Note. I forgot to mention that performers did not get paid but got to sell CDs.

Itz 2.00am and I just got in from a stay over at Okemah Oklahoma, 17/18th. I am dazed by the variety and excellence of the festival. The performances just sizzled they were soo good. Red Dirt Rangers, superb - very entertaining and gureat fun to talk to after the show :) Don Conascenti, I nearly fell over: never seen such skill on a Guitar absolutely mind boggling! Don's singing also excellent - Susan Shore - a treat and a beautiful voice :) Still on the Hill - actually I sorta had a sneak preview twice - once off the web and also at the camp ground where they put on a show :) I guess people were letting 'it' happen. I could not stay for all the performers on the main stage but I could hear a great deal and enjoyed em all.

The camp site was where there was an open stage had some of the nicest little suprises of all. Several singer songwriters did spots- All were excellent. Just cruising around with my ole Gibson and chatting/picking a few with people I soon learned that there was wide variety of style etc. Large number of young pickers form all over the USA. Stayed up most of the night pickin and listening to people. Sunday morning I managed to get sat down and listen to for a spell, a small group guitar/harp duet playing some real hot finger picked blues. That I liked a lot. It was simple unamplified and the lyrics of the songs both interesting and fun.

The Oklahoma Songwriter's Guild presented the winner to their contest before the Sunday Afternoon Show began. That was icing on the cake.

There is a 'fizz' thing about this festival, feels like there used be a torch burning out there in the musical universe that kinda died and this gathering of people has relit with their enthusiam, energy, creativity and courage. John Wesley Harding briefly touched on this at the very start. Country Joe Mc Donald who did the last main stage set expressed it best- not only in his songs and performance but also by his attitude. Freedom to be - what ever you want to be. Hmmm, best I can do right now maybe others could say better, please do :)

People I missed that I wanted to see grrrrrr Bob Childers , The Farm Couple. All this for five bucks parking!! Unbelievable but IT DID HAPPEN. Woody's spirit lives on! Thanyou Mary Jo :) I will be back next year, one day early.