This amazing photograph by Luke Pederson was captured during our annual family photo, which this year included the entire production team. I was asked several times throughout this past weekend what makes the 10th annual Blue Ox Music Festival different from the 1st event in 2015. I couldn't answer at the time, but upon reflection it now seems clear.
More times than I can recount I was approached and thanked for helping to produce this amazing event or told how much Blue Ox has come to personally mean for them and their friends and families. So many of the artists also expressed appreciation for how important Blue Ox has been for them and the regional music community, providing opportunities for both performing and viewing performances by artists influential to them.
At the landmark achievement of 10 years, a point of demarcation has been established - enough time for a cellular regeneration of a person and the simultaneous flourishing of a new generation. Emily of Watchhouse reminded me backstage that she’s pregnant for the second time at Blue Ox! Even those who were attending for the first time relayed being consumed by the welcoming atmosphere.
The efforts of so many - the beautiful grounds and logistical savvy of the Bischel Family & The Pines Music Park - the smooth management of the artist hospitality, the Backwood Stage crew (Tim Leutgeb and Nick) who get little sleep all weekend, Potluck String Band (who definitely get no sleep while keeping the fire stoked all weekend), all the volunteers, visual artists and so many more…
I am extremely proud of what we’ve helped to create. The dream we had to produce a bluegrass festival has become something so vital in our world and I’m now starting to see how true that is for others as well. I want to thank everyone who celebrates Pert Near Sandstone's share of responsibility for creating this space where joy is in the air and hums intensely for three full days. We are grateful for the energy you bring and look forward to standing in the concert bowl alongside you every year.
With heartfelt love and appreciation,
Nate Sipe & Pert Near