Richie Havens was awesome!

[HowCoolIsThat]

Richie was the highlight of this year's show. Man does that guy still have it! We had a great time meeting him at the cd tent and he was as nice and patient as always, even with 300 people in line waiting to talk to him. 

Can't say the same about Chris Isaak. I was literally shoved out of the way by one of his roadies, and found his set to be almost robotic and over-rehearsed. Also, from where I was sitting I could see him and his handler run through the backstage area and into his waiting vehicle. What a weird vibe! Chris, this ain't Hollywood, dude! Stick around awhile and you might actually enjoy yourself. 

Still, we had a great time and hope to come back next year. Thanks to everyone that works "behind the scenes". I'm sure a lot of hard work goes into putting on a festival this great! 

[retsin2000]

I completely agree about Richie Havens. Fantastic. He was the highlight of the weekend for me too.

I really enjoyed Chris Isaak too though. My expectations were pretty low for his set and I wasn't even sure I was going to stay through the whole thing but  I ended up having a great time. He was way show-business but I think that is just his schtick.  They seemed tight to me. I've never seen a stage hand move so fast and efficiently.

His exit was ugly indeed though, the speed that they drove through the crowd to leave made me nervous. I figured they had to hurry to the airport or something but I looked on his website and they didn't have a gig scheduled the next day. I'm glad there weren't any kids running around to get run over.

[AngelaGold]

Wow, yes, I totally agree that Richie Havens was FANTASTIC!!!  He played with such passion, I was very moved and inspired by him.  I really didn't know anything about him (except his name and that he was associated with music) before the festival.  I couldn't help but go buy a CD, stand in line, shake his hand and tell him how much I appreciated his energy.  He was so gracious and genuine, and he gave me a hug and took a photo with me.  What a sweet man.  Although I was somewhat curious about Chris Isaak, once I saw Richie Havens I didn't feel the need to see Chris' set at all.  I did hear it while standing in line for Richie, but the show could've ended with Richie and I would've been more than elated.  There's something about him that you just can't find in more modern musicians... like a finely aged red wine, time is a key element in his refined style -- those hands have strummed strings and moved audiences for decades.  Hope he keeps going strong - you can tell he's doing something he loves.