(May 22nd, 2016)

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This is related to the following event:
Forest of OAKS 2 – A Day of Music
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Note to the Reader: OAKS stands for Oldfurlong Amazing Koncert Series

 

 

Captain's Quick Report: Forest of OAKS 2 – A Day of Music

 

  
  When good Shire-folk, and Elves, and Dwarrows, and Men gather together, of kind hearts, and ablaze with an inner delight for the many lands of music and friendship with one another that such exists in our world – a fantastic harmony arises that cannot be so easily recorded by quill and parchment; retold in the telling through bards; or even captured that smoothly by the artist with the brush ( though some have excelled at it, like fine Master Zedrock and his team surely this year too, or the Lady Freemark and her additional moving drawings from last year’s Forest of OAKS!  Hohoho! ).

   Bedridden have I been however the last few days, recovering from a slight cold unplanned – and that with other priorities upon my mind, delayed me from reaching Oldfurlong this day.  This poor ol’ Captain of the Bree Captain’s Guild missed the first two opening bands, and then some, of the third group of musicians!  A sore day, a sorrowful day!  Much of my time for a good while after arriving continued to be occupied with other thoughts that had me whisked away to other places in the mind… food, paperwork… cooking… I managed to snap out of my reverie a few times to take rough sketches and colorings of the crowd and musicians though.  Whew!

  After the fantastic project known as the ‘Forestra’ orchestra ( an outstanding collection of musicians from each of the bands all performing together for some fantastic musical pieces ) committed to their performance, my mind ( and time, hoho! ) became increasingly more free to walk around and peer more closely amongst the crowd while music wafted through the air and the splendid festive atmosphere continued on; as the latter half of the bands this day played their fine set of tunes, melodies, and songs.

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  Should you have not seen yet some of the posters listing the bands performing, it was, in order of appearance;

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'The Aleford Band', of three Hobbit-lasses whom surely opened with outstanding folk-like and Shire music of the countryside they are so known for, with lively tunes and lyrics.  They not only have performed at the OAKS this year, but also many times throughout other Shire occasions, and their members one might often see throughout other Hobbit events where such Little Folk gather to celebrate, dance, tell stories, or live out the 'Shire' life, simply put, hoho!

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'Struck by Moonlight', have performed at past Bird and Baby Yard Parties in addition to their OAKS performance just months ago, and their members have also been in attendance to many cheerful Shire-occasions where Hobbits convene for music, and festive times in general, and their names have become quite known among fellow Hobbits and musicians I think by now.  There were certainly fine lyrics and stories told in their songs last I remember -- very interesting ones stemming from Hobbit-lore and myths if one could imagine!

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'Die Bunten Voegel', not only did these musicians of extraordinary 'showmanship' ( as once remarked in a Bramblebury Gazette article ) also appear in Bree-town earlier in the year for a show -- but they have also performed in the past at Archet Aid, and of course one of the monthly OAKS not too long ago.  A moving drawing by Lady Freemark from last year's Forest of OAKS captured an outstanding feeling of their style of performance.  They also have their own artist and published moving drawings of the band as well!

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'The Pootlers', are first mentioned as far back as a few years ago at the least, according to sources such as past writings on the Biscuity Burrow, but perhaps what any Hobbit may tell you is that deep down at heart, the handful making up this band are simply outstanding members of the Shire community from different, but well-known walks of other Hobbit life such as Bounder-Shirriff work, Shire Angling Club activity organizer, Handsome-Pointy-Hat-Wearer and much more, I'm sure.  Or so I've heard tales about!

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'Die Bartigen Musen', are Dwarven musicians, in gowns and dresses befitting lasses, whom opened the first OAKS of this new year with their performance in Oldfurlong many months ago.  Here at the Forest of OAKS just hours past, they most well-executed an outstanding performance yet again, with my memory recalling songs involving 'ORK ORK ORK' chanting even, that soon caught onto the audience, hoho!  Bearded Muses they are, indeed!

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'The Remediators', are also quite the collection of learned musicians with a dabbling in fine showmanship to please the attention of the audience not only through instruments, but matching choreography as well among some of their members during the musical sets -- and their lyrics and stories are often quite entertaining within Middle-Earth, as I recall from their previous OAKS appearance just last month!  The Lady Freemark hails from this group, and some of her past moving drawings artwork was from this last event!

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'The Forestra', marking the halfway through the Forest of OAKS today, this band was a special appearance and playing of a few lively songs that perhaps took together some of the many inspiring feelings and excitement of the entire event, and of the OAKS, and infused together that energy into a representative 'orchestra' of musicians drawn from nearly, if not all, of the bands invited to play for this grand day of festive celebration.  There was even the song about the OAKS itself that this magnificent group performed.  Fantastic cannot describe how outstanding those moments were as this orchestra opened and closed their act!

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'The White Flames', as part of the Order of the White Flames kinship, these stirring musicians have made quite the impression over the years with memorable past concerts such as their 'celebrate Zappa', 'play Knufflerock' and 'Dance Dance Dance!' to name but a few!  Their appearance at the OAKS was last year during the early summer months!

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'Thorn & Roses', while not much official documentation exists for this group of musicians at the time, a few tidbits exist here and there if one looks hard enough through scattered tomes and such other sources across the land.  Their OAKS performance late into the harvestmath season last year gave forth the impression they are another fine group of Shire-Hobbits whom get together to play music as friends, once more from sometimes different backgrounds, but a good joy for music and the playing of it.  They also wear mighty pointy hats of a particular reputation, hohoho!  An article of that same OAKS shared many further details from the audience that night, and of the band's music!

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'Mondbarden', also called the 'Moonminstrels' were the first band to play the very next month after last year's successful Forest of OAKS was had, and also appeared as featured guests at one of the Bird and Baby Yard Parties later that year.  Talented they are and large in number of band members, and they even have their own office and headquarters!  One of the songs they opened with may bring an uncontrolled smile to some faces, it certainly did with mine, for some reason!  Hoho!

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'Dr. Star and the Acoustic Mayhem', are also known by names such as the 'Fraggles', 'Fraggle Rock', and having not only performed at several Shire events throughout our parts of the land such as the OAKS last summer, but also at the wedding of Master Silon and Miss Dassa too, that left quite an impression upon this ol' Bree Captain back then!  They too have quite the handsome outfits and top hats to complement their talented performing and songs, and another article in the Bramblebury Gazette later that same month seemed to confirm an enjoyable impression was also left upon the audience from then too!

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'A Rock And A Hard Place', have a splendid history as musicians that extend to events such as Archet Aid, but also highly renowned gatherings such as Weatherstock.  Not only do they too also have their own office for the band, but they performed as the final band for the year, last Yule at the OAKS.  A fantastic and well-known group indeed, and quite welcome in our lands from what me ol' Captain's eyes can see!

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  I will note to visit the art offices of Master Zedrock and Lady Freemark sometime after this -- their moving drawing artistic skills really give a good feeling of what the music was like just by looking at their work!  Though of course it is no substitute for being right there in the moment yourself, as an audience member eh?  Be sure to plan for next year to attend the Forest of OAKS in Oldfurlong if you had not the chance to make for this year’s celebration!

  It was with joy beyond measure to have made it ( somewhat ) in time for this festival-like occasion of grand celebration of music, friends… and an atmosphere that stems from the kindness in hearts such as Miss Acorne herself, being the main known organizer of these monthly OAKS events, and now-yearly Forest of OAKS anniversary events. 

  And it would be improper for this ol’ Bree Captain to forget the equally important friends of Miss Acorne, along with musicians, helpers, allies, and bands themselves whom have volunteered their time and hearts also to partake in this amazing culture of musical celebration, and eventful anniversary joys for another outstanding year to host today’s Forest of OAKS!  A fine congratulations for all of your outstanding commitment, service, and friendship to what must be keeping the spirit of these OAKS and Forest of OAKS so very much alive together with the wonderful audience and supporters whom listen and cheer for your work.  Well done, one and all.

  But alas it is time for me to retire, I still wheeze slightly even as I continue on my return journey from Oldfurlong -- back to the Bree-land -- and restful sleep is needed after such a fine day as this.  But the Forest of OAKS!  All those wonderful bands!  The Forestra orchestra segment!  Master Reader, this report ( and the rough sketches I will be attaching ) cannot do justice in my eyes to what has transpired back in Oldfurlong just hours ago.  Though Master Zedrock and the artists with his team may give you a good idea -- I already have heard from other guests along the road that some early work are available for viewing!

Signed,


Captain Naismithea Willarc

Watcher of Roads
Representative of the Bree Captain's Guild
Officer of the Sworn Wanderers


 

 

 

 

P.S.

  The horizon seems relatively quiet for the next week according to news bulletins ( though there is a rumoured ‘Songburrow Burrow Crawl’ happening for Hobbits over in the Shire, and future Bird and Baby Yard Parties with guest musical bands also continue to be planned ), and a good thing too!  As my time seems to grow shorter, the busy work piles higher, and it may appear soon my schedule of business in Middle-Earth may change significantly over the next year, though we shall see yet what time I can manage still in accordance with the Bree Captain's Guild; to attend the fine events put forth by the Free Peoples where advertised as open and free to visit for all races.  Plenty to do yet, hoho!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to the following Albums – by Captain Naismithea

Dear Reader,

In the following albums of rough sketches, colored drawings and the like from my perspective of tonight’s fine event, you shall see the crowds from different times throughout; witness the early gathering of the ‘Forestra’ orchestra as they prepared to perform; view a few moments of spectacular fireworks celebration after certain songs were done; and most of all, you likely shall see the faces of great friends to cherish -- kindred spirits whom partake in the culture of music and celebration together alongside you, had you been in attendance -- and may these moments of joy amongst the audience I experienced, with atmosphere so adrift in merriment, be passed onto you in some small way through these rough sketches; depicting the many outstanding moments from this event, the Forest of OAKS 2 – A Day of Music.

Note: Be warned that my arrival to the event was delayed due to circumstances, and the first two to three bands I was not present to make any drawings/sketches from my perspective!  You may be better off visiting the art shops run by Master Zedrock and Lady Freemark, they have an excellent reputation for quality drawings that ‘move’ when you seem to look at them!  Many even report seemingly hearing the music, note for note, in all it’s lovely essence!

Also, while still in the spirit of an ‘Overview’ album as best as I could make it, compared to the usual ‘Collections’ – know in advance many of the sketches are still repeated from slightly different angles, perspectives, and times throughout the event.  I tried to keep the ‘Overview’ album simple if your in a hurry, but either way – be sure to have plenty of spare time upon thee hands if your perusing these collections at all.  I did not have time to sift through as diligently as I would have liked to before wrapping these up to be sent by Quick Post to the Archives with the early report.  My nose sniffs with the cold I still recover from, and sleep beckons!

 

 

Overview Collection

 

 

 

 

 

(( Disclaimer: Hello folks, I'd like to caution you that taking a look at the embedded slideshows coming up below will likely not go too well if your in a hurry, and hoping to just get a 'general gander' at what the event was like.  The 'Overview Collection' above is more suited for that!

  Viewing the albums embedded below is more geared for those folks looking to get a /slightly/ more play-by-play spirit of how things unfolded.  In fact, I only recommend having a browse through if for some reason, you have an urge to well... just look at a lot and lot of screenshots -- many more of the shot angles/perspectives being repeated in other screenshots but at different times during the event, etc!  Thanks for reading.

 Extra Note: Remember, I was not there for the first 2-3 bands that performed!  These screenshots below start from around the bands after that and onwards.  ))

 

 

First Collection

 

Second Collection

 

Third Collection

 

Fourth Collection