Thanks for this opportunity Kim and the rest of the team.
Just under a year ago I was first in line near the Town Park campground, armed with a borrowed guitar and a sleeping bag, waiting up all night in line to get a fantastic spot for Day 1 of the most magical four days of the year. This year, I am just as excited about this contest, (a press pass would sure make that first night more enjoyable).
My first trip to Telluride was four years ago. A sunset like I have never seen greeted me over the western sky. A special time lay ahead.
For the last four years I have attended the Festival, it is my favorite times of the year. Town Park camping with a great book, better music and friends that share a late night picking session and brew. I would love to go again, and tell the story of the bands and fans to the greater Planet Bluegrass family. I would travel with by 5d mark ii camera both capturing amazing pictures but also HD video to share.
But a story is needed to convince you to let me be one of the ones. This story revolves around Woods, by far the worst musician to attend the sacred music grounds.
I met Woods at 3am just outside the line for the running of the hippies. Everyone was long asleep, much to the sadness of Woods, who just wanted to have the world hear his music. He tried to wake everyone up with his one song. “Do you like Bluegrass?” he asked me. Before I could answer he went into his song.
“because MYYYY NAAAAMMMMEEE ISSSSSS WOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDSSSSSS” he yelled at the top of his lungs.
And I was his audience of one.
Well, there were more at this point, as people started waking up, awakened by the screams.
A guy in a pink wig suddenly started beat boxing to Woods. He kept playing the four chords he knew, occasionally screaming his chorus. What continued for an hour was a bad lyrical sampling over some out of tune college chords.
This was nothing like the hot days and cool nights filled with music that I was used to. A year before this night, the Greencards swept the stage, playing the most quintessential Telluride music I can think of. This year the stage would be filled with Ani DiFranco, Yonder Mountain String Band, John Cowan & Darrell Scott Band, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, Peter Rowan, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Brett Dennen, and teh Spring Creek Bluegrass Band.
Someone from Town Park must have alerted the picking circles, and soon a gathering of 15 pickers and singers surrounded Woods, with a rendition of ‘Ashes To Ashes.” The pickers did not quite fit into any genre, but in a Telluride way, things worked out beautifully.
They finished their final note, with a quick segway into another song on their parade down Main Street. As they left Woods started up with his song of all songs.
The Troubadour contest finals were just four days away, and with practice, and some luck, Woods would be there.
Watching.
Thank you all for the chance!
