Narrative

Raccoon Creek - Summer 2000...a great festival with a grand tradition. The rolling hills of Northwest Georgia provide a perfect setting for bluegrass music. And then add the magnificent hospitality of the Rakestraws and you will have a perfect weekend.

Summer 2000 lived up to all expectations. Hot? Yes, Georgia is hot in the summer and the dry conditions of this season were evident in the surrounding countryside, but the inviting campgrounds with the sounds of greats such as Monroe, Stanley, and the Lonesome River Band as interpreted by the many musicians and singers gave at least a brief relief and rest from the somewhat harsh weather conditions of the
summer. The jamming lasted well into the night. There were still 8-10 major sessions going on after midnight - a greand tradition at Georgia Bluegrass Fesitivals. One particular session involved J.N. and Onie Baxter, Howard McGuire, Roger Robinson, Billy Merrill and several others - Ron Norman as a special guest. I recorded this session and was pleasantly surprised to hear crickets and katydids in the
background. Can you imagine hearing this configuration singing, "The Model Church" with this natural backup? Enough to bring chills...

There were many highlights of the festival in addition to the jamming. Stage shows contained many memorable performances. One pleasant surprise was a reunion by the Grass Cutters. Tom Jones, Johnny Long, and Ed Allison came together to provide a fine couple of sets on Saturday. They were ably joined on stage by Katy Baggett on bass.

Another highlight of the stage presentations came on Saturday evening when Fontana Sunset did several songs written by North Georgia resident Louisa Branscomb. Louisa was present for the performance and the audience was very appreciative of both perfomers and writer.

One of my absolute highlights had to be getting a personal concert rendition of a hymn done acapella by 'High Cotton.' The song (and sorry I can't remember the name) by Melody, Tommy, Speight, and Jeff has to be my newest bluegrass favorite! And I don't think anyone could do it better than some of my long-time friends and SEBA buddies...

There was a bit of a somber note to the festival this year due to the recent passing of Grace Clayton of the Pine Log Mountain Band. She will be missed, but her influence will continue to be manifested by her many friends.

And yet another highlight occurred on Saturday evening when Ms. Annette joined the Pine Top Pickers on stage for a gospel song. The voices blended perfectly and served as a fitting tribute to the great tradition of this festival.

Overall, again another wonderful Raccoon Creek Bluegrass festival. This is the twenty sixth year and it just gets better. My thanks and appreciation go to all the musicians and singers who make these festivals so special. And of course, special thanks go to Mr. and Ms. (Wiley and Annette) Rakestraw for all the effort, love, and care they have put into providing bluegrassers with this great home.