They Asked Us To Stay for Tea And Have Some Fun

PCarlson 2013 Mountain Jam

There is something primal about listening to music in the mountains. You are at the mercy of the ever-changing weather. It can be cruel and punishing with cold rain, mysterious with fog rolling in, colored by the stage lights, or blessed by coronas of sun peaking over the mountain. Mountain Jam is by far one of my favorite music festivals. It is simple, not hard to get to, it isn't pretentious, and the people are so damn nice.

This year's lineup was hard to pass up. Here is a review of what I was able to catch.
Thursday night acts included Marco Benevento, Railroad Earth, and four hours of moe. that sent us into Friday with a stellar Rebubula.

 

 

PCarlson Mountain Jam 2015

Friday started exactly where we left off. Some more Marco Benevento and then Nikki Lane, and Spirit Family Reunion welcomed the crowds. Midafternoon Dead heads got their fix with Trigger Hippy and Joe Russo's Almost Dead ... and then the rain came. But through the deluge, the music was played and fans set up their camp for the exciting Friday night.

To welcome back the sun, Grace Potter gave us a rocking performance that included Warren Haynes helping her to cover Neil Young's Cinnamon Girl. 

As the fog rolled in, the crowds surged for the Golden God himself, Robert Plant. And the Golden God delivered. The Zep fans got Black Dog, Rock and Roll, and Going to California. Robert also dug into his own new album as well as treating us with some Mississippi Delta blues.

Robert said adieu and we welcomed Government Mule and a fitting moon for some Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon covers. The atmosphere was perfect for the outstanding set by Mule. From the leading ladies on Great Gig in the Sky to the special treat of Comfortably Numb, it was a Mountain Jam gift.

The glorious sun greeted Saturday and the biggest crowds yet. I checked out a new artist, Jocelyn Arndt who has Fiona Apple's voice and Aretha's soul (quite a feat for someone so young). She, her brother, and the band jammed on the smaller stage, but just wait -

PCarlson Mountain Jam 2015

they will be back! The Wailers and newcomers Shakey Graves, and of course some Govt Mule filled the day until it was time for the Black Keys to turn the volume up to like 20.

And then Sunday's always come too fast. The most gorgeous day of the festival, it would also be the shortest but it would be filled with so much LOVE!
Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams brought some new tunes to the stage. And Levon Helm's daughter, Amy, brought lots of soul to the crowd and even gave us a slow version of The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down.



PCarlson Mountain Jam 2015

Immediately following we were treated to all time crowd favorite Michael Franti and Spearhead. He brings such a positive energy to the crowd ... and into it as well as he cannot seem to stay on stage.


And then reality began to set in as the sun began to slide behind the mountain. Alabama Shakes was a perfect choice to wrap up the weekend as Brittany's soulful cry matched our own not wanted to go back to reality.

Once again, Mountain Jam was filled with memorable music moments, meeting people who worship music, and scenes that make you pinch yourself. Many thanks to our friends who provided a roof over our heads, Andrew and D'Angelico Guitars for your absolute outstanding hospitality, some generous photographers who obliged every time Andrew would say "Here take a picture of us", J Bowman, Grace Potter's legs, Robert Plant (all of him), the blessed gift of having a husband who understands the need for live music, and  to a big thank you to all of the musicians who give their blood, sweat, and tears to show your souls on stage.

PCarlson 2015 Mountain Jam