The DomeFest Bonfire
We’re not so different than moths and June bugs drawn to a flame in darkness. Maybe because for eons our ancestors sat in front of nighttime fires, it seems to be in our DNA to be pulled in by a bright light. Is that why our eyes go right for a TV set when one is turned on?
I was at the DomeFest – a new Floyd music festival – in the Copper Hill section of the county dancing with friends when the bonfire was lit across the field from us. I watched it go up in flames as Laura Reed, a Rastafarian version of Janis Joplin was singing her heart out with her band, Deep Pocket.
Just an hour before, the back-to-the-garden scene was an idyllic one, with barefoot children playing, happy campers swimming in the pond, and families spread out on picnic blankets on the rolling hillside. In the glow of the setting sun, I enjoyed a pizza baked in a wood-fired brick oven and a cold beer. Joe made the rounds socializing, using a golf club as a cane to support a recent ankle injury.
But now a dewy dampness had descended with the darkness and dramatic silhouettes in front of the fire’s red roar stood out. Struck with the rush of exploding sparks and the magnitude of blaze, I danced as if in a trance, like a winged creature flitting about. The pitch and intensity of the music rose with the flames. A wild warmness spread and there was just enough light coming from the stage to detect the smiles on the faces of the friends I was dancing next to. When my eyes weren’t closed or I wasn’t smiling back at friends, I was gazing at the bonfire scene.
Torch lights circled the pond. Flashlights, stars, and fireflies looked as if they had escaped from the fire. Like a page in a storybook, the night sparkled with the timelessness of a long ago fairy tale that I was just beginning to remember.
Photos: 1. The bonfire 2. The Trainwrecks, the Asheville NC band that followed Deep Pocket included my son Josh’s girlfriend, fiddle player, Anna Bowman-Smith (center). Anna’s father (left of her) and his black dog named Lilly who were visiting from Minnesota joined the band on stage. Laura Reed (on the right) from Deep Pocket (also from Asheville) joined in this number and is pictured on the right. You can hear Laura sing HERE and a few songs by The Trainwrecks HERE.
June 10th, 2007 11:55 pm
Hi Colleen, Michele sent me this time but I’ve of course been here before. Looks like you had a lovely time in the mountains. I need to start planning my annual summer trip there.
June 11th, 2007 8:33 am
“Struck with the rush of exploding sparks and the magnitude of blaze, I danced as if in a trance, like a winged creature flitting about.”
I really like this line and the comparison of humans to moths.
June 11th, 2007 9:27 am
Sounds like fun. I miss concerts with you.
I agree with the comment above….what a line! what a writer!
June 11th, 2007 2:38 pm
Our usual summer solstice celebration here has been cancelled due to a death in the “family”. I shall miss the bonfire as much I’ll miss my dear friends!
June 11th, 2007 3:05 pm
I hope all is well with you, Leslie. Maybe an equinox bonfire?
June 11th, 2007 5:54 pm
new music fest in floyd…is it an annual thing now…or are hey going to try and make it that way at least ’cause I dont remember hearing anything about it last june.
glad you stoped by my blog…it had been a while since I’d heard from you. Nice to see a friendly face. You are always so kind.
June 11th, 2007 6:32 pm
It’s new and sweet, mellower than Floyd Fest, but has very definite appeal.
June 12th, 2007 9:27 am
Colleen you are supposed to be the event coordinator for Floyd and we didn’t know this was going to be there. Martin loves swing. I listened to both your links. I love Laura Reed’s voice. She reminds me of Joss Stone a bit. Very smooth. I am betting this was a great festival!
June 12th, 2007 9:35 am
My bad! We’ll have to get you signed up for The Museletter!
My friend Alina was so impressed she hired the band to play at her upcoming wedding.
June 12th, 2007 10:27 pm
I love the bonfire pic!
My little nephew used to call them Bombfires!
June 13th, 2007 1:10 am
What a magical night! You are doing lots of cool stuff these days. 🙂
I sent a check a month or so for the Museletter. When does the next one come out? I am so excited to be a subscriber.
Susan