Twitter

If you are a fan of the musicians that played this year's festival, and you'd like to keep up with their goings-on, and you have a Twitter account, here is a handy list to assist you. Some of them tweet more than others, and a few often feel like they are MIA, but here you go!

• Almanac Mountain
• Vanessa Kafka
• Elizabeth Lorrey

Enjoy the up-to-the-minute doings of these fantastic local artists, and never miss any of their shows or music releases again. Alas, if you don't see a link for your favorite, he or she doesn't have a Twitter account at this time...

Post-Event Thank You

First of all, I'd like to publicly thank the musicians who took the time to entertain us all yesterday. Without their talent, the day wouldn't have been possible: Almanac Mountain (Christopher A. Cote), Elizabeth Lorrey, Lee Villaire, Vanessa Kafka (and Brian & Carl), James McGarvey III, and last-minute addition Kenneth Budka - all of your efforts were much appreciated, and the day was unforgettable due to all of your amazing contributions.

Next: thank you to all of the attendees. Beautiful summer days like yesterday have been few and far between this year, and I am glad that you all chose to spend it down at my family's lakefront lot (Niemi Cove!) for this amazing event. The turnout was phenomenal (sixty people!), and it was terrific to have you all there. Thanks for participating in this endeavor, and for supporting local music!

If you have any stories, memories or photos you'd like to see in print here, please send them to NotLameMinus@gmail.com for consideration, with "okay to print" somewhere in the e-mail. The more the merrier!

I'll be updating with my own stories, festival background info, t-shirt status updates, etc... as the mood strikes me. Also, as soon as "Event Shutterbug" Rob V. sets it up, I'll post a link to all of his fine shots from throughout the day.

And finally, if you loved any (or all!) of the performers you heard & saw yesterday, you can find up-to-date live show listings at my main blog: Not Lame Minus. I've been posting all of their New England dates for over a year now, and it's a handy place to find all of the musicians' showtimes in one place, as well as links to their official sites (which are also listed on the side column of this blog).

The 1st annual WPMF is in the books!

The Big Day!

Good morning!

The sun is already shining, and it's going to be between 76-81 degrees today, with blue skies and a slight breeze. A great day for live music, swimming, and food cooked outdoors! I'll be heading down at ten or so to do some last minute staging. There will be around 75 people (maybe more) attending the event over the course of the day, including close to 20 kids!

Doors open at noon, and the first performer is scheduled for 2 pm. It's going to be an amazing day of fantastic New England musicians sharing their talents for fans old and new. The schedule is listed to the right, just above the performer links. Don't forget to check out the General FAQ for answers to any questions you might have. Or call me at the number listed on the E-vite.

See you all there!

Weather Report

I've been watching The Weather Channel religiously for the last week or so, and it looks like we are in amazing luck: the forecast is for temperatures around 76-80 F, and mostly sunny, with LOW humidity. Sweet! ☺ So plan accordingly, clothing-wise (bring swimwear!).

One Week to Go!

We are just a week away from what should be a great day in music history!

Musicians: Please check over the Musician FAQ, and if you need anything after a reread, call me. Nothing is too small to inquire about, and my phone number has been in every e-mail I sent.

Guests: Please reread the General FAQ, which has everything you need know to make the day a successful one for you & your family. And remember, if you haven't already done so: you must reply to the e-vite (or have wooden nickels in hand) to gain entry - there will be no exceptions! An accurate headcount is crucial to the success of this event. If you need the e-vite resent, e-mail me, or leave me a Facebook note.

As you can see, at this point there is no one scheduled to go on at noon, so take your time wandering in. I may have something for 1 pm, otherwise just be prepared to enjoy the water and sun (:::fingers crossed:::), whatever you bring for a leisurely lunch, and mingling with the performers, until Almanac Mountain takes the stage at 2 pm.

I can't wait to see all of you, and share this once in a lifetime musical experience! ♫♪♪♫

Wooden Nickels Are In

I just received the box of wooden nickel entry tokens/souvenirs today, and they are very cool!

Each musician should send his/her mailing address to NotLameMinus@gmail.com so I can send them out to you ASAP. This is the only way for your four invited guests (who are not on the general e-vite) save your significant other to get into the festival. If you have already responded to the e-mail I sent out on the 12th, they will go in the mail today or tomorrow. Otherwise they will be sent out the day I receive the required info. I will update this post as I hear from you and send out the nickels.

Finally, all festival-goers will receive one to take home at the event (while supplies last)! And once again, please make sure you respond to the e-vite (with your # of guests), or you will not be allowed in.

Update (Wed 7/21): I will be sending out mailers for James, Elizabeth and Almanac Mountain this Thursday morning.

Pre-Fest Live Dates

If you want to hear the artists booked for the 'Fest before the 'Fest, good news: most of them have live dates THIS Saturday, July 10th!

Click here for all the details, and experience live "plugged" sets from Vanessa Kafka (5 pm in Boston), Lee Villaire and Elizabeth Lorrey (8 pm in Shirley, MA - cd release for Lee), and Almanac Mountain (8 pm in Exeter, NH)!

Other live dates can be found on each artist's website, and their New England shows are always up to date at the top of the page of local music blog Not Lame Minus.

Entry Tokens

Here is the design (ordered today) for the event's souvenir wooden nickel. Having one in-hand is the only way to get into the event if you have not already confirmed your attendance on the official e-vite. Anyone without one of these tokens, or who is not listed on the e-vite printout, will be turned away at the gate.

There should be enough of them that every attendee and artist will be able to take one home.

For musicians who need them beforehand to give to their allotted 'special guests', please send your mailing info to NotLameMinus@gmail.com and I will send them to you the day they arrive, so you can get them out. Please include a list of their names in case there are snail mail delays, so they can be added to the master list for admittance.

We are only a little over a month away, and excitement is building!

Any Takers?

We still have time slots available for any interested musicians. The noon, 1 pm and 6 pm slots are all still open at this point, with hopefully an enthusiastic amateur or two who just want to have a good time taking the early slots. No one wants to hear me play "Happy Birthday" and "Horse With No Name" over & over for two hours, just to lead up to the pros! ☺

As always, send all inquiries to NotLameMinus@gmail.com with the understanding that it is an unplugged event. Thanks!

A Festival in Three Dimensions...

Schedule

See the sidebar for the festival schedule, and don't forget to check out the performer links for all their great music, other live dates, etc... I am still hoping to get one or two other musicians to fill the 1 pm and 6 pm slots. Any reasonable and/or realistic suggestions can be sent to NotLameMinus@gmail.com , and would be much appreciated.

Musician FAQ

Here is a list of information for performers at the event:

• This is an "unplugged" event. There is no electricity on-site.
• Time slots are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you would prefer a specific time, fire off that e-mail. It is hoped that all performers, schedule permitting, will hang out all day to enjoy the music, lakeside fun, and the company of their fellow musicians. And perhaps to jam during empty time slots!
• Please carpool with your band if possible (see General FAQ), as parking is limited.
• Also, please keep your non-band member invited guests limited to 4 each.
• While there will be extra, performers should bring any special food, beverages, etc... they require above and beyond the simple cookout fare and local beer that will be available.
  
• This event (hopefully the first of many annual festivals) is non-commercial. There is no admission, no performer's fee, and no merch table (or similar set-up). That being said, if performers just happen to have portable music with them available for new fans, that is just good planning! ☺
• And along those lines: if you have a video camera with a good power pack, feel free to record your set for your own future use.
  
• If you would like to perform at the event, or have other questions/concerns/requirements please contact Ken at NotLameMinus@gmail.com as we would love to have a full schedule.
  

General FAQ

Here is a handy FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section for any interested parties, both musicians and attendees (to be updated as needed):

• This is a non-commercial event. There is nothing for sale, and admission is free, with invitation.
• That being said, it is a private function, as it is private property, and is not set up to accommodate unexpected crowds. It is invite-only, and entry will be permitted only: a) with an official wooden nickel souvenir entry token handed out beforehand, or b) if you are on the guest list. Invites will be sent out Memorial Day weekend. Performing artists may bring up to 4 family members/guests.
• It is kid-friendly: bring the whole family!
  
• It begins at noon and ends at 8 pm.
  
• Carpooling is essential. As anyone who has been down to the lake over the last 45 years knows, there is not a lot of parking. If you are not an immediate family member or musician, you must park on the street above, on the lake side of the street only, at your own risk.
• There will be the following amenities: A fire pit & a gas grill for cooking; a Port-a-John on-site; kayaks, floats, and other water sports-type accessories.
• The event is like any beach day: bring your own food, beverages, ice, cooler, chair, towel, sunscreen, etc...
• There is no electricity or plumbing, and the only private area for changing clothes is inside the large storage shed amongst the folding chairs.
• There may be a few early "Amateur Hour" time slots available for folks who wish to have an audience to play whatever songs they might know. Bring your guitar, bongos, horn section, etc... and have at us!
  

Surry Hospitality

Check out Christopher Anthony Cote's video, and look for his new EP "When in Nature" (under the name Almanac Mountain) available April 20th. Get it here.

Spring!

Logo Idea

This is the first of what I am sure will be many logo ideas for whatever I decide to get printed up for giveaway commemorative items. The converging rows of evergreens on the property inspired the layout of the tree images.

Feel free to leave any input in the comments section below.

Air Traffic Controller?

When I was out on the town in Cambridge Friday night, my friend Jay said he'd be talking with his friend from the band Air Traffic Controller sometime this week, and he was going to see if they (or even just his friend and a pal or two) would be willing to play the 'Fest. Check them out, tell us if you like them, and keep your fingers crossed...

Confirmations

I just got a wonderful surprise: Lee Villaire has sent me an e-mail saying she would like to join her bandmates Jay Sharron and Kris Lucander, and play at the 'Fest!

Check out Lee's website for frequently-updated tour dates (both solo and with her band), and as always, her 'full band' shows are posted at the top of the page on Not Lame Minus for your convenience. And keep an eye out for her new cd coming out in March!

If you'd like to check out Lee live before the summer, here are a few upcoming dates:

• 02/13: Four Points by Sheraton (full band) - Leominster 8 pm
• 02/23: The Red Onion (solo) - Baldwinville - 8:30 pm
• 03/02: Greendale's Pub (solo) - Worcester - 8 pm
  
• 03/25: Bull Run Restaurant (solo) - Shirley - 7:30 pm
  
• 04/08: Bull Run Restaurant (full band) - Shirley - 8 pm
  

Things are proceeding as I had hoped, and I could not be more thrilled. Attendees will be able to hear talented musicians from all across New England (and Montreal!) in a relaxed live summer setting that will expose the artists to new fans, and vice-versa.

In-Blog Play:

More - Lee Villaire

Official Date

The official date has been finalized as Saturday July 31st, with a rain date (if necessary) the following day, Sunday August 1st. Start time TBD, end time just after sunset.

Start planning your day trip! ☺

Stuff

I sent a note to my friend Pete (we've known each other since early elementary school, and he was a huge influence on my musical taste back in high school in the mid-to-late 80's) about this project. I am hoping he wants to get together to create a song or three for "Amateur Hour". He is a really good percussionist, and I think with him on bongos and me on my guitar we could put out a good ten minutes of entertainment for our professional friends!

I am so excited about this. I hope it is such fun, and that the musicians have such a positive experience, that it could turn into a yearly event. Of course, the first one has to be a success first! I can't imagine it not being a fun day for all involved...

In-Blog Play:

Beat's So Lonely - Charlie Sex...

An Update (More Random Notes)

Good news: Jay is interested in playing! I feel this is a good indicator that Kris will as well (but I will wait for his confirmation before I get too excited). They play together in Lee Villaire's band (Check them out). Heck, maybe I can get them to ask her to come sing too...

I am also going to see which of my musically-inclined friends who do not usually perform in public would like to throw something together for what I am tentatively (and respectfully) calling "Amateur Hour". If anyone is interested please let me know.

I want there to be a true festival vibe, which is why I am considering the balloon launch for the kids, and I am trying to think of other things for them to do (though the lake itself should be the biggest draw for them), like face painting and soap bubbles. I am considering door prizes (everyone gets a ticket, and we draw the prizes throughout the day) as well. All (reasonable) ideas are welcome!

In-Blog Play:

Speak In Words - Vanessa Kafka

Random Notes

In regard to the wish list of performers, Dichotomy was a local band from the early 90's that four of my friends from high school put a lot of effort into, much to the delight of family, friends, and North Central Massachusetts as a whole. I had a cd of their songs floating around, so this past summer I posted them on a MySpace page for posterity, and now old fans are flocking there to reminisce a bit. My wish is for Nathan, Jason, Mark and Keith to get back together for a one-off at the festival, or barring a full-fledged reunion, have a couple of people sit in for the missing member(s). Who knows what it would sound like over 15 years later, but it sure would be cool!

As far as the actively working musicians on the list go, so far Christopher is interested, and Jay & Kris have each been sent a detailed e-mail about the event. I am considering several others as well, but I need to speak to them in person.

In-Blog Play:

Now's the Time - Charlie Parke...

Must-Haves

Aside from the obvious (musicians, a place to cook food and a port-a-potty), here are some of the ideal things I would like to have (and/or have happen) at Music Fest:

• Friends and family (of course).
  
• A small stage, or at least a flat dry area for the performers, most likely where the tree lines join, at the top of the slope.
  
• A canopy in case of rain.
• A keg of Wachusett beer (Nut Brown? Country Ale?) from the local microbrewery. Look up local soda companies too.
  
• T-shirts, posters, stickers, etc... of the event. Not for sale, but as a "thank you" for attending and helping to make a great day even better.
• Balloons for the kids? Maybe even postcards of the event which they can attach to the balloons to set free like I did way back in elementary school.

In-Blog Play:

Dog's Got A Bone - The Beta Ba...

The Catalyst/Inspirations

One of my 2010 New Year's resolutions is to host a music festival down at the family lot on Wyman's Pond this summer.

I have several friends who perform live music, and I think it would be amazing to get them all in one place to show off their skills for friends and family in a memorable one-off event.

I'll be posting as ideas hit me and things shape up, with band profiles, designs for posters, t-shirts, etc... that I come up with (to add weight and fun to the whole project), and any local businesses that might want to tie in (should I choose to pursue that route) for a bit of out-of-town exposure.

In-Blog Play:

Runaway - Mae