Missing Records

"In Bloom" - Doe Bay Fest 2010 (part one)

There are three basic reasons that an adult human being cries. The most typical seems to be if we are in pain, either emotional or physical. We also cry if we experience great joy, such as the birth of a child or a reunion with family. But there is also a third reason for tears that is often much more elusive. These tears come when glimpsing moments of deep beauty. It's unfortunate that we don't experience this more often. It seems hard to achieve in the modern world for some reason. I personally love that music can be a vehicle to communicate things that are difficult to express in just words and I also love that music can be our guide to glimpse thoughts, feelings and emotions that are lurking in the shadows. This is the experience I had at Doe Bay Fest 2010 on Orcas Island this past weekend. 

A little background on Doe Bay Fest for those who are unfamiliar. In it's 3rd year this intimate festival began in 2008 and has grown organically over the past couple of years to become one of the hottest festival tickets around. This year's event Sold Out in just 10 days and included it's most impressive line up of artists to date. Set in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, Doe Bay's serenely epic atmosphere provided the ultimate backdrop for a music lovers paradise. The festival includes 3 music stages, a large main stage, a smaller patio stage near the cafe and an indoor stage at the Yoga Studio for late night action. The island has a strict 10 p.m. sound ordinance and the Doe Bay Fest is very conscious of being a good neighbor to those who live in the surrounding area. Along with these stages there is also performances in the Doe Bay Cafe as well as impromptu jams throughout the festival grounds. 

My Doe Bay Fest journey began with a short drive from Seattle up to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal where I caught the ferry to Orcas Island. It was a perfectly sunny summer day and the ferry trip through the sound was magnificent. You start to feel the yourself relax slightly and breathe more deeply as you make your way through the straight. I was really staring to feel the anticipation of the weekend as we pulled in the Orcas Island dock. 

The festival officially began Thursday evening with a delicious pizza party and open mic in the Doe Bay Cafe. It was a great mix of local island talent and artists preparing for the following days sets. I jumped at the chance to share some music and played a few Star Parts songs for the packed house of festival goers who were getting amped for the festival to begin. It was amazing. Throughout the evening groups of people arrived in waves, everyone staking out their cabins and campsites and prepping for the following days adventures. As the cool night set in everyone was treated to a spectacular show in the night sky. Meteor showers buzzed across the stars until the wee hours of the morning. A sign of good things to come.

The sun rose Friday morning through a dense layer of fog that seemed to blanket Doe Bay in a cocoon of tranquility. Time was beginning to move very slowly and the incredible beauty of the natural environment provided a meditative focus. Simple things like breathing, seeing and hearing seemed to take on more clarity and provided more fulfillment. It's like a sensation of peeling away the layers to find the center. I felt ready for the day and ready for some music. 

My roommates and I  were lucky enough to be directly across from the smaller Patio Stage so we could enjoy the music from our cabin. The opening set by Mr. McCarthy instantly filled the open air and seemed to delicately travel amongst the trees and bay. The interesting combination of acoustic guitar, electric guitar and drums were somewhat like waking up. It seemed like a monumental task to fill that vast beautiful space with music so the Mr. McCarthy trio started slowly, building that delicate balance between the music and the surroundings. Like dipping your toes into a cold lake, then moving in to your knees. Getting comfortable there, then moving up to your waist and finally just diving right in. At that point the trio seemed to open up with the pulsating drums of Tito Ramsey and angular guitar riffs from Matt Rohde balancing perfectly with the confident strummed acoustic guitar and vocals of Mike McCarthy. The festival was now in full swing!

Up next was Mr. McCarthy drummer Tito Ramsey who offered up a unique set of acoustics and electronics that was soulful and expressive. Moving between guitar, synth and his computer Tito provided cool grooves and danceable beats that encouraged the spine to sway. Tito's banter between songs was playful and fun and exemplified the light spirit of day. I really loved how you could hear the music so perfectly from many beautiful spots on the resort property near the shore. Groups gathered to dance or just sat peering out at the water and nearby Cypress Island. I took a deep breath and another layer peeled away. 

Shelby Earl was the next artist to grace the patio stage and immediately launched into her set of smart americana/roots rock tunes. Her stripped down acoustic guitar and lush vocals filled the air.  Joined at times by The Head and the Heart's Charity Thielen on violin Shelby dazzled the rapt audience growing around the patio stage. The heat of the day was just beginning to calm as a cool breeze moved in off the bay as if drawn in by the sweet melodies. 

An intensely serene calm came over the bay as the sun began to drop lower in the afternoon sky. A light bustle erupted throughout the resort as folks moved about in some sort of chaotic synchronicity. Then softly comes the melancholy sounds of Big Sur's Jake Hemming. Joined by  Steve Norman on pedal steel and trumpet Hemming joked about playing sad songs in such a beautiful place saying wryly "hope it works for you!". Well for sure it worked for me as the beautiful sounds seemed to drift across the still water. It was something akin to being in a waking dream and I loved every minute of it. 

As action on the Patio came to a close for the day I could hear things starting to heat up on the Main Stage so I quickly made my way over to the main festival grounds to catch Black Whales open things up a bit with their fiery rock. The main festival area was lively and the melodic hooks served up by the Whales starting getting people moving. The still hot sun setting on the giant trees surrounding the festival grounds was awe inspiring and the cool bass lines and super charged guitar and drums of Black Whales provided the perfect soundtrack. 

As the sun dropped cool air from the bay crept inside the festival area bringing welcomed relief from the heat of the afternoon. It also brought the musical genius of Fences. Almost in the form of purging, Fences Christopher Mansfield laid his heart bare. Accompanied expertly by drums, lead guitar and bass Mansfield hung his psyche out to dry on soft strummed melodies that seemed to float effortlessly across the crowd. The cathedral of trees took on the feeling of a confessional as Mansfield expressed his sins to the world.  I don't think Mansfield was saved but he certainly provided listeners with a religious experience. The honesty of Fences was like a cleansing and the layers peeled away.

The Portland Cello Project were up next and provided one of the most unique sets of the day with six part cello compositions that included a Pantera cover, Outkast cover and the Super Mario Brothers theme. The goal of PCP is to bring the cello to places you would not expect to find it and the Doe Bay Fest was a welcoming participant. Mixing haunting beauty and playful creativity the classically trained members of PCP deftly moved through a series of impressive works. Members of PCP were also seen throughout the festival playing with multiple groups infusing the Cello throughout. I never thought I would find myself joyfully shouting "I love PCP" but at Doe Bay Fest anything is possible.

As twilight approached the festival grounds began to swell with newcomers from the late arriving ferries. The excitement increased as Hey Marseilles took the stage for the final outdoor performance of the day and proceeded to rip through a high energy set of orchestrated mayhem. Led by the charismatic Matt Bishop the Hey Marseilles were like a ship on rough seas, ebbing and flowing along with the dancing throng of fervent fans. It was music that felt familiar and foreign at the same time, invoking elements of an Irish jig followed by a baptist hymn. It was a rowdy and beautiful cacophony of good vibes and glorious sounds that crashed like a wave upon the excited crowd leaving all in it's wake fulfilled. 

"Into the Woods" - Doe Bay Fest 2010 (part two)

As darkness descended up on the main festival grounds groups began to move quickly about the resort. Some moved back to tents for a night under the meteor shower filled sky. Others took a brisk night swim in the bay or a dip at Doe Bay's famous tubs. I headed back to the cabin to prepare for the evening show at the Yoga Studio. Joe Brotherton, aka "Joe Bay" owner and festival co-organizer told me that the Yoga Studio shows were added last year to keep the music happening after 10pm and that it would be "really sweaty". Festival co-organizer Chad Clibborn remarked that last year Drew Grow & The Pastor's Wives put on a legendary performance in the studio that was incredible. I was sold, plus my roommate Ken Roeder told me opener Ravenna Woods was a band not to be missed. 

The space was already packed by the time I arrived. Ravenna Woods set up included 3 vocalists, acoustic guitar, drums comprised of a kick drum laid on it's side, a floor tom and a high hat in the middle (aka War Drums)  and a xylophone. As the small yoga studio reach maximum capacity the excitement swelled from Chris Cunningham's frenzied fingerpicking and perfectly placed strums. Drummer Matt Badger crushed the War Drums, pushing the tempo and temperature beyond the sensor. Xylophone player Brantley Duke chimed along punctuating Ravenna Woods passionate, progressive approach to indie folk/rock. 

I was dripping sweat after the third song and the cool air was just a few steps away but I was drawn uncontrollably to the front of the stage, weaving forward as folks would drop out. "This is Bikram Rock & Roll" I overheard one person say and it was true. Each song seemed to push the temperature higher and the bands expertise seem to expand with each note getting tighter and tighter and more and more complex until they would explode into inspirational chants. The floor of the Yoga studio began to rock up and down with the movement of the crowd. The climax of the bands set literally sent folks frolicking off into the cool night, smiling and satisfied. I was enthralled and pushed forward to get a good spot for The Head and the Heart who were up next.

As The Head and the Heart quickly set up in the sauna like alcove at the side of the studio, the packed house buzzed with the excitement generated from Ravenna Woods inspired set. I managed to squeeze closer and found a nice spot near the front. From the first note of "Cat's and Dogs" I knew I was experiencing something special. Guitar, bass, violin, piano, drums and group vocals burst forth and the entire studio bumped. I found my feet leaving the floor as contagious melodies weaved through every nook. Dedicated fans sang along word for word with the band as they ran through inspired versions of "Ghosts", "Down in the Valley" and "Sounds Like Hallelujah".  Instruments were introduced and swapped amongst members with each song giving the set the feeling of a train rolling brakeless down the tracks.

As I bounced and cheered I began to realize how all of the joy and excitement of the day seemed to be funneling through the band and they were practically glowing with hopeful abandon. The playful perfection of singers Josiah Johnson, Jon Russell and Charity Thielen led this merry band of pied pipers through each sweet and sweaty song. The joyous bass lines of Chris Zasche, the melodic pulse of piano player Kenny Hensley and the effortless stomp and swell of drummer Tyler Williams drove everyone in the room into a Nirvanic state of satisfaction. From the first note to the last the Head and the Heart were committed and it was incredible. I later asked Kenny Hensley if every Head and the Heart show was like that and he thought about it for a second, smiled, nodded and said "yeah, pretty much". A few seconds after the song I exited into the cool air with a permanent grin that painted my face throughout the night. 

I later asked Kenny Hensley if every Head and the Heart show was like that and he thought about it for a second, smiled, nodded and said "yeah, pretty much". A few seconds after the last song I exited into the cool air with a permanent grin that painted my face throughout the night. 

"Follow your heart" - Doe Bay Fest 2010 (part three)

On Saturday I awoke to the warm sunshine bringing heat to the quiet bay. It was remarkably quiet and it seemed that many were still asleep following a late night. I noticed a little action over at the patio stage so I made my way outside amongst the gentle bustle of morning. Kimo Muraki was preparing to start the day's music connecting different wires and boxes. Suddenly Kimo's soft voice pierced the thick still air. Layer upon layer the composition built up until a multitude of recorded vocal tracks became a symphony. It was like the biggest most amazing alarm clock ever! With each track Kimo proved his creativeness and skill. Armed with guitar, banjo, keyboard, computer and his faithful drum machine "Ace" Kimo bounced through an impressive set of soulful pop. His banjo version of Purple Rain was a highlight and his effortless jams brought life to the day. 

More people began to arrive in waves as the morning ferries arrived. Ivan & Alyosha's acoustic pop greeted new comers and late risers  like a cool breeze. Guitars, handclaps and whistles gently chugged underneath Tim Wilson and Ryan Carbary's lush vocals. The cafe began to swell and spill out around the patio as more people arrived, enjoying the songs and getting ready for the day. I had to give the band a cheer when they announced their ties to the Greenwood neighborhood. Whoop Whoop! Ivan & Alyosha's well crafted tunes were a delight and also a great indication of what great music lied ahead. 

As high noon approached It was clear the we'd have a true summer day and I looked forward to the heat. The Patio stage remained cool in the shade of the trees and drew a large crowd for the next performer Kaylee Cole. Backed by members of the Portland Cello Project and a percussionist Kaylee energized the crowd with her beautiful piano driven pop. Her gorgeous voice and vocal melodies danced with the piano and strings like a slow waltz on the calm water. Even the distinct sound of music starting on the mainstage didn't faze the enrapt crowd, bathing in each charming song. Enchanting!

Unlike the first day, the second day of Doe Bay Fest required making some choices between acts. Patio stage and mainstage acts started overlapping and I was torn wanting to see it all. Tomo Nakayama was up next on the Patio stage and was just simply too good to miss so I opted to stay at the Patio Stage for the early part of the day. It also may have had a little to do with the fact that I could see the patio stage from my cabin and the cool breeze off the bay was incredible. I unfortunately missed Shenandoah Davis, Ehran Ebbage, The Dimes, Zoe Muth & the Holy Rollers and Curtains for You but I am certain they were as amazing as all the artists at the fest. 

Tomo Nakayama played mostly solo with some minimal accompaniment on a few songs. His delicate voice is pure beauty and sounds more like a choir than a single instrument. Full and smooth with a creative playfulness Tomo's songs are like a journey. From quiet contemplation to soulful cheers and all of the places in between. Pulling out some notable Grand Hallway tunes and some new songs I had never heard Tomo put on his usual effortless display of incredible talent. It also made me extra excited for the upcoming Grand Hallway set on the mainstage later in the day. 

I took a short walk to meet a good friend who lives on the island and walked past the Upper Field and extra parking. There are tons of amazing places just outside the resort to explore on Orcas Island and every time I go I seem to find out about some new incredible spot. It was pretty incredible to hear the distant sounds of the music move high across the tall trees. When we arrived back at the festival grounds things were in full swing and the sun drenched field was filled with a diverse group of incredibly friendly people enjoying the sounds. 

I was happy to make it back in time to see Portland's Drew Grow & the Pastors Wives on the mainstage. I heard tale of their legendary performance last year and always enjoy discovering great new artists. From the first note I knew I was in for a wild treat. The heat of the day pressed down on the mainstage and Drew Grow spit it out like a blast furnace. Organs, Cellos, violin, drums, and guitars filled the stage with a sense of controlled chaos as Drew mesmerized his loyal followers with his unique brand of folk rock. Multi Instrumentalist Kris Doty was enigmatic in her beautifully spastic bass and cello parts and powerful backing vocals. I could barely take my eyes off of her to watch the inspired spectacle of guitarist/organist Seth Schaper and drummer Jeremiah Hayden's hypnotic swells. It felt as much like a roller coaster ride as it did a music performance heaving between gigantic gorgeous melodies and driving dissonant dirges. Glorious!

As the final notes of the set disappeared into the open air I quickly made my way back to the Patio stage to catch Matt Garrity. With his acoustic guitar in hand Matt charmed the crowd with catchy folk tunes that highlighted his strong voice. Playing songs from his band 17th Chapter Garrity delighted the crowd with perhaps the exception of his oldest daughter Lily Garrity who kept Matt on his toes. It was clear however that Lily was simply biding her time until Matt would invite her onstage. Her duet performance with her Dad was special to watch and her intuitive relaxed approach was refreshing. "She always wants to play but never wants to practice" Matt told me earlier that day. Joe Bay was so impressed he would later mention on stage that he's already booked Lily for Doe Bay Fest 2020!  

I could hear the sounds of Grand Hallway break out on the mainstage and I knew I had to make my way back over. The epic sounds of one of my favorite Grand Hallway songs "Seward Park" was booming across the resort. The sun was still hot but it was just starting to settle down and a faint breeze off the water could be detected. The satisfied crowd squeezed intently around the mainstage to glimpse the perfection. Drummer Joel Harmon played joyfully in the hot sun while band members Jeramy Koepping, Alina To, Jaclyn Shumate, Kevin Large, Chris Zasche and Shenandoah Davis provided precision backing to singer/guitarist/composer Tomo Nakayama's amazing catalog of songs. With each passage I felt myself becoming full, each instrument playing a unique part in filling the void with sound. My mind danced between the violins, piano, guitar and accordion then returning to catch a simple yet perfect phrase like on "Raindrops" off the band's Promenade LP.  "I wanna be with you" they sang in triumphant togetherness. I really felt connected and Grand Hallways introspective lush arrangements were taking me on a journey. It seemed to me like they were capturing all of what made the Doe Bay Fest special in their set. The expert musicianship, the modern folk aesthetic, the family feel of friends sharing a musical experience and the epic beauty that it creates. During the slower parts of the second to last song "Sirens" I felt myself becoming more and more conscious of my surroundings. The trees, the sky and hundreds of festival goers moving easily about the grounds. With each note the song builds upon itself as each band member becomes more and more involved. That is when it happened. As the strings appeared, followed by a perfect piano line the band erupted into gorgeous groups vocals that lifted me up. I felt an uncontrollable swelling of emotion that recalled all of the memorable moments of the weekend in one. I was glimpsing something intangible, something unique and something beautiful. I felt the tears well up in my eyes and I became suddenly self conscious while simultaneously trying to experience the feeling. As the crowd roared I felt incredibly blessed and unfortunately a little embarrassed for tearing up when suddenly my friend Matt Nelson turned to me and said "Whoa, that made me cry!" I laughed out loud and thought about two grown men being brought to tears in a giant open field at Doe Bay Fest. Incredible!

Joe Bay took the stage after Grand Hallway to graciously thank the crowd, his staff and his lovely partner/wife Maureen. He also paid tribute to the next band on the stage The Maldives, essentially thanking them for helping make the Doe Bay Fest a reality. The only band to have played all three years The Maldives were given an open invitation by Joe to come back every year. The crowd cheered loudly as KEXP host Don Slack introduced the band. Launching right into the bands country folk hymns, lead singer Jason Dodson led the talented group of artists through the hits. Accents of expertly played violin, banjo and piano paired like a fine wine with surging bass, drums and guitar. Still reeling from Grand Hallway's set I decided to fine a nice place in the shade to kick back and take it all in. The Maldives paint such a clear picture of time and place in there music that it's easy to get lost in a daydream. I kicked my feet up and breathed deeply, feeling complete.

Matt and I headed back to the cafe to grab a quick bite to eat before the next act but we weren't alone in that idea unfortunately we missed the next band on the mainstage. It was supposed to be Grand Archives whom I love but a ferry snafu kept them from arriving so the Fruit Bats took the stage early. While we missed watching their set completely we did get to enjoy it while sitting outsides at the amazing Doe Bay Cafe. I had the most amazing beet pizza that made my belly very happy. I am certain the Fruit Bats killed it because I could hear the ecstatic crowd cheer loudly between each song. 

We arrived early to the Yoga studio excited for the evening's performances. We heard Kelli Schaefer doing a sound check and were excited to see her set. The small space filled up fast again and after an already hot day I wondered how long I could last in the sauna like show room. Kelli's set started off with a bang as she was joined by a small group of artists who had performed in other bands that weekend, including Steve Norman and Kris Doty. The group launched into a mostly a cappella chant that was insane and once everyone was singing along it felt like we were raising spirits. Kelli then launched into a high energy set of rocking tunes that highlighted her superb vocals. It felt a little loose and a little dangerous and I loved it but the intense heat being generated was wearing me out so I made my way through the crowd and stepped outside. The temperature change was so extreme it was little shocking and the cool evening air was so refreshing I decided to watch the rest of Kelli's set from outside under the stars. 

I stayed outside for the next artist Thee Satisfaction but had a pretty good spot with a small view inside the window. Unfortunately the sound outside was not great and the beats were sounding a bit muffled which made it hard to hear the eclectic rapping styles of Thee Stasia and Cat Satisfaction. Bits and pieces of their frenzied aural assault flung outside of the jammed studio and into the cool night air. Bodies bumped and grinded against the sweaty windows. Probably the most unique set of the festival Thee Satisfaction's name said it all as delighted festival goers filled themselves with a bounty of musical treats. Satisfied indeed.

Thank you to Doe Bay, Joe and Maureen Brotherton, Ken, Melissa & Shila, Matt Nelson, Chad Clibborn, Kevin Sur @ Artist Home Booking, all the Doe Bay Fest sponsors and the entire staff of Doe Bay for making this experience one I will never forget.  Already can't wait for next year! Cheers!

Doe Bay Fest 2010 under the stars - photo by Ken Roeder