"From These Roots" (July 2009)

Those who have kept up with my meanderings and musings over the years likely know that I am an enthusiastic gardener. The mild weather here, with good stretches of warm sun and gentle soaking rains, have created an unusual overlap of spring crops and summer veggies. Peas and peppers, spinach and squash, all somehow contributing simultaneously to the table, even if only for a short spell. The bounty, and the good work to collect it, have begun in earnest.

I was looking at some photos of our house the other day from back in the early and mid 90s. I have to confess some astonishment at how much smaller the trees were! I mean, I do know they grow, albeit slowly, but still found myself puzzled by the scope of their growth that happened literally right before my eyes and over my head.

I guess something else planted here long ago has been growing and thriving too. For the last 15 years we've hosted a small music festival. The idea started as a way for many of us touring musicians who rarely have other opportunities to spend time together, to do so in a relaxed environment - to share our music and our audiences, but as much to share in each other's company.

The event now known to its legion of supporters simply as "Mountville" has enjoyed a lot of fine moments over the years, simple and poignant words between children as well as memorable performances from the diverse likes of artists like Erin McKeown, Oxymora, Seth Austen, The Dreamsicles, Dana & Susan Robinson, Mike Rayburn, Pat Wictor - the list is long and the talents captivating. It's always been about the music, and the people who make it.

But the truly amazing thing is to realize the community that has grown up around the festival over all these years. People who came their on one of their first dates celebrating their 10th anniversary or more. Kids who've had their first camping trip in our backyard have grown into young adult volunteers. Young high school and college age musicians sharing the stage with Grammy nominees and seasoned veterans. Over the years as different needs became obvious to make the festival run more smoothly, people pitched in and arrived with the solution (or tools!) in hand.

This year over 200 people came - young and old, veteran festivarians and first timers. The weather was unusually perfect, and everything ran smoothly (has this ever happened at any festival ever?). A community growing slowly and nearly imperceptibly each year, nurtured by the music, has matured like that once young maple tree that now shades a third of the festival's prime lawn space.

There are those who worry that the future of folk songs, storytelling and even the art of listening are being lost before our eyes. Across the land, perhaps this is true. But at Mountville at least, it is nice to know that there truly can be songs and stories for all ages - well sung, artfully played, skillfully delivered. Perhaps three chords and the truth have evolved a bit in the 21st century, but at least here those deep musical roots will continue to nurture yet another generation.