by Hunter Gordon, Newtown, PA

(7/24/07) For the past two days I keep seeing this vision in my memory of four days/nights of rocking music, great food and drink, and some pretty freakin’ awesome friends on a large green tarp. I can’t help wondering if it was real, or just a blurry dream.

If it was real. it was a complete and total BLAST! 

My Highlights:

- Grace Potter - Way to end a Saturday night!

- Los Lonely Boys - Playing each other’s guitars, playing the bass by dropping it to the correct fret.

- Cat Empire - Nice hip swivel dance! It WAS the weekend!

- The Smithereens - Jim jumping off the stage to play next to audience, Pat and Jim resolving argument by chugging.

- Ryan Shaw - Who told Beth he loved her.

- James Hunter - Who has a great last name (if I do say so myself) but revealed his real last name to my sons at the meet-n-greet.

- Sam Roberts Band - My biggest surprise band. He can jam!

- Blackthorn - Stirring up the dirt dancing jigs and reels in front of the marina stage.

- Jim McGuinn paying a visit to the big green tarp for some food, drink and conversation.

- And many, many more moments too numerous to mention.

With all the wonderful volunteers helping, and all the hard-working XPN’ers, and with all the members in the audience who really felt a part of it, there was a spirit of comradery, friendship and just plain joy throughout the entire festival. It reminded me of how music can really bring people together. The spirit of Woodstock lives in 2007! 

But if it was a dream. where did I get this tan? Or all these empty bottles of cranberry juice and mountain dew (that don’t smell at all like cranberry juice or mountain dew)? Hmmm.

I’m going with door number 1. The festival MUST have been real. Thanks from the People of the Big Green Tarp!