It’s really more of an event that you can imagine. Singers, writers, activists, painters, artists: performers all of them. A week of heavenly art and creation on Swan’s Island, Maine. Three nights of sold out performances at the Odddfellow’s Hall, on a stage with painter Buckley Smith’s 14×40 mural being created behind us, in just the 4 days we were together. Two afternoons of shanty-ing around Burnt Coat Harbor for the traditional schooners and other lucky sailors. After hours parties filled with great music, bold singers and generous hosts.
It’s a week later, and I am still ringing, vibrating. Have you ever experienced festival love? So much talent, that passion for making music and that impulsive fun. I am so happy to have been included. Thanks to Dillon Bustin for inviting me, and a heartfelt thanks to Doug Day for being the brains and passion behind this very magical event…
This is a picture by the young and talented Dustin Angell, who was there snapping photos. There’s more of the Sweet Chariots Festival at his myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/swinglowangell
though I think you have to request his “friendship” …
We sailed up to Swan’s Island from Camden, on Monday. Perfect weather, dodging around the buoys and islands. We unfortunately picked up a lobster pot, a surprisingly rare occurance, and I had to dive down to disentangle it from the prop. I broke the knife, but got out the buoy and rope. Not as cold as I expected. The girls thought I was a hero.
Put it in the story bin, like the time I was a little late getting a foothold, and fell off the fuel dock as the boat was pulling out. Will they curse me for such social abnormalties in the decades to come? A friend of mine has a brother like that, who wanted his parents to be normal. He chastised them for letting him grow his hair long, for not conforming or asking the kids to conform. Imagine.