Despite the rain, the Damariscotta River Association’s seventh annual Great Salt Bay Music Festival was a smashing success.
From the opening act to the final tune, the more than 600 attendees at Sunday’s event danced up a storm, tossed Frisbees, explored the trails that were within listening distance, and even, in one instance, read a book under the protection of the trees, all while taking in the music and enjoying a fabulous Caribbean spread provided by the Damariscotta River Grill.
Local favorites the Horseshoe Crabs opened the festival, and were followed by Portland’s Jason Spooner Trio, who got the crowd to its feet with covers of everything from disco tunes to Johnny Cash, as well as their own well-received original songs.
There was a brief moment of worry after the Trio left the stage and headlining band Inner Visions hadn’t yet arrived, but their host, John Reny of Round Pond, knew they couldn’t be far away, because, as he said, “they were eating pancakes when I left this morning.”
Fortunately, the break allowed adequate time for the unveiling of the DRA’s new wind turbine, or at least a model of the real thing, and for the ceremony dedicating the turbine in memory of former DRA board members Andrew Janover and John McKeon.
Family members were on hand for the ceremony, and when the turbine was unveiled, a large group of people gathered around to celebrate with photographs, marking what DRA Executive Director Mark DesMeules described as an important moment in the history of the DRA.
When Inner Visions took the stage, the sun came out, just as it did last year, shining on what lead vocalist and guitar player, Grasshopper Pickering, said is the music’s overriding message-“Love.”
Whether it was the message or the music, Inner Visions, which hails from St. John in the Virgin Islands, is well-loved locally.
Damariscotta’s Deb Arter joined hundreds of others in tearing up the dance floor, or as Arter’s husband Tom clarified, “the dance sod.”
The wet ground didn’t stop the many kids in attendance from racing around the DRA Farm, climbing trees, dancing, and, in the case of the boys, doing battle in the fields and behind the trees.
Both Inner Visions and the Horseshoe Crabs called friend and fellow musician John Reny on stage to sing and play, and he kindly obliged both times, receiving large rounds of applause for each of his appearances.
The whole event, though, was about more than just music, it was about raising funds for the education and conservation efforts of the DRA.
“I loved the music, I loved the event. Kudos to the staff and board, and everyone who pitched in,” DesMeules said. “It was a real team effort. We are always grateful for the overwhelming community support that makes events like this possible, from the businesses to the musicians.
“Everyone was very pleased at the turnout, and the unveiling of the wind turbine, which marks a way point in the history of the DRA, and ushers into the education program a green energy component going forward into the future.”
Sebbie Susso, a DRA festival volunteer who hails from Gambia and currently lives in Damariscotta, couldn’t stop smiling throughout the day. “I met someone from home!” she said. “I can’t believe it! This has been a great day!”
Then she joined the crowd on the dance floor.
