-by Sheila, Music Fog Gopher Thursday, we hopped in the car and got a few phone calls warning us there were severe thunderstorm, flash flood and tornado warnings. We questioned how serious we were about getting there, but then reminded ourselves that it was BBR come rain or come flood. First off, tornadoes? That’s extremely odd for a mountainous region like central Idaho. Second, as it ended up, we barely even saw rain. I’m thinking the weather service is just trying to keep us down south in Boise. After surviving the drive, I had a heart attack upon arriving. The lovely motel had a bit of a mix-up. I no longer had a room; I had an RV spot. Little problem seeing as how I don’t have an RV! It’s Challis, not like I could wander over to the Best Western and snag a room; would have been S.O.L. Donna, Bob and Mr. Lucky (the dog) were nice enough to open their home to my friends and me. I’m not sure what they thought they were getting into, but hey, a roof was a roof. It was like having a whole new set of grandparents (in the sweetest way!). I just have to giggle that they told us “No gentlemen, ladies!” Who would open their home on the craziest weekend of the year to a bunch of girls? Someone in Challis, ID would. Trying to wrap up this year’s reunion into a post initially seemed like an impossible task. So many great things happened and plenty of interesting ones too. It was a true Idaho experience.
Stoney LaRue played a great acoustic set. I got to chat with him a little and I think he was pleasantly surprised at how many people were there. You never know what to expect, like quarter-sized hail! Happened last year and low and behold it came to pelt us again. Luckily, I jumped into the merchandise tents before a major beating was received. Thanks merch guys! Ray Wylie Hubbard rocked as usual and has a bunch of new friends. Just from hearing comments in the crowd, not a lot of people knew who he was initially, but by the end were grooving right along. Part of the reason this weekend is my favorite weekend of the year is that the line-up us constantly changing just a bit and exposing a whole new crowd to great music. I love that feeling when you hear some music and have to run out and get it. Such a rush! Micky and the Motorcars closed out the night with a rocking set. They played a good variety from their older stuff to the newer songs from Naïve. Appropriately, whenever Idaho was mentioned (i.e. “Carolina Morning” or “Rock Springs to Cheyenne) the state pride really showed. Finished off the night at the bars and then the bonfire. The bonfire is a nightly occurrence where the artists and anyone who can stay up that late just hangs out. There may be some consumption of adult sodas, but all in all it’s a great time. George Devore and Brady Black rocked out together and I really hope the song they were writing makes it out of Challis. I’m glad to have been a witness if it doesn’t.
Friday, the Muzzball Scramble Golf Tournament got pushed back due to weather so I didn’t end up playing but made great new friends with a bunch of guys dressed as sailors and rednecks. They were one big mess of a bachelor party and I mean that in the nicest way. These guys really showed up to play! That’s the thing about Challis, you just have to make friends with everyone, because you’re bound to run into them again and they just might be the one who can give you a ride back to town. I’m glad everyone brings a pick-up, because after all, sharing is caring!
The Gougers were a fantastic addition to the line-up! Jamie Wilson’s voice is stunning and just cuts through to the soul. Doug Moreland got everyone in the mood to dance, and dance we did! Those guys just make me smile, especially kicking it in their ponchos the entire night! Randy Rogers Band, making it for a second year, played a few unrecorded songs that are just gorgeous. Fort Worth, fantastic!!! Had a great chat with Chops and Brady about their experience in Challis. Since they are not “newbs” anymore, the initial shock goes away but still amazing things happen in that tiny little town, population 909. Cross Canadian Ragweed, with their new album coming out Aug. 31 (moved up from Sept. 1 FYI), rocked as usual. I am delighted that bassist, Jeremy Plato, is singing on the new album as well. So much talent squeezed into 3 days.
Local band, Joshua Tree opened Saturday followed by the guitar pull. The guitar pull is a personal favorite because everyone just passes around a guitar jumping in and out. It really showcases their raw talent. A notable few participants in this year‘s pull were Micky and the Motorcars guitarist, Kris Farrow (great voice) and half of the Trishas (Jamie Wilson and Savannah Welch), who played “Whistling past the Graveyard. Mary Cutrufello also played and shocked everyone. She is such a bad ass and played a full set later on (as the surprise guest). She has some mad skills on the guitar then when she sings… hold on to your hats! She has the attitude and talent to just blow your mind. George Devore played a great set with Reckless Kelly backing him up. The chick magnet (as Jessie calls him) is so fun to watch. How on earth does he do that head wobble? If you have seen him, you know what I am talking about. The Braun Family played some lovely tunes from back in the day. Wish we all could see them perform as kids. Listen to “Little White Lies” and it will give you a pretty good idea of how adorable they were as little ones (recommendation of friend, Suzy who grew up listening to Muzzie and the Boys).
Micky and the Motorcars were a second surprise performance. Only scheduled to play on Thursday, the Motorcars get kudos for playing again, especially since a lot of people were unable to make it on Thursday. Dale Watson made out for another year and I just love this guy. The hair, the outfit, he is a gem! One can really get into the groove with his honky-tonk style. Reckless Kelly jammed for quite some time to end the Reunion. Drummer Jay Nazz with Shane Vannerson (Micky and the Motorcars) rocked out together and really showed the crowd a good time. The concert may have been over but the party obviously was not. We made it downtown for another round at the Bux’s and the Motor Lodge and finished with another night at the bonfire. To top it off, I beat all previous ridiculous happenings by getting a ride home from the sheriff. I did NOT get arrested or anything of the sorts but when a friend and I were walking back to Donna and Bob’s, Mr. Sheriff was nice enough to stop and offer us a ride. First and only time I will ever ask to ride in the back of a cop car and hopefully only time I will ever be in one! The Sheriff also happened to be the son-in-law of Donna and Bob’s lifelong friend, Flo. What a small world it is and what an Idaho experience.
Doubt you will ever get a cop to give you a ride home from 6th street! Only in Idaho.
Special thanks to Muzzie and Joann Braun for putting on the festival once again, Cody Braun, Savannah Welch and Jessie Scott for getting it all figured out for me. Music Fog, thanks for letting the little gopher go out into the world! Glad Suzy and friends from Galley Winter made it out to Idaho again!
-Sheila