Rockwood Music Festival is unlike any other event I have had the opportunity to attend. So many talented artists in one room. Not only do they all have an incredible amount of talent, but they are also all so supportive of each other and show each other so much love and pride for one another. It is such an amazing environment to be a part of. Seeing people who have met for the first time or who do not normally get to perform together is an indescribable experience.
Louden Swain provided the majority of the backup music for the major group performances due to Rob Humphreys and Cooper Appelt unable to attend the event. Their versatility and ability to adapt and learn songs in short notice were the foundation for the weekend. Musicians Jason Manns, Paul Carella, Hayden Lee, Amanda Wallace, Emma Fitzpatrick, Tyler James, Gil McKinney, Aaron Beaumont, and band Left On Laurel, Station Breaks all performed throughout the weekend.
On top of the new duos, trios, and quatros, we also saw established groups, such as Louden Swain, Station Breaks, and the return of Left on Laurel’s alter ego The Sandwich for one night only. There was also some new music heard by Rob Benedict, Emma Fitzpatrick, and Amanda Wallace. And subbing in for Rob Humphreys was Tyler James, who on top of being a master of many instruments, has a beautiful voice. No better way to be initiated and welcomed into the family than on this incredible weekend.
We were also treated to Mike Borja, bassist for Louden Swain singing for us. He performed a song he wrote years ago when Swain first formed, called “Little Heroine.” It was a great moment to see him branch out from his usual performance. We were also treated to musician and singer Hayden Lee sang some song from his new album Crazy Little Secrets. As well as fan-favorite The Traveler.
The ladies really ruled the weekend. Lisa Berry was a lovely addition to this year. She brought a powerful light and energy to the weekend. She gave her everything to each performance. Amanda Wallace came back from a bought of food poisoning with a new hair-do and with just as much energy as she usually does. Emma Fitzpatrick lent her voice to many duos over the weekend, but also was able to showcase her talent alone. I cannot wait to see what these women do next.
Emily Swallow was an amazing surprise. I have seen her in person and heard her sing at Saturday Night Special many times. At Rockwood, however, she brought it to a whole other level. I was amazed by her range and the power in her voice.
The woman who stood out most to me, though, was Briana Buckmaster. By Sunday afternoon she had the start of laryngitis, yet gave one final performance at the close of the Saturday Jam session.
She performed a song from Waitress, called Used to Be Mine. This song is close to her heart and even the introduction had her emotional. Briana left her heart and her everything on the stage, including what left of her voice. The whole room sat in awe of her and there were many tears shed in that room. It was the most powerful performance of the weekend. I put down my phone and my camera during this performance, so I could give my full attention to the moment. It was a powerful moment that ended in a standing ovation. Everyone stood from their seats to cheer her on.
Of course, the weekend would not have gone as it did without the hard work of the Rockwood team. Thank you to Sabine and her team of incredible staff for working hard for us. You made the weekend special and made sure we all had a good time.
Here are pictures from the weekend. Check out my Twitter for more as they are edited. More to being added and more than what is shown below!
Story and photos by Melissa Rothman of Old Pal Photo
