Haybarn Rendezvous

Rondy 2009

The Rondy weekend started with what I hope will become a new WayGood tradition- a Switchback concert high up the bluffs of northeast Iowa in a cave! The cave was not, as one might expect, cold, damp and dreary, but just the opposite. Many felt a strong spirituality within its walls. It was festive, lit with candles, tiki torches, and twinkle lights. The mood festive as well, as it always is when the citizens of the WayGood World converge on any location. We had the joy of introducing Switchback to a new group of friends and fans that evening, and they were just as excited and enthusiastic as we Rondy veterans were! Friendships were formed in the cave that evening that will last a long, long time! And if you want to hear the music sound as sweet and pure as possible, the place to go is the cave!

The next day at the Natural Gait, we had beautiful music, beautiful weather and a most beautiful setting! The prairies surrounding the Natural Gait are breathtaking. Looking out on the vista of wildflowers, with butterflies and bumblebees floating above six foot growth was spectacular. Add to the mix a day of world class music and friends and you've got the perfect Rondy! 

The music, as usual, was beyond belief! The day started with some awesome blues guitar from Paul Kaye. Paul's Chicago style really set the mood for some seriously great music. Next, when John Erlandson came onstage we were blown away with his beautiful lyrics and engaging style. We were ready for a song and a story from James McCarthy, and that's just what we got. James is an Irish-American Seanchai (story teller) who came from Hawaii to entertain adults and children alike with his music and wonderful stories. Then we had some good old fashion rock and roll from the local Spillville, Iowa band Wonder Creek- they really kept the dance floor filled throughout their set! When Dave Moore hit the stage, we really got the true feeling of midwestern songwriting at its finest. Dave truly is, as Brian said, 'a national treasure". At first I felt a little sorry for the Sawtooth Bluegrass Band, who played next - going on after Dave and just before Switchback...what a tough gig, especially for a band whose oldest member is maybe 18 years old! But I didn't need to worry, between their award winning instrumentation and classic bluegrass vocals, these boys really blew us away! 

When it was time for Switchback to hit the stage, we were really ready for them!! And they were, of course, phenomenal! Playing many of the old songs, and a lot of the new ones, taking requests and having fun, it was pure Switchback. Which is, as we all know, often pure magic. A heavy load was again handed to the Sawtooth boys, as they hosted the fire circle after Switchback played. They enchanted us with their ability to transform favorite "popular" singalong tunes into their own bluegrass style! We had a great time with them, and as we progressed into the wee hours, the fire circle became an amazing jam as all of the days performers were anxious to play with one another! A preview of the Sunday jam the next day! 

Of course, the Rondy is always more than just the music! It's a time to reconnect with friends from all over the WayGood World. A time to meet new friends, laugh, relax, play, dance, and sing. The Rondy is a chance to reconnect with nature, and with your own spirit. The Rondy is a special weekend for those of us with this WayGood connection we have...I'm already anxious for next year!