3RP review

[VAXman(Admin)]

Nice Rick. I was particularly impressed with the lesser known local bands that Howard booked.

All of the performances where fabulous. I did, however, miss Transatlantic. I was fed up with the "puhrayzuh Jeezhus" banter from Neal after Sola Scriptura and the Johnny Cash and the Gyrating Jeezhus Freaks in the ailses that only came for Neal's performance. When I'd had my camera bumped into and shots blocked for the umpteenth time by them -- everyone else throughout the weekend was extremely courteous and ducked -- I'd called it quits. M, Kurt and I headed out. Kurt looked like he'd had enough religion too by that point. The Studio M gang had to place seats and personnel around their tripods after one Gyrating Jeeshus Freak nearly toppled one of their video rigs.

For those not in attendance, the stage and venue were very intimate. The stage as only 2 feet high and viewable from left, center and right sides. Outside, there was a tent housing grills where one could purchase hamburgers and weenies at lunch and BBQ ribs and chicken at dinner. No hot sauce and no beer unless you qualify Coors and Coors Lite as beer. Next year, I'll bring a cooler. There's ample parking around the tent area facilitating tailgaters. The venue is rather remote, so it's eat under the tent or bring your own food.

The hotel was about 15 mins from the venue but very direct route to it. We had a nice HUGE suite in the hotel for $79/night. I can't complain.

My only gripes about the festival, save for the GJFs, were with the lighting and the OVER use of the stage fogger. There were times I couldn't see the drummer through all the fog. The back spots were aimed at the front row. If you were seated there, you spent much of your time with your eyes squinting or shut when these gels were fully illuminated.

There was some "excitement" too Saturday evening. Ryo, who was recovering from a broken jaw, was taking some rather potent pain medication. That combined with some alcohol found him passing out in the back of the venue. He was quickly found on the floor and not breathing. One of the attendees performed CPR on him until an ambulance arrived. It was quite scary. Happily, he was taken to the hospital and released the next morning. M and I were in the hotel lobby chatting with Bill Fox, Greg Jones, Laura Meade and John Galgano when Ryo called the hotel looking for Nick DV. Bill got Nick's room number and put Ryo on with him. Ryo performed later that day wiith CGT. He was rather reserved on stage too but, at least, he was there.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by VAXman

Johnny Cash and the Gyrating Jeezhus Freaks in the ailses that only came for Neal's performance.

My only gripes about the festival, save for the GJFs, were with the lighting and the OVER use of the stage fogger. There were times I couldn't see the drummer through all the fog. The back spots were aimed at the front row. If you were seated there, you spent much of your time with your eyes squinting or shut when these gels were fully illuminated.

I wonder if they got a price break? It did seem that the attendance was double for the two headliners.

Yes! I'd forgotten about the fogger. It would go off in inappropriate spots. Jeff and I just kept laughing when it would activate. I made me well up during CGT. then again, maybe it was Echoes

And the lights, yes there was one reddish one that was my enemy.

Ryo was still at it hours removed from CPR (wow I didn't know it was CPR administered). Oh well at least he will go out happy!

[VAXman(Admin)]

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

I wonder if they got a price break? It did seem that the attendance was double for the two headliners.

"... and invest in the church for your heaven..." -- PG

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

Yes! I'd forgotten about the fogger. It would go off in inappropriate spots. Jeff and I just kept laughing when it would activate. I made me well up during CGT. then again, maybe it was Echoes

At times, it was thicker than diesel smoke from a semi engine breaking!

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

And the lights, yes there was one reddish one that was my enemy.

...and you were in the 2nd or 3rd row. Those RED gels need to go. They were OVER used. Most of our photos might go in the trash bin because of them.

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

Ryo was still at it hours removed from CPR (wow I didn't know it was CPR administered). Oh well at least he will go out happy!

I talked with him briefly when he was tuning the mini-moog during CGT sound check. He gave us all quite a scare. I'll fill you in on the nitwits that were "security" at Prog Day. Remind me.

[Ted]

Rick,

Excellent review of the festival. I appreciate all the comments about the bands, and look forward to a link (or posting) of your pictures. Thanks so much!!

VAX,

Sorry you had a hard time. Look forward to a link to your pics too! You always do great photo work!!

We, who could not attend, salute you both!!

Regards from Texas,
Ted

[VAXman(Admin)]

Originally Posted by Ted

Rick,

Excellent review of the festival. I appreciate all the comments about the bands, and look forward to a link (or posting) of your pictures. Thanks so much!!

VAX,

Sorry you had a hard time. Look forward to a link to your pics too! You always do great photo work!!

We, who could not attend, salute you both!!

Regards from Texas,
Ted

I'll be quite busy for the better part of Sept. I hope M can filter through all the photos. She will, however, also be busy with the planning of a baby shower for my daughter. I've told her the photos are more important but we'll need to see where she focuses her priorities!

[Ted]

Originally Posted by VAXman

I'll be quite busy for the better part of Sept. I hope M can filter through all the photos. She will, however, also be busy with the planning of a baby shower for my daughter. I've told her the photos are more important but we'll need to see where she focuses her priorities!

VAX,

Hey! She knows her priorities. There is no hurry on our end... just would like to see what you got. Whenever it is convenient... I know I do appreciate it.

Baby Shower definitely sounds more important in a Mom's mind!!

Regards from Texas,
Ted

OHD - I agree - almost like being there.

[VAXman(Admin)]

Originally Posted by Ted

VAX,

Hey! She knows her priorities. There is no hurry on our end... just would like to see what you got. Whenever it is convenient... I know I do appreciate it.

Baby Shower definitely sounds more important in a Mom's mind!!

Regards from Texas,
Ted

OHD - I agree - almost like being there.

Rick always does a good wordy review. I only wish I could turn around all the photos in such an exigent fashion to accompany his review.

As for the baby shower, we'll all need to wait and see. I know I'll be getting involved near the end as I need to prep all the food.

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

Great review folks. Wish I could have been there. But now, after reading the reviews, I almost feel like I had.

Maybe next year.