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08.30-31.2002
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Friday afternoon, we rolled into Fredericksburg to the
property where the second Open Road Festival would be held once again.
About 40 people showed up during this first night. We set up camp, got
the stage area up and rolling and it was on. Taper Tim once again
provided that nice temporary structure that capped off the stage. Every
thing was pretty basic and simple. We had the stage already built, and
some picnic tables under and army tarp would make up the sound tent.
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Tim getting things set up |
Mark and Gus Friday Night |
Juggling Suns
8.30.02
Friday
Night
(2 sets from about 9:45 pm until 1:00ish)
Open Road
Shootin Tequila
When Everyone Knows
Hungry Moon
Calling
Express Yourself
Fortune Teller
The Other One
The Coast
Laced In Silver
Low Spark of High Heeled
Boys
Terrapin Station
The Eleven Jam
One More Time
Mt Marlane
Wading in the Velvet Sea
Restless
Jump for Joy
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Friday Night Crowd |
Highlightsfor me on Friday included:
Open Road: Great way to get things started. This is
such a good theme song for the event.
Fortune Teller: Very Solid. This
song seems to be rare any more.
Laced in Silver: Had the crowd rocking.
Terrapin Station: Always fun.
Wading in the Velvet Sea: Gus just started playing
this after a few minutes of indecision
by the band on what was
going to be next.
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Saturday Morning in the Lot |
Drum Circle |
Golfers next to us |
Saturday morning we awoke. The weather was
perfect all weekend until Sunday morning when we got some rain.
Heat was not a factor at
all. It was easy to sleep in the tent. Once we all got up, some
went out to the local diner
for breakfast and others
stayed in camp. Scott was cooking some food for everyone, it was great.
After breakfast was done, we had about four or five hours
to kick it before things got started. Some drum
circles broke out which
were fun. Most of the time people concentrated on staying hydrated and
buzzated.
There was a golf course right next to Rob and Michelle's
property. This was a little weird. We were all in our
little community and like
20 yards away some dude would be teeing up.
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Grandfunk interviews the Band |
Gus and Mark look on |
Events would get underway
Saturday afternoon as John prepared a question and answer session with the band.
This may have been one of
the coolest things during the whole weekend.
John kept a good flow of
questions coming toward the band and a nice dialogue was achieved.
When asked who would be the one performer that they would
like to have join them on stage,
Mark initially answered
"Barry Manilow". This got some laughs from the crowd.
Mark said that they
would have to play
"Copa" with Barry.
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Sound Tent Crowd watching Interview |
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Bruce and Clay Play Games on Laptop |
Saturday afternoon everyone was pretty much doing
their thing as the musical acts started.
A lot of people just stayed
in their camps and relaxed. The sound was awesome just about anywhere
you were at. You
could hear everything perfectly.
Above we see Clay and Bruce playing some strategy game on
Bruce's laptop.
Bruce is a Computer
Programmer and was discussing how he writes programs for some of these games.
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Saturday |
Rob and Michelle got the music rolling first on
Saturday.
They are the right people
to host events like this. Their property is perfect and they
know how to handle all the
issues that come up.
Plus they do so much for us. On Sunday, we left
like 30 bags of trash in their front yard.
Rob said that he would just
keep some of this in his garage until the trash man would take it all.
That is taking it for the
team. Next year we'll have to address the trash situation a little
better.
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Gus back in the Lot |
As the day rolled on, various acoustic acts would take the stage including:
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Tim and Will |
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Tim, Will, and Ivan |
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Jay Reads Poetry |
Jay read some poetry before the Mark and Friends
set. He did 2 abstract pieces and then a nice poem that he
wrote just for this
occasion. It was really cool to see this.
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Mark and Friends |
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MAPLE GROVE |
Jim and his brother brought their band "Maple
Grove" up to the stage for the first electric set.
Everyone pretty much agreed
that they exceeded expectations. The highlight of their set was
a One More Time Jam into
Stems and Seeds. Jim sang the first verse of Stems and Seeds - it was
great.
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Clay MCs the Raffle |
One of the Surprise hits of the weekend was the
raffle. We had a lot of items donated for this.
It brought in about $250 in
extra revenue which would go to the band. Everyone was so excited to win
something from the
raffle. I won 5 pictures. We definitely have to do this again.
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PANGEA |
Pangea performed the second electric set and was a great
opener for Juggling. I recall a nice version of
Shakedown Street as well as
a cover of Jumping over Ashes. Ivan played drums for the band.
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Ivan Sings during Juggling Set on Saturday |
Juggling Suns
8.31.02
Saturday
Night
Sedona
Caymen Review
Spin Song
Tingley?
That would be about as much as I would keep track of this
night. Saturday was the clearly the night of
the "Yummy Chocolate
Goodiness". There were plenty of these treats available. Once
things set in for me, I realized that I would be unable to keep track of the
setlist anymore. I just said screw it and enjoyed the show.
Saturday was the best. I recall a lot of the songs were jammed out with long intros.
During Spin Song, I heard Mark sing "I know a Fetus
that Likes to Dance". This just showed
how happy this man is with
the upcoming birth of his child. A very cool moment this was.
Tabla Rasa was the musical moment for me this weekend.
They played a nice version at the end of the second
set. I was totally
into it. I also remember a wild Twilight Dance and I think we got a
tripped out Obsession.
Ivan sang during a song. I think this was called
Gypsy Woman or something like that.
Ivan sounded great and
brought a whole new dimension to the band. We'll have to hear this again.
The Encore was Into Tomorrow. During the end of the
song, they broke back into Open Road.
This was such a great
moment. It was at this time, that I really felt the Event became
something
that people would remember
for a long time.
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John During the Second Set |
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Saturday Night ~group shot~ |
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THANKS |
For me, this was one of the best times I have ever had.
There were a lot of people responsible for making this happen, so thanks must go to:
John - for coming up with this idea and making things happen.
Rob and Michelle - for being the perfect hosts for a party like this.
Taper Tim - Tim has to get the Utility Man award for doing so many things. Great Job Tim.
Roger - The sound was perfect the whole time.
Bob and Pattie - They did so many things for this event. Those laminates were great.
Thom, Brad, Bob and Pattie, and everyone that donated to the raffle.
Mark, Ivan, Bruce, Gus - Thanks guys for giving us the memories.
Mother Nature for giving us some of the best weather ever (except for Sunday).
All the folks that organized their groups of
people and got them to the show.
This is such a
great service. Thanks to all the "team leaders" out there.
Everyone that attended this event and brought all the good vibes.
Until next year...
- Gump
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REVIEWS
compiled by Ian
Juggling Suns – 8-31-02
Open Road Festival Fredericksburg, PA
Hey y'all --
Great time at OR 2.008! It was fun playing with Tim and then M&F. My only
regret was not being able to bust out the Solar cover we had picked out (alas,
the clock was our enemy!) But maybe it'll appear sometime in the future ;-) I
don't play mandolin much (at all) lately, so hope it sounded OK out there...
Hard to get used to such a tiny instrument after playing the big bass!
Fave moments would have to be listening to Juggs play while sitting around the
bonfire, or at one point, I went out on the golf course and laid down and
looked up at the stars during that sweet Obsession. Where else can you do that
at a Jugs show? Of course, sitting behind the stage and watching Ivan sing that
Gypsy song was cool too!
Well, let's all send our energy to Mark and Brianne for a healthy and happy
baby Diomede (and hope that the whole experience isn't too hard on Mom or Dad!
) and then for the continued upwards success of the musical phenomenon we call
Juggling Suns!
–WillDawg
The weather was almost perfect (until the rain arrived this morning) and the
music was out of this world. There is so much that could be said about this
weekend but unfortunately my detailed review will have to wait until we're
finally packed and on that Open Road for Alaska. I'll just list the many
musical highlights for me...
Open Road as the not only the weekend opener but also the closer
Ivan singing and playing guitar
Lots of acoustic music including a post Juggling, starlit, set by Bruce where
he played classic Beatles, Tull, Rush, Yes tunes as we sat around tossing out
song titles including a long requested A Day In The Life for me.
All the bands on Saturday including Jim playing drums with his new band and
singing Stems and Seeds.
The entire 2nd set from Saturday night with the sweetest jam leading into the
Open Road reprise.
Finally this would not have happened with out the fans who traveled from all
parts of our Juggling nation, PA, Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia and the new
abductees from Delaware. Thanks to everyone who came and made this year's Open
Road better than we could have ever imagined... we even had professional
fireworks between sets!
We are very lucky to have our journey start after such a wonderful event where
we could all share our love for the music and the Juggling family. I got to
dance with my grand daughter to Juggling Suns for the first time and witnessed
a very beautiful thing as she and her mother we're welcomed into the circle,
where Sierra was so comfortable and happy, she ran and played with all the
other kids until she collapsed in GrandMa's arms. We will miss you all but
think of you whenever I'm playing Juggling music. When we finally see those northern
lights you will be right there with us in our heart!
And i feel myself yearning
As I pray for the healing
And it seems like there's
Just no escape from this feeling
No escape from these feelings..
–Uncle Bob
The entire hillbilly family extends a huge thank you to our hosts Rob and
Michelle, John the organizer,ROg/Tim for tuneage, Da' Band, and all you people
that make the scene what it is..we had a BLAST!! Where else can you golf and
trip out, talk football wit the band, eat a veggie quesadilla, and lose your
mind? Kids had fun o plenty too...especially nice Gypsy>Northern Tabla 008
Festival!Wow!
Next time we see you all, one more dude/ette!!! Peace, HG Fam'
-HillBilly Graham
I think Open Road 2.008 captured everything that makes Juggling Suns so
special to all of us. What a summer its been with The Other Ones and Phish
re-uniting! Bonaroo proved to the world the jam-community can be a responsible
bunch of music fans. But this weekend was it! Open Road in my mind may have
been the pinnacle of my live musical experiences. There was one moment on
Friday night - during the second set - that I walked through ever part of the
property we were on. I just wanted to survey the scene and make sure everything
was running smoothly. And what I found was the most relaxed silence I've every
witnessed. The crowd at the stage were grooving so hard to the Eleven jam (but
silently) and the dozens of folks at their campsites were so quiet. Many eyes
closed - just in the moment. It's really hard to describe what it felt like.
But its kind of like the feeling at a show when everyone just listens very hard
- not talking, just listening and thinking. Juggling's music never sounded
better. Everyone I spoke to had a different highlight. Hearing Big Jim's band
"Maple Grove" play "One More Time Jam->Stems and Seeds"
drew everyone out of their campsites and to the stage. It was like a rally call
of sorts. And Pangea from Reading absolutely smoked. I can't tell you how many
people commented about how good they were ... one even said "is Juggling
on already!" My most memorable personal moment was laying in a hammoc
listening to Mark & Friends play "Sitting In Limbo." Saturday was
such a relaxing afternoon of beautiful acoustic music and drumming and kids
playing.... it was everything you ever smiled about at a Dead show. Watching
Mug and his two children, and all the other kids chase each other around the
yard proved that there's a whole other generation of Juggling fans in the
wings. That point was even more true with a very pregnant Brianne enjoying one
last weekend of music until the birth of her and Mark's first child. Juggling
is a family - one big awesome family. My many thanks go out to the bands, the
sound crew, Rob & Michelle for hosting us, Elise & Scott for cooking ALL
weekend, Bob & Pattie for the coolest addition to Open Road - the auction
of artwork, music and band photos. The thanks continue to everyone who showed
up and made Open Road the family reunion I've always wanted it to be. I can't
tell you how many times I just removed myself from the scene to sit back and
take it all in. It was a working community - everyone doing their part. With
all the cliches in the jam world of a peaceful kind scene - this weekend proved
it can exist and did without exception. All this and IVAN SANG!!!! For those
who missed it - it was priceless. Juggling is a band with so many talents. And
how can I not end on the weather - if that wasn't the best weather of the
year.... 70 degree days and 55-60 degree nights! What rain? Thanks everyone -
the Open Road called us and we soared! My music dreams are complete! For now.
-Grandfunk
Man did I have one of the best times i have ever had at a festival. The band
(maple grove) drove up friday night. It was a interesting drive to say the
least. We got up there in enough time to set up and get ready for jugs first
set. As usual they ripped it up. The first night was a very very hot show and i
thought damn, how are they going to top that tomorrow night. That laced>low
spark> terrapin>eleven jam> one more time > mt marlane was so
freaking sick. It blew me away. It was great to see my bandmates and the others
who came with us watching juggling. they were in awe. we partied pretty late
and woke up early. It was fun partying with everyone during the day on
saturday. we had some good converstations and partying going on there.
I was pretty much just waiting til we got up on stage to play. I was really
that nervous until it was time to set up. I have never been really nervous for
a gig, but i was for this one. I think it was because of Juggling Suns being on
the other side of the spectrum and was watching me. Once we started jamming i
was fine. It was pretty funny watching Ivan, Gus, Mark and Bruce being on the
other side of the stage, hooting and hollering. Thanks alot guys for the
support. I think we played a pretty good set and I guess everyone enjoyed it. I
really hope so. It met alot to me for all the compliments. That one more time
jam> stems and seeds was very fun and enjoyable. That was for my inspiration
from the juggling suns and of course solar circus.
Pangea went on after us and ripped up like they always do. TO be honest with
you i really dont remember what songs they played, i think i was riding pretty
high on energy after playing a set.
Now on to juggling's saturdays set. I also enjoyed a small chocale morsel that
made the show so intense. Juggling jammed their asses off. IT was perfect
ending to a perfect weekend. Gyspy Woman was bad ass. Ivan i hope you sing that
more often. the whole set was perfect.
I am so glad that this weekend turned out to be a great weekend of good music
and good fun. I had a good time watching and also playing for everyone. My band
had a great time and we impressed with the whole event. We even got invited
back i believe to play the garden party at rob and michelles next year. that
was pretty cool. The band liked how nice and friendly everyone was. They were
afraid that they wouldn't know anyone, but after the weekend they knew
everyone. It put a spark in everyone. I hope that we will get some more gigs
coming up and maybe a few juggling fans will come out and check us out. Well
thanks alot to everyone who made this weekend possible.
John-for putting on Open Road and letting us play.
rob/michelle- for letting us party at your place again.
bob and patty for all their help.
Juggling suns- for 2 nights of great music.
To everyone for their suppport of my band and all the good complents. thanks a
million.
See you all on fri at the blue star.
-Nlsuns
Gump, that collage truly kicked ass.
To everyone that I saw this weekend and who helped make it such a great
weekend, I owe you all a heartfelt thanks. The musical highlight for me had to
have been when Mark started playing Tingley on friday night and gus threw in a
"Going down to Tingley" line in Jump For Joy. I really didn't know at
first if they were really playing it or if the chocolate salty balls I ate were
taking effect and making me hear things. I think I need to check the tape for
that one. Speaking of which, I have to give extra special thanks to Roger for
the incredible sound and Tim for the patch. I've only had a chance to listen to
two of the discs (there are 7 in all) and its real good. Being inspired by the
"Off the Hook" disc that Clay made, I think I'll make a "Best of
Open Road" disc featuring something from every band that I taped. Any
suggestions on what should be on this disc? I certainly do. Jim, I got the
whole Maple Grove set on tape and I'll give it to you next time I see you,
unless if you want, I can mail it to you, but you got to give me your address.
E-mail it to me. Everyone else who I hung with this weekend, I love you all and
thanks for the great times and good vibes.
Peace.
Ian.
