Flowmotion Summer Meltdown, Aug. 9-12, Darrington, WA

Flowmotion Summer Meltdown has been going on for some years and kicked off on August 9th, a warm Thursday night appreciation performance for devoted, early arriving fans. Whitehorse Amphitheatre in Darrington, WA is where all of us campers settled in for the 4 day event. With no showers or real bathrooms it's a long weekend of port-a-potties and washing off in the river. This was a beautiful setting with the mountain behind the seating area and lots of merchandise booths to peruse in between bands.

Earth, Wind & Fire, St. Michelle Winery, Woodinville WA, July 22nd

This legendary band has been around for more than 35 years and put on a great show. I have been wanting to see them for as long as I can remember. Combining Jazz, Soul, Funk, Cuban, Latin and R&B they seemed to hit it just right for three decades with singles we all know if we hear them like "Serpentine Fire" and "September." Maurice White still heads it up as the lead with his brother Verdine and Ralph Johnson. Philip Bailey had all the grey ponytails and spouses dancing and twirling away to his ballads mid-show. It slowed the night down a bit, but it was hot, humid and muddy, and since almost everyone had a bottle of wine, who cared?! Sitting on garbage bags and swatting mosquitos wasn't the worst time I ever had so I can't complain too much. The horn section rocked and all the other members on percussion were great too. With recent collaborations with Black Eyed Peas leader, Wil I Am and producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis they are still moving along with new music to keep us dancing the nights away for years to come.