We’re at the theater right now, watching one of Erik’s recommendations. Tomorrow morning we head further north in New York to Howard County’s Hillsdale for our eighth Falcon Ridge.

Falcon Ridge is in a new spot this year, but otherwise it will hopefully remain its old reliable self. What I’m most looking forward to this time around:

1. Shelley, Mike, Daschel, and Irisa. It’s good to have traditions, particularly when they involve friends.
2. Old favorites, including Cheryl Wheeler, Christine Lavin (yes, I will sing along if she does a baseball song, Dad), Shawn Colvin — who was so endearing the last time I saw her when she opened for Sting because she was grateful that we actually seemed to want to hear her sing for a little while (post-show, I wished Sting had opened for her!), Tracy Grammer (it wouldn’t be FRFF without her), and Eddie from Ohio (Julie will have the loudest voice on the hill this year with Vance absent).
3. A better acquaintance with some previously heard artists, especially Susan Werner, John Gorka, and Crooked Still.
4. New acts. I’m particularly interested in hearing Modern Man, Winterpills, and emerging artist act Cletus Kennelly & Lori Kelley (who hail from here in the District). No new Connecticut acts this year, but there is an emerging artist from my birthplace (Eugene, Oregon) whom I might need to check out.
5. S’mores. ‘Nuff said.
6. The workshop stage. All the artists get solo sets at the main stage, the family stage, or the dance stage. The workshop stage is where they get to perform together, to feed off one another, and generally to impress the heck out of the crowd. Somehow I didn’t make it over there last year. I’d like to get back this time around.
7. The swimming hole. I finally made it to Copake’s Taconic State Park to swim last year and now it’s an extra six miles away (each way!) on the bike! Good thing I’ve been practicing.
8. Taste Budd‘s cocoa (made of chocolate ganache) and truffle budds. I would drive miles for these (but luckily they’ll be right there on the midway).
9. Sunflower Farm Pizza — whenever I want it.
10. New cds — enough to last until next year.