Well, the 2015 Blustery Getaway is in the books. A smaller group in attendance than in past years, and with flood warnings and hurricane warnings it was no surprise. I arrived Friday afternoon and the forecast was still uncertain. Friday night was a night of howling wind and tossing trees and BIG water puddles on the walkway, but that only added to the coziness inside the Retreat center and Peace cabin, where music went on until about 1 am. Saturday was calmer and not as wet, and we were able to attend the workshops and amble across the west river campus with a minimum of hassle. More familiar faces began to appear, our numbers increased, and the event began to feel like home, despite the inclement weather.
Some sessions and happenings that stand out for me: Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen singing and playing Robin Williamson's October Song with the medieval drone of the harmonium filling the room as the wind and rain owned the night outside. Pete Kraemer knocking out a blues on the steel resonator guitar. Going off-trail in the Trail Songs session to hear a great collection of new and old cowboy songs that made the hour fly past. Kendall's Bear tale. Singing We Shall Overcome in a hand-holding circle of singers and sharing stories of how things really have gotten better, and of how far we still need to go. Dan Schatz' stories of Jean Ritchie and his rendition of Cool of the Day. Phil Fox, in spite of a recent stroke, leading every one in a rousing rendition of If I Had a Hammer at the close of Sunday's concert. Amazing Grace at midnight in the retreat center. Jessie Palidofsky's song about the Beats.
Talisker.
Carpe Manana.
A while back, Amos and I co-wrote a song about the Getaway with the line "Lord, willing and the creek don't rise, I'll see you at the Getaway."
Well, the creek rose, but apparently the Lord was willing for us to have a truly memorable gathering.