In true West Virginia form, we arrived late at the Purple Fiddle Music Festival at the Canaan Valley Resort and State park located in the Allegheny Mountains. But since the eight bands scheduled to play started at 1pm and rocked until 1am, there was plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the musical lineup. The beautiful Canaan Valley is at 3,300-feet and is named for the Biblical region that seems to have become synonymous with a land of plenty. This Canaan Valley offers plenty of beauty, blue sky and fresh air.
We missed Jay and the Morwenna Band, also known as Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun, out of Charlottesville, Virginia. This eclectic acoustic band has shared the stage with The Dave Matthews Band, The Avett Brothers and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
Between sets, Theresa Andersson of New Orleans, Louisiana performed as an amazing one-woman band using foot pedals, sampling and a multitude of instruments. While her use of technology to create minor symphonies was impressive, her voice alone was worth listening to. Andersson has an amazing vocal range and a professional level of comfort with the guitar, violin and drums.
Christabel and the Jons hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee were the next musical act and provided some sweet acoustic, southern swing, with plenty of fashion style—this band was dressed to kill, and they looked as good as they sounded.
Have you ever seen a guy rock out on a nylon-stringed guitar? This guy does. Jim Bianco of Los Angeles, California was the next musical act and his voice made us think of Tom Waits and Randy Newman. Bianco has three well-reviewed CDs including Well Within Reason, Handsome Devil and his newest release Sing.
Hoots and the Hellmouth really got people onto the dance floor and for me, this musical act was the highlight of the day. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, these handsome and skilled musicians could be called the Yankee Avett Brothers. There was lots of earnest strumming and excellent original songs.
The Hackensaw Boys were up next and seemed to tap into and expand on the energy put forth by the previous band, Hoots and the Hellmouth. This Charlottesville, Virginia band has six players all of whom contributed to vocals, individually and collectively. The Hackensaw Boys have toured with an interesting collection of musicians including: The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse, Cake and De La Soul.
OK, by now it is about 9 o’clock when Rasta Rafiki takes the stage. This integrated reggae band brought the musical mood into a late night groove and the dance floor was filled by this time. Rasta Rafiki is based in Morgantown, West Virginia and has played together since 1989! These guys are pros who delivered a solid and smokey performance.
Alas, with small cute boy in tow we headed back over the mountain road before Scholars Word took the stage as the last musical act of the day. This reggae/dub band based in Florida was no doubt the best way to close a wonderful day of eclectic music served up in a beautiful setting. I am already looking forward to the Purple Fiddle Festival in 2009.
My one big criticism of The Purple Fiddle Festival is the lack of information available about the rules and subtleties of the festival venue. So let me give y’all the low down skinny: Dogs and coolers are allowed. The bands perform under a pavilion in case of rain. There are bathrooms and a swimming pool nearby. I was pleased to see that this is a family-friendly event attended by adults and children. My 11-year-old son spent the day happily swimming for $2.50, it’s free if you are staying at the Lodge. Bring snacks. While Canaan Resort did offer up a lovely food table, there was an extra charge for food of between $5-10 per meal, and beer was $3. Also, the caterer did not seem prepared for the volume of festival attendees and seemed to be scrambling to improvise food.
Insider’s note: This Canaan Valley is pronounced Ca-NANE, with emphasis on the second syllable. It is a regional subtlety missed by all the performers who felt compelled to give a regional shout out, but all is forgiven in light of the excellent music served up.
Overheard: A group of older wealthy urbanites speculating out loud that they had heard that the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, WV could attract a “rough crowd”. Au contraire, mes amis. The Purple Fiddle offers a down-home, family environment in a smoke-free atmosphere. There are no hillbillies on this bus and if there are, they are more than likely well-mannered and polite.
