THE MAGICK MARKERS
It was now time for the final six bands of the night. First up, were the true punks of the festival “The Magick Markers”, consisting of a solid drummer, a rhythm player who was as steady as you could get, and a maniac on guitar and vocals. She was possibly the ANGRIEST woman I’ve ever seen on stage…I still don’t know if the band’s music was good or not, but it was certainly INTERESTING. A fun way to get the night rolling.
TONO-BUNGAY
“Tono-Bungay” from New York City was next, a trio of MAD musicians beating the sounds out of their instruments. A MIGHTY set…a high energy intricate rocking noise. The angriest drummer of the night! Light sticks thrown out into the audience (which freaked me out…nothing like a bunch of glowing things coming quickly at you…actually, I don’t focus too good so perhaps it was more intense for me than others…) Anyways, I liked them a lot!
DREDD FOOLE
Then, a great show from “Dredd Foole"…I had seen him last year and thought he was okay, but I enjoyed this year’s show a lot more. Great howling non-stop vocals thrown out in a very passionate performance. He threw everything he had into his song performance…an excellent set!
THE NO NECK BLUES BAND
Next was my favorite band of the festival “The No Neck Blues Band”. What a trance inducing set!!! A bunch of really strange looking & acting people fronted by a screaming Japanese woman that was banging plastic bottles like crazy (she started throwing them out at the audience and one conked me). Many different types of percussion were being used to create a serious interstellar sound experience…A really unique set of truly out there sounds…I LOVED IT!
P. G. SIX
The last folk act of the night then appeared, "P. G. Six". A truly beautiful meditative set that sucked me right in with his guitar & vocals. His guitar work was SO fluid…But the best part was the songs themselves…wonderfully & lovingly played. I picked up his newest CD “The Well of Memory”, and I recommend it highly!
SUN CITY GIRLS
Finally, the band the audience had been waiting for, the “Sun City Girls”! High intensity all around! The drummer had to borrow someone else’s drums, but they probably weren’t too good after this set…he just beat living hell out of them, and so did the guitar & bass players...They played REALLY HARD!!! The audience loved it! Cerberus Shoal went crazy! A super set, and a memorable way to end off the Gladtree Festival!
Thanks to all the folks who put in such hard work to put on this amazing time! I had an amazing time, and as I write this (10 daze later), I’m still thinking about the festival a LOT. A real experience for all who attended!
Originally Published 4/22/04