Abigail

Sarah Bettens co-headlined the 2007 "Michigan Womyn's Music Festival" (Michfest) on FRI, AUG 10th with a new, all-women band (mandated, as this was a women-only festival). It was my first year attending, Sarah's second both as a performer and camper. I did not camp--have never camped a day in my life... I stayed at a close by motel where two of Sarah's bandmates stayed as well.

I must say, however, after checking out Sarah's tent, the environment and amenities, I am very open to camping next year! :) There were open-air showers and portable toilets, but the showers actually had hot water! Plus, we had our very own private camping area to rest, eat (chefs prepared three excellent vegetarian meals a day), get pampered (holistic, massage tents) and hang out--all created just for the artists, musicians and their families/close friends--very cool.

We were even served a special midnight meal every night after the performances. So cute... The 2,500+ womyn attendees also camped on-site, but in a different location. To ensure artist privacy, our designated area was not identified on the map in the Michfest guide book...

Fortunately, we also had an artist shuttle--about the most organized and friendly group of people I've ever met... They knew what room we were staying in, what time we needed a ride, and were on call if we ever needed them for an emergency. Incredible.

During the week of AUG 7th-12th there were 40 fantastic performances and scores of workshops and parties on 650 beautiful acres of remote Michigan woodland. I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive as it was my first time attending a women-only anything, much less a music festival located two hours from the airport (GRR) and in the middle of the woods. It took 30 minutes just to get to/from the motel and the festival site, and there was zero cell phone and internet coverage (purposely, but it was quite an adjustment for me).

A special thank you to Sarah and her manager, Wil Sharpe for hooking me up and taking excellent care of me! My uneasiness quickly subsided as soon as I was picked up by the artist shuttle and personally escorted onto the festival grounds, through the thousands of attendees to the secluded artist check-in area. I was introduced to Penny, the important keeper of the "all access/backstage" artist wristband. Her first words, "Oh, you're Abigail! Thank God you're here! Sarah's been asking me and asking me, where's Abigail? She's been waiting for you..."

Awww... :)

After checking in, going through orientation and reviewing the schedule, I stood next to the main stage and chatted with guitarist, Jen Todd as the first band of the night (THU) took the stage. Within minutes, I felt fingers in my sides from behind. I turned around... It was Sarah, smiling with arms wide open! After giving each other a warm, big hug she invited me to sit with her, Stef and Jill on their blanket to watch the evening's performances. Since it was THU, and Sarah performed on FRI, she had the night off to enjoy the festivities. It was beautiful--the sun was setting, sky was clear, weather was warm, nice breeze, live music, all in the company of dear friends (we laughed so much my stomach hurt).

As the night progressed, I remember laying back on the blanket, looking up at the clear evening sky filled with more stars than I've ever seen, thanking God for that very moment, and whispering to myself, "I am fortunate."

Morning soundcheck on main stage :




Rehearsal tent:


After Sarah changed her guitar strings, she decided to do an acoustic run-through of the set (what a treat):


SET LIST:
Not Insane
Put It Out For Good (Written by Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls who sat right behind us during Sarah's show.)
Not An Addict
Go
Come Over Here
Rescue Me
Daddy's Gun
Can't Get Out
The Soldier Song
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Stay
Don't Want To Slow You Down (Beautiful new song; so new, it's not on the new Shine CD--I think that's the name?!?)

Sarah Bettens headlines main stage at Michfest 2007: