folky friends

Nevada County is weird, and I like it. It's occupants are talented and oddly appealing. I don't know how you can find fascinating people clumped together in a place where nothing happens. the schools (the few that exist) are liberal and artistic, the jobs are relaxed, people are kind and safe, and time moves just a little bit slower.

my favorite part, however, is some of the music. it's something i've always loved, then forgot about, then remembered, and i want to share it with you. the best part of nevada city is without a doubt the grass roots label. "-founded by marc snegg (who's first gig was playing at joanna newsom's 12th birthday party)" -that bit of quotation is from a magazine i read, but can't remember which one...

grass roots is clearly just a bunch of really awesome friends making music. it's inspiring!

Joanna Newsom probably one of the more well known musicians, but surely isn't the end of the list. joanna went to nu high school with alela diane, whom is apparently friends's with mariee sioux; all of whom picked up guitars after witnessing local aaron ross when they were teensey boppers. aaron ross is my personal favorite and if you ever have a chance to see him take it-he plays a lot in sac.


then there's this guy, named Luke, that i first met playing cello for aaron.
and he was mind blowing, as well, but recently moved away....
i hope to hear his music one day...

benjamin oak goodman is another good'en.

they are all beautiful!

there is something really fascinating about going to a show where all the artists not only know one another, but their audience as well.
everything has double meaning.
when he sings that nerve striking song...
you know exactly which girl in the audience it's directed towards...
music has always been a very powerful thing, and years before and after people will continue put their own interpretation on favorite lyrics as to relate to them. but it's really no match for listening to music that was written a few houses down, about all the people you know...singing about a town that you're in...

forgive me for sounded cliche; there's something very magical about these hills, and i think you have to live here to find it.

as for everyone else, go to as many local shows in your town as you possibly ever can.

also, take note:
these are some awesome, younger musicians that aren't a part of grass roots, but they will get their own light soon. keep a watch...
jessica agnew
molly roth
dylan rodrigue

i'm sad to leave this place behind...a part of me really believes i will come back to find it one day and it will have disappeared- as if i imagined the whole thing.