Live Music 30A Songwriters Festival, January 15 -17, 2010

[SouthernMan]

I should follow up and say I have seen Sam Bush and Dread Clampitt many times and both the SeaSide REP show and the Bluz performance with Dread and Sam were amazing.... those two shows alone were worth the trip.... Just so you know Im not the type to poormouth and complain about everything ....

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't think you and I attended the same festival!

Yes, I had issues with people being VERY rude friday night, but by saturday and sunday they seemed to have figured out to be quiet during performances and not stand in front of others - and the volunteers were enforcing it.

I got to the venues early (if I can do it, anyone can) and had great seats for performances I loved........and didn't even have long waits for the women's bathroom.

And the weather wasn't a big issue - yes, saturday was rainy and chilly, but I just put on my big girl panties, a coat, and enjoyed a hot chocolate during the show.

Sunday was definitely cold, but so what. I had funn waiting in line and meeting new people, and despite the cold & wind saw an amazing show and had a great time.

I absolutely loved the venues and think a little tweaking to increase seating/capacity is all that is needed.

Sorry you had such a bad time!

 

[Desso]

Rude, obnoxious, self-absorbed drunks on 30A, you are kidding right? You are going to catch some real heat for your honest, succinct observations, SouthernMan. This crowd really isn't up for criticism. Loved the music, liked the venues, but the crowd did leave a lot to be desired. Sorry, but some of the people there really should not be drinking.

 

[SouthernMan]

I had a good time...It was a great experience overall.. BUT, it could have been MUCH MUCH better.... and I suspected I will draw some heat for my remarks... but as they say we all have opinions... Mine is just one of many, and is just as worthy as any other ....

 

[bchtravlr]

Venue ideas

I didn't mention this in my post yesterday, as I am not aware of the logistics planning and the entire revenue/expense stream for festival.

But I believe with our limited venue options, and the community desire to make this work in the future, it could be possible to include some of the local church / chapel halls into venues. They typically will manage the larger capacities, are better designed for a "concert" venue, and could resovle what I anticipate as next years "Volume" problem. They won't be in a position to belly up $1800 for the weekend, nor will they likely sell food or alcohol to consume during the performances. I
Many of the observations from Southernboy were observed and some at a lesser degree. A mix of large and small "coffee house" venues could meet multiple needs if it could be pulled off!

My two cents!

 

[Eileen West]

Best thing since the Gulf of Mexico

"The best thing to happen to 30A since the Gulf of Mexico", says Franko "Washboard" Jackson. And I agree! Thanks to Jennifer Saunders, the rainmaker behind this whole thing, The CAA for having the guts to back this completely new event in the middle of the winter, thanks to Paige and mark, and Antia for all the hard hard work. Thanks to the volunteers without whom the whole thing would have collapsed, the artists, the venues. EVERYONE had a rip roaring blast! see you all next year!

 

[Teresa]

I had a good time...It was a great experience overall.. BUT, it could have been MUCH MUCH better.... and I suspected I will draw some heat for my remarks... but as they say we all have opinions... Mine is just one of many, and is just as worthy as any other ....

Mr. SM.

what an intro. maybe you can start by telling us a bit about yourself in the intro forum? also, maybe next year you can find the venues that suit you better. no doubt the festival will improve on logistics each year - its a HUGE undertaking. and such a gift to all of us - especially those who live here and enjoy getting out with friends to hear music and enjoy a festival that is NOT in July. The entire concept of this community-based music festival is brilliant. and I'm proud of everyone involved in all the planning and work to make it happen.

I was out of town and missed out on the events but I've heard nothing but the best about performances and how excited locals are about such an event going on in January - and all the possibilities for the future! It is a wonderful thing for our community. Locals are going to own this festival - and its about time! Way to go CAA!

 

[scooterbug44]

I thought the artists and organizers and venues were great - it was the appallingly rude/drunk behavior on Friday (that was given the severe smackdown at my locations on Sat & Sun and so was a non-issue there at least) that was the only real negative of the event IMO.

Can't wait for next year! Have been listening to my new favorite artists' CDs for days!

 

[Zebraspots]

Many attendees needed to shut up and have some manners. We had guests from out of town with us and they were amazed at the way people were acting.

 

[Em]

Glad I missed the chattering venues. Every venue I attended, had a great audience of listeners. My greatest disappointment during the event was not being able to listen to each artist. Everyone I heard was incredibly talented, and I don't know how I had not heard about them before. It was interesting that while I didn't recognize the artists by name, I had heard other celebrities singing their songs. I love that this event gets to the roots and soul of the overly-polished songs we hear on the radio.

I will also note that I heard several of the artists say how surprised they were with this inaugural event because they had been to many songwriters festivals and this was by far, the best, and most organized that they have ever been to. That says quite a bit about all of the planning which was done behind the scenes by the hard-working organizers and many volunteers who made this special event happen.

For several years, I have been saying that MountainFilm on tour (WaterColor) is by far my favorite event in South Walton. I still love MountainFilm greatly and look forward to many more years of that excellent program, but I may have a new favorite, as long as it doesn't get too popular and turn into a Bonnaroo with 125,000 people attending.