Down a torch-lit path past an armored knight and a handmade foot-bridge lies the Moonlight Forest–AKA, Scrappy’s place–the site for the biannual music festival organized by Raph of Hezekiah Jones.
This was our second invitation. We played the ‘Rise and Fall’ fest last October, and this July we had the privilege to be a part of ‘The Duchess & Duke’ fest. Each installment is named after a song on the headlining band’s newly album. In this case, it was Griz –reggae, grassroots soul rock.
On Saturday morning, Antonia, Joshua and I headed up through traffic to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the sounds of Shearwater. Once arrived, we unpacked our instruments, set up camp, and settled in. The stage this year was dressed in blue lights. Standing on either side were white candelabras with white candles casting orange flame. The bonfire, a ways back from the stage, backlit dancers, dogs, and children running round.
We saw some great sets by Griz, Ron Gallo from Toy Soldiers, The Spinning Leaves, and Jessica McDowell, saw some good friends like Phil D’Agostino and Chris Kasper. We played a set of new songs and tracks from our latest record: ‘Signs and Wonders.” Antonia got hit on afterward.
Cowmuddy, Wissahickon Chicken Shack, and Hezekiah Jones serenaded us while we slept in our tents.
Sunday morning we woke up to a song circle and a smoldering bonfire. We packed up the car, said goodbye to some very tired friends, and headed out back down to Richmond in time to perform at the St. Thomas Bluegrass Mass.
Oooooh looks like a fantastic time!