Jeezum Crow 3

This past weekend, BA, myself and the Kids spent the weekend under the perfect Vermont sun listening to great music and sipping various cool drinks. It was a great weekend ; one to remember for sure.

This was the 10th Annual "Jeezum Crow Music Festival" in Jay, Vermont. It was my 3rd time and now I am looking forward to my 4th in a year.

The 3 festivals could not be more different from each other. My recollection of my first festival is hazy, but seems it was a bluegrass, blues, folksie event well attended by the aging hippie set sprinkled liberally with up and comer new age hippies holding onto a new brood all wearing noise limiting headphones. Charlie Parr was there and I became a fan of Sicard Hollow more because of a misunderstood name on my part. But I remember an overall Country Bluegrass Blues feel.

Last year, my 2nd visit was a definitely Blues and Bluegrass and of course my man, Charlie Parr was there and better than ever. They had stepped up with a much better sound system.

This year we were able to catch all 9 acts, not just most of the ones on Saturday like we did previous years. This year was different  seeming to spotlight a more cover band list of acts. 

The highlights for me were:

Friday night -Mihali  -Reggaeish, Ska; They had a horn or two. Upbeat music. Loved it.

On Saturday  - Taj Farrant, a 16 year old blues player who is very, very good. The kid plays way above what his age should have let him. There is a maturity in his play that some Blues players never attain. Awesome set once the excellent Stevie Ray covers were over. He also writes music that points to his older soul.

And then of course Charlie Parr. No one picks or sings quite like Charlie. I cannot think of a musician less interested in being famous than Charlie. I am pretty sure the clothes he had on this past weekend are the same ones he had on last year and the year before that. He drives to his shows by himself in a beater car; sleeps in it, plays his set and leaves. In between he knocks my socks off with his songs and the occasional funny story. "Cheap Wine" still makes me puddle up.

This was our first time staying the weekend. It was the best decision of all. No pressure to leave early for home and we could catch Friday night's acts. I won't miss them next year.

 This year we went whole hog. Rented a Vrbo lodge that was perfect. Not fancy and well worn. But it was clean, had plenty of towels, plenty of room and a great kitchen sink. Fell in love with the sink. And we were able to take the pooches. Maggie had a chance to romp and find the good smells.

All in all, a great weekend of music with my favorite people in the World. 

Keep it 'tween the ditches ................................................

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It's gonna be a three fer today.

First up is Mahali - and his song, "Free Ride". I test drove many of his songs. Not a one of them was bad. Enjoy!

Next up is 16 year old Taj Farrant and an awesome cover of "Parisienne Walkways". 

And finally "Cheap Wine" by Charlie Parr.