Hopscotch 2010: Day Two

Hopscotch Day Two: Even jazzier than the first.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Joe, Phil, and Brad–the gentlemen of Megafaun–yesterday afternoon at the Pour House.  All of us being hungry, we discussed meal appropriate album choices, Brad insisting the most apt for a bowl of cereal being Bruce Hornsby’s The Way It Is.

Megafaun played their album release for Heretofore later in the day and packed the venue past code–myself and a few other photographers forced to stand on the edge of the stage. But no complaints there: watching a crowd watch them was electrifying in and of itself. I’ve never seen such power emanate from a banjo like it did from Phil’s, and Joe commanded the drums more swiftly than many people can their own limbs. They incorporated everyone in the room into the music, even I, who loathes “clapping to music” was stompin’ and rompin’–chumming with the strangers around me.

I also chatted with Shelly and Ryan of Family Dynamics (formerly Stars Like Fleas), whose sound draws heavily from that of Animal Collective but sustains itself in its own right. Those two were delightful as well, and tremendously virtuosic, as I watched Shelly effortlessly slide between a harp, a bass guitar, and a keyboard–all while singing.  These kids don’t miss a beat.

Relaxing right now in The Morning Times, honestly my favorite coffee shop in the whole world, which I accidently stumbled upon a few months ago. Outside, Hargett Street is bustling with people, a band is playing on a stage set in the road. We’re all waiting for The Old Ceremony who is set to headline today’s festivities. I saw these guys open for The Squirrel Nut Zippers years ago and these gents really know how to set a crowd ablaze.

Tonight I’ll join our web designer, Jonathan Stephens, as we venture into Hopscotch’s final night; Balmorhea, Bear in Heaven, Bright Young Things, Marissa Nadler, and of course Megafaun all on the agenda for this evening. Photos from all things Hopscotch will have to wait until I return to Wilmington and get the USB cord I forgot to pack. So, until then, I’ll just have to limn for you the experience to the best of my ability.

Day Two highlight: free nachos, poptarts, and cold brew coffee courtesy of Larry’s Beans and The Pour House.