I have been going to the festival annually since 2007. The first couple of years I was only there for 4 days or so. In the last few years, I stay about 10 days. This year, I was there for 12 days.
The festival itself lasts for 18 days, starting on the Thursday before Memorial Day. Many longtime festival attendees, particularly representatives of the various established camps show up on the weekend before the festival begins for what is known as "Land Rush". This allows them to stake out a spot for their campsites. In theory, anyone can camp anywhere, and there are no reserved spots once the festival begins. In practice, however, established campsites stake their claim prior to the festival, ensuring continuity over the years.
There is a sort of order to all of this. Typically denizens of a particular camp will continue to do so until their camp becomes defunct or they are, for some reason, told to camp elsewhere.
I have camped at Camp Todo Grande almost since the beginning. The first couple of years, I came with my friend Tom. We would rent a pop up camper which we would park in the RV lot located in The Meadow. That said, we would hang out with our friend Pam and others at Camp Todo Grande. Located right by the main entrance to the campgrounds, it is fortunately often upwind from the nearby latrines. The facilities are somewhat rustic although conditions have improved over the years. Hot water is available at the communal showers, and flushing toilets were installed in the MainStage area a couple of years ago.
Some of the camps are just a rag tag collection of tents clumped together, others have large canopies and communal kitchens set up. Some of the camps are considered "music camps", and they host songwriter circles in the wee hours after the official performances are over for the night. Often headlining performers will come by the camps and sit in the song circles. There is no telling who you will meet or get to see in the wee hours.
Some music camps are more ad hoc than other. Most have rules of engagement, You sit in a circle and wait your term to perform. Some camps are open to any that want to participate, some are perform by invitation only. The Kerrville FF celebrates songwriters, and most performers, official or otherwise perform original music.
For the last 2 years, I have elected not to bring my Chapman Stick to the festival. In the past, I have been a regular in several song circles and have achieved a little notoriety which is probably more about the unusual and obscure instrument that I play than any other factor. Everyone rubbernecks at a car crash, particularly when an exotic vehicle is involved. ;-)
Not bringing my instrument is somewhat liberating. I am not sitting in circles for hours at a time waiting for my turn. Instead, I get to wander around, take pictures and visit with people I haven't seen since the prior year.
Below are some photos of musicians that graced our little living room at Camp Todo Grande. A number were MainStage performers, others touring professionals or semi pro musicians. All were extraordinarily gifted and generous in sharing their art.
