That's Right! The "Cabin Fever Pickin' Party" is right around the corner. And let's hope ole' Punxsutawney Phil got it right when he didn't see his shadow on February 2nd. If so, that means an early spring and, hopefully, some warm weather for Cabin Fever. We've certainly paid our dues this winter and we are all looking for those first few days of warmer weather. Cabin Fever is one of the most anticipated events in Bluegrass around the central Atlantic states as it is the precursor of the many Bluegrass festivals to come. some of the festivals in our area include: "Mr. B's Bluegrass Festival," Central Virginia Family Bluegrass Music Festival," "Grave's Mountain Festival of Music," "Sedalia Bluegrass Festival" "Rockahock Bluegrass Festival" and others. Unfortunately, due to the passing of long time festival promoter, Sterling Belcher, the "Festival In The Pines" has been canceled this year. All of these promoters support Cabin Fever and are in attendance, so if you have a band you need to be there and find a place to pick so you can be seen and heard.
I guess the first thing I need to share with you is this from the Cabin Fever web site: "Holiday Inn will have a new name - Howard Johnson Plaza and Conference Center and it is part of the Wyndham Hotel Group. This is only a name change - the management, staff and great service will remain." I took a drive down there a few weeks ago and indeed I see no differences other than banners saying Howard Johnson's. As always, Cabin Fever is one of the very best bargains in Bluegrass music today. For and advance fee of $25 you can have a four day weekend of Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel (Only $30 at the door!). Every year someone misunderstands the ticket pricing, so I will try to make it as clear as possible. There is one, only one, ticket price. It will cover the entire 4 day weekend, but if you choose to come for only one day it will still be the same price. There are no daily rates at Cabin Fever. The event cost is so modest, how could anyone expect a daily price? Believe me, they do1 so please understand this and help others to understand it, too. You can order advance rickets by writing Cathy & Earl Banton at: CAbin Fever, Inc. 909 Francis Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059.
I know there are some who have never attended Cabin Fever, so I want to share some of my fond memories of this great event. The very first one was held at the George Washington Motel in Williamsburg, VA and attendance was quite small. Oh, but did we have fun! Of the 200 or so folks there we found we knew almost everyone at the event. We laughed and joked and picked our fingers to the bone, much the same way we do now, but there was an intimacy to those early Fevers. We grew each year by leaps and bounds until in just a few short years it became necessary to move to our present location in Hampton, VA. I have never missed a Cabin Fever and one year there were many folks who wished I had missed that one. I had the flu!!!! I mean I HAD THE FLU!!!! I was miserable, sneezing, coughing, aching and sharing my flu with everyone I came in contact with. I should have stayed away because all I can really remember about that weekend was the flu.
After we moved to Hampton I began presenting the "Night Owl Concerts" in the Holiday Room there. I've had lots of great bands and this year will be no exception. The "Night Owl Concerts" will begin at 11PM in the Holiday Room with the following bands scheduled: Allen's Mill; Flatland Bluegrass Band; Travers Chandler & Avery County; Mill Run; Plan B Bluegrass Band and Shenandoah Drive.
Make plans to join me and all of your Bluegrass friends at Cabin Fever this 1st weekend of March, 2011. Until I see you.....
"NUFF SAID!"
No comments:
Post a Comment