KG Returns

Hello again!

As always, thank you for checking back keeping up with all things Intents!

My latest adventure landed me on the side of a mountain in Acme, Pennsylvania at the Church of Universal Love & Music where music really is a religion and good people a staple. With a beautiful blue-sky backdrop and gorgeous green trees in every direction, the CULM is the perfect place to take in fresh air and calm your soul.

After getting my camp situated for my travel companion, Vern the Mini-Fern, and myself, I walked down to check out the set-up. Vendors lined the gravel road leading to a stone pavilion equipped with church pews for “worshipping” the service. The service Friday night was a round up of amazing musicians brought together to instill good vibes and offer a positive experience. When I arrived at the stage, the Jerry Hannan Band had just started and consisted of amazing song-writer and musician Jerry Hannan as well as Steve Molitz & Eric Gould of Particle, and Josh Clarke & Scott Rager of Tea Leaf Green. It was a great combination of talented musicians who seemed to have a lot of fun just jamming together and sounded pretty amazing given they hadn’t practiced together before the show. The music was upbeat and people gathered to hang out and enjoy the sunshine.

I took some time during the break and next set to check out the grounds and talk to some locals as well as spending time in the shade…the humidity was pretty intense. The local crowd was really nice and seemed pretty impressed that an Indiana girl would choose rural Pennsylvania as a festival destination. After discussing beer preferences and upcoming shows, I got back in time to catch Particle with Josh Clarke from TLG taking the stage and pull out a mind-blowing set. Everyone forgot about the heat and danced and cheered as each song flowed into the next. As an added bonus, a local artist had set up a light-box and painted on-stage as the band rocked out. I must admit that I stood mesmerized for a while as he turned once painting into another without ever cleaning his “canvas”. The whole experience was quite impressive and as the night rounded up, I head back to camp to enjoy the rest of the show under the stars. At this point, I have to say that although I am not the biggest fan of the state of Pennsylvania for reasons I will keep to myself, it does offer one of the most beautiful views of the night sky I have ever seen.

At the end of a long day of driving and dancing, I decided to turn in, but I can say for sure that the good times continued into the wee hours of morning. When I woke up, the skies had opened up and there were some major storms on the horizon. Seeing as my trip didn’t end there, I decided to take off just as things were starting to liven up. I was sad to miss Steve Kimock (certified Guitar God at the CULM) and Hot Buttered Rum, but I no doubt had an amazing time and will return later this summer for an August Saturday Jam. To check out the line-up of great festivals and jams sessions to come, go to ilovemusicchurch.org…it will be worth the trip!

To add a little more flavor to my blog, I’m adding a “Tunes Review” section! I’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, so why not check out some local music and let you know what I think, right? This time I took along local hip-hop group Small Wonders’ mixed tape (Travis from Village Green Records informed me that it’s basically a demo CD) and Shadyside Allstars’ latest project. Small Wonders brings a great combination of funk, soul, and even some disco on their 16-track mix and kept my spirits up with positive lyrics and killer beats. There are a few rough tracks, but, like I said, it’s just a mix. You can pick it up for yourself for only 5 bones at VGR and be sure to keep on the lookout for their upcoming album in the next few months. The Shadyside Allstars also brought a funky feel to my trip with amazing space jams and comedic lyrics. My personal fave, Trubador Stu, always puts a smile on my face and makes me wish I were watching the Allstars live. Check them out at myspace.com/shadysideallstars to check out some tunes and find out how you can get the CD for yourself. Let me know of any local favorites of yours you think I should check out the next time I’m on the road.

Speaking of next time, this weekend I’m hitting up the 1st annual Hookahnanny at Hog Hill in Hamilton, IN featuring ekoostik hookah (founders of Hookahville), Derick Howard, Romeo Champagne, Shaggy Wonda, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, The Werks and a slew of other regional bands that are sure to bring a wondrous weekend of music. Go to new.myershoghill.com for full details!

Be sure to check back for full coverage of all things InTents; until then, stay positive and have a great day!
music.love.KG.