FloydFest 6, It’s in the Mix

FloydFest 6, It’s in the Mix
Jul 28, 2007

So far, so awesome! After a long wait, a long drive and a long talk with Mother Nature, we arrived at our campsite here at FloydFest Friday morning. 

The vibe is amazing and the people here are so gracious and always willing to stop and chat. Even stage hands stopped by for a gab session at our campsite early this morning (a little too early for some of us honestly).

My first show at FloydFest was the highly-talented Toubab Krewe. I can’t name all the instruments these boys pulled out, but it was a high energy dancefest down at the main stage. If you’ve never been here before, this tall timber stage is primo! Perhaps you’ve seen it from the Blue Ridge Parkway? Let me tell you, it’s even more impressive up close. I hope to catch Toubab again this weekend. They really worked us into a frenzy.

Bands and performers are all extremely personable and easy to talk to. Workshops taking place here also give audiences a chance to pick up some pointers and see these artists at work. Every time we walk by the bus for Kill Basa Bill’s Roadshow they all holler out a hello and wave. Haven’t seen them in show yet – but I think we are in for a treat. Check out their Myspace page when you get the chance, and tickle your ears with “I Don’t Look Good Nekkid Anymore.”
We’re hoping to catch up with the Carolina Chocolate Drops after their workshop session for an interview. Word is they have a film role in the works.

And for those moms and dads who want to catch a show in a beautiful setting without worrying about what to do with the little ones, FloydFest is a dream come true. The kids almost outnumber the adults here. They have their own universe! So sweet. We hope to bring you more about those pint-sized adventures later in the weekend.

Probably the most pleasant surprise here is just the amazing music from folks I really haven’t heard of before. The Waybacks jammed last night! They too are hosting a workshop as are many fiddle players, mandolin strummers and banjo pickers.

We also saw DeVotchKa on the main stage. These guys came highly recommended from a buddy up in Boston. Their unique strain of what we can only term “gypsy music” was very chill and mostly mellow. I didn’t understand most of what the lead singer said but yet I found myself loving it and simply entranced. So sexy, whatever the language.

Kathy Knotts, Wytheville Enterprise