Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Common Ground fest, Westminster MD preview

Want to get the general review of this fest out there, in case mid-Atlantic folks don't know about it. Two days of the purest, cleanest traditional music you'll ever hear. No party scene, just music starting at 10am and running on 4 stages all day long. Banjo workshops (with legends like Tony Ellis), blues harp workshops, songwriter shows, Latin groove jams, african dancing demos, name it it's amazingly well done here. Totally respectful audiences that come and commune with the roots. By the time everyone gathers at the Pavillion stage for the headliners at 6 pm, it feels like a freebie. You got your $25 at the door worth hours ago.

Last 3 years Saturday headliners were Ramblin' Jack & Arlo Guthrie (2004), acoustic Hot Tuna (2005) and Richie Havens (2006). Richie playing Pink Floyd's "On the Turning Away" for encore still gives me chills to think about. Tom Chapin headlines Sunday every year.

This year's headliners, a 1964 folk reunion -- Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson on Sat 7/7, Jean and Tom Sun 7/8. I'll have the specific review of Saturday up in a couple days.

For now, I want everyone in day-trip distance from central MD who doesn't have this in the plan for this weekend to change their plans. You won't regret it.

http://www.commongroundonthehill.com/html/festival _flyer.html

(And no, I have no relationship with the promoters or any act appearing. I just go every year and love it.)