Our hosts for the weekend - Rob & Michelle opened the Saturday show with a nice acoustic set. These folks have been the most gracious hosts for 2 years. I don't know many people who would allow a bunch of strangers invade their back yard to get their freak on for even one night, let alone invite us back for a double header like they did this year. All I can say on behalf of the Juggling family is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
After Rob & Michelle's set, the acoustic music continued with an evolving stage of musicians (Tim & Friends) starting with Will and Tim. They opened last year's Open Road with a very appropriate Looks Like Rain which they also reprised with some sweet licks from Mark, as a dedication to our promoter John 'Grandfunk' Mason. I thought I heard Grandfunk walking around later singing some song that went J-U-L-I-E but I could be mistaken.
There were a few musical surprises in store for us during the weekend, the first being Ivan strapping on an acoustic guitar and joining Will and Tim to not only play, but also sing a song for us.
Ivan sure seemed to be enjoying himself and I hope to hear him do this again sometime! Maybe New Years? (hint, hint)
Tim and Friends evolved into Mark and Friends including Kenny G. on bass and Will switching to mandolin. I couldn't get to any Mark and Friends shows this year so hearing all these talented musicians performing acoustically was a real treat and one of the highlights of the weekend for me personally.
In my opinion Taper Tim deserved the MVP award for the weekend as he filled many roles... bringing the stage canopy with him from Jersey, working the sound with Rodger, managing the stage, playing a long acoustic set and of course taping! Thanks Tim for all you do for us!!!
Here's a short clip of Looks Like Rain...
Looks Like Rain Video Clip (2.1MB)