The Saw Festival takes place every year in Felton, California, where the hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains provide the perfect setting for one of the most fun musical events around—the Musical Saw Festival! Talented saw players from near and far have gather to share their music and their saws. Musicians travel from all over to take part, bringing their own styles and interpretations to an instrument. The musical Blacklock family has been putting on the festival for many years, and they have helped to promote the musical saw for several generations.
The day usually starts with the contest and it’s fun to see how many people enter and where they are from. The results aren’t announced until the end of the day, so it’s a day of excitement, musical saw bands, and happy audiences.
The first place winner was yours truly, Rowena, who played a medley of songs by Leroy Shield, “Good Old Days” and “Dash and Dot.”
And the second prize winner was newcomer, Steve Patmont, a wonderful saw player from Clear Lake. He thrilled everyone with a rendition of “Danny Boy.” It was a close call for the judges between first and second prize, and Steve won “Best Performer” in addition to second place!
The third place winner was beloved saw player Donnie Hodges, who played “The Big Rock Candy Mountain,” a song that was sung to him by his father. Congratulations, Donnie!
After the contest, we all enjoyed an afternoon of music. There were at least six different bands, and each one had a saw player. Here’s a sample of some of the fun. I don’t have videos of everything, but here are pictures and some clips to give you an idea of the great afternoon we all enjoyed. I’m hoping more photos will show up, and when they do, I’ll be sure to make another post for you.
The president of the International Musical Saw Association, Art Peterson, has had a band named Wildcat Canyon for many years, and although he wasn’t able to play this year, his group played and the substitute singer, Steven Strauss proved once again that some talented people can make music from anything. Listen to this clip that shows his lip trumpet!
Saw Player and all-round nice person, Lou Mannick, danced and played for everyone.
Longtime attendee and judge Cindy Sawprano, played a duet with former first-place contest winner, Pam Elder, “Soon May The Wellerman Come.”
The Blacklock Family Band, the family that started it all, played a great set that included “Blue Bayou” and several other beautiful tunes. Thank you, Blacklock Family!
I was lucky to be able to play in a small group named The Carry Ons. We play songs with different themes, last year we did travel, but this year we decided to do gospel and hymns. Here we are doing “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.” Thanks to Steven Strauss and my dear friend Carol Karen for playing along.
Not everyone likes to play in front of others, but there is always a chance to learn and play in a group, as the festival ends with the Chorus of Saws. Thanks to Schatzie Frisch for taking the video. While she can be a reluctant saw player, she is a fine videographer and she promised to thrill us with a saw magic trick next year. Here is the Chorus of Saws playing “Amazing Grace.” Amazing, yes!
Hope to see you next year!
