Last Sunday I helped celebrate the 90th birthday of Northeast Slopes, “where tradition meets adventure. Keeping skiing real since 1936!” Hardcore skiers rode the rope tow and T bar uphill, then descended at speeds varying from cautious snowplowing to reckless schussing, depending upon the skill level and nerve of the skier. Although the declining snow cover showed several patches of bare ground, enthusiasm ran high. Most of the people attending the event, however, didn’t ski. They were there primarily to support Northeast Slopes. And to eat cake! Bakers from far and wide donated cakes for a fundraiser. I’ve never seen so many cakes in one place! I ate way more than I should have, and every single cake, of the many that I sampled, was delicious.

The first 90 people received a free pair of Darn Tough socks. Contests were held for oldest skier, youngest skier, oldest memorabilia, longest time volunteer and best Northeast Slopes photograph. Burgers and chili were for sale, and a group photo of past and present volunteers was taken. All of this hoopla was quite entertaining, but for me, of course, the most enjoyable feature of the day was the live music. The pavilion where the musicians performed and the cakes were offered was built from wood originally used as a bridge in the Beetlejuice movie.

Boo Blodgett, a dedicated volunteer at Northeast Slopes, started the show by singing several of his intriguing original songs while playing acoustic guitar and harmonica. Leni Johnston sang her incredible originals while playing acoustic guitar and accompanied by her sister, Phyllis Shea, on electric cello. Phyllis and Boo also backed up Randy Wales, who entertained us with his excellent vocals and guitar. Lance Mills, who I remember hearing with the Odell-Walker Band years ago, played great originals and a cover or two on acoustic guitar, then he switched to electric bass and let Boo and me jam with him on an original song called “Rope Tow Boogie.” Fun! Next up was Counting By Sevens (Don and Angela), who performed beautiful renditions of jazz standards. Don switched from acoustic guitar to electric for the next act, Sled Wrenches, who were truly incredible with Paul on guitar and vocals, Jim on bass, Luke on drums and Boo on congas. Michael Hahn Quartet finished the show, and I felt blessed to have Boo on congas, Sid Gulick on guitar and vocals, and John Pheiffer on cello. Yeehaw!

Michael Hahn Band varies in size from a duo to a six-piece band, depending upon the size and budget of the venue. They love to make music for any occasion. For bookings call 802-754-8889. 

Upcoming Gigs:

Iron Rail in Woodsville, NH on Thursday, April 2 from 5 to 8

This will be an unplugged duo show, with Michael on vocals and acoustic guitar, and John Pheiffer on cello.

https://www.thebridgeweekly.com/rural-matters

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