Wakarusa Report

[GN YAKN]

I spent a very hot weekend at the Wakarusa festival near Turner Bend this past weekend. Once I got in and got into the groove I had a great time. Seemed like there were at least three times as many people at the show this year than at last year's event. Don't think there's room for any more!

Once the sun went down each evening it was pretty nice out. Before that it was almost unbearable unless you were under shade and had a fan blowing on you!

I had trouble getting in on Thursday and missed shows by Split Lip Rayfield and Band of Heathens, but did get to catch Todd Snider with Vince Herman's Great American Taxi (great set!), Hayes Carll, and Railroad Earth. The Machine (Pink Floyd cover band) did a really fine job of playing and a nice light show! That was Thursday.

Highlights for me for the rest of the weekend were Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears and JJ Gray and Mofro. Umphrey McGhee and Dweezil Zappa shows were good too. Would have liked to have caught a lot more music but it was just too hot and crowded to move around like I would have liked to. Guess I'm going to have to get one of those scooter chairs!

Not sure if they'll return to the Valley of Love for next year's show or not but it sure has been a nice run so far. Everyone should consider coming out to the Harvest Festival at Mulberry Mountain in October. It should be a little cooler and lot less crowded. More bluegrass type music as well.

Waka Waka

[denergyo6]

Thanks for the report GN, sounds like all went well. Could not make it this year. Will try for the fall trip.
Karl

[Gink]

The music - great! The people - great! The venue - great!

But the crowds overwhelmed the facilities and organizational endeavors of the promoters -- and if you had to camp off site expect 2 hour shuttles and some pretty stinky restrooms. Sadly the promoters are looking to further increase the size of the festival so next year it may even be worse.

TMy opinion: he smaller crowds of the Harvest Festival -- and less emphasis on Jam and more emphasis of bluegrass -- make for a much more delightful experience. Plus Yonder String and Keller will be there.

And for those who love to jam -- with a slightly techno edge -- head to Byrd's Adventure Center - July 30 - Aug 1 - for another great outdoor music and arts festival.

[robkanraft]

After last year’s Porto-O-Potti’s, I said next time I’m bringing my own! Eco Safe rocket box to the rescue! Not too sorry I missed Waka, glad the fall fest is back!

[Sasquatch]

Guess I'm going to have to get one of those scooter chairs!

I think that would be AWSOME! But Red neck it out with a beefy gas burning motor. Oh wait, you mean at Waka? Then it would be better to bring out some heavy metal shuch as this :shock: