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Rites of Spring Festival
April 24th and 25th, 2004
I’m not sure where to actually begin. Looking back on how much fun my wife and I had
at the inaugural Rites of Spring Festival, it all seems like a most wonderful dream.
I can recall when George first told me that this festival was going to happen. In
fact, George had discussed with me this idea as far back as NEARfest 2K3.
Then when George called me and said it was going to happen, I was so stoked.
Especially when he told me the line-up. Ah, the line-up. It was so great to go to a
full weekend of music where I was going to truly like each and every band.
As has become a standard at each of the US progressive rock festivals I’ve attended
over the past 7 years, there is a Friday night pre-show designed to get the musical
juices flowing. ROSFest was treated to a wonderful Friday pre-show with Frogg Café
from NYC opening followed by Man on Fire from Atlanta.
: : Frogg Café : :
I had seen them two times in the past and this set was the best I had heard from the Froggies. They were tight and really “on”. They ripped through songs from both of
their CD’s and it was clear these guys were here in Phoenixville to make people take
notice. I was most thankful that the Froggies left the weed whacker at home however!
(Insert smiley face)
: : Man on
Fire : :
Then came on to close out the night. This is a band that needs to be heard. They
play what I call “funky prog”. They have clear Rush and Kansas overtones but then
they throw in a little George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic. I’ve known these guys
since my first Prog Day back in 1997 when I heard their first CD and had seen them
as a pre-show band prior to the 2000 Prog Day.
I really think both Frogg Café and Man on Fire
would be perfect for the main stage in 2005.
After a good nights sleep, we headed over to
the wonderful Colonial Theater to get ready for the show. Ah the Colonial Theater.
This is a historical old theater that had seen better days but was in the process of
a complete restoration and make over. The 450 seats were well placed and really
there was not a bad seat in the house. Next year the balcony will be complete and
open adding another 200 seats so this wonderful event will be able to grow without
moving. I cannot wait.
I was blessed to be named Master of Ceremonies
for the weekend event, and I must tell you, I was extremely nervous (at least at
first). As I walked into the hall and began to observe the stage, lighting, and
sound system, I was impressed and knew all attendees were in for a sonic and visual
treat all weekend.
The sound system was astounding. At first glance it appeared to be “small” by indoor
standards but I must say this system was balanced and clear. My wife and I were in
the second row stage left and right in front of one of the large PA stacks. The
stacks were suspended from the lighting rig so the sightlines to the bands were not
affected at all. The sound was perfect for every band and frankly even in the second
row hearing protection was not called for at any point. Kevin Feely and Denis Haley
must be complimented for the smooth working of the entire stage swap outs and sound.
An A Plus performance for sure.
Okay, the main reason we were all there was to listen to some incredible music. As I
was familiar with ever band but only having seen two of them live in the past, I was
like a kid in a candy shop.
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