Cody Canada & The Departed "Water Your Own Yard"

The Music Fog crew started the day with the crunch of snow underfoot, as we made our way to the City Market for provisions for the duration. Ya gotta have supplies! We are behind closed doors, well that actually is a singular door, anyway, at the Steamboat Grand Hotel. We are loving life here at MusicFest in Steamboat. Beans and Aaron once again got in touch with their feminine sides on the set decoration, and artists came by all day long. We had visits from Brandon Jenkins, Midnight River Choir, Gary P. Nunn, Dirty River Boys, Matt King, and Band of Heathens. Yes, you will be seeing these folks all upcoming in the not too distant future on Music Fog. Couple of other highlights today; we caught a bit of Uncle Lucius in the Grand Ballroom, and I got to emcee Reckless Kelly in the MusicFest tent. It was packed solid, and that feeling that is such a part of this event was in full force there. A whole lot of people here loving the music, and celebrating being here.

We started the day with Cody Canada and Seth James, representing the newly formed band The Departed. We all have been waiting to hear what they are up to, and it was bluesy and badass just like you would expect. Fine songwriting with soulful singing and playing. The Departed just had its debut show on December 29th at Gruene Hall, and also will be playing in the new ACL Live Facility coming up on February 11th in Austin. We have a taste for you right here, first video up from our MusicFest 2011 coverage, "Water Your Own Yard," a cautionary tale, indeed, from the pen of Tom Skinner.

- Jessie Scott

The MusicFest 2011 - Day One

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

Charlie Faye with Will Sexton "Whirlwind"

Sitting in the quiet before the 'storm' of MusicFest at Steamboat Springs 2011, which is just getting underway. Gotta catch your breath a bit, and not because the altitude is so extreme, but that's part of it, for sure. I don't buy the "drink water for altitude sickness" cure, preferring beer, thanks. I am watching a celebrity travel show on TV, that is shining a light on exotic locations and exotic hotels. Kinda funny, as the Music Fog crew is ensconced on location again. I love my travel. Once we setup shop here, and start recording, we'll bring you a few performance videos during the long weekend, with more to come over the following weeks.

What a year 2010 was for Charlie Faye. Nothing like dreaming big and doing it…she pledged to spend 10 months in ten different cities, putting bands together in each and then recording with each. As she and I have been in orbit in different parts of the planet, I haven't seen her to ask how it all went. But I did get progress reports on her as the year went on, and I think a good, productive time was had by all, and that included members of Calexico, The Eagles, Violent Femmes, Ian Moore, among many others. There, of course, is an album in the works...wonder if this song will be included? Wow, we have been holding this video for almost a year, and what a year it was for Music Fog too! Let's revisit Folk Alliance in Memphis this past February. Charlie Faye along with Will Sexton on "Whirlwind." Whew!!!

- Jessie Scott