Acoustic All-Stars 2010

Pics: John Zay, Ashley & Taryn, Brian.

Wow. Seriously, this past weekend was the hardest, most frustrating, most exciting, most exausting, and most rewarding weekend I remember ever having. With the pictures, the videos, the laughs, the exorbanant (spelling) amount of drinks consumed, and the amazing people we just spent it with, I find myself wondering, 'What more could a person want'
There was a time in my life when I said, I want to play music. I didn't know another musician ESPECIALLY one who played out. My first open mic was so scary I dont think anyone could hear me cause I was so scared of my voice. As I played more I saw musicians just like me who were scared and very new. But then I would see the focused, practiced, experienced musicians and just sit in awe. When we started this, I never realized I would sit in awe like I was new again. Every year, new talent comes along and we say, "How have I never heard you!?" Its so exciting to get to meet these super talented people doing what I have looked up to AND get to perform with them.

(Pic: Jen Stensrud)

My only regret this year was that we didn't get to talk to the outside stage performers much and felt we didn't try hard enough to include them. We apologize. Luckily we were able to run down there enough to get pics and say hi to most of them.
Now for the juicy stuff....
Friday.
We got off work at 1 and already had the car packed so we could pick up some banners and drive to PC and get ready, check into the room etc. Unfortunately, we realized we forgot a banner in a Mr. Brett Turner's vehicle who lives in Ogden. (Pic: Brett Turner) We decide to meet halfway, originally Centerville but later moved up to Layton. Why? Well, we hit traffic and were driving very slow. I called Brett and said, you're going to have to meet us up here cause we're stuck. Suddently a cop car passes in the emergency lane. Yep. A wreck. We slowly drive for a bit and suddenly, traffic clears. We see a LONG line of cars on the other side stuck behind a motorist who has rammed into the middle barriers. I called Brett again 'Nevewrmind we'll meet you.'  We finally got the banner and headed back to town. Luckily we were able to use Legacy Highway. We pick up the last of the banners and head to Park City.
For some reason, someone decided that THIS weekend, the weekend of The Kimball Arts Festival, was the weekend to do construction on the road. We ended up on one of these roads trying to find where to check into our hotel. Ty apperently pissed off the hotel clerk and she was taking her sweet ass time to get to him lol. I know he didn't on purpose and he WAS able to still sweet talk her out of a few extra parking passes. We were a little close on schedule so we hurried up to the room, claimed our room, took some pics, and then I took Ty to the bar to hang banners. I then went back to the room to park, get ready and walk UP the hill. All in all I took this trek and one even to it in trips to the Miners Park Stage a few times. Im thinking 2 down, 4 up......
The first night was awesome! I got to sing back up for Josh Johnson, and have Greg Downs play guitar and Ty play D'jembe...it was awesome. Then there was the DJ. We stayed until about 12 and headed back to the room. DOWN. Taryn and I were joined by Miguel and Friends. (Super cool guys) We hung out, drank, etc. Good times. Tawny made Chicken Tacos (MMMMMmmmmm) and we started to settle down. Everyone left at somewhere around 3 or 4 I believe and I went and woke Ty up out of the hot tub so he didn't drown. lol
Sleep

Saturday:
Taryn made the best breakfast burritos. (In our full Kitchen)

Since we were able to shove a bunch of people into the room, it was SUPER cheap.
We were able to relax a bit and get ready for the night. Then it was time to go back UP.
Hanging banners, fliers etc. Marc Cooper had Shelly, Kole, and us on the stage to sing some Bob Marley and Beatles. I played the shaker and was being perverted. Of course.
Steve Swift. That guy is a bad ass. I have never seen him play like he played this year. He has a stomp box that he kicks while he's playing and this year he was ROCKING OUT. It was awesome.
(I apologize because I can't talk about everyone's sets. I was impressed with everyone and want you to know that I'm picking by story, and pictures.)
Saturday night was just awesome. I mean, Jen Stensrud, Dustin Bangerter, Peter Harvey, Marc Cooper, Steven Swift, Kimo Watanabe, and Whiskey King Coalition....HELL YA!
After, we all went back and hit the hot tub. First I went with Smash to get suits and Totinos. We got back and made them and smash called the slightly scorched ones 'Cajun Style cause they're blackened' lol
If you have never hung out with Mac and Flip(The Local Landing) they are two funny bastards. Seriously. That's all I got on the subject.
When the water started swaying me OR I started swaying me, not sure which, I went to bed. It was close to 5 am.

Sunday:
8:30 am. My alarm goes off. I feel like SHIT.
Whose fault is that? MINE! Was it worth it? YA!
I got up and tried to help a bit by cleaning. and then slowly made coffee and drank water. I got dressed and had to leave to get to the Miners Park Stage and get passes to a few artists. UP.
I sat at the park for a bit listening to Shelly Riff with Marc Cooper then joined by Kole Hansen, and thought I was going to pass out it was so hot. Stupid weather lying to me.
I couldn't handle it. I needed to change. DOWN lol
I changed and then took a 15 nap and was ready to go again. UP.
I was really dissapointed to miss Amir Jackson's set by only a minute or 2. (Sad Face)
Back and forth I went a few more times to the stage. I got to meet Jenn Hajj, and Utah Slim, and heard US Thieves. Mike got sweet pics of Chris Orrock. Jenn has such a Celtic voice. Beautiful!
Sunday was better than we imagined and we pulled almost as many tickets in on Sunday as on Saturday night. AWESOME! The Sunday Lineup was Miquel and Friends, Brian Bingham, John Zay, Ashlee Dickson, Silver Glen, Kole, Timmy Pearce, Alan Sanders, and W. James Woods. Fantastic!!!

Pic: Kole with Marc Cooper

Now for my favorite part. After....Throughout the year in the past I have loved to see the stage being shared between other AAS artists. I can't tell you all the joy I feel and satisfaction we get from seeing the dream of this festival come alive. Its such an honor to have friends who are willing to come play and promote with us for something that we believe in so strongly. We know and have met some amazing people and will continue to do so. This is networking at its finest and a great way to almost try out for other's interest in opening spots whether its you opening or them.
All I have to say is,(Except you Aleeca cause you were in Alaska) If you didn't come to the 2010 Acoustic All-Stars Festival, you missed out.