When my family moved to Randolph in August of 2008, we didn't know anything about the Chandler Music Hall or the New World Festival. Although I am a fiddle player and grew up playing Celtic and New England fiddle tunes for contra dances and occasional performances, I was largely ignorant of the music of Quebec and Cape Breton.

However, I build guitars for a living, and I noticed that a friend I had made through my guitar work was going to be giving a concert in my new home town, so I figured I should check it out. I'm so glad I did! I practically had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming, and I haven't missed a New World Festival since.

As the week winds down and the weather warms up (and dries out, hooray!), I am filled with bubbly anticipation for this Sunday's 31st Annual. There's SO MUCH to it! Over a dozen bands from right around the corner and all around the world playing energetic and soulful tunes and songs on five different stages, all sorts of dancing and hooting and hollering in the dance tent, food and drink, crafts and sidewalk chalk drawing, an instrument petting zoo (do be gentle. . .), and above all a chance to enjoy a sublime and special musical moment with some of the awesomest people on the planet (that's right music lovers, I'm raising a glass to you!)

All I can say is Yippee!, thanks to the folks who make it happen, and I hope to see you there.

More info and advance tickets are of course to be found at www.chandler-arts.org