Well, it was a wonderland of art and music nestled in a nature filled nook. My second time gracing the stage at the Woodlawn Artfest with the likes of Durham's freshest artists. To be honest the stage reminds me (and I'm sure many others) of the famous Fred Penner log entrance. To reach the back of the stage (where musicians enter) you make your way through a thick bush that has been cleared into a perfect tunnel. From there, a curtain is drawn and you grace the Woodlawn stage. A small fire pit surrounded by outdoor furniture and skittered with artists, friends and family. The feeling was warm, with smiles from passing strangers and a collective energy that made even the extreme introvert, artist comfortable.

Before all of this experience, before I hit the stage. A cheery fellow with a slick hair cut and some style introduced himself, with not only a handshake, but a welcoming hug. It was the stage manager and one of the key organizers Steven. This guy organized like 20 acts on a single stage. Dealing with all the band changes, various instruments and the elements of a weekend in July I was amazed at his composure. Multiple times I crossed paths with another founder and organizer Geordie. An extremely skilled artist and the nicest guy on the planet. Nice enough to allow all of this to take place on his family's estate. The property is graced with large metal sculptures of various animals, trees and mechanical elements to them.