“This here is my festival” click to play.

At every festival talent is abundance and yet there are always one or two stand out artists. This year for me it’s been Alela Diane on two stages, Horse Feathers in the barn on Saturday afternoon and discovering the genius that is Langhorne Slim. But, and here’s the big but, however amazing they all were they pale when compared to the genius that is Dale Watson. It’s hard to explain what an electric and dynamic performer this man is and I’d be throwing out clichés if I were to try and describe it. On the main stage late Saturday afternoon he was amazing but much later in the night, in an absolutely packed barn, he completely destroyed. A man of his age in complete control showing the kids how it’s done. The video captures some of the energy but I recommend seeking out a show if he comes your way. Brilliant. And the Johnny Knoxville/Jackass connection? Apparently Jonny directed the video for Dale’s new single Hollywood Hillbilly which he wrote about Johnny. And Portland you are in luck - Dale plays the White Eagle on Monday night August 6th, be there.

Alela, chip, wine - what more do you need? Click to play.

The last thing I heard/saw last night was Alela Diane, accompanied by her dad, playing a beautiful set. Unfortunately Alela is moving back to Neveda City, CA - a big loss for Portland. Here’s a clip.

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Chatham County Line seemed to have been everywhere this weekend, on small stages, in the barn, but finally I saw them on the mainstage and they tore the place down….Click

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It’s not a huge leap from Foghorn String Band’s wonderful, ramshackle rootsy picking and foot stomping so today Foghorn alum, Caleb, led a different band through a very cool, back to basics classic country set. Check out the video.

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My first music sighting/listening was in a workshop this afternoon where Sasparilla and the Two Man Gentleman Band ran through some cool routines and then had a jam session together at the end. Click to play the movie.