We’ve been so many places and done so many things this past week. We played two performances at the Sarasota Folk Festival, at the beautiful Oscar Scherer State Park. While we were there we also taught a class on “Playing Well with Others.” If you go to you tube and type in Sukiyaki Sound Traveler, you can see us play one of our songs from the festival. On Sunday night, after the gathering, we leaned back, sipped some wine, and shared a beautiful evening in the vacant campground before going to sleep. Once we had drifted off, rumblings could be heard in the distance. Soon the rumblings were directly overhead, and we were caught in a deluge of seemingly biblical proportions. Our tent was buffeted (not Jimmy Buffeted) by vicious wind and rain while the flashes of lightning and crashing of thunder lasted for hours.

The unforcasted tempest gave way to a lovely Sunday. We dried out our belongings, loaded up and visited the amazing Ringling Museum of Art. That night, the rains came again as we played at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. The crowd was wonderful though, and Hungrytown, the headliners, were gracious and charming. On Tuesday and Wednesday as wild weather was predicted across central Florida, we hunkered down in Sarasota and visited lovely areas along the Gulf Coast. We hiked trails, rode bikes, and had a terrific time. We could see storm clouds to our north and west, but we escaped the wrath of those hulking monsters.

On Thursday we headed north to High Springs, the site of the Vernals Dance Weekend. We battled some angry weather as we left the Tampa area, but by the time we arrived in High Springs the weather was perfect – clear and inviting. Our destination was the O’Leno State Park. If you’ve never been there, go. If you have been there, I’m sure you’ll find your way back. We explored the park on Friday then welcomed the dancers with an opening concert.

The dance weekend was fantastic. There were great bands, accomplished callers, friendly dancers, delicious food, and more. I could write a book about the experience without covering all the details.

Anyway, now we’re back. Sound Traveler will be performing twice this week at the Indian River Festival in Titusville. We will also be leading the music at the 10:30 service at Faith Lutheran Church in Merritt Island. We had a wonderful trip, but it is also good to be back home! – Bob Tatum

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4 Comments to “SongTravelin’: 04.05.11 — Sound Traveling on You Tube”

• April 5, 2011 at 3:23 pm
  Libby says:

  Seems like yall had fun.
• April 5, 2011 at 4:14 pm
  Patty says:

  Bob’s right, and so is Libby. We did have fun! Living on the road definitely has its challenges, but I really enjoy it (even for a short time). Once I’m out there, I want to stay…even when there are things like lightning strikes too close to the tent and mice chewing on the blanket while it is still in use (OK, I could honestly do without those particular things), it all adds to the overall adventure. The sightseeing, especially at Anna Maria Island, was wonderful. The music, as always, was a blast. The dancing, especially the electric and techno contras, was amazing. And the company, of course, was unparalleled. Thanks, Bob!!
• April 5, 2011 at 5:07 pm
  Art says:

  I remember that song from when it was a #1 hit but had never heard it explained. Thanks to you and Patty for explaining and translating the words to the song. It always struck me as a very sad tune too.
• April 6, 2011 at 7:23 am
  Bob says:

  I think it is a perfect little tune. I feel it when I play it and hear Patty sing it.