aeblog

rockin' in groton

Two evenings ago, I was the lucky participant in something that doesn't happen too often in lovely Groton, Massachusetts: people staying up after 9 PM. I can't say that the craziness extended much beyond an occasional whoop, enthusiastic clap alongs and a few momentary head- bops, but given the context, it was pretty impressive.

This was all in response to the inaugural concert in a series of folk performances presented by Wind Chime Productions held at the beautiful barn at the Gibbet Hill Grill(e).
The headliners were Eddie From Ohio with Gideon Freudmann as the opening act. Gideon was a bit over-dependent on his looper and delay pedals, but was a super-talented cellist and was really impressive how he took the cello to places it doesn't normally go. Eddie From Ohio was mainly entertaining for their between songs banter. As I have mentioned before in this blog, though I like seeing folk music, it's generally not as much for the music as it is for seeing professional musicians work together on stage and provide entertainment not only with their instruments but with their personalities as well. Michael Clem has got to be one of the stranger and oddly humorous people I have seen on stage. And it didn't for one second seem like he was putting it on. I felt myself continually wanting them to rock out a bit more and break out of their standard issue "hard" folk fare, but the truth of the matter is that they are great musicians, play extremely well with each other and genuinely have a good time at it. I'm just a snob for breaking new ground.

All joking aside, it is really cool to see a sleepy New England town pull together resources and excitement to bring some great music to the home-front. I hope that this series is a success and continues for many years to come.

And most importantly, thanks to mle and family for including me (and treating me).