Backstage Pass!
Behind-the-scenes. Finally!
I returned to my native Charleston in '93 and discovered the
MUSIC FARM about 3-4 owners ago.
Have attended shows there for years and years.
Working at the paper, I really had no reason - or justification - to request a Media Pass.
I retired 7 years ago and started writing this blog a few years later.
I enjoy a local trio
THE DEFILERS and their Punkabilly/country sound.
Arleigh Hertzler, guitar & lead vocals, was great playing at The Mill but I can't take all the cigarette smoke there.
He said
"Chuck, we're playing The Music Farm in August."
I put it on my calendar.
Arleigh arranged for me to come up the stairs and enter the Green Room where many of my favorite players hung out.
I looked out the window, down at the stage. Just as Robert Randolph and Jimbo Mathus had done.And Little Feat and Acoustic Syndicate.
I passed on through (it really
IS painted green) and quietly went down the backstage stairs.
Stickers were plastered all around of other bands who had played Charleston.
Painted arrows pointed the way back to the Green Room or out to the stage. Often this area is darkened and lighted only by a stagehand with a small flashlight, directing performers.
I peeked around the corner and stuck out my camera.
Awesome view.
It certainly was worth the wait. Thanks Arleigh.
Play well.
(Click on the photos for more detail. Welcome to the Backstage Tour.)Listen responsibly (ear protectors!)Thanks for humming along. Come back soon.
Labels: Acoustic Syndicate, Bare Knuckle Champions, Bo Stevens, Jimbo Mathus, Music Farm, Papenhausen, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Defilers Little Feat
A fun DAY in the SUN ...
Sunday it was shiny and bright on Wadmalaw Island.
It was the 4th annual
First Flush FesTEAval at the Charleston Tea Farm.
Possible T-storms were forecast (about 30%) but there was no rain.
Sun block was precious in front of the Main Stage.
Some came for the freshest tea of the year. Well yes, but I also came for the music.
Crowfield was the opening act and I can see why they are very popular.
Did I mention I carry ear plugs to concerts - even outdoor ones.
Good investment.
Sitting in the center of the first row of folding chairs, you realize how LOUD it has to be to reach the very back rows.
I am sure they heard every throbbing note.
Part of the fun Sunday was watching people run forward and fall short when trying to leap over a rather wide muddy ditch that separated the crowd and the performers.
The second act on the Main Stage was
Cory Chisel, whose first album was on the Black Seal Sony label.
Cory left his shirt open and we saw his tat.
Behind us, back in the cooler shade of many trees, there was a smaller stage.
It alternated with local musical groups.
The Bridge 105.5 had worked hard to coordinate, promote and present the music on both stages.
Their effort was very evident.
Naturally the
ditch-jumpers wanted to be closer to the main stage but the Bridge staff ran a great defense and sent everyone back - away from the "official" restricted zone.
I don't think the drainage ditch had actually been filled with pluff mud but the black gooey, sticky substance sure sucked down feet and legs. And flip-flops.
Actually, when the headliner
Robert Randolph and the Family Band took the stage, ladies WERE invited to come up on the platform to join him and dance about for one song.
Ah.. but you had to use the little white wood span to cross over the devil ditch.
All of the band fans were treated the same. Go back.. no exceptions.
Even though I was not "official" and had no credentials to get up to the edge of the stage, I did get a shot I really, really like.
Pure luck actually.
This was not my first time watching and enjoying pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph.
I knew he was liable to leap up from his chair at any time and urge the crowd to
"start shouting and dancin'.
This Sunday I was ready and waiting.
My pleasant surprise was catching the microphone cord as it whipped in an arc through the air. Wow.
Wonder if any of the photographers who were allowed up close snapped THAT picture?
Here's an image of a man who's having a
"good day at work."Being a family of entertainers,
Cousin Danyel Morgan joined Robert, moving to the front of the stage, to close the very entertaining show.
Nice sounds.
Nice Day.
Nice iced tea.
My dermatologist will be pleased to know the sun block worked well.
And, as usual, I was wearing my protective
Tilley hat.
[Be sure to click twice on the photos to see amazing details.]
Labels: Black Seal/Sony, Charleston Tea Plantation, Cory Chisel, Crowfields, First Flush, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Bridge 105.5
Behind-the-scenes. Finally!
He said "Chuck, we're playing The Music Farm in August."
I passed on through (it really IS painted green) and quietly went down the backstage stairs.
