We have a late-summer festival in the lower east corner of the state, Tumbleweed Festival. They do a wonderful job there, and I am continually amazed. Everything from writing challenges(topic given, you write the song) and workshops to the glorious 'band scramble' where they place your name in a hat, put you together with a group, and give you an hour to come up with something resembling a 15 minute set.

The entire festival is set in a riverside park, with various stages set amongst the trees. This caused a bit of discomfort last year, as they had a Canadian Folk/rock band down that 'plugged in'. This put everyone else playing at the same time in the park at an obvious disadvantage. (Aside: kudos to Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer for a lovely set despite the distraction)

When folks complained, the rock-stars feigned indifference. A true shame. What was missing was respect.

~Elle