Bellows Falls Weekend Thoughts & Quotes

Bellows Falls Weekend

Thoughts & Quotes

by Lone Star Mama

Nothing will ever do justice to explain/express all the love, fellowship, friendship, laughter, kindness, music, and fun of the Bellows Falls' weekend. Fern MacDonald’s sharing of the shows summed up the experience pretty well. So I wanted to share a bit of my thoughts on the weekend, sharing more of the truly personal aspects. There won’t be a lot of technical “music commentary”.

This very special weekend actually began over a year ago, with our attending our first-The Second Annual Fred Eaglesmith Weekend. There were several folks who, via email, gave us helpful hints on how to get the best out of the weekend, and we chose to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary three months early and head to Vermont. Andy’s parents agreed to keep our little ones, we had our airline tickets in hand, and were on our way.

We met so many wonderful folks, and felt like we already really knew some of them quite well. It was an incredible weekend then. So we decided not too long after returning home that we would celebrate our 11th anniversary early, and return to Bellows Falls for the third annual Roots on the River Festival. But this time, things would be much different.

Relationships changed, some grew, some remained the same during the course of the year. One such relationship that grew was with Fern. Through many emails, and eventually weekly phone calls back and forth, we really became close. She filled in many tales of various characters I had met and read on the digests, helping me feel as though I was building new relationships with some of those folks as well. There were others with whom I emailed back and forth, and still others I had met or reunited at shows with during the past year; as well as close friends, Lana and Jim (that’s the infamous Miss Lana and The Recordman), who were going. As time drew nearer, I felt more like I was heading to a family or class reunion of sorts, and anxious to meet yet more new faces besides enjoying the ones I knew already.

We began our journey on Wednesday, interestingly enough with a slight glitch, that was actually a wonderful indicator of how well Fredheads try to take care of their own. We had an “invite” to stay with fellow Fredheads Michael and Vance, but I apparently wrote down their number wrong. I called Fern from Nashville, she didn’t have the number either, but offered up her couch. We told her we’d decide what exactly we would do (we were actually also contemplating a quiet night somewhere near the airport at a hotel with pizza delivery) when we got to Hartford, and would call again either that night or in the morning.

Exhausted from our travels (flying stand-by, leaving our house at 4 a.m. and arriving in Hartford at nearly 7 p.m.), we opted for the pizza and early to bed at the Days Inn.

When we called Fern early Thursday morning, she had called other list members to track down Michael and Vance’s phone number, and was worried that we thought she didn’t want us there! She had tracked them down, and same thing, they were worried about us! After reassuring her we had chosen the night of “early to bed” since we knew it would be the last for awhile, I asked if we could come visit.

It was here I think the whole concept of the weekend began for me. All of us had pulled, prayed, tried bargaining with God, etc. for Fern, Steve LaSala and our friend Lee to make the weekend. We knew Steve was coming, had heard Lee wasn’t, and Fern was day by day. When Andy and I walked up the driveway, and she appeared in the open garage door, I can’t begin to describe how my heart felt. I had wanted to get my hands on Fern to hug her for a very long time, just to feel for myself that she was gonna be fine. And you know, from that joyful and tearful hug, I knew in my heart it was gonna be a great weekend.

Our two hour visit turned into about 5 or 6 hours. We dined in Granby on Chinese food. We spoke of many things, from very serious to extremely hilarious. We parted knowing we’d reunite the next day. Andy and I headed to the Rockingham Motor Inn hoping we didn’t make her “overdo” it.

We went to check in, and there was a man behind the counter. He noticed us, apologized for not actually working there, and then introduced himself. He was Gary Purser, Fredhead using Mary’s (the proprietor of the Rockingham) phone line for his computer to check the digests! He graciously updated us on the latest news, then went to find the hostess so we could get settled in. Ah, more Fredhead kindness. Our evening ended much later with the arrival of Lana and Jim. A short visit with them, and it was time for sleep.

We awoke Friday morning, rounded up Lana and Jim, and headed to our favorite breakfast spot, The Golden Egg, in Saxton’s River. At last, I felt we were truly beginning to share the magic of what an “Eaglesmith weekend” is all about. The beautiful drive to the little village, the wonderful breakfast feast, the covered bridge, anticipation of the days’ events to come.

We headed back to the Inn, then stopped to see how they were now settling into the Whip-O-Wil, and to the great delight of my heart, Frank and Jo Eaton pulled in. I was nearly in tears with excitement to see them. Though it had been almost exactly a year since we’d last seen each other, it was as if no time had passed. They immediately felt comfortable with our Texas counterparts as well. We particularly noted Frank’s birthday gift to Jo……the Ontario, personalized license plate that read, “IOWA JO” and then their license plate motto in Canada, which says “Yours to Discover”. Ah yes, the humorous weekend had begun.

After a morning/early afternoon of shopping in Bellows Falls, we headed back to room 14. It was about 3 p.m. and we went to retrieve our "goody bags" provided by the festival committee. As we gave our names to dear Sarah (who helped take mighty good care of all of us all weekend, I might add), a man leaned over and said, “Did you say Andy and Dana Jones?” I answered with a yep, and he told me Brian MacDonald had been by looking for us, and would holler at us later. And, he added that he was Ramcey………RAMCEY??!!! He immediately got a big ol’ hug, I was so glad to finally really meet him after both reading and exchanging some email with him this past year. Another piece of the Fredhead puzzle was complete.

Back to Room 14, and the crew began arriving. I stuck my head out the door looking for familiar faces, and saw one I had been waiting to see! Across the parking lot came dear Michael McNamee and the beautiful Maya right beside him! I think I ran to them. They soon joined us in our room, and it was here the three day party seemed to begin. It wasn’t long before Vance joined us, and though I’d seen her in March in Texas for Fred shows, it still seemed as though it had been too long since we’d gotten together. I’m not sure what order the friends began to pour in………..Fern and Brian made it to our room, as did one soul after another.

Somewhere amidst the reunion of old friends and meeting of new, one of the most special moments of the weekend happened. Fern joined Steve LaSala in the parking lot and the hug they shared was precious. I found myself in tears at the thought that at one point we didn’t know if either one would make it, and there they were……together. I watched as Fern met the baby and talked with Steve and his wife Jen . I think it was at that time I had the revelation that it’s so amazing how you can allow yourself to grow to love and care so much about people far away from you. Technology allows amazing things. There’s so much room in each of us to do just that, no limits. How amazing that truly is. I realized I LOVE those people in the parking lot, and I care about them, and I’m going to keep them next to my heart always.

Fern and I headed into Rick’s so she could take a special gift to Dan Walsh. When we went in, there was Tim Walsh checking in. I had to rudely interrupt and hug the man. It was here I met more new folks- Marlene from Florida, LeeAnne (Dan’s better half!), and I know several others.

Soon we had been reunited with Hat and Ted, MaryEllen, Ed Molloy (and his speedo that he never actually modeled), Jody and Mary Ann Hoyt, Donnie Courville and his friend Greg Godkin, Tom Hamilton, and scores of others. A song circle broke out in front of our room, with Frank kicking off the “circle extravaganzas” with "Indiana Road", proclaiming “I’m playing it start to finish, cops or no cops!” (It was interrupted last year by the police telling us to call it a night, even though it sounded really good to him).

After enjoying some tunage, Fern, Mr. Fern, Andy and I loaded up and headed to Saxton’s River for Mexican food for dinner. We had heard the Golden Egg had a nice dinner prepared by the Mexican owner/chef, so we thought we’d try it, Northern style. The food was okay, not nearly spicy enough for us, but the dinner company was fantastic. What a blessing to be sitting with the MacDonalds, a bit of a “time-out” from what was sure to be a busy weekend. We greatly enjoyed it.

We headed back to room 14, so that Fern could rest a bit before the show. It was here we began to realize that she was indeed “our queen”. Not only had Charlie and company taken pains to be sure there was “Reserved for Fern” parking, but listers from all over had anxiously been waiting to say hello and greet and meet Fern. There was a steady stream of folks in and out of the room, so many smiles and hugs. It was here we put more digest names with faces. We missed the Mark Errelli Band who opened for Fred, but I don’t regret it. Those moments in Room 14, no matter how simple, were priceless. Whilst drinking margaritas with our friends, chatting with friends old and new, laughing so hard at times we were in tears, this time was priceless. I really thought, “it doesn’t get better than this”.

We headed into Rick’s to see the show, knowing at this venue we wouldn’t actually “see” much. Upon entering and chatting with someone, I was suddenly grabbed from behind and hugged! I turned, and it was Maeghan! It was so good to see her again, I was surprised she remembered me, and folks she is adorable. When you hit those Fred shows, stop at the merch table (and buy stuff!) and say hello to her.

As we entered the room where the show was, I remember thinking, “yep, these are mostly the ‘hardcores’, not a lot of people I know including myself would pay this much money to stand packed into a hot room for a concert.” And you know, amazingly the crowd was overall, pretty well behaved. They let me ooch ( a Texas term for "inch") up front to take photos, then ooch back to my spot about midway in the crowd. It’s a courtesy thing, I was polite, didn’t abuse the moves by staying up there, etc. I have found that most Fredheads seem to have this mannerly mentality. However, some gals who I think were locals (never saw them again the rest of the weekend) really ticked me off.

As I stood with friend Ali, four gals rudely came pushing past us, then just stopped. At first I thought they were going to join spouses or something, but no, they were just rudely horning their way up front. Ali took matters into her own hands, and began dancing just a bit more wildly, falling into them with the occasional sharp elbow. One by one, she eliminated three of the four. Alas, my latest hero, reclaiming our spots not because we could see any better, but because it was the principal of the matter!

The music rocked. Even in the miserable heat, Fred and the boys rocked the house. When the show was over, we headed back to the room for a while. A few of us ate sandwiches, several of us had drinks, and there was more chatting and laughing as Fern rested a bit. She was actually kind of a nice excuse for us all to take a breather throughout the weekend!

We finally headed back to Rick’s where the song circle had begun. Song circles have become a favorite part of any weekend we seem to attend. It never ceases to amaze me the talent amongst folks, some of whom are every bit as good as artists out there making lots of money. I was proud of my fellow Texans, Donnie and Tom, who performed. I was amazed at the talents of Bryan Geoffrey and of Frank. It was great that Dan was playing with the guys. But, my big surprise of the evening was when LeeAnne picked up the guitar and played and sang. WOW, she was great. Someone said she has a CD…..I shall seek and find.

Washboard Hank joined the song circle, and we had a “mini Hank concert”. Pokey joined in some on the washboard, and I think was in some ways living a dream. Playing the washboard for the washboard king. Roger did some playing, as did Darcy too. What a fun, fun night.

As I sat with Fern, ME, and Hat, one of the locals, Josh, began to really dance. Ahhhh, the joys of booze. He struck up conversation with Hat and sure did want her to dance with him. He asked her what her name was, and she introduced herself as “Hat”. He then asked (as I sat next to her in my Lone Star Beer hat) if I was Hat, Jr. Her reply was “yes”. Thus, I had been re-named……later calling myself HO-JO for short. Josh never did get Hat up on that dance floor. We left there around 2 a.m., and headed for bed.

Saturday morning, we headed back to Saxton’s River for another fine breakfast at the Golden Egg. Donnie and Greg joined us for breakfast, and it was ironic that I spent more time with my fellow Texans in Vermont than in any other place during the year. As we dined, fellow Fredheads came in and out for breakfast. I also visited a bit with my new Mama Hat. We headed back home via New Hampshire to purchase shorts, and on to the room to prepare for the day of music.

Washboard kicked off the day of music in his usual unusual style! He was terrific, just as Fern described. It was during his set that we joined friends outside for the festivities. What a beautifully sunshine filled day! We found good seats, were surrounded by several of our compadres, and were set for the day. Fern summed up the music pretty well. Stephen Hogg was great, Hank was our beloved Hank. Willie P. Bennett is still one of the most exceptional artists I’ve ever seen perform solo. David Olney was fantastic ( my second time seeing him). I had been forewarned that Jon Dee Graham would blow me away, and boy was I. Honestly didn’t see much of Josh Ritter (break from the sun), and what I saw of Robbie Fulks, I liked. Mary McBride was good, too. Then alas, what we’d all been waiting for. Fred and the boys on that stage singing right to us. As Fern said, another incredible show.

But during this day there were some other notable occurrences. I watched the LaSala family enjoying the day some in the midst of crowd, and other in the back with Mama Hat and Ted. I watched as Steve joined Fern up front for a few minutes. I also joined Fern just as Graham went on stage, and we cried together through his songs. I watched as Molloys enjoyed the music with their families and friends, kept tabs on on of our crew who wasn’t feeling too well after having mixed various liquors the night before (“Darlin’, Are you Drinkin’ Too Much"). We found ourselves in line next to Graham to get some BBQ (not commenting on the BBQ…..nice folks who cooked it all though) and found out what a nice, sweet man he really is. I saw folks who worked hard to make our weekend special take a few moments to enjoy music, or each other’s company. I especially enjoyed having our close friends, Jim and Lana, experiencing what brought us back for the weekend, and their understanding and loving it as we were.

The show ended a bit earlier on this evening. We all headed back to Room 14 to hang out for a while. We were soon joined by Tim, Deb, and the infamous Pokey. Now I must say, what happened next was something I had never anticipated. As Fern and I sat on the bed, our spouses nearby, other friends in and out, Tim, Pokey, and Deb all found spots on the floor. We began chatting with Pokey and Tim, and before long, I think most of us were in tears from laughing so hard. Pokey, with the help of Tim, provided some of the funniest tales I think I have ever heard in my life. Many of us had faces that literally hurt from all the laughter. You’ll find a few of those “funny lines” at the end of my write ups, but it’ll take the luck of you sharing company with these fine men to truly appreciate the context in which things were said.

We were heading to the song circle in Rick’s, when Mama Hat came down and told us it was too smoky in the bar, and that we should buck the system and have an outdoor song circle down on their end of the Motor Inn. Each person took on a task, and before we knew it, Mama Hat now also aka “THE Martha Stewart of the Rockingham Motor Inn Fred Eaglesmith Song Circle” had the perfect finish to a perfect evening for us. She organized candlelight and lap light for the performers using their songbooks, put out a spread of food on the hood of her car that was quite impressive and yummy, and even pulled out Bugsy for some back up vocals when Frank started in with “He’s a Good Dog”. At one point I counted 9 instruments, guitars, washboard, harmonica all playing at once. Hank joined in again for a bit, but tonight was more for the “not so well knowns”, and the talent was incredible. What made it even better? To see folks enjoying and participating, who months before weren’t sure they’d be there. One by one the circle began to diminish, and finally close up around 12:30. I can still hear that music and it’s sweetness……..

Sunday, it was back to the Golden Egg, this time for our final breakfast until next year. We were joined by Tom and Kathy Page for another wonderful breakfast with wonderful people. Again, it seemed Fredhead after Fredhead filed in. We finally got to visit here a bit with Greg and Lisa (Brown, teehee) Smith. From there we quickly checked out of the Motor Inn, said goodbye to our lovely hostess Mary, and headed to the Rockingham Meeting House.

We all love this venue, there’s something extra special about it. It’s an emotional place to be. Fern did well describing Mary Gauthier and her music here. It was spell binding. She is probably one of the best, if not THE best female performer out there today. Her music, her charm, her honesty are like no other. I’m not surprised she’s a Fred fan, and I’m not surprised he (and Slaid Cleaves) think her music is exceptional. She just enhanced the incredible feeling of the moments there.

There was a break, and then before the music ever started back up, I saw tears amongst friends. A friend later commented, “something was going on in that place” and he was correct. Such a mixture of emotions, happiness to all be together, sadness that it would soon be over, anticipation of a wonderful show and what songs would be played, and when and if we’d all be in such a great moment in time together again.

From the time Fred and the boys started, until they finished, I was brimming, trying not to cry. I couldn’t look at Fern, or at Steve when he joined us, or at Mama Hat, or at Tim, Pokey, Deb or ME. I looked for comfort to Lana, but her eyes weren’t having much more luck than mine. I was almost dreading the encores, for I feared Fred would come back alone, and perhaps sing “Bleary Eyed Boys” or “The Last Wild Mustang”, and that I would cry out aloud. I was that close. But he came back with the band. Relief. Yes, I know folks wanted to hear those songs, but as the prophet said, “something was going on”, and it just wasn’t the time for it.

We all lingered a while, eating burgers, chatting with one another, enjoying the perfect day. We bought burgers from the Booster club, took photos with friends and shared some really special moments with some really special folks. From there, it was over to the Walpole Inn to visit yet more with good friends whilst watching street hockey.

It’s odd sometimes how when you least expect it, a major revelation comes to you. I had such a revelation here. I realized my place in life was to eat, drink, laugh and be merry, rather than kill myself playing street hockey. I’m sorry, but you folks are nuts! I enjoyed watching you play, but you won’t catch me doing it……..not even for the cone.

At some point Fern came over to me and insisted I come over by her. As I did, I began to realize that Mama Hat was doing the “play by play” as well as scolding those around her for their incorrect ways (okay, me and Pokey trying to add a comment or two) at the same time. Again, we experienced “face hurtage” and at one point I thought Tim was gonna fall down the hill laughing. Just when I’d think the fun was over, here we’d go again.

The game ended, we lingered a bit, then headed to the soiree. What a perfect way to enjoy the end of the daylight, walking through the beautiful garden and basking in the hospitality of the Readmore B&B. Those who missed it, REALLY missed it. What a lovely, lovely time. We even met a few new folks! It was here we said many of our goodbyes……but I felt we’d see most of these folks again. As I looked around, I realized how “attached” I truly am to the Fredhead community. Many of them no longer just names, but faces, families, closest friends.

From there, we spent an intimate few more hours with friends, some of whom we really hadn’t gotten to visit with during the weekend. We had contemplated leaving earlier, but decided to stick around and enjoy while we could. What special, special memories we have. As I sat holding the hand of a friend toward the end of the evening, listening to the laughter both inside and out of our gathering spot, sipping on a cold beer, I was reminded it’s the simple, casual times that really make life worth living. It was time well spent.

We left about midnight, headed back toward the airport. We grabbed a room at Motel 6, slept a while, and headed back to the airport for the Monday journey home. Much of the day was spent off and on the planes, but Andy and I laughed and shared our many special memories. Maybe that was the best part. Having someone with me to relive it all again and again. And this time coming home, having friends at home who we could share the tales with, who knew the cast of characters, and saw many of the scenes.

Someone said to me on Sunday evening, “Fred Eaglesmith had very little to do with all this camaraderie that developed amongst Fredheads.” I think he was wrong on that one. There’s something about folks understanding and/or relating to this artists music that means no matter where they are from or what walk of life, there is a kinship that automatically binds us. Maybe Fred didn’t formally introduce us to one another, but because of him our lives are a bit richer having each other.

QUOTES and LESSONS from Bellows Falls:

“Iowa Jo” Yours to discover……….Jo Eaton’s License Plate
“I realized how happy I was to be lying there with my face covered in dog shit.” – Pokey
“My legs went numb, and I knew my face was about to meet the floor. It wasn’t exactly the first time this had happened to me, so I at least saw it coming.” – Tim Walsh
“Did I tell you I was once in a sewer explosion?” – Pokey
“Well, there was this one time I accidentally jumped off a bridge.” – Tim
Margaritas, White Russians, and beer don’t mix well.
“Darlin’, Are You Drinkin’ Too Much.” – FJE
Just because you can’t walk a straight line doesn’t mean you’re drunk, it may mean you’re just a klutz! (Amen, sister, I couldn’t walk one sober if I tried!)
“That’s what happens when cousins marry!” – FJE
“I’ll PUNCH ‘em out!” - FJE
Lone Star Mama

Written by Dana Jones, June 2002

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