WFUV at Falcon Ridge Folk Fest 2008

It was a rollercoaster of a weekend for the 20th Anniversary of the festival, July 24-27 on Dodd's Farm.

Festival highlights:

The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Wasn’t it a Mighty Storm!

You can always depend on a downpour sometime over the weekend at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, but this year was the worst ever, as a mini tornado closed down the festival early Sunday afternoon. Getting drenched didn’t stop Team FUV from coming away with some good memories (and pictures).

Claudia Marshall:

This edition of FRFF will certainly be remembered most for the “Mighty Storm,” but there was another 'force of nature' at work at Dodd's Farm - namely the vocal wallop of the Eddie from Ohio - particularly stirring during the Gospel Wake-up call. Another vocal powerhouse, Vance Gilbert - brought soul to the stage Sunday morning ... and back stage during the deluge: Vance burst into a hearty chorus of "Wade in the Water" at the height of the storm, leading an impromptu sing-a-long that certainly lightened our heavy hearts as a torrent filled the tent.

Hands down, though, Patty Larkin stole the show. By my lights, she is among the most inventive guitarists working in acoustic music today. Her humor from stage mixed with her powerful insights as a songwriter make her truly inimitable. wherever folk music is headed, I'm happy to have Patty leading the charge.

Janeen Shaitelman:

I spent 2 ½ days at Falcon Ridge and I think I hit the dry days.. The music is always so great when heard live, outside in a great surrounding and the 20th year of this festival was no different.. Falcon Ridge regulars included Dar Williams, The Neilds, Vance Gilbert, Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, Chris Smither and many more. Martin Sexton was there for a great Satuday night late set.. And of course, the playing and jamming and dancing went on until the morning.

Our photos, courtesy of Gordon Nash, Jane Toohey and Janeen Shaitelman
Click on each photo for more information:

Some past years at Falcon Ridge: 2006 | 2007

More info on the festival at falconridgefolk.com.