In June, we were informed that we were selected to perform at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival as a part of the Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase. Erin and I were beyond excited. It’s such an iconic festival and we were selected amongst so many other talented musicians. It was such an honor.

We agreed to the performance, submitted all of the details necessary, and started planning our travels. Fortunately, we already had a private upstate NY gig booked one week beforehand, and would already be in New England for a family wedding - it was perfect! We found an Airbnb cabin in Maine to rent for a few days after the wedding and got some songwriting work and editing done, along with some hiking and hanging out with our hosts’ dogs.

After a busy week on the road, we headed to Goshen, CT with our car stuffed full of instruments, PA systems, food, and camping gear. We arrived on Thursday night right in time for a beautiful sunset. Apparently a huge thunderstorm had just blown through and wrecked some sites who had set up early, so we were fortunate with our timing. We set up camp, met our neighbors, and settled in.

Sunset over the Goshen County Fairgrounds

We headed down to the Thursday night music and were blown away by the talented performers and also by how incredibly attentive the audience was. This is where we belonged. This is what we had been searching for. This is how folk music should be experienced. Hundreds of people hungry to hear what the next lyric, harmony, or riff was. It was indescribable. Erin and I instantly felt at home, at that feeling continued all weekend long. We caught so many performances that we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. My highlight was Saturday night dancing in the pouring rain during Tempest’s performance. I also really enjoyed the informal song circles at various camps, especially Aaron Nathans’ & Phil Henry’s circle and the Big Orange Tarp. Oh, we also met Breadman. He gave us bread and he is a kind person. We also both really enjoyed the contra dancing. In fact, I’m pretty sure we loved every bit of the entire weekend.

Our performance Friday was a whirlwind. We were right in the middle of the lineup. It’s stressful to pick the right songs to fit into the time limit - it’s a balance to showcase all of the best parts of what we can do, while unfortunately not being able to squeeze in all of the songs that we’d prefer to play. It was hot and sweaty and over in the blink of an eye, but it was such an unforgettable experience. We’re so fortunate to have had the opportunity, and will definitely be returning to Falcon Ridge in the future. It feels like home.

-Michael

First time at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival