Sunday was a standout day for several reasons, but the first being the unique acoustic set that they played in the smaller Woods Stage, which is actually where Kirk and Kelly had earlier in the day renewed their wedding vows after 25 magnificent years of marriage. This truly brought on what I thought to be a perfect impression of what this festival is all about.
As we all sat around in this tiny room with our best friends and families, we anticipated what was to come in this super special acoustic set, which was taking place in such a surreal unique venue. Jerry’s son Judah was present up front to give Dad that extra push. It was a special moment indeed. My favorite moment, however, had to be the Anaconda that I had been pushing for in every way possible (I was told they spent 45 minutes rehearsing it and heard a rumor as so far to say for me), as it was my favorite off the new album and had not been played
6/24/2012 Acoustic Set at the Woods Stage
Radio Cab, Two Balloons> roll with the changes> Two Balloons, Cloud Eyes, Belmont Radiator, Ship, Unprotected, Anaconda, King of Love, The Road Home
Though we had just gotten a very special acoustic afternoon set, we still had 2 more electric sets later that night and a couple more bands to fill in, in between. One of which was led by Jeff Crosby a 25 year old singer songwriter from Idaho. Jerry made sure to tell the crowd not to miss his set. It was impressive and his guitar playing was great!
6/24/2012
Set I: Dixie Mattress, Staplegun> showbiz kidz> Staplegun, Whatever’s in the Basket> while my guitar gently weeps> dear prudence> Whatever’s in the Basket, Altar in Your Box> Spin Cycle> North> monster> dogs> Spin Cycle^
Set II: Evasive, Temple of Love, Without a Rope, Kicking Hong Kong, Life’s Just Bitchin’, Savage Garden^^> heart and soul> I Wanna Dance with Somebody> Ramasita> love is all you need> Savage Garden, Eat my Soul, Amazing Grace (hymn)^
Encore: I wanna dance with somebody> We Will go Down> Good Sunday> my sweet lord> saint is just a sinner> Good Sunday
^with Jenny Conlee-Drizos – Keys; Michael Lewis – Guitar & Vocals (entire show)
^^with Jeff Crosby – Guitar (Savage Garden thru Encore)
What more can I say about this show other than Life’s Just Bitchin’! This song had not been played since 12/31/03. And I couldn’t believe we were hearing it. It just goes to show how great this band is and how strong it’s community is. There couldn’t have been a better place to be with better people to experience it with. I want to thank Kirk and Kelly for starting this festival up and creating the “Vision”. I want to thank Jerry, Junior, Steve and Jenny for making some of the best music a person could see with props to Michael Lewis for sitting in all weekend. I would also like to Thank the Pedarvis’ for providing the most perfect place to let us just do our thing. If you have any interest in this band or have any good friends that do, I can’t stress enough the importance of you being here next year. You won’t regret it!
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As always, I dedicate this piece to my Mother, Kathleen McAlaine. You are soo loved. RIP
All Photos courtesy of William McAlaine, Jr
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