Holy Ghost Tent Revival is Coming to Town | Boone, NC

Sometimes the name of a band alone is enough to intrigue me. I remember seeing the name Holy Ghost Tent Revival and how it propelled me to find out more about who this band was. As usual, I looked them up on myspace to listen to a few tracks, and I was instantly smitten and quickly converted to a fan. It was a while after I first listened to their music that we were actually able to see them play a show. It just never worked out when they were coming through town. That (finally) changed last year during Music on the Mountaintop festival here in Boone.

Chaos ensued as they tore up the stage, and you can see that they pour their heart and soul into their performance. The explosive energy they exude is visible by the amount of sweat they collectively produce, which is a LOT. By the end of it, though, you're sweating just as much as they are because of all the bouncing around you've been doing.

It's really really difficult to put their music into any particular category because it's intertwined with a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but there's one thing I know, it's all good! Seeing them live adds to the experience because they are an extremely animated bunch who put on a spectacular show. Since the Music on the Mountaintop festival, I've seen them play twice. And I'm glad that they are coming to Boone once again to grace us with the gift of another intensely energetic show that I know won't disappoint!

Holy Ghost Tent Revival will be playing at Boone Saloon with Uncle Mountain at 9:00 pm on Saturday, March 5th.

Related Links:

• Listen to Holy Ghost on Myspace
• Find Holy Ghost on Facebook
• Official Website of Holy Ghost

Langhorne Slim Unplugged | Boone, NC

It's not often that Boone has the honor of hosting a big name act passing through North Carolina. What's even more rare than attracting popular musicians is an opportunity to see them perform in a more intimate setting with far fewer people than they are used to playing for.

Last week, Langhorne Slim found his way to our town to play his first show in Boone. Apparently, he had never even been to Boone, and I suppose that he decided to make up for such a travesty by not just playing one show, but two. I was well aware that they would be playing a show at Boone Saloon in the evening. However, I didn't know that they were going to be putting on yet another show for the townies to enjoy earlier in the day.

It was only 4 hours before their afternoon show that I had even heard about it. I wasn't really prepared to drop what I was doing to attend, but I agreed that this was an opportunity that doesn't often appear, so I decided to make an exception and take advantage of it. A bonus, was that the earlier show being held at the 641rpm Record Shop was FREE!! I mean, you can't beat that.

Because the record shop was a small venue, there were only about 50 people packed into the place. Unlike what we would be seeing later at Boone Saloon, this show was more of an unplugged set, no room for amps or other bulky equipment. I rather enjoyed this pared down version of a concert. The raw emotion in Langhorne's voice and the un-amplified sound of the instruments were a refreshing change from what I'm used to witnessing.

Although that's not to say that I wasn't equally excited about the show that they'd later be playing at Boone Saloon. I enjoyed and appreciated getting this up close and personal preview of what was to come later in the evening.

You'll often hear me complain about how Boone doesn't get any good shows (or at least bands that I want to see) coming through as much as I would like, and I'm glad that—for a change—I was proven otherwise. While at the show I met people who had driven several hours to come see Langhorne. Normally, we're the ones who have to drive long distances to see the big name bands that are passing through NC. I felt extremely lucky to have him come to Boone and not only see him once, but twice in one day.

It's always nice coming into contact with a celebrity of sorts who is humble, friendly, and approachable. Before the shows, I was familiar with Langhorne's music, but I didn't know him by name. Now, I don't think that I could forget after seeing him play twice in one day. The soulful songs he serenaded us with have been stuck in my head for days— not that it's a bad thing. If you aren't familiar with Langhorne's music, I strongly suggest that you take the time to listen to a few of his songs. Before you know it, they'll be stuck in your head, too! 

Related Links:

• Listen to Langhorne Slim on Myspace
• Langhorne Slim's Official Website
• Langhorne Slim on Facebook
• 641rpm (Record Shop in Boone) on Facebook

Music on the Mountaintop Festival Boone, NC

It was evident that the hardworking folks putting this shindig together learned quite a bit since last years festival because this one ended up being bigger and better in many ways. As diligent as the staffers were, there were some things, though, that they just didn't have any control over, and that was the not so favorable weather! Unlike the clear blue skies experienced the year before, the majority of our day was spent beneath an overcast sky. Mid-afternoon, we had to dodge a light rainstorm, thankfully, it didn't last very long. One thing the dreary weather didn't do was dampen the spirits of the carefree crowd. I did my best to hang around the outskirts of the madness because I really wasn't in a party-time state of mind. Last time we were very close to the front, in the thick of it, but not this time. After waking up at 6:30am that morning, the only thing I really wanted to do was kick back and relax in my crazy creek chair, and I did so, waaaaay in the back.



In addition to listening to some live music, we also had plans to consume mass quantities of vendor food (as usual), which we successfully achieved! They had so many vendors to choose from at this years festival that it was very difficult to decide on what we would feast on. But that quickly turned into a dilemma we didn't mind dealing with because we just sampled as much as our tummies could take! Well, and then some. I am almost ashamed to list everything I ate.



Food Consumed: gyro with grape leaves, chicken on a stick, 2 orders of sweet potato fries, funnel cake with all the fixin's, famous grilled cheese, & a pesto quesadilla!! Yeah, I know, I paid for it a little bit at the end of the night. Talk about going overboard!

One thing, though, that I really liked about some of the food vendors were those who were a little more conscientious about what was being served. For example, the food made by students using locally grown produce, and another who offered antibiotic/cage free chicken. Small things. But a step in the right direction. It was refreshing to have these types of options at a 'green' event such as this.



I was also pretty impressed with the emphasis they put on recycling with signs and stewards who walked around passing out personal trash bags for groups accumulating cans and other garbage to help cut down on litter found later on. I was extremely pleased with the extra measures put in place. The Music on the Mountaintop Festival is clearly becoming a great example in keeping the focus on sustainability.



The musical line-ups seemed to be a series of crowd pleasers because they kept the crowd steadily swaying down in the 'pit'. I, on the other hand, kept my distance, viewing from afar. I didn't even attempt to venture down to the crowd below until it got dark. It was then that I figured the least I could do was try to get a few shots of the main stage closers, Sam Bush & Keller Williams. One thing lead to another, and the next thing I knew, I was standing only one row away from the stage. Taking photos was no easy undertaking either, especially with silhouetted heads popping up in the frame! It was fun being in the pit though, even if I didn't get any great photos!



At one point, after Sam Bush played, I had to run to our home base in the very back of the grounds to grab a fresh battery and memory card since I was on the brink of exhausting both. In a matter of minutes, and without too much resistance, I got my spot back down in the depths.



Ideally, the crowd would have hoped to dance the night away, but local law enforcement didn't allow the party to go on past midnight. As a matter of fact, they were forced to pull the plug early! It was sad, actually. The crowd was chanting Keller's name in hopes for an encore, but no amount of noise would bring him back out on stage. Not the best possible note to end on, but it was a great day despite the few uncontrollable conditions threatening to thwart our good time.



We are definitely looking forward to next year's event!


Did you see last year's photos? I was definitely a lot happier with those!
Wanna see?! Click Here (Post of Main Event) & Here (Favorite Photo 2008)

Music on the Mountain Festival Boone, NC

Normally, I am not one for festivals, but Music on the Mountain was different.
For starters, it was just a one-day event instead of the usual two or three day events which have become so popular.

It took place at the old fairgrounds here in Boone, NC, and they started it with the intention of raising awareness on ecological issues that directly affect our environment. (I have a specific organization in mind that I want to talk about more this week, so be sure to check back.)

Something I didn't expect was a different stage. Last summer, we went to the App Roots Festival in the same locale, but they used an old wooden stage. This time, they were set-up with a state-of-the-art solar-powered sound and light system built specifically for outdoor concerts. It pumped some roaring sustainable sound waves!

The other stage wasn't anywhere near as fancy, but it kept us equally entertained. I really liked that once one band was done playing, the other stage was ready to keep the crowd stirring.

The only disappointing aspect of this festival was the lack of food variety! We came ready to consume, but alas, they had minimal options that were only slightly appealing. I mean, we still had to eat, but it just wasn't as much. We particularly fancied the 'roasted corn'. I was intrigued when I saw folks walking around with an entire ear of corn that still had the husks in tact. So, naturally, we had to try it out for ourselves.

By two or three o'clock the buzz began to hum a little louder in the valley. One band that is internationally known (not really, but kind of) for getting people out of their seats, is 'Your Momma's Big Fat Booty Band'. Hey, don't tell me, I didn't name them! The handful of bands that played before 'YMBFBB' took the stage didn't attract very many people to the 'dance floor'.

It was a sad sight (see above photo), but I suppose you have to loosen people up first! As usual, 'YMBFBB' did a great job of getting the party started. They can be a rather raunchy bunch, but for the sake of the family feel that this event had, I guess they decided to keep it clean.

The real commotion was created by the national acts the festival brought. Aside from Perpetual Groove - which I told you about in the last post, they delivered Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush. As the night progressed, the makeshift 'dance floor' never emptied. I even got up and bounced around myself from time to time.

Watching the day fade into night while nestled in the valley was magical.



The colors of the sky and the wispy clouds made for a lovely transition into darkness.

My favorite part of the entire night was when Perpetual Groove went on stage.
By this point, I realized that if I wanted to get better shots, I had to get closer.

Brock Butler, P-Grooves front man, was the only one I could manage to get clearly.

After doing a little digging on the band, I found out that their most recent album
was produced with renewable energy, and is also being released by a
'green' label called Tree Leaf Music. Taking it one step further, they even purchase energy credit to offset the emissions their tour bus generates while touring!
Let's hope that their environmental initiatives cause others to follow suit.

Sometime after midnight, the show was over. It really was a great day. I like that I felt out of my element, it's good to mix it up a bit. However, I do know that we will be eagerly awaiting the second annual "Music on the Mountain" festival in Boone.

And then, summer was over......

Weekend Snippet

Brock Butler of Perpetual Groove


This is a shot from the first annual "Music on the Mountain" festival.
It was an all-day event that had us exhausted by the days end.
We have spent the entire day recuperating!

I want to share more photos from the event with you,
but for now, here's my favorite from the bunch.
I really lucked out here because taking photos while in the crowd was no easy feat.
I got elbowed, bumped into, and mowed over by Deviled Eggs, AND a dude with a bear hat!
Yeah, I know.....What?!....don't ask!

Anyhow, we enjoyed ourselves immensely,
and will be looking forward to the second annual "Music on the Mountain" festival.

I hope you all have had a terrific weekend!

Here is a live recording of "Perpetual Groove" from Saturday.
Have a listen if you are so inclined.

Free Press ~ kLoB

Now, this is a CD that I can really sink into. I think that I'd have to say that "tree" is probably my favorite song based on my first listen. Although they all definitely sound like songs that you're sure to be obsessed with in no time.

I get home and my my what a surprise - I have just received by post kLoB's* new CD graciously sent to me courtesy of Mr. Brain Jenkins!! Now unfortunately before I left Jacksonville to be a mountain girl I never got to see this quaternary of comrades. But thankfully, out of the goodness of his heart Brian bestowed upon me this fascinatingly brilliant four song CD. This is a considerably talented group of guys, and how do I know this if I've never seen kLoB before? Well, that's a good question - I know this because I've seen 3/4 of them in separate bands playing live right before my very eyes. There was even a time when Brian was attempting to give me drum lessons. I surely wasn't a worthy protégé but to my defense I still have down the basic beat!!
Anyhow, many thanks to Brian of kLoB* for sending me these wonderful gifts that I hope to help spread the word with. For starters this blog is an attempt at thanking you for creating this wonderfully recorded masterpiece; it really seems like you all put a lot of soul into it. I LOVE IT!
Hopefully, you may have the time to check them out and if you have any taste at all you will more than likely enjoy it - but if you don't I bet they wouldn't hold it against you. I mean look at what's been said about Brian Jenkins:

"Brian Jenkins is Big Red, and he plays the drums. No, he is the rhythm – like his whole skeleton and blood and hair and smile and breath. He's good. Always in to something and always branching out and always helping someone in some way, he will be the same person when he is 80 that he is now, only better."

So, take the time, and check them out. If you like them - let them know. Bands love to hear about how much you love them; am I right? then here's a CD you can relate too. I know I haven't been awfully descriptive about their sound but that's because I want you to hear them for yourselves!

http://www.klobsong.com/

*With the first set of kLoB links you can hear the new songs on myspace