When I moved back from the west coast I was sad at how few music festivals there were in the northeast, but they are actually a rapidly growing part of our summer culture here in Vermont. Let's support them! If you don't have plans this weekend, visit www.pamfest.com and get enticed to go just over the hill at the Peacham Acoustic Music Festival this Friday and Saturday. Enjoy a craft fair, musical workshops in small groups, dances, great live music performances, food vendors, camping, and kids activities.

A sure hit for dancers is the Contra Dance on Friday evening featuring the music of Pete's Posse (Pete Sutherland) with Adina Gordon calling. The second dance happens on Saturday morning - a Family Contra Dance featuring music by the great father/son team of Ken & Brad Kolodner, again with Adina Gordon calling. Also a cajun dance on Sat. with the Green Mtn. Playboys.

Special features at the Family Tent include a Magical Pebble Harp, Giant translucent rain stick, a hand painted “Hank Drum” and a Grand Xylophone all provided by The Natural Playgrounds Company of Concord, New Hampshire. These innovative, environmentally sensitive, outdoor playground instruments can be seen at http://naturalplaygrounds.com/