Adopted roots
Many points of interest have occurred since the last entry. As I (David) begin this entry, I suspect that it is going to take me a while to cram all the events into one read. I also suspect that there may be some portions of this entry that some readers would like to skip over. Therefore, even though this will be written chronologically, I will break things up be certain subjects and title them appropriately so that people with specific interests can move on. With that said...
Second Hand Ska Kings
On Thursday, the SHSK and I parted company. Things turned out well for everyone involved. For me, there are different musical avenues that I've been seeking to pursue, and for the band, well, they no longer have to put up with my white bread sense of rhythm. My “artistic license” of the ska upbeat never really sat well with the rest of the band. The new projects on the horizon hold much promise. Friends I've been plotting with for some time may soon be brought together for some creative projects.
Bike Rides
Three round trips to the Cedar Cultural Center were made this weekend. All of them were done with pneumatics. No flats. I should really learn how to put by worries to rest with simply carrying a patch kit and a wrench. I had considered attending the Saturday Night ride, but the concert let out too late to attend. Seeing as how my attendance would have likely been a social visit anyway, I took care of that aspect of things by simply standing in line at the Cedar and saying hello to Wilbur, Christian, and Richard (and some cyclist who recognized me) as they rode by.
7th Annual Nordic Roots Festival
Best NRF ever! The preceding claim might not necessarily be the absolute truth, but seeing as how the trend over the previous two years had been for the festival to get progressively worse, this year's party was just the kick in the ass that was needed for me to commit to being a pass holder for all future festivals. I have vague recollections of feeling as enthused as I do now after attending the first, second, and fourth festivals. But that was so long ago that I had all but forgotten how much fun it could potentially be.
On top of seeing all the many great bands, I spent many hours hanging out with the friends whom I only see once per year. Who knew a fan’s dedication could get recognized in gratuity; Will was thanked by the MC for being in same front row center seat for the last seven years. Despite our lack of familiarity with each other outside of the festival, we always manage to have a great time while waiting for the doors of the Cedar to open. This year's non-festival-event-highlight (AKA 'entertainment while waiting in line') was watching the intoxicated thug, who had been harassing concert goers, knock himself out during a stumbling contest against his invisible nemesis.
Garmarna
The highlight of the festival though was Garmarna (of course). Typically when I've seen great Swede bands (such as Vasen) more than a half dozen times, their act can begin to lose its luster. With Garmarna however, things could never be dull. Even if I've heard it all before (which, seeing as how one of their “new” songs was one I made a bootleg of several years ago, was essentially the case) it is their familiarity which makes them so enduring... That; combined with their inclusive camaraderie.
I took quite a few photos at the show, as well as throughout the festival. But since I was pushing my film speed, the developer said that they wouldn't be ready until at least Friday. So I'll make sure to try to pick them up and scan them this weekend. In the mean time, you can try this link from a digital user. Earlier this morning the link wasn't working but given the chance that there are some good photos on there, I've linked it in hopes that it'll work soon.
Second Hand Ska Kings
On Thursday, the SHSK and I parted company. Things turned out well for everyone involved. For me, there are different musical avenues that I've been seeking to pursue, and for the band, well, they no longer have to put up with my white bread sense of rhythm. My “artistic license” of the ska upbeat never really sat well with the rest of the band. The new projects on the horizon hold much promise. Friends I've been plotting with for some time may soon be brought together for some creative projects.
Bike Rides
Three round trips to the Cedar Cultural Center were made this weekend. All of them were done with pneumatics. No flats. I should really learn how to put by worries to rest with simply carrying a patch kit and a wrench. I had considered attending the Saturday Night ride, but the concert let out too late to attend. Seeing as how my attendance would have likely been a social visit anyway, I took care of that aspect of things by simply standing in line at the Cedar and saying hello to Wilbur, Christian, and Richard (and some cyclist who recognized me) as they rode by.
7th Annual Nordic Roots Festival
Best NRF ever! The preceding claim might not necessarily be the absolute truth, but seeing as how the trend over the previous two years had been for the festival to get progressively worse, this year's party was just the kick in the ass that was needed for me to commit to being a pass holder for all future festivals. I have vague recollections of feeling as enthused as I do now after attending the first, second, and fourth festivals. But that was so long ago that I had all but forgotten how much fun it could potentially be.
On top of seeing all the many great bands, I spent many hours hanging out with the friends whom I only see once per year. Who knew a fan’s dedication could get recognized in gratuity; Will was thanked by the MC for being in same front row center seat for the last seven years. Despite our lack of familiarity with each other outside of the festival, we always manage to have a great time while waiting for the doors of the Cedar to open. This year's non-festival-event-highlight (AKA 'entertainment while waiting in line') was watching the intoxicated thug, who had been harassing concert goers, knock himself out during a stumbling contest against his invisible nemesis.
Garmarna
The highlight of the festival though was Garmarna (of course). Typically when I've seen great Swede bands (such as Vasen) more than a half dozen times, their act can begin to lose its luster. With Garmarna however, things could never be dull. Even if I've heard it all before (which, seeing as how one of their “new” songs was one I made a bootleg of several years ago, was essentially the case) it is their familiarity which makes them so enduring... That; combined with their inclusive camaraderie.
I took quite a few photos at the show, as well as throughout the festival. But since I was pushing my film speed, the developer said that they wouldn't be ready until at least Friday. So I'll make sure to try to pick them up and scan them this weekend. In the mean time, you can try this link from a digital user. Earlier this morning the link wasn't working but given the chance that there are some good photos on there, I've linked it in hopes that it'll work soon.
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