Send Me on My Way
The first time I saw Rusted Root was almost exactly twenty years ago this month, at an event hosted by the Gertrude Stein Bookstore on Pittsburgh's South Side. The last time I saw them was only a few years later when they were touring as the opening act for the Grateful Dead. With these in mind, I wondered if it would be crazy to take the kids to see them at The Treasure Lake Ski Lodge Friday night?
Not at all.
More after the jump.
The event was advertised as family-friendly, with children given free admission. Randy's eldest daughter and her four-year-old daughter joined us. We had lawn seats, though there were also VIP tickets available for the lodge itself. In addition to access to better food and drinks inside the lodge, the ticket holders also gained admission to a late-night show inside the lodge.
Wave to my friends who were able to get VIP tickets.
The setting could not be more ideal for a live show. Behind the small ski lodge, in the middle of, I guess, the hill used for skiing, sat the stage. We enjoyed the last half of the opening act's set. Kelly Richey is a blues guitarist from Cincinnati. Even though we had never heard of her before, we left with one of her CD's.
Once Rusted Root took the stage, not many remained in the lodge. They opened with "Martyr," and most people, adults and children alike, were on their feet on the lawn for the rest of the night.
When they started playing "Back to the Earth," a song I clearly remember from that first time I saw them (mostly because all the Root-heads joined hands and danced in a circle, and no, I am not making that up), I realized why this was a multi-generational show. Some of those people at the first show I attended are not only parents but even possibly grandparents by now.
The crowd's favorite songs were mostly from the Cruel Sun/When I Woke era, though the new ones on the set list were appreciated as well. Listen for "Monkey Pants," likely coming to an independent radio station near you sometime this fall.
If you are now or ever were a fan of Rusted Root, you might be able to guess what song they were playing here. (Hint--penny whistle)
Even at two hours, the hula-hoop girls danced on. I didn't realize this was a Thing. At the Ditan Folk Music Festival in Beijing in May we had hula-hoopers as well.
After they left the stage the first time, Myles wondered why we weren't packing up to leave yet. I explained to him the idea of the encore, that if we screamed loud enough and long enough they'd come back on stage. He commenced cheering, and joined me in dancing off to the side of the stage to a very frenetic rendition of "Ecstacy." I implored him to remember this forever. He closed his eyes tightly and squeezed my hands as if those were necessary steps to do this.
Our American Summer--now with more live music outside!
Not at all.
More after the jump.
The event was advertised as family-friendly, with children given free admission. Randy's eldest daughter and her four-year-old daughter joined us. We had lawn seats, though there were also VIP tickets available for the lodge itself. In addition to access to better food and drinks inside the lodge, the ticket holders also gained admission to a late-night show inside the lodge.
Wave to my friends who were able to get VIP tickets.
The setting could not be more ideal for a live show. Behind the small ski lodge, in the middle of, I guess, the hill used for skiing, sat the stage. We enjoyed the last half of the opening act's set. Kelly Richey is a blues guitarist from Cincinnati. Even though we had never heard of her before, we left with one of her CD's.
Once Rusted Root took the stage, not many remained in the lodge. They opened with "Martyr," and most people, adults and children alike, were on their feet on the lawn for the rest of the night.
When they started playing "Back to the Earth," a song I clearly remember from that first time I saw them (mostly because all the Root-heads joined hands and danced in a circle, and no, I am not making that up), I realized why this was a multi-generational show. Some of those people at the first show I attended are not only parents but even possibly grandparents by now.
The crowd's favorite songs were mostly from the Cruel Sun/When I Woke era, though the new ones on the set list were appreciated as well. Listen for "Monkey Pants," likely coming to an independent radio station near you sometime this fall.
If you are now or ever were a fan of Rusted Root, you might be able to guess what song they were playing here. (Hint--penny whistle)
Even at two hours, the hula-hoop girls danced on. I didn't realize this was a Thing. At the Ditan Folk Music Festival in Beijing in May we had hula-hoopers as well.
After they left the stage the first time, Myles wondered why we weren't packing up to leave yet. I explained to him the idea of the encore, that if we screamed loud enough and long enough they'd come back on stage. He commenced cheering, and joined me in dancing off to the side of the stage to a very frenetic rendition of "Ecstacy." I implored him to remember this forever. He closed his eyes tightly and squeezed my hands as if those were necessary steps to do this.
Our American Summer--now with more live music outside!
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