EWOB FESTIVAL 2009 FanMAIL FROM THE PUBLIC
Dhr. BW wrote:
Hello again, and thank you for a great festival, my first of many.
I do not know if I am too late now for the CD competition, yet after weeks of searching pics of mandolin players on the internet, I finally saw the gentleman whose photo is on the homepage, standing right in front of me outside the fish shop in Voorthuizen and playing his mandolin: Radim Duda, who plays in the group, from Czech Republic, called Sunny Side. After they had finished playing, and I had consumed my herring sandwich and cup of tea, we spoke and he gave to me his name and internet website URL.
I have not been to such a friendly festival for many years and, though I do not presently play an instrument, I was made welcome by everybody I met and chatted about instruments and playing and much more. Now I do not feel too old nor that it's too late in my life to learn to play and then have
the pleasure of playing along with others. I thoroughly look forward to the next festival whether it be EWOB or another before then, and I can tell you that I have regained a long lost enthusiasm (both for the music and life in general) and a belief in humanity.
Although beer is sold on site, the very obvious lack of festival drunks commonly seen at many musical events makes the EWOB a very family-friendly occasion as well as the fact that all ages and members of visiting families seem to play the music, from little children to grandparent age!
I would like to tell you that there was a highlight of the Festival, and yet there were so many good moments. From chatting with instrument sellers, one of whom allowed me to hold one of his mandolins, singing along with a jam session out doors (Will the Circle Be Unbroken), being surrounded by all the musicians playing together at one o'clock on the last night or meeting so many people of different ages from all over the world and not forgetting the people playing on stage events, it would be difficult to choose a highlight. Seems like the whole event was a highlight. My only regret is that the location isn't in the beautiful mountains and trees, yet for now is at least easy for me to travel to.
Thank you again, and all the other people who make this Festival happen.
kindest regards,
BW
The Netherlands
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