Folkin’ Inspirational

We had perfect weather for both days of the 2010 Richmond Folk Festival—sunny, 80 degrees, and not a cloud in the sky. My two roommates and I couldn’t wait to get down to Brown’s Island. We cruised around to all the stages, listened to music, ate too much, and had an all-around super time.

I was pleasantly surprised to find Todd Meade and Twin Springs Bluegrass Band, since they weren’t in my pocket guide. I love bluegrass, and the way it makes me feel—relaxed and focused at the same time. I can’t help but think that the music inspired the creativity of the kids who were congregating nearby on “Children’s Hill.”

Children’s Hill turned out to be one of our favorite spots. The band was part of it, as was the petting zoo. But, I think it was the palpable hive of creativity that cemented it for me. The area wasn’t just fun for the children, who got to make hats out of paper bags, feathers, and more. (For the record, I wanted to make a hat, but had no kid with me to provide cover, and I wasn’t nervy enough to step up to the table and start working.) I watched for a while and noticed quite a few adults really getting into the project. Let that be a lesson for us—everyone is an artist, after all!

The fair was everything it was billed to be and more. I, of course, loved all of the food, walking through the different merchandise booths, and the outstanding people watching. It fills my heart with joy to see such a diverse gathering of people brought together in the name of Art. And it got me thinking about creativity in general. Being in a creative field, people always ask us where we find inspiration.

For me, it helps to be outside, to hear great music, to lose myself in an event. As luck would have it, all these things were there at the Folk Festival. I’m hooked. See you next year. And I’m totally finding a 7-year-old to bring along.