Red Wing Roots II: Day 3

Posted on August 25, 2014 by bsome under Celebrating Life Series, Kids, Music, People, Summer, Uncategorized

It felt a lot like a Sunday when I parked my car on the third and final day of the second annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival. Time moves differently on Sundays. It ticks away and reminds us to notice the smells and colors and faces and light, to slow ourselves down and enjoy one last little morsel of, in this case, a mid-summer musical dessert. When I shut my car door, there were no echoes on this third day…no soft melodies or harmonicas bouncing off the Chimney’s. There was quiet. A little alarming, I admit, for a music festival…but I proceeded anyway, with curiosity and camera. As I moved towards the back of the seated, silent crowd, I heard Trent Wagler wailing out a line from his gospel set. It was an experience to be there in that moment, watching this community church under overcast skies, surrounded by beauty and bodies who needed this healing sound. People napped and recovered and carried themselves to the stage to wake up. Dang good way to start a day.

Next up was Willie Watson, who I found to be a pleasant surprise. I love watching passion pour from a face with each lyric…eye wrinkles forming in the delivery of a verse, veins bulging with blood pounding from an aching heart and a shaky esophagus to distract from a tear. I got to see this in Willie’s performance of Rock Salt and Nails, among others. I feel you man. But before I let myself get stuck in my own head, I wandered around to mingle and grab images of smiling faces. It was a good move, the sun joined us and the rest of the day came with a smooth, steady beat as each new band took the stage.

Above: Lucas Roasting Company saved the day for a lot of folks. Below: Year-old swag…we missed you this year Caleb!

Above: Blackfeather Furniture made taking a break look goooood.

JP Harris & The Touch Choices

Bourbon Barrel Congress

Bryan Elijah Smith & the Wild Hearts

The Revelers

Love Canon

It was time to fill our tanks with some Hanks.

Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band

Townes Van Zandt Tribute Set packed the stage with a smorgasbord or festival talent.

Hayes Carll wrapped up the evening and the festival for the year.

See you next year, friends!

Didya miss Day 1? Click here to get caught up! What about Day 2?

This post is part of my year long series Celebrating Life.

Check out my photos from last year: Red Wing Roots Music Festival 2013! Day 1, Day 2, & Day 3.

A lake named Anna

Posted on September 4, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Food, Kids, Lake Anna, Summer, Uncategorized

The sun was beaming as I packed the car with a cooler, the kids and a Ben and we headed over the mountain to enjoy a day at Lake Anna for a friend-reunion of sorts. As I was driving I realized that the last time I drove over that mountain to see Toff and Cara, I was using printed mapquest directions. And possibly listening to a cd burned from my napster downloads? Haaaaa. Ancient. It was also before they became parents of sweet little Trip and Meg. Time leaves us. Too too fast. We were welcomed at the Newcomb lake house to lots of open international arms but the hugs didn’t last long as the kids were ready to enjoy the water!

Day 2. A slow, easy morning filled with lots of coffee, crossword puzzles, dogs and amazing food. The shrimp and grits that Sam and Elizabeth concocted were so good that I didn’t even get a chance to photograph them. After brunch we all waddled down to the lake to float like buoys until our food digested. Australia is a lifetime away, it seems, and any time with these guys feels like a ticking clock is dangling over us. I miss their faces already.

…note the vanilla slice: Toff and Cara’s number 1 seller at their bakery (activate saliva)…

Blake took a moment to teach Trip an American greeting: The Fist Bump. Blake still giggles at Trip repeating “Pound it!” with his young Australian accent.

Copyright © 2013 · Photos by Brandy Somers. All Rights Reserved · friendlycitylens.com & brandysomersphotography.com. This material may not be copied, downloaded, altered, cropped, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Thank you for respecting my creative property.

Red Wing Roots Music Festival: Day 3

Posted on August 15, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Kids, Music, People, Red Wing Roots, Summer, Uncategorized

The third and final day of Red Wing was upon us. We stopped caring about the mud under our toenails, the sweat beads on our forehead, and the mild stench that was totally-that-dude-beside-me and not me. Right? We were all friends now. Rained on, shined on, danced together – friends. I was a little sad finishing these photos. Nostalgic even. They reminded me of this pocket of happy that existed in my summer. A pocket I’ll dig into again next summer only to rediscover it all over…just like that wrinkled up five dollar bill that’s surely waiting for me in my winter coat. ….winter…. Ah geez.

Robin & Linda Williams Danny Schmidt & Carrie Elkin Brian Patrick Band

The Judy Chops

Pokey LaFarge and all his amazing faces that I just couldn’t take enough photos of.

The Steel Wheels & Friends Tribute Set See you next year, yeah?

Red Wing Roots Music Festival: Day 1

Red Wing Roots Music Festival: Day 2

Posted on August 12, 2013 by bsome under Casual, Kids, Music, People, Red Wing Roots, Summer, Uncategorized

After all the memories made on the first day EVER(!) of the Red Wing Roots Music Festival, I was stoked to know that two more days were still in store. The views of the Valley as I drove to the Chimneys made me extra thankful that this festival was brought to such a beautiful (and close!) location. The day was sunnier with a promise of a cooling evening shower. Sunscreen. Check. Camera. Check. Klean Kanteen. Check. Raincoat. Check. Water. Check. Day 2. Let’s do this.

After grabbing some coffee and fully waking up, we headed to The Southern Stage to listen to the lovely Ana Egge

Over on the Local Roots Stage, Bryan Elijah Smith & The Wild Hearts drew a decent crowd. Surrounded by happy campers.

Pearl & The Beard
For a little perspective, we hiked up to the top of the Chimneys. So so beautiful.
Back in time for a downpour and the sheer entertainment of The Wiyos.
If you haven’t seen these guys…add it to your list.
My night ended just right with The Steel Wheels.
…and still one more day to go…I could get used to this….

Field Trip: New Market Battlefield

Posted on June 11, 2013 by bsome under Kids, Spring

Blake is in the 5th grade and this particular field trip was pretty special to him. Not only was it his second-to-last field trip as an elementary school student *gulp* but he is particularly fond of the Civil War. As in, he absolutely knows way more than me about the battles that happened in this area. And I’ve lived here my whole life. My smart little smartypants. I took the day off work to join Blake and his classmates at the New Market Battlefield for a little history lesson.

The two 5th grade classes:

The tour guide explained the symbolism in the stained glass window installation:

Dressing the part of Union and Confederate soldiers:

During the reenactment video Blake didn’t take well to the bloody soldier scene. And by ‘didn’t take well’ I mean he keeled over right beside me and slammed his head on the seat in front of us. Pretty sure that’s the closest I’ve come to a heart attack. The paramedics were called just to be safe and after a few questions they diagnosed him with a weak stomach. Check out the two photos below: 1) pale serious Blake with a paramedic and his teacher in the background and 2) full color Blake, happy and feeding. *shew!*

After lunch we toured the grounds including the Bushong House and the Field of Lost Shoes which was particularly eerie. As the tour ended, dark clouds rolled in followed by a refreshing rain. It was a great day with Blake and his classmates. 🙂

The Field of Lost Shoes

Happy 6th Mirra Grace!

Posted on March 25, 2013 by bsome under Kids, People, Uncategorized

My niece is one of a kind. I need very few words to describe her…her personality screams from these photos. *down-to-earth-diva* I stopped by to deliver her birthday gift today and when I pulled in I noticed an old yellow chair by the blue garage door. Luckily, I had my camera in tow. *standard* I told her to go put on a dress so I could take her photo. She put on a dress alright…right on top of her pjs. Kids. Happy Birthday Mirra Grace! Keep that sassiness, wouldya?!