Cornerstone 2003:
Melissa's Recollections & Reflections

Wednesday, 7/2/03

Wednesday began with more wandering for me. The early parts of the day were littered with nice conversations. Old friends. Spending time talking to a certain person, of course, resulted in a bit of teasing from an unnamed Random White Guy.

The evening began with the Party People, a straight up rocknroll band featuring Jeff Cloud, the singer from Denison Marrs, the ex-drummer for Ghoti Hook and some other guy (poor guy, I see Liz didn't know his name for her article, either!). Blood spattered drums were proudly displayed after a hand injury. The band was more tuff than I expected and was enjoyable.

Kevin, Bubba, Anji and I walked over to "Goth Night" (while it was still light outside?) to see an ambient guitar player who called himself The True Color of Blood. While his music / noise is admittedly not for everyone, I found it refreshing. He also gave me my quote of the night: "If you're going to blaspheme Jesus, at least be creative about it!" This was in reference to the cliché slogan Christian shirts, using logos of famous products.

Ironically, we saw a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup logo replacing the world "Reeses" with "Jesus" on a shirt on our way back to the Cornerstone Magazine Stage to catch the rest of the Billions' set. I was rather impressed - the sound was a lot more full than it was when I had seen them earlier this year on tour with the Violet Burning. Sometimes the sound danced around in a fashion not too unlike Ester Drang, who would soon be set up on the same stage.

Next in the amazing Wednesday night lineup: Havalina. Havalina Rail Co. is one of the staples of the Cstone festival. Their live energy coupled with the understated sarcasm of frontman Matt Wignall combines for a brilliant and energetic experience. Orlando, the lovable bass player, displays the skills that he possesses in such a way that leaves the listener with no uncertainty concerning his talent. Havalina embodies some strange sense of freedom that reflects a lot of the spirit of the festival.

Then came Unwed Sailor, usually one of the treats of the festival. This occasion was no different. Playing the more subdued yet still powerful material from their newer album, The Marionette and the Music Box, the set was a worshipful experience. I sensed the focus of some of those around me turn to higher and spiritual matters. [Still, we leave distracted by the unicorn.]

Ester Drang, a relatively new Cstone darling, closed out the night on the Cornerstone Magazine Stage. The music they create pours over the listener, almost providing a shell of safety from the surrounding world. They are one of the few bands I've seen that can make me forget their presence on stage and somehow turn my eyes to higher things. What is beautiful? What is beautiful to me?

There were a few sound difficulties and an enshrouding of laziness after the set. Liz and I got some coffee (around 1 am - not the wisest idea). I don't know - I get in this weird state of mind when I feel that the night will end on a somewhat negative note. So, instead of ending things then and there with sleep, I stay awake, waiting for the good to happen. In this case, it paid off.

We wandered back tot he campsite to find some of our fellow campers. Before long, we were thrown into a heavy conversation (hmm…perhaps I can take the blame as the impetus…) involving love & expectation.

Expectation was definitely a theme I dealt with throughout the festival. It was a completely different Cornerstone for me - camping with people I didn't know very well, that lived in all kinds of different places (Omaha, St. Louis, Cleveland, Dallas, Newfie World)…not having most of my familiar Cstone faces around as comfort…not really planning to see many of the shows…But that was good. By Wednesday I already realised that this was one of my favorite and most meaningful Cornerstones. Just the fun we had at the campsite, coupled with the honesty of our serious conversations, was enough for me to consider it a worthwhile trip. Even if it wasn't all that I had in mind, I was quite happy. In fact, things were probably going even better than I would have envisioned. Just sitting down & letting things happen. Such a novel concept for me sometimes. But so rewarding.

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