Like something from a picture book, two rainbows, one a perfect arch stretching across the farm, delighted us all as Li'l Ann began the opening set at the Springtime Family Reunion Festival on Hahn's Farm in Salt Point, NY. But if that wasn't enough, on Sunday evening as the sun set on the final hours of this festival, a third rainbow brought it to a close. Perhaps this "never say die" festival has finally found the gold at the end of the rainbow. How fitting that the closing page of this weekend's program book has the Celtic blessing which contains the line:
While the number of attendees was shy of breakeven, there was a good crowd that came. The festival had a family party feel to it, a real down home barn party. Pat Laine and Will Tolland and their festival committee now have the magic in their hands to revive this ailing festival, formally known as Stamfordville, that marks the beginning of the summer dance season in the northeast. After the 2004 festival party held at Pat and Will's home for lack of a public venue, Tom Hahn, a friend and invited guest of the Pat and Will, offered the use of his farm a short piece down the road in Salt Point, NY.
Tom Hahn and his family went out of their way to make everyone feel right at home. The farm and its rolling hills setting was so peaceful. The hay barn was transformed into a dance hall with staging and a sizable dance floor. A seating area was set up on the length with hay bales and enough room for chairs. Tom had built a shower facility and a small kitchen for food service. There was a designated area for volunteer and band camping. The general camping area was in a gorgeous field directly across the street, just below Tom's home. Volunteer's regularly patrolled for trash pickup and Tom's employees patrolled the camping area for security. Tom's farm hands joined in to help out in anyway that they could with friendly smiles. The Pleasant Valley fire department was on site on a voluntary basis during the entire weekend festival. They joined in the festivities and could be seen selling glow sticks to the dancers throughout Saturday and Sunday's evening sets. Throughout the weekend, Tom ran hayrides across his farm just about every hour. What a beautiful view from top of the crest in the Wedding Field, where Tom married his wife under the hanging tree and where legend has it that Tom's great grandfather hung a man for playing too much rap music. lol!
All of the bands were HOT especially Roy Carrier joined by his son DikiDu on drums, who were cranking Friday evening, but turned it up several notches for Saturday evening's set. Certainly, the accident that totaled his van upon arrival at Pat and Will's house didn't dampen the band's energy or spirit. Fortunately, no-one was hurt in the crash and Pat and Will were able to arrange a brand new van for Roy immediately.
Sean Ardoin and his ZydeKool band mixed up their set with some soulful and funky pieces mixed in with the traditional Zydeco. Sean with his wireless microphone and accordion, roamed among the dancers on several occasion during his sets. Totally cool!
Li'l Anne played two sets and Phil voice was at its best despite his recent health scare. Noam Guerrier Freud, the young Canadian scrub board player, helped out so that Phil could rest. Harold Guillory, who used to be with Chris Ardoin's band nicknamed Noam "Hot Sauce". Way to go "Hot Sauce"! Willis Prudhome took over for Phil on a few of the songs during the 2nd set. During Willis' set, members of ZydeKool and Roy Carrier's band collaborated. Magnolia played a set on Saturday, plus Michelle and Allen joined Jesse Lege for his second set on Sunday. While Allen was singing, Jesse left the stage to waltz around the dance floor with the ladies. Let's not forget Planet Zydeco and River City Slim. Both bands sounded fantastic. The collaboration between the band added to the magic of the festivities.
The energy started high and stayed high throughout the entire weekend. The woman who got to dance with Maxine's young son, Rueben were so lucky. Can that kid dance! Early in the weekend, Tom Hahn told one of the dancers he didn't dance and never would dance but by Sunday evening, Tom and his wife were on the dance floor. Guess the music was just too irresistible.
It was a non-stop weekend for all. By midnight Sunday, the look of exhaustion could be seen on many dancers face but still everyone was smiling, laughing and having the time of their lives. At the end of Sean Ardoin's set on Sunday, he sang a piece urging us all to tell someone (to keep this festival alive.) As we neared mid-night on Sunday, Pat called Tom Hahn to the stage to publicly thank him for the use of his farm. The crowd let out a rousing cheer for Tom, much like a standing ovation. Volunteers were also recognized for their efforts throughout the weekend.
For those of you who missed it, you missed one of the best parties. For those of you who were there, thanks for the fantastic weekend. The future of this festival is still precarious. The numbers didn't reach break-even and the hoppers are in the red. After finally finding a perfect venue, it would be ashamed to let it go. If you love Zydeco and Cajun music, let's all show Pat and Will some support to keep this one going by sending in a donation. I look at it this way. I enjoyed 7 bands and 30 hours of music for the price of a ticket. Where else could I have had that much fun for so few dollars? A 4 hour rock concert would have cost me more than that. I think I can spare a few dollars more if it means keeping this wonderful festival alive.
Donations can be sent to the same address posted for tickets found on the Spring Time Family Reunion website.
