by Melanie Thiel, WNTI
With much anticipation for this year's Black Potatoe Music Festival, at 6:00pm on Thursday July 10th the music began. The weather was as perfect as it could be as the patrons walked through the gates and up to the quarry stage to set up their lawn chairs and blankets.
My husband and I arrived in time for Kathy Phillips, Kim Williams, and Walt Bibinger. The sweet harmonies of Kathy and Kim and the sun setting behind us were beautiful and peaceful and a great way to kick back and relax. Walt plays his guitar with ease and style and the three amigos are always a treat to watch and listen to.
Marshall Crenshaw was ready to take the main stage next and the honor of his introduction was all mine! Marshall is a man of few words but that night he was very friendly and chatty. He really is a gentleman and an extremely talented musician.
His set was solo acoustic and featured several brand new songs which will be on his forthcoming album. Of course the old favorites such as Cynical Girl and Someday, Someway were in the mix as well.
The grand finale of the evening was 93 year young Honeyboy Edwards. Accompanied by his harp (harmonica) player, Honeyboy stole the show. The only things missing were a picket fence and an old hound dog laying at his feet. The Blues are alive and well and legendary Honeyboy Edwards proved that night.
Music experiences like this evening's are few and far between. Stadium concerts cannot compare to the up close and personal touches you receive at an outdoor festival, especially one that highlights independent artists; the ones that REALLY make the difference in music!
Melanie Thiel is WNTI's Development Director and Public Affairs Producer. She is host of the mid morning show Mid-Days With Mel from 9:00 am to Noon Monday through Friday and is also the Executive Producer and Host of Contours, WNTI's weekly issues and arts radio magazine.
© Copyright 2008, WNTI
Concert Reviews: Thurs. Night, July 10th - First Night Black Potatoe