{"id":4777,"date":"2019-08-12T22:29:03","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T02:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/art-rageous.net\/artrageousblog\/?p=4777"},"modified":"2022-11-02T20:31:24","modified_gmt":"2022-11-03T00:31:24","slug":"camping-music-weekend-august-9-11-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/art-rageous.net\/artrageousblog\/?p=4777","title":{"rendered":"Camping & Music Weekend, August 9-11, 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wayne and I had the great pleasure of attending “Cowfest 7”–an annual invitation-only music event at beautiful Alder Creek Farm. We’ve been invited to camp there a few times, and while we’ve attended other<\/em> Cowfests, this was the first year we were able take our trailer. With all sincerity, I can say that this weekend ranks up there in the top 10 best experiences I’ve had–EVER!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our little Clipper was decked out with a new tire cover I’d made for the weekend, and we arrived at the farm on late Friday afternoon. Our host had a spot for us near the house that offered a 30-amp electrical connection (perfect!), and as other trailers, coaches, vans, and tents got set up, a community of campers and music lovers was formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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That evening we turned on our lights, and put out our welcome mat. It was so<\/em> much fun to meet new people, and to reconnect with old friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FOOD is certainly one of the highlights of the weekend! Campers brought items to cook and items to share, and the grills were loaded with mega-burgers, brats, and even filet mignon! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Music, of course, is central to this event, and the pickin’ that night was superb!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When we finally went back to our trailer–a little after 2 AM!–I sat outside for a while, simply marveling at how NICE it was to be around such fun, loving, and like-minded souls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Saturday morning promised to be another picture-perfect August day, and by early afternoon our little camping community had grown even more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The outdoor brick oven was cranked up, and “Team Dannette” got to work, ultimately making about a bazillion pizzas during this event! Kudos and blessings to them, as well as to Mark and the others who kept us all so well fed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Picture by Jo, a fellow camper, used with permission \ud83d\ude42<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Other visitors–just there for the main event, Cowfest 7–started arriving when the gates opened at 4:00 pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It should be noted that Alder Creek Farm is a private<\/em> performance and event venue east of Charlottesville, VA. It’s not a campground and it’s not a business: our hosts simply enjoy offering family-friendly events on their beautiful land where their friends and guests can enjoy music, food, and fellowship. So thankful that we’re counted among their friends! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first two groups at Cowfest 7 played music for children, and then The BLNDERS<\/a> took the stage a little after 6 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Charlottesville-based group, The BLNDRS had just finished a tour that included coastal North Carolina. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Coincidentally,” two members of The BLNDRS (Nate and Ben) went to the school where I teach. More coincidentally, when they were performing on Ocracoke Island in NC a few days before Cowfest, my vacationing co-worker (their<\/em> music teacher and mentor!) came to their show! And even more coincidentally, the band members know Wayne’s sons, one of whom had seen them the previous<\/em> night when they played at Pro Re Nata<\/a>. “Coincidences,” maybe, but small world-isms, for sure. \ud83d\ude42 If you get a chance to see this group, do! Seriously!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the 3\/4 moon climbed higher in the sky, The Cows<\/a> started rocking Alder Creek Farm. (I’m not sure if they were the inspiration for the name Cowfest or not, but maybe!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In previous years we’ve had to leave about halfway during their 2nd set to start the drive home, but this time (since we were camping) we were able to stay until the end! T’was amazing. MOOOOOOO! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After Cowfest 7 finally wound down (despite calls to “PLAY ALL NIGHT! PLAY ALL NIGHT!”), the stalwart camping crew reconvened in the Sugar Shack for another jam session–that started around 2 AM! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At one point, Wayne and Nick (from the local Stones tribute band, Cherry Red<\/a>) did a number together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One of the highlights for me<\/em> during these ever-changing jam sessions was when Wayne was singing with local singer\/songwriter, Susan Munson<\/a>, while Nick (on Wayne’s guitar) and Ben played. So many musical styles, backgrounds, and generations, all coming together to make some sweet music. Beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I REALLY, REALLY wish I’d gotten video clips of ALL of the groups and ALL of the jams, but here’s just a little bit of the magic from Saturday night:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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