Britt Fest '10

Back in June, it was The Black Crowes with our friends Marigny and Goody. We sat up on the grassy hill at Britt Fest and listened to a bunch of songs we didn't know (but liked) and "She Talks To Angels," which is always excellent.

Then last week, we headed to hear the group Swell Season with Kai and Dana. Swell Season was outstanding. If you've never seen the movie "Once," go out and rent it. Then, imagine the two of them singing in concert. Marketa in her totally understated, sedate, Czech manner; Glen in his passionate, energetic, urgent, and sometimes even soft, Irish manner, who happens to be one of the most inspired performers I've ever seen. Singing songs like "Leave" and "When Your Mind's Made Up," and even Michelle Shocked's "Fogtown." It was breath-taking.

This week, Mick and I are headed to see the old rock band, Styx, on Wednesday night. And then Thursday night, we're taking the kids with us to see Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, a swinging singing band that the kids love. They have a big band sound and sing great stuff like "The King of Swing."

In case you don't know, Britt Fest is this amazing, outdoor music venue in Jacksonville, Oregon. There's lawn seating right in front of the band, which costs extra, then there's a slew of seating in rows, and then there's a big grassy hill to spread a blanket and dinner on. There are also food and drink stands open at Britt Fest for the first 2/3 of the show if you want to buy there. But the best thing about Britt is its intimacy if you're in the very front row. Oh, and the gorgeous treed hills surrounding the whole arena. Yeah, it's gorgeous.