From July 13-14, We Hope You Can Play a Role

If you all don't mind, for today's entry, I'd like to broaden the topic of live performance just a bit, in an attempt to get you all on board with Wolf Trap's "Go Green" initiative, which should vastly expand its influence after our upcoming inaugural National Arts and Environment Summit scheduled to take place on July 14, highlighted by a headlining Eco-concert and live performance from Hootie & the Blowfish at 8pm on Sunday the 13th.

For three hours leading up to the Hootie performance beginning at 5:00pm on Sunday afternoon, the entire Wolf Trap staff encourages the general public (not just ticket holders!) to visit our "Green Spot" in the Meadow at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts to help celebrate our park and promote sustainability in a festival setting with a special musical performance by Todd Wright, and organizations raising awareness about environmental action. Reverb, the environmental non-profit organization started by Adam Gardner (singer, lead-guitarist for Guster) and his wife Lauren Sullivan have graciously agreed to work with Wolf Trap on this project in helping to organize and populate our Green Spot with exciting and innovative participants and exhibitions. A list of participating groups is nearing completion, so I'll post details on what types of attractions to expect throughout the next two weeks. Members of Reverb will be on hand to talk about how they are helping to green the entertainment industry.

After perusing the Green Spot, ticket holders will walk over to the Filene Center to experience an evening of music from pop-rock icons Hootie & the Blowfish performing what is to be one of a few remaining live dates before they embark on an indefinite hiatus.

To quote Flight of the Conchords, put your "business socks" on for Monday's convening. In partnership with Americans for the Arts, The Aspen Institute, Reverb, Booz Allen Hamilton, and NPS Climate Friendly Parks Program; Wolf Trap Foundation President and CEO, Terre Jones, will host an intimate gathering of environmental and arts experts, along with government, community, and business leaders at the Corporate Headquarters of Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA. For over six hours, attendees will operate as a collective think tank of sorts, with the end goal of outlining a list of strategies and solutions for fully engaging performing artists and performing arts presenters in environmental stewardship. At 4:00pm on July 14, members of the public can join via videoconferencing to hear the experts recommendations, so register today to join in the webinar by accessing this link. Web attendees are encouraged to bring fresh perspective to the group through individual strategies and solutions that have been met with success in their personal or business life.

Should be an amazing and groundbreaking two days, and we hope you can play a role whether it's just browsing our Green Spot, enjoying the Hootie concert, or participating in the discussion on ways the arts can go green through the wonders of the world wide web.

I'm a little sad about Hootie temporarily parting ways, so for today's video, I've put up their ESPN themed video "Only Wanna Be with You" off their album Cracked Rear View, which incidentally sold a staggering 13 million copies. I think this is one of the greatest videos of all time, but I'm partial because it features golf, Keith Olberman, Dan Patrick, Dan Marino, Fred Couples and other major sports figures and personalities from the mid 90s. It's a guy video :)

Have a great weekend everyone.

Cheers,

Graham

Backstage with Bruce Hornsby

Just got into the press office after observing a Bob Edwards (XM and formerly of NPR) interview with Bruce Hornsby, who, along with Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, comprises tonight's performance lineup. After what is sure to be a stellar opening set from Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet (featuring Bela Fleck,) Hornsby and Skaggs will take the stage to share selections from their 2007 self-titled release.

The interview lasted about an hour, but typical of Bob's laid-back approach, the dialogue manifested into more of a loose, free-form conversation, rather than a structured Q+A. The diverse array of discussion topics, ranging from Hornsby's beginnings as a musician at the surprising age of 17, to his multiple live performances at the NBA finals, to his dream team collaboration (which incidentally happens to be Mark Knopfler,) was pretty enthralling, but I particularly came alive when Bob began inquiring about Hornsby's 20 months as a full time member of the Grateful Dead. I don't want to give too much away since all you XM subscribers can tune into the full-length interview in the weeks to come, but it was fascinating to hear how much of an influence Garcia, Lesh and company had on Hornsby's songwriting, especially when members of the band were never given proper due for their songwriting prowess.

I've posted a pair of photos below (Edwards on left, Hornsby on right in blue shirt.) I would have taken more, but I felt a bit intrusive with the flash.

Talk soon,

Graham

James Taylor Lawn Rush Video!

Got it all straightened out :) It just needed a simple down convert in size. Gimme a break, I'm still learning :)

Anyways, enjoy this footage of about 3000 people rushing the lawn in anticipation of James Taylor's debut performance at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. I provide some occasional commentary...ignore if you wish :)

More video to come as the summer progresses. Stay tuned.

Cheers,

Graham

Out Here at Emmylou

Wow, she sounds great.

The silver-haired beauty opened up with a track from her new album, All I Intended to Be, followed up by a cover of the classic tune "Orphan Girl," penned by the incomparable Gillian Welch. After a brief intro, and a funny little anecdote about how at the age of 61, her mother still makes her wear a bike helmet when she goes out for a ride, Emmylou surprisingly launched into "Love and Happiness, a track from All the Road Running, her 2006 collaboration with guitar God Mark Knopfler. This is sure to be a special show. For those of you who braved the ominous skies and headed out to the park for tonight's show, chime in tomorrow with your review. I can't wait to get out there and hear more.

Talk soon,

Graham

Emmylou Harris and Joshua James

Hey all,

My apologies for the lack of pre-James Taylor show video as promised, it is still uploading to blogger! Yeesh. I'll get it up hopefully before I leave here today. If not, definitely early next week.

In the meantime, for all your Emmylou ticketholders out there, or for those of you who are on the fence about attending her Wolf Trap date on Sunday, I want to draw your attention to today's "Stages" feature in the Washington Examiner written by Chris Klimek. It gives good a preview of what to expect from her show which begins at 8, and carries only a $22 lawn price. Plus it's one of the most stripped down interviews I've read in a while. Emmylou bears quite a bit. Some interesting factoids about her are included as well. Anyone out there attend Woodbridge high school in the early 1960s? If so, perhaps you were competing with her for the coveted title of valedictorian in 1965, which she locked up in her days prior to immersing herself in the Georgetown music club scene. If you haven't had a chance to pick up today's copy of the Examiner, let me know and I'm happy to send you an electronic version of the article. Not to over saturate Emmylou, but you can read the Post's recent review of her latest record All I Intended to Be, by accessing this link.

Today's video of the week is inspired by our programming director's recent booking sheet distribution of some of our Barns acts for the fall (some great stuff coming by the way, but of course, I cannot share just yet.) I recently witnessed singer/songwriter Joshua James open for Glen Hansard's side project, The Swell Season at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and I was absolutely floored by this guy. I wrote an email to Peter, our programming director this afternoon, declaring that James's musical style combines the very best elements of artrock/folk-rock hero Bright Eyes front man Conor Oberst, and wistful, ethereal singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne. Maybe coming to a Barns near you? Who knows, time will tell.

Check out this exclusive youtube video of Joshua performing a cover of Modest Mouse's "Custom Concern." Let me know if you agree with my previous artist comparison, and assessment of his talent.

Have a great weekend,

Graham

Yes Indeed - James Taylor Under the Stars at Wolf Trap!

Wow - it's a pretty out of body experience to be within close proximity to James Taylor. I mean, the man is a complete legend. He just finished playing "Country Roads," and I think is now playing a cover called "Cry Baby Cry." "Cry Baby Cry," is over...and he just busted into a jazzy rendition of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning," from Oklahoma! Haha, gotta love it!

Not only does this guy have a never ending catalogue of hits, but he honestly sounds better live than on studio recordings. I can't wait to get down to the lawn and listen.

I now have a functional MPEG 4 video camera, so you'll start seeing some more footage of pre-show Wolf Trap activity which I'll post on youtube and here on the blog. Check in here tomorrow for a pair of pre-James Taylor performance videos, the best of which features a riotus 2000 person lawn rush from the main gates. I've been to sold out Wolf Trap shows, but this one just feels MORE sold out than the others, which is indicative by the sea of people rushing the lawn, many of whom have been waiting for this event to occur at Wolf Trap for the last 30 years. It's a very cool experience to be part of this evening's show, and it certainly shows in our patrons faces.

In addition to the promised video, I'll hopefully have some still photos and a set list from tonight's performance.

Talk soon,

Graham

Anita Baker, and the Queen of Country-rock, Emmylou Harris

Evening all!

Up here at the press office, and Anita Baker just stopped by the WMMJ tent during their remote broadcast near the main gates for a quick on-the-fly interview! It was taped, and they are actually airing the interview as I write this. She sounds like she's had a fascinating life based on her 90 second discussion with Alvin John Waples. Our President and CEO Terre jumped on the air after Anita to discuss the remainder of our R&B schedule, which features The Temptations/Four Tops, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Lalah Hathaway and Smokey Robinson.

Anita takes the stage tonight at 8:50, so come on out and grab your ticket!

Anyone pick up Emmylou's newest record titled All I Intended to Be? Great, great stuff. Generally, I have a really hard time getting behind studio recordings of covers, especially in the country arena, but her ability to add crystalline layers to tracks like Patty Griffin's "Moon Song", Merle Haggard's "Kern River," and Billy Joe Shaver's "Old Five and Dimers Like Me," consistently blows me away. The album dropped on June 10 - pick it up ASAP. A review written by my pal Chris Klimek will run in the Washington Post weekend section in the days leading up to her Wolf Trap show on June 22. I'll make sure to post it on here once it hits the shelves.

For today's video, I've posted a 1977 live performance of Emmylou covering Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho and Lefty," one of my favorite tunes of all time. I know her show is over a week away, but I absolutely cannot wait to see that beautiful head of silver hair perform...ok I might have a little star crush on her :)

In case folks are curious about Kenny G's performance from last night, I've posted his setlist below Emmylou's video.

Have a great weekend - I'll be watching the U.S. Open and headed out to the park in the evenings for Gordon Lightfoot and Boz Scaggs.

Cheers,

Graham

Lori McKenna Now; Trisha Yearwood at 9

It's a beautiful night - come out and see some country music at Wolf Trap! In all honesty, the only real options for country in the area are Wolf Trap, and Nissan, and after the Radiohead fiasco, I think we've learned that a Nissan excursion can be a frustrating experience, unless it presents something like, well...Radiohead, and other shows that are blatant must-sees. In addition to Trisha, Wolf Trap's summer country lineup features Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby performing selections from their self-titled collaborative 2007 release, Emmylou Harris (new album dropped yesterday!,) Lyle Lovett, Kenny Rogers & The Oak Ridge Boys, and renegade country gal Gretchen Wilson. Solid lineup. I had hoped for some crowd and performance video during Trisha's set tonight, but the two batteries I have for our Mpeg4 camera are totally shot, so upon purchasing new ones, the video content will begin.

In the meantime, I've posted some photos of our Swamp Romp this past Sunday. If you were there, these colorful photos should help you relive your Louisiana experience.

Jessica Cash with WFLS just introduced Lori McKenna, and she's now about halfway into her first song so we'll see how she does in her Wolf Trap debut. Should be a great night. Talk soon.

Graham

Hot - but Who Cares?

I've lived in D.C. for four years, and Nashville for 8 months, both of which offer pretty intense humidity from June - September. In all honesty, I cannot remember a hotter two days than what we experienced this weekend. You'd think that working this past Saturday during the Rusted Root/moe. show would have been miserable, but given the rare onstage and pit access to Rusted Root for photos during their sound check and 60 minute set, I was having so much fun the heat was barely noticeable. My intentions for video did not materialize unfortunately, due to a faulty battery in my camera, but I promise the issue will be remedied for future shows.

Once Eleena pops into the office, I will upload a moe. slide show as well, but wanted to follow up with a portion of my promised content from Friday. Below is a Rusted Root slideshow, complete with sound check and performance shots, followed by a complete set list from both Rusted Root and moe. I heard the majority of the Rusted Root set, which included their big three "Martyr," "Ecstasy," and "Send Me on my Way." They played 2-3 new songs off their upcoming record, all of which sounded very solid, but seemed a bit of a departure from their world sound, with more of a focus on Glabicki as a singer/songwriter. Vocalist, percussionist and guitarist Jenn Wertz left the band back in March, so the band's excellent harmonies weren’t quite as pronounced, with backup vocal duty falling mostly to the Root's remaining female member, Liz Berlin.

moe. sounded like a seasoned jam band, with very tight instrumentation, complex vocal harmonies, and hypnotic solos including an impressive slap bass excursion during "32 things". Great crowd overall - hardly a person sitting down in-house.

Awesome day!

Big Weekend Headed Your Way

One thing that has and will always remain consistent with the worldwide listening public is that we all have our individual musical preferences that we should feel free to express and defend in the face of controversy or adversity. I for one flock to country-rock, alt-country, and top-notch jam bands, which is why I'm particularly excited about this weekend's lineup at Wolf Trap which includes Nitty Gritty Dirt Band w/Poco on Friday, moe. w/Rusted Root (!) on Saturday, and Louisiana Swamp Romp on Sunday (doesn't represent the aforementioned genres, but who can argue with Cajun music?)

Not a bad last few years for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, let's see...starting in 2005 the quartet won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental for the tune "Earl's Breakdown," collaborated with Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs, Jerry Douglas and Vassar Clements, toured North America in support of their album Welcome to Woody Creek, and celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2007. Not too shabby. McEuen and company are sounding better than ever based on recent live Mp3s I've heard. Don't miss these guys, they don't come around to Wolf Trap too often...

Make sure to check in with me after the moe./Rusted Root show on Saturday night. I've been given clearance to pop backstage to take some video and still photo footage of the Rusted Root members before and during their performance. On Monday, I hope to have the footage posted for your enjoyment. My goal is to capture them in their pre-show routine -eating, drinking, practicing, hanging out backstage, hopefully coupled with some candid comments from their front man Michael Glabicki. I will handle the video, while our house photographer Eleena Fikhman will capture the still shots given her expertise that far exceeds my own. The show itself should be fantastic, as both Rusted Root and moe. are touring in support of new material. New songs aside, I've waited a long time to hear "Ecstasy" and "Send me on my Way" live, so I'll be jamming along backstage.

If you can make it out Sunday, I highly recommend checking out Pine Leaf Boys' set, one of the younger up and coming acts in the Cajun/Creole world. All band members are under 30, and bring a youthful element that adds a whole new toe-tappin' dimension to the high energy that Louisiana infused music inevitably provides. This is undoubtedly a great lawn show...more room to spread out and dance!

Game 1 of Celtics/Lakers tonight. So classic.

Talk soon,

Graham