder about a year ago but used to play in WGB, so many WGB fans watched with special interest.

The Jones, of Washington, DC, played next. With their energetic sound, without a doubt, they won the crowd over and made new fans.

Continuing and deepening the aggressive mood of SleepFeeder, Buck Gooter, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, followed. They featured an unpredictable, abstract sound (their instruments include a theramin), with early punk style vocalizations. They say they are "weird" and "apocalyptic". The vocalist was a very entertaining performer to watch, even standing on his head at one point!

The Big Enough Band sure was big enough! I think there may have been as many as seven musicians at one time sharing the stage. They changed the musical tone to a jazzy, bluesy note, with a singer whose voice reminded one of cozy clubs. The smooth sounds felt good.

The first thunderstorm of the day made itself known while the BEB was playing. There were a few thunderstorms during the afternoon, which were weathered well by all participants, most of whom had come well-prepared with raincoats, tarps and umbrellas. Musicians ducked more deeply under the tarp forming the stage roof, protected equipment and waited it out, then took up where they had left off. Audience members ducked temporarily under tarps, canopies and umbrellas, most staying in the performance area, chatting, to wait for the returning sunshine.

Rolie Polie Guacamole/Suburban Nightmare played next, long an SQ favorite. From NYC, they write and play fun and whacky children's music as Rolie Polie Guacamole and address deeper, post-modern issues as Suburban Nightmare. Several times I've heard these guys sing and play with two acoustic guitars and it was terrific, but this time they brought out a full electric band and rocked our socks off.

SQ alumni Curly and the Rocket, from DC, played next. In my opinion, they lucked out on playing at the most beautiful time of the evening. If you have any doubt, examine the photos taken by William Mitchell, at William's photo gallery site. Pete (guitar) and Adrienne (drums, vocals) are certainly old friends of SoundQuilt. It was a pleasure to see and hear them once again.

Another performer, beloved by fans for his past SQ performances is Steve Honoshowsky, who played as No Use for Humans. Steve brought slightly fewer bells and whistles, in the interest of ease of travel (he's from NJ, it's a bit of a jaunt) but still did a great job of wowing us with his percussion wizardry.

Finishing out the evening, Michael Barry-Rec did a fine job of helping us wind down. At times he played solo, accompanying himself with a looping recorder, and at other times he played with others who joined him on stage.

After the music ended, some people wandered off to to sleep, while others gravitated towards the campfire. I sat by the campfire and laughed, listened and talked, enjoying the night and a feeling of companionship. People seemed to respect each other, kids and dogs had seemed (mostly) well-behaved, facilities seemed both charming and fully adequate. Altogether, it was a lovely and magical setting. I'm already looking forward to next year's SoundQuilt!

Another delightful gathering, the CecilFest Reunion, was held at Stewart-Matheny Farm in July. I think these photos are also worth a mention, as they show the setting so well. Pictures were taken by William Mitchell and myself, Becky Matheny.

The next gathering to be held at Stewart-Matheny Farm will be The Gathering of Guests and Ghosts II on October 31, Halloween night, 2008. Information is at the SoundQuilt Music Festival website.

Links:

William Mitchell's SoundQuilt 2008 Photo Gallery

FirkinGood.com 2008 SQ Photo Gallery

Video of Walnut Grove Band's set, from SQ 2008, filmed by Seeker Dan

SoundQuilt Music Festival website

Search Google Video ~ "SoundQuilt" ~ for more fun videos posted by fans and family over the years.