New Hampshire 2023
This year’s collection of field recordings were recorded at the 2023 New Hampshire Annual Rainbow Gathering, located in the White Mountain National Forest near the town of Berlin.
During seed camp, people spoke about the fantasy-like vibe the site evoked. Various names arose as a result. We named the site The Land of Inconsistent Enchantment. Inconsistent due to the weather and consistent rainfall. We also dished out an assortment of landmark identifiers, such as the Bog of Mild Inconvenience, Forbidden Zone of Electric Wizards, the Bog of Despair, Moose Heaven, the Bog of Regret, the Bridge to Know Where, the Brook of Watery Whispers, the Bog of Evermore, the Pond of Danger (a play on the nearby actually named the Pond of Safety), The Oracle of Tiny Waterfall, and the Swamp of Sustained Wetness.
As always, I heard more wonderful music and soundscapes than I could record. Ephemeralness isn’t always meant to be archived.
That said, I did record a few times ‘in the field’ during seed camp- birdsong, streams, and whatnot. Also, on July 1st (Singer-Songwriter/Open Mic) and July 4th (Rainbow Family Variety Show) at Granola Funk Theater, a wee bit at Story Glory, and July 3rd at an a cappela/round/open mic at Stitch & Witch. It rained during that session, but considering how moist the gathering was, it kind of fit the vibe.
In all, this year’s compilation includes 95 songs, stories, poems, snippets, and what have you. There’s some good stuff within. Scroll down to listen to and/or download individual tracks or the complete compilation. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this ever-growing archive.
Hark the rain doth drip and drop, come hear the footsteps slog and schlop…
Now over the bridge and through the woods across the bog we go
The trail be muddy but the love surrounds as we move and flow
Hurrah for the meadow, hurrah for the fairy fire glow
May the land of inconsistent enchantment banish all woe
Photo by The Bog of Wet Soggy Mushy Boots
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Download the complete New Hampshire 2023 compilation (ZIP)
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Granola Funk Theater
In The Field
Stitch & Witch (The Rain Sessions)
Story Glory