10KLF ’08 Highlight – Mickey Hart Band

Soo Pass Ranch – Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
July 24, 2008 – by Mister Bill

Once again, our crew had a fantastic time at the 10,000 Lakes Festival. The weather was great, the venue is outstanding, the crowd was cool and the music was inspired.

Of the major acts, the highlight for me was unquestionably the performance by The Mickey Hart Band. Mickey doesn’t tour all that often, and this was the first time I’ve seen him (other than as part of the Global Drum Project). This was also the last stop on their summer tour, so I was really pleased to catch ’em.

The band is really incredible – and featured Steve Kimock on guitar, George Porter Jr on bass, Jen Durkin on vocals, Walfredo Reyes Jr. on drums, talking drum master Sikiru Adepoju, and Kyle Hollingsworth on keys. While several of their original compositions were new to me, I liked them a lot. A nice funky beat propelled the entire set – but would you expect anything less with George Porter Jr holding down the bass? – and their take on the Grateful Dead songs that they performed was really sweet.

Among other songs, the set included:

Eyes of the World (it literally brought tears to my eyes)
The Other One (en fuego!)
Scarlet Begonias / Fire on the Mountain (always a joy)
Sugaree
Fiyo on the Bayou
Papa was a Rolling Stone (really fun)

Jen Durkin (Deep Banana Blackout) was very soulful; even Joplin-esque at times .

Kyle Hollingworth (SCI) – jammin’ away. He was a strong contributor.

George Porter Jr – one of the “Fathers of Funk” –
An original member of the Meters back in 1965, he can kick it as well as anyone!

I’ve seen Steve Kimock before and admire his beautiful tone and style.
But this was the best performance by him that I’ve seen.

Well, we are still in recovery from the festival – and Lollapalooza arrives next – but more wil be coming. . . Stay tuned!

– Mister Bill