Superfun-Happy-Weekend part 1 was such a hit, I thought I would follow it up with part 2! Here are a few shots and stories from what is perennially one of the best weekends of the year: MAGfest!
Camping
This weekend is about the camping mixed with cottaging and music. There are cottages on the property but so many people attend, we throw up tents beside the river.
After setting up the tents and getting a beer into me, I took over the bbq and buzzed up 8 burgers for others who arrived early. In the background, you can see I am drinking a bullshit beer because the lighter ones early end up in a longer evening.
Campfire Jam
Most people show up on Saturday for the food and music. Maybe 20% get there the night earlier for a little extra time in paradise. The Friday night campfire jam is something special as everyone is invited to play. Some are trying out new songs, others just learning to play with others. We love Friday night for another rehearsal of the songs we haven't quite prepared enough for. So damn good.
The Main Stage!
Back in 2014, the cottage owners built this solar powered stage. These days, maybe 200 friends and family show up to enjoy the pot luck dinner and live music that starts early in the afternoon with setup and sound check. Everyone is invited to the stage to lead a song, play an instrument or be a part of the show.
This is a shot by our drummer just as we were warmed up and about to start our set. In solidarity with our embattled American brothers and sisters, we decided to learn and perform 9 Bruce Springsteen songs. I am rockin my USA headband and playing the bass on the first few songs.
When the sun goes down, the music continues with bands picking musicians from the crowd to fill in for band members who are not there. Such a wonderful range and depth of classic and custom tunes. Like an evolving supergroup redefining tunes with the unique style of an altered line up. Everything from folk to rock to pop and brand new tunes still on the charts. Each song is generally preceded by the leader calling out the chords in the verse and chorus, and then improvised for a truly unique version.
Lately, the thrill of getting loaded and playing too many tune has been overshadowed. Now, I particularly enjoy the next generation of musicians taking the stage. Here, we are represented by people no longer with us, some of the newest core band, and their children who have been inspired to take up singing and instrument playing. One is missing this year as he has won music awards and was down in Nashville working on new songs for a tour. How gratifying is it to see our children embrace the enjoyment of live music and having the guts to get on stage and give it a try?
Dock Time
On Sunday, most of the crowd has dispersed and we are left to enjoy a little time on the riverside. Most of the leftover drinks are crammed in coolers and we head down to the platform which is a dozen feet above the river bay. Sometimes there is another jam with the leftover musicians but this weekend, the weather was too nice and the conversations too good.
Not a cloud in the sky with a subtle breeze in this one at a perfect 24c sunny afternoon cannot get any better. Especially with this crew.
This has got to be my favourite shot of the whole weekend. Kids frolicking on the pad. Friends soaking up the sun and remaining beer. My little one flying through the air after a big jump into the cool river.
Rockin my cabana suit and enjoying one of my prefered IPAs from the past decade. I may have missed #beersaturday the last couple weeks because of high adventure, but I will be back with a vengeance this weekend.
Monday: Back to Reality
We managed to linger another night in one of my favourite places on earth. We had an early morning as a result because the drive home is 4 hours and we had a busy afternoon planned back home. The mist was still on the water and most people were still sleeping another big night of games and music off.
These are the pictures and memories that keep me warm on long winter nights. I hope I have another 30 years of MAGfests.
