HUDSON MUSIC FEST!!

I will be playing at 413 Warren Street, Hudson, NY at 2pm Sunday August 11.

But I am also working that stage.

I was feeling all day yesterday, that the last thing I wanted to do was stand in the rain 'hosting' a stage. I thought that most of the acts would not show, and the ones that did would be grumpy about playing in the rain to who?? people walking home from work from the hospital?? dog walkers?

I came late to my stage, the result of paying work, errands and hesitation. The band on first, The Cupcakes, were already there, already trying to set up and when they discovered I knew less than they did about the sound system, did get a bit grumpy.....

But Rob came and saved the day, gave me my [very quick] lesson on how to run the board and took off for greener pastures at Helsinki.... no rain and easily available food!!! lol..... and The Cupcakes turned out to be a talented, very cool group of ladies with extraordinary harmonies and good tunes. Thoroughly enjoyable....

And the sun came out.
And so did the people.

Now, I was reading Facebook here and there, and a musician I know classified the Hudson Music Festival as 'Hudson Music Walk', I imagine being sarcastic about the festival and likening it to the 'Hudson Art Walk' and possibly for similar reasons.....

But I happen to like that designation, particularly as a Busking Artist..... People stroll the streets and listen a bit here, a bit there.... if you are looking for a crowd to play to, the Hudson Music Fest isn't the place..... if you are happy with having the skill to turn some heads, get people to stop and talk to you, sing with you, thank you for your sound and move on to the next act, then you will be happy playing this festival......

The Cupcakes made a lot of friends in the hour they were on stage....

And so did the next act, The Levins.... a couple with, again, these fine harmonies, great stage presence and wonderful interaction with the walkers! Truly enjoyable act. Moved here from California to be able to live on making music full time.... and they are doing it and love it!!! I was very happy to meet these folks and hear their tunes....

Unfortunately the next act was late, but he was something to see!!! a pedal board with the ability to loop and process and you see a guy with an electric guitar, but you hear the sax and the piano..... cool act!!!

Unfortunately, as the night wore on, the walking traffic stopped and the last act played to his friends and me without getting attention from the few folks hurrying by..... he decided to stop and pick up, leaving me off early!!!!

So now, *I* get to see the festival!!! I headed down to the Food Court, since I heard that the bands were good and the Back Bar was finally open.... cool scene, but one beer and home was the way to go....

I am off now to eat a bit before meeting Betsi for a bit of street busking before manning my station at the 413 Warren Stage.... Find me there.... Looks like a good day for Music Walk!!!