Festivus | August 25th | Cabot, VT

The college kids are starting classes, kids are going back to school, and I've been met with 40 degree mornings, but summer isn't over yet. There's at least one more installment on the Vermont camping festival circuit: The 5th Annual Sol Harvest Festivus for the Restivus (myspace).

Festivus started as a private party on the family land of Dave Pransky, previous mandolin player for the band Sol Harvest, now bass player for Toubab Krewe. This year it has evolved into a full day and night public festival showcasing an impressive lineup of both national and local acts. The festival site, formerly a summer camp, encompasses 93 acres of trails and even a swimming pond. This year the Pransky family has built a permanent stage in a natural amphitheater on the grounds. Here's the groups I'm most excited about:

Toubab Krewe: I've talked about them plenty on this blog, but I'm still blown away by their blend of Malian, American and Dirty South sounds. Officially from Asheville, NC (unofficially from Cabot, VT), they put on a live show that's extremely engaging and dynamic. Their work on the traditional Malian instruments, the kora (21-string harp-lute), the kamelengoni (12-string harp-lute), and soku (Malian horsehair fiddle), mix surprisingly well with guitar, bass, drum kit, and African percussion.

Eliza Lynn: Lynn made a quick tour through Central Vermont earlier in the summer and I've been excited for her return (previous posts here and here). She was voted best singer/songwriter in the 2006 Asheville Mountain Xpress Reader's Poll, appears on the recently released Putamayo Presents Americana, and has her sophmore release, Circles, set to release in early September. I've previewed the new disc and am totally blown away with the album's presence, which is much stronger and far reaching then her previous effort.

Adam Deitch with DJ Equal: Deitch is a session drummer who's resume includes keeping time for Slick Rick, John Scofield, Lauryn Hill, John Medeski, Meshell Ndegeocello, Justin Timberlake, Dead Prez, and dozens of others. DJ Equal is an internationally known turntablist whose studio credits include work with J Dilla, MF Doom, and Madlib - he's also spun live for everyone from Arrested Development, Pharoahe Monch and Hieroglyphics to the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra.

Live at World Cafe Live - 4.13.07
Toubab Krewe - Ray Forrester (live).mp3
Toubab Krewe - Moose (live).mp3