We departed our respective homes for points west, a loose caravan of techies headed for the great unknown, only occasionally glancing up from our respective hand-held's to check out the scenery. Of course, that changed when we got to the Rockies. We drove up, up through curving roadways and impossibly high peaks, and then hit Rabbit Ears Pass, carved in through the rocks, the snow piled high to the sides of the road. Ooh and aahs, and then the descent down seven miles to Steamboat in the Yampa Valley. There was a serenity for the whole trip, until we pulled into to the parking lot here. You know how life can suddenly change gears? It got kicked into 4th in a blink!
Oh man, it is so good to be back! Friends, hugs, and Happy New Year's were exchanged, set amidst the mountains and the pines and the Christmas lights. Just glorious. Joel Schoepf from Dickson Productions met us in the parking lot to ease our entry. As did intrepid 'Boat' dweller Brian Smith from Authentic Records and The Ghost Ranch Saloon, who dug the snow out of the bed of his truck to haul our equipment. Adam Odor, who coordinates the production team for MusicFest at Steamboat Springs appeared to help get us situated, too. Shannon Ford from the Steamboat Grand escorted us in, and then there was a quick trip to the Artists welcome party, where drinks were hoisted and kisses exchanged. We had dinner at the Slopeside Grill, a big thanks to Chad there. To John and Robin Dickson, we can't thank you enough for inviting us back to this incredible event, the very best way to start the year. I have been coming to MusicFest at Steamboat Springs since 2002, as we broadcast live from here on X Country through 2008. We segued into Music Fog coverage when that ended. In fact this was our very first event as a new company two years ago.
The rest of the Foggers went on to set up our production space, and I detoured for a walk through Gondola Square at the base of the mountain. Walt Wilkins "Trains I Missed" was playing on the PA system outdoors as I crossed. How totally appropriate. You never know where life is taking you, but you have to trust and have faith. In the next few days, we will bring as many MusicFest artists in front of our cameras as is humanly possible, and share at least a few of them with you in the next few days. So keep checking back with us here at the Fog. Let the year begin!
- Jessie Scott