The rain may have wet the ground, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd at the 4th Annual Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival on Saturday June 20th in Central Park in Honesdale. People came out in droves and danced in the rain. “It’s good to see people having a good time and as much as Mother Nature wanted to dampen spirits, she couldn’t,” said George Johnson from Lakeville.
Those who preferred not to dance in the rain were saved. Thanks to a generous last minute donation from Rent-E-Quip’s owner Steve Moticha, four huge tents appeared in the Park on Friday. “They just showed up,” said committee member John Rocklin. “…What Rent-E-Quip did - I’m speechless.”
Rocklin, one of the masterminds behind the Roots and Rhythm Music and Arts Festival, says, “…A committee of music lovers puts (Roots and Rhythm) together… We try to put together something unexpected - we kind of want to surprise people.”
“Honesdale Mayor Jonathan Fritz kicked of the event declaring: “It is with genuine pride and pleasure that we recognize this day…as one to gather in the enjoyment of great music, authentic arts, delectable fare and the good company of our fellow neighbor.” And then the first band took the stage…
A mist hung over the park as The Murder Ballads stepped up and played it’s own unique brand of “boot-stomping, high lonesome bluegrass.”(Connections Magazine Roots and Rhythm Guide 2009) Since 2006 the band has been impressing crowds with their performance all over Northeast Canada and the U.S. - as far west as Colorado. Their unique brand of bluegrass is a style that Roots & Rhythm fans just love.
“Murder Ballad is great!” said Robin Sampson who attends the festival each year. “It’s nice to have great music close. It’s not always famous talent, but it’s always worth hearing.”
Soon after, the sizzling sounds of Heybale!, filled the air. Heybale! did not disappoint with their Honky-Tonk tunes. “I could hear the music from my apartment and knew I needed to get down here,” said Bethany Olson, summertime Honesdale resident.
When Michelle Willson and the “Evil Gal” Festival Orchestra took the stage and delivered, a promised “rootin’ tootin’ rompin’ stompin’ evil-ishous good time.” (Michelle Willson, Connections Magazine Roots and Rhythm Guide 2009) the crowd whooped. “I think it’s great for the area to have this,” says Susanna Daniels of Honesdale. “It brings a lot of people. I love the music.”
Children frolicked the day away at The Wayne County Arts Alliance (WCAA) Tunes and Tales tent. Children participated in a drum circle with drums of their own creation. “It’s a damaru, actually,” said 5-year-old Natha Corrigan from Honesdale explained as he demonstrated use of his newly made instrument. “It’s a little hard to play, even for me.” A damaru is a small two headed pellet drum that is well known throughout the Indian sub-continent. “We moved away (from Honesdale) in 2000, and moved back in 2009,” added Natha’s Mom, Heather Corrigan. “Wow. What a difference. There’s so much more going on – so much more culture - more for families. We’re happy to be back.”
The young and young at heart enjoyed shows and tales told by gifted storytellers and a rousing game of ‘hot potato’ with a twist – in Spanish using a stuffed cat. A piñata was destroyed and a good time was had by all.
“Rain or shine this is a great day for Honesdale,” says owner of Arts for Babies and beyond Jane Theobald. “To have people and excitement and having the park used for this family event. It creates a good feeling about Honesdale. We already know Honesdale a great town – it’s nice to share it with other people.”
Families came together to enjoy the day. “The popcorn was hot and delicious,” Ethan Ames shared. “And felt warm against the nice cool rain.”
But Roots and Rhythm could never happen without the community and volunteers. “I’m humbled by the community involvement,” says Brian Fulp, committee volunteer organizer and VP. “I didn’t have to go and look for any volunteers, they came to me.”
“The spirit of camaraderie can best be described as splendid,” observed Carly Schrina, who has just moved to Honesdale from Minnesota.
The Artist’s on Artists row had good things to say as well. “We’re successfully soggy,” said vendor Forrest Schafer, owner of Ebb and Flow creations and organic farm in Lakewood. “And enamored by the patronage.”
“It’s good to be out here,” said Lindsay Barrett George, children’s book author and illustrator. “The music is awesome and the people are nice. Happy to be here.”
The main stage was not the only place to hear great music. Bands performed all over town and music filled the air throughout day. Scott Phillips and the Stonebaby Band, The Jack Grace Band, The Riff Kings, and the Gypsy Jazz Quintet played at different times throughout the day.
“A tremendous event for Honesdale – brings a lot of people and it’s nice having the event downtown,” said Ed Lagendoerfer, Honesdale Council President.
By the time headliner Junior Brown took the stage, festivalgoers though soggy were content. “Even though it’s raining we’re having a great time,” said Maryann Bacorn. “Don’t let the rain stop you from having fun.”
A hush fell over the crowd as Gary Beilman, president of The Dime Bank introduced Junior Brown, followed immediately by whoops and cheers. Faithful fans crowded the stage and the performer stepped into view. “They’ve done a wonderful job again, shared Derek Williams of Honesdale. “It’s a great weekend to be in town. This is a cultural renaissance…it’s a really great thing.”
Even with the rain, the mud and the cold, Roots and Rhythm pulled off yet another great free concert with the community, for the community. “This is like a little baby Woodstock. I love it every year,” says Betty Lawson of Honesdale. “We’re just so lucky to live in this town.”
Honesdale, Pa. —
