Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 From: Wendy Lapides Subject: [hix] Show Report To: hixlist Show Report from the Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown, Rhode Island; August 30, 2008 We’ve had a string of beautiful weather in Rhode Island these last couple of weeks, but wouldn’t you know, luck wasn’t with us yesterday, Day 2 of the Rhythm & Roots Festival. When we weren’t dodging a downpour, we were sitting in our chairs, a fine mist kissing our faces, dampening our clothes, and giving the thinning hair of aging hipsters dimension they haven’t seen for a long time. At 5:00, right on schedule, DH & the HLs came onto the stage. We were sitting too far back to take note of any details about the band’s attire, dance moves or facial expressions, but Dan was amiable and seemed happy to be there. He opened with a medley of gypsy jazz and when he went into the second number, ‘Long Come a Viper, I heard the guy in back of me say, “Oh, he sings too!”. Yes he does. Viper was followed by The Piano Has Been Drinking, Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me, Song for my Father, 13D, I Scare Myself (almost a parody of the song which was unfortunate for those who have never heard it before), I’m an Old Cowhand, and I Feel Like Singin’. The crowd of 3500 was enthusiastic and the band came out for an encore of The Buzzard was Their Friend. My daughter and I went to the merchandise tent afterward, where a group of people was waiting to buy Dan’s CDs (he told the crowd he’d brought about 10 with him), but half an hour later, still no sign of either Dan or his music. I had never before seen Dan in a festival setting, only clubs, but it turned out to be a great venue for him. I found I was more relaxed not worrying whether an audience member might talk during the performance, yell out a request, or carry on so as to make Dan annoyed. The environment seemed to allow all parties to achieve what they came for and I think after yesterday, we may even see some new faces on the Hix List.