WRNR Free Fall Festival
I was walking around Church Circle toward West Street when I was passed by an interesting character. The guy was some what scruffy with a saved head and tattoos. His pants hung down almost to his knees. The music was getting louder by the step. He turned to me and asked, "What is going on over there." I said, "It's the WRNR 10th Anniversary Festival." He really hadn't heard of the station. He asked a second question, "Are they selling beer over there?" I replied, "I sure hope so." He proclaimed, "I had no idea what was going on. I broke my Fugazi CD last night in a drunken stuper. I just wanted to buy a new one down Main Street." I smiled trying not to loose it. He took a long drag of a Camel and continuted on. That my friends is how my Saturday began at the WRNR Free Fall Festival.
The entire first block of West Street was closed to traffic. Vendors lined the back portion. Up toward the circle, a medium sized stage was erected for the bands. I was suprised with the front of house setup and side stage monitor rig. RNR went all out for this gig. I saw Michelle and said hello. I didn't realize she got married. Congratulations. She showed me a copy of the band schedule. It looked like The Damnwells were about to take the stage. I was suprised they were scheduled before The Jarflys. This turned out to be a good thing. Sarah and I had time to get some lunch.
We stopped in Sean Donlon's for some food. We kept walking toward the back of the bar to find some space to sit. Eventually, it opened up into an outdoor water garden. I didn't even know this existed. We grabbed a table, and ate lunch. I had a tasty Reuben.
We paid the bill just as The Jarflys took the stage. You could here everything from behind Sean Donlon's. Back out on West Street, we stood just infront of the board. The sound was suprisngly good. I was again impressed with the rig rented by RNR. While listening to the first few songs, I saw Elise. I can't remeber the last time I hung out with her. Our families are old friends from the Eastern Shore. She is now living up in Baltimore studying to be a nurse. It was great to see her.
I enjoyed the rest of The Jarflys set. I miss going to their shows every Tuesday, but that is too tiring. Sarah liked their music. I think they might have the most talent out of any band on the bill. Charile Mars was up next, and he was disappointing. The music wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. There was nothing that stood out and grabbed your attention. It was a shame because; I expected more.
I was really excited for the last performer, Jem. She took the stage with her band around 5:15pm. The sun had just started to clear away the clouds. It had been overcast for most of the day. Arguebly, the street was packed more then any other artist. I noticed, like I did at the Gorge, that her band seemd young. Well, at least a few members. Jem explained this was the first show in their fall tour, and they hoped we would have a great time.
They didn't waste anytime getting the crowd going. The single "They" was played. I was really impressed with the band's stage presence, and Jem sounded awesome. After each song, she couldn't stop smiling and thanking the crowd. I was also impressed with the bands instrumental prowess. The bassist played a tradiational upright bass, an electric bass, and a shoulder electronic paino. The guy to Jem's right played guitar and keyboards. They guy to her left played electric and acoustic guitar. Her drummer was always bouncing around and into it. My favorite songs had to be "Save Me," "It's Just A Ride," and "Maybe I'm Amazed." "Save Me" has a sweet beat. It really is a foot stomping song. "It's Just A Ride," is a song about life with a funky chorus. She took the line from the book of an old comedian. I can't remeber his name. "Maybe I'm Amazed" is a beautiful rendition of a Paul McCartney song. Jem said this was only the third time they played the song out. Arn't we lucky.
I was really impressed with the entire set. I hoped she was sticking around to sign some CDs, but she didn't mention anything like that on stage. I did buy her album at the merch counter. I couldn't find a torrent of it last week. I have to cough up some cash for music every once and awhile. Anyway, I would have loved to add a signed flat of her's to my collection, but a WRNR poster would have to due.
As the sun began to set on the last day of daylight savings, the Festival came to an end. It was a great time. I couldn't believe all the people that showed up. Families with dogs and children were everywhere. Some people dressed up for Halloween! I had some great food, and a few drinks. Of course, the music was fantastic. I'm already looking forward to seeing Jem a third or fourth time. Hopefully, WRNR can have a few more shows like this in the future.
Update
Bill Hicks is the author/comedian that influenced Jem's song "It's Just A Ride"
Transcript of "It's Just A Ride"
