Arlington Garlic Festival
Roger Fisher and Friends - Aug. 10 at 3:00 pm

Nestled within the misty mountain tops & the rolling green valleys of Northern Washington, you'll find the bucolic town of Arlington. This remote and seemingly sleepy area was awakened last weekend with the fragrance, sights & sounds of the 14th Annual Garlic & Music Festival... I bet you're asking to yourself, "Garlic & music, how does that happen"? Well, Arlington has it's fair share of garlic farmers, and every year (for the last 14 years) the Love-Israel farm celebrates the season by sponsoring a four day festival in their favorite vegetable's name. Included in the festivities are vendors from all over the world who come to share everything "GARLIC." There's garlic popcorn, garlic fudge, garlic crepes, garlic fries, garlic bar-b-que, & garlic wine - I think you get the idea! Other vendors shared everything from hand-made clothes, jewelry, shoes, hats, soaps, candles & pottery to strange outdoor decorations made from recycled coffee & pop cans. Along with all of those wonderful things, the air was also filled with the sweetest sounds of music! This festival has a very "Grateful Dead/Celtic" feel to it. The music along with the general population, stays pretty true to this theme. The bands delivered very "loose" style jams incorporating pockets of acoustic sounds & wind instruments.

However, this theme was definitely shaken up a bit when Roger Fisher & Friends hit the stage for a late afternoon romp in the sun! Roger opened the set standing alone - with only his Strat for company - letting the crowd know, "I've always wanted to do this, so here goes!" He led us thru a winding & echoing guitar passage before leaping off the stage into the crowd! While in the audience he lightened his guitar touch a bit and greeted those around him with a warm, inviting smile. Once back on stage he joked, "Ok that's enough of that!" His timing was perfect as the children's fairy parade was making it's way through the crowd towards it's final destination at the front of the stage. There were 10-foot clowns and an array of winged fairies dressed in sparkles & glitter. Singing & dancing children followed the happy pied pipers for one more frolic before settling down on the lawn. This time Roger along with a full band took the stage - These guys were hot & ready to rock! The band included Don King: Bass, Mike Topanga: Drums, Matthew Burgess: Percussion, Jeff Castle: Violin & Rick Knotts: Guitar. They proceeded with a few breezy, trance-style instrumentals which were really well received by the crowd. They were soon up on their feet & dancing freely. Roger even worked some of his newly embraced "Free-Style Jazz" guitar playing into the mix - That was an interesting treat! Next came a mandolin-based duet between Roger & Rick from the Little Queen album called "Sylvan Song." The crowd was intent on the two mando players and listened as if a prayer was being said - right up until the frenzied crescendo where the prayer turned the crowd into tribal dancers! From there the band joined in once again for a incredible, less angst ridden, version of "Mistral Wind" from the Dog & Butterfly album. With the addition of Jeff's violin, some very nice percussion work from Matthew & smooth, relaxed vocals from Rog this song took on a whole new direction. Instead of being ripped & tossed about on the ocean you were now gently rocked upon it's waves and your inspiration is carried effortlessly & satisfyingly to fruition. Nice job! As if all of this isn't enough Rog had plenty more in store for us. Next Gretchen Christopher joined the band for a duet with Rog. Roger explained how he and Gretchen became fast friends after there eyes met on a flight to Los Angeles in 1997. How romantic, aye? The connection was evident when they performed Gretchen's 1959 hit with the Fleetwoods. "Come Softly To Me" was instantly recognized by the elder folks in the crowd and it was safe to say that Roger & Friends were now making points with everyone in attendance. Next, we sped up to 1977 for the Little Queen album's acoustic anthem, "Love Alive." On this song we have the addition of Sally Carolus: Flute & back-up vocals. It was nice to see a woman in the mix. Her flute & vocals added the lighter touch that we associate with this song. It was during this song that all the folks browsing the vendor & food stands seemed to migrate towards the concert area. Now playing to a completely packed lawn area with everyone's full attention, Roger invited one last friend on stage. After Rog delivered the first few lines of "Jail House Rock" - you got it - ELVIS joined the band. And you know when "ELVIS" is in the house, all hell breaks loose! Tracy Moore as "ELVIS" and guitarist, Jeff Carolous were welcomed by everyone with happy smiles, laughter and plenty of dancing! After Heartbreak Hotel, they ended the show with All Shook Up and the sound of the crowd clamoring for more! Great day, great festival, great music, great friends - GREAT TIME!