A spectacle is probably the closest word to describe what happened at the 5-day Trinumeral celebration in the most laidback mountain town on the east coast.  The weekend started on Wednesday in downtown Asheville on the 9th, which was the date of the actual tri-numeral (They’ve been doing this since 1.1.01), and then moved to Deerfields campground for the duration.  This being mainly an electronic festival, they hosted some of the best DJs from all over the country, RJD2, Eskimo a.k.a. Welder, Glitch Mob, and from closer to home: Orchard Lounge, Elliott Lipp, and Pretty Lights.   A few British bands made it out as well:  electro-rock band The Egg as well as The New Mastersounds who fill the role of a James Brown rhythm section with John Bonham on the drums, really heavy funk.  The music that stole it though wasn’t electronic at all - the pinnacle was a trio of banjo, upright bass, and Indian tabla drums playing something that sounded like a new form world music.  Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Zakir Hussain premiered that night with the first live performance of their new album featuring full orchestra, which is actually number one on the classical charts right now, not surprisingly.  Blending recent and ancient folk genres together in a way that was fresh and warmly familiar, not only did it take anyone who it was listening to new spiritual heights, it was technically flawless.  Admittedly, some probably felt it was a bit out of place for a festival like this.  Regardless, the audience was fully aware of the world class music they were taking part in and witnessing.  Out of the up and coming bands that were there, Sonmi Suite stood out as a truly clean and patient band, which is seldom found in young players.  They had a tight groove that kept you in the moment with a beautiful blend of smooth synths and effects pads; these guys are worth checking out.
    My band was actually fortunate enough to land a slot on Thursday night, and let me tell you what a learning experience it was.  This being the largest festival we had been a part of gave us perspective as to how the big dogs run and it was certainly encouraging to say the least.  We too often have a tendency to focus on the negative, letting it get the better and pulling us away from the point of things.  Of course we had issues to deal with, everyone did, but that’s what separates the men from the boys, it’s how you handle it.  If you have anxiety or any lack of confidence in what you’re doing, it will show a hundred percent on stage.  For the rest of the weekend, my guitarist and I would watch the other bands and see them react to the problems they would run into with equipment or sound levels.  It gave me a whole new perspective to see even someone as technically proficient as Bela Fleck look slightly uncomfortable after the first few notes and gradually find it more and more as he went along.  Even if you play a few wrong notes, it’s all about how you recover.  Are you able to jump right back into the focus or do you let your doubts get the better of you?  If you play music, you should ask yourself this question all of the time, even if you’re just practicing.  Focus, just like learning to play an instrument, is a skill to be developed.  I promise it can only make your music outstanding.

By Author: Steve Owen

Steve Owen currently attends VCU School of Music, formerly a classical guitar major also with some studies in jazz.  Since moving to Richmond in 2001 he has played with several bands from different styles including: The Rising Sons (now Duchess of York), Identity, and Th!nk.  Since starting his own band in 2007, he writes, sings and plays bass for local electronic/funk/rock group The Silo Effect.  He enjoys water, air, deep conversation (about anything), and all green things and doesn't really like the man at all.

Comments(2):

1. Steve Owen's review of Trinumeral

   It's very gratifying to know that you invested your attention and interest in this event in a way that reflects a larger humanistic awareness. What you wrote shows a concern for what people can learn and grow from and not just, "they played good". It's obvious you keep your eyes and heart open to life's experiences and make a sincere, loving and brave effort to guide others. Never give up your search for truth and thanks for sharing it. I look forward to your next post!

   Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Les

2. Band

   Hello Steven, Just wondering if The Silo Effect would ever like to split a show with a new and upcoming band from Roanoke, Va? Go to www.myspace.com/polychromelive, give us a listen, let me know. We are just trying to get our name out there. You can reach me at obiecarter@yahoo.com Thanks, Obie

   Thursday, October 15, 2009 Obie