Wow… I mean… Wow… I sincerely apologize for how late this article is, but anyone who attended The Appalachian Jamwich production Mad Tea Party Jam most likely needed a day or two to recover. I certainly did, and I only
got there the second day, but what a day it was!!! Allow me to start from the beginning…
I arrived at the second day of the party, after what started off as a rough weekend for all. Plagued by CRUCIAL summer temperatures, RAGING electrical storms, and MASSIVE power outages, it seemed that the Jamwich labor of love was ill-fated to be a disaster. As I traveled down the tree branch strewn roads toward the venue, I started to worry. The outages had affected an area that spanned three states, and with high winds, torrential rains, and powerful lightning, I was certain that any intrepid party goers had given in and high-tailed it to safer ground. Imagine my relief when we rounded a last curve crested a final hill and saw… YES!!! PEOPLE!!!! The brave souls, stout hearted enough to weather the storm! I actually laughed out loud with relief! This was to be my first official Jamwich Family Party, and even if they had no power and no music, I was DETERMINED to make the most of it. Fortunately, the fates were not to be so cruel. In my first nights absence, I was informed I’d missed not only the storm of the century, but AMAZING performances by People Blues of Richmond, Sol Frequency, and a late night, power out, acoustic jam-session first, featuring The Werks and Guest keyboard player Johnny Neel, of Allman Brothers Fame! REALLY?!?! What could POSSIBLY top such an awesome night? I had only few minutes to ponder the question, before being introduced to the fantastic, farm fresh, food of Brad and Charlie, The spectacular beer of Front Porch Brewery, and the members of, what were to later become two of my new favorite bands, The Kings of Belmont, and, of course, The Werks!!!
After the initial introductions, the day seemed to pass in a kind and colorful whirlwind of great food, excellent conversation, and beautiful people, as we jammed to the sounds of Joe Taxi who kicked off the set, followed by The most rockin’ sounds of The Kings of Belmont, who played the sun down, and left the crowd wanting more. We got it in the crunchy, country-rock stylings of Jonny Grave and the Tombstones, and finally, The Werks, who set the WV evening ablaze with sounds, aided by lighting magician, Dewey, who’s colors were rivaled only by the rising sun they played until.
I couldn’t have asked for more… The Mad Tea Party was, in fact, Mad Awesome, the Hatter himself would’ve been pleased. A shout of praise and thanks goes out to the Jamwich Family and supporters, the bands and the fans, who made this a night I’ll never forget, and most especially, to Taco and Elise, who celebrated their Anniversary and shared the love they have for each other, with all of us! There are many other stories I could tell you, I suppose, tales of secret underground bunkers, over-grown graveyard adventures, ghosts, and nazi gold in the Bavarian Villa, but these, I think, I’ll keep to myself. Those who were there experienced it with me, those who weren’t… We’ll see you next year!!!
-Rodney
for pictures of the event visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/jybandfamily
