Cornerstone Festival - Latest Comments

Re: Live music still surprises me

Steev Garrett — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 22:46:46 -0000

It was '85, and my first fest of 5 (or 6?). And what really surprised me there was Kerry Livgren's expression of self-doubt, and his "what the heck am i doing up here," short commentary following his band's set that for me bordered on perfection - i still <3 prog-rock; for example have seen Yes play live about as many times as i've been to the fest! But my last festival appearance was in '95, but the fault was my own for never again attending - i do intend to view the Choir's set though; Kangaroo was my very favorite album (CD to the young 'uns) of theirs!

Ps: To anyone taking interest, please forgive my angry 'tude - while driving for CCO; indeed it was inexcusable!

Re: Blackout!

Pete — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:07:32 -0000

Just read this blog. Loved reading it but felt sad I'd missed out on Daniel Amos being on tour last year. Would love to have seen them but I can't complain as I actually did see them on the "Doppleganger" tour.....at that time they were very artsy and mysterious as well as hard rocking.

Re: Best of the Fest

Greg — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 23:36:19 -0000

http://cornerstoneeditproje...

Hello everyone. Check out my blog, and kind of ignore the first posting in it, because I start out with a long discussion about other subjects in the first post. Most of the blog is about my editing of Cornerstone video that I shot at Cornerstone Festival 2012. I'm doing the editing now and hope to get finished edits off to each respective band and also a copy to JPUSA. Of course I don't know if this video will have any value to the band or that any permission for much use of the video will be given to JPUSA. It's mostly fan memory video but at least some kind of gift to some of the bands that played at the Gallery stage.

Anyway my first post has a lot of discussion up front in the post about "Peak Oil" theories, the economy and other basic background topics which really have nothing to do with the bands or video edit. It's more of a diary background about some thoughts I have about the economic downturn and price of gas and oil being related to possible "resource depletion". Anyways, that's about it for now. I'm putting some comments and screen shots and perhaps a few stills I took from the Gallery stage on my blog as well. I'll post a page or two a day if I have time during the edit. I've edited only video for two bands and one of those can probably use a little more work. I've worked on an Iona video and a video for Kye Kye so far. I videotaped about four bands a night for the last four nights. It's been nine years since I videotaped or visited Cornerstone, but when I heard it was the last one, I decided to make the effort. I ended up using a few small Sony HD camcorders and taped as much as I could in the heat, which was very difficult and exhausting in those super hot days of July 2012. I didn't have a crew and only ran one (or two) cameras at a time. I used three camcorders on tripods and three handheld cameras which were shooting lesser quality 720p video. One of the things that was really nice about the smaller festival and heat was there was plenty of room to maneuver in the front row and near the lower stage. It was quite a difference from the large Main stage in the past.

Greg

Re: Saturday

Oglebee1979 — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:15:19 -0000

I fell in love with C-Stone mag in the 70s and the festival in the 80s and have been a fan ever since, so my friend and I made 2 websites and massive videos dedicated to the fest and scene. Thank you JPUSA: http://www.pneumatictire.us/

Re: Saturday – quick

Ghostingalong — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 01:14:57 -0000

I admit, with some shame, that when I arrived at noon on Saturday, the final day of Cornerstone, that I was saddened by scene.

It had been nearly seven years or more since I had last been to Cornerstone – I went about five times in my younger years, mostly in the late 90's. I remembered it being vibrant with joyous and expressive people. I recall abnormally abundant traffic out on the obscure country roads during the hour-long, drive from home. Entering down the long stretch of gravel road the resultant collection of that traffic parked before the admission building. My friends and I listened to our music loud and got our blood and minds turbulent with all the junk foods. We were intensely anxious with expectation the whole drive. Driving slowly through the park ground we quickly realized the festival grounds were shoe-horned to the tree-lines with tents on the first day of the week! We searched all over for an advantageous campsite. I was ever-curious who might be our temporary neighbors. Never was I disappointed with the character of those cheerful strangers who penetrated my always shying, distancing, protecting behavior. They stormed into my comfort zone by extending a hand, and a name, and a bright smile, and confounding ‘foolish wisdom.’ The spirit of Jesus was drawing back my curtains.

Collections of pictures with strong emotion remain in my mind, vivid 3D pictures with a remnant perfume still lingering from the former handler. One picture is of the still-warm sundowns as we walked over a small incline to the brim of the half-bowl filling with people that was main stage.

Another picture, scented of deep-fried confections shows a central locale with folks out playing volleyball, painting, singing, spectating, cheering and living and populating ever inch of field. They were adorned in all types of clothing and color and flapped in the wind of my vision with the splendor of a field of every flower.

A crisp, uncluttered picture of youth and passion’s hunger is drawn from the stack. The lake-swimming, and crowd-pushing from all sides during punk shows, and merch tents filled with unique discoveries. Prior to the digital explosion, it was like stumbling into a Google search result for "cool and fresh.” These things in this picture, and all the pictures in my mind are all so vivid and unfaded. I attribute it to my age at the time of the exposure of all these things celluloid. I was young. I worked small jobs that mattered little and paid as much too, but it was a fortune. The only pains in my body and stains on my clothes were just those from playing. I hadn't experienced the worry of directions and choosing them. I hadn't known what it was like to be diminished, weak and pierced by darkness ... by age and the world.

...

So Cornerstone wove into many seasons of my young my life. It was always a fond album to look back on.

Now, it was aged. The road leading up had deeper potholes. The wild grasses were overgrown. The buildings’ wood was softening and chipping. Even the air was heavier and damper and hotter. The people were freckled loosely about the landscape. The only sounds were muffled by an invisible filter. The game areas were unoccupied. The stage tents had gathered closer together like desperate survivors. A sobering trek to the main stage and up onto the brim of the bowl revealed no sounds of early sound checks emanating up from below, or children playing on the flat. I saw a small garden thick with weeds. I saw collapsing storage buildings. I saw thick overgrowth on the hills. I did not see people.

And correspondingly, I've aged dramatically in the short span before my return to Cornerstone. I walked the gravel roads with a more controlled flame. I had expectations only silently instead of loud and boisterously from the careless ramblings of youth. I did not flinch at the surprise of disappointment. Time, worldly ways and experiences have chaffed my attitudes. Sadly, but it's true.

I wanted so much to see the thriving Cornerstone I remembered. But it was not the same. Suddenly the over-priced vendor foods were ... well ... actually over-priced to me.

The roaring spring of God's people all gathered in tens of thousands had become like a small intimate trickle of a church gathering. Toward evening more people crawled out from their places in the shade and made their way to the center courts.

The event still became something beautiful and even encouraging before I left for home. As I say in my seat, I closed my eyes and dug deep during the music and found a young teen still flailing his skinny limbs about unorthodoxly. I didn't stay the whole week as before. I didn't have an extroverted stranger burst my unhealthy personal bubble. I did not collect a small bounty of hidden cd/t-shirt treasures to display to my peers. I did not swim in the lake. I did not marvel at the crowd as it was lit up by the red, green and blue lights bouncing about the natural amphitheater of mainstage. I did not leave for home in a car full of my gang. I do not know where those friends are right now. Times are different.

It was quiet on the way home.

The next morning I awoke refreshed and feeling more excited for the day ahead. I went to church and was shaken with God’s presence. I loosed a few tears and resolved to push harder toward God, to drop the nonsense as best I can. I want now to invite, to beckon, search and beg for more life. Cornerstone may not have lit me up like a match on gasoline as it once could but it did brand a tiny mark on my aged attitude that read "still flammable."

Pray for one another.

Re: cornerstonearts

BruceWhite06517 — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 06:15:09 -0000

"
Thanks to the many artists who share your skills, passion, and love for Christ through these seminars and exhibits."

Amen

Re: Saturday – quick

BruceWhite06517 — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 06:12:55 -0000

Very moving!!!

Re: Casual Diversity

Amanda Olson — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 10:47:35 -0000

The
last line brought me to tears. I wasn't able to make it to Cornerstone this
year, though my family (MamaLinda with the MASH tent that feeds the bands) is
there in full swing. It's heartbreaking that Cstone won't be around, and I can
understand why the festival will be unable to continue...but for the reasons
you've spoken about in your blog I really wish it could stay longer. Cstone is
home. Walking into the festival grounds was like going to a family reunion. I
was challenged physicall, emotionally, and spiritually when I went. From the
musicians to the seminars, and more important to all the new friends from
around the globe I was given the chance to break bread with and learn from, it
is sad to think that my own children will never know this culture and event.

Please
keep blogging, it's been so important for folks like myself to be able to get
little glimpses from the festival while thousands of miles away.

Re: Do It For Love

Mhootman — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:58:39 -0000

Amen...Mike and company never fail to please. The 77's set was well worth the wait and heat. Mike's voice and guitar playing were as powerful and, dare I say, tender as ever. He put a lot into this performance (for free) when he could have just "phoned it in." But that wouldn't be Mike Roe. Awesome show! After two hours, there were many still clamoring for more. Sure wish the ribeye steak guy had been there, I'd have bought Mike a sandwich! (Mark)

Re: The work of God around us

BruceWhite06517 — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 12:26:46 -0000

Yes, "the work of God goes on" - through the lives of people who have experienced Jesus at Cornerstone!!!!

Re: Cornerstone Festival 2012 Is Underway!

Dave Richards — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:58:50 -0000

It's the last dance? Really??? You can't say that since Afterhours isn't there can you? ;)

Re: J. Robert Parks: Marshall McLuhan & New Media, Session Three

Alans 137 — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:15:58 -0000

Is there a source for these McLuhan files?

Re: Cornerstone: the next generation

Megan Elbel — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:50:07 -0000

....COOL! How old is that picture? I'm in it and I haven't seen it in forever!
=D
=D

Re: An Evening With Doug Jones- Actor, Gentleman, Christ Follower

Dirtyrottensaint — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:21:37 -0000

This was a nice summation of the evening. I too came away completely impressed with Doug and inspired by him. Even more cool is the influence Doug had on my son who is going off to college in a couple of weeks. Thanks Dave and everyone at the imaginarium for another excellent year!

Re: Preaching Giant

Jeffsumm — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:21:53 -0000

That really sounds like an awesome awesome show. It's so hard to get familiar with all the bands at Cornerstone, even with the myspace pages and the mixtape mp3s. I'll definitely have to make it a point to check them out if they play there again.

Re: This Is Not The End

Jerry — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:57:05 -0000

I'm not affiliated with the festival in any way (other than volunteering to write stuff for the blog), but I'd say that the public face of Cornerstone on Facebook isn't the place to air your complaints about policies. As with any business or organization, you'll get more results talking about those things in private (by e-mailing John Herrin, for example) than by throwing them out publically. The festival folks listen to the input they get from people.

Regarding the golf cart policy, I think it was a nearly complete success. I wouldn't have minded a few fewer carts, because it's annoying when they park around the Gallery stage. If you NEED a golf cart, the policy lets you have one. If you don't need one, then you don't need one. Walking is good for you, fewer carts mean less dust, and us pedestrians are less likely to get run over by irrresponsible or inattentive golf cart drivers.

Re: This Is Not The End

Guest — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:56:40 -0000

I complained about the new golf cart policy on the Cornerstone Facebook page and they deleted me from it. I have a feeling they aren't open to my suggestions.

Re: Free. Feast. Friends.

Sean — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:53:11 -0000

I've met her once or twice and she is one of the sweetest people you'll meet. People like her are why I love the festival.

Re: What’s my part?

Guest — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:52:52 -0000

Thank you for posting this!! I was at the Community Gathering as well, and I really appreciated what the volunteer said about sending JPUSA (the community of people who put together and run Cornerstone) a message about the importance of the festival to us. My husband and I have already bought our tickets for next year, and we are considering what the volunteer said about buying a ticket for someone else who does not know God. Thanks again for the post!

Re: Blackout!

Mkowitz — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:08:31 -0000

The Bible Barry read was "Good News for Modern Man"!

Re: Day 3 Afternoon

Zoltandoesstuff — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 01:02:59 -0000

Right on!

Glad you enjoyed our set! :)

Thanks for coming out! :)

Cheers,
Zoltan.

Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk
www.facebook.com/laurenmann...

Re: Day 3 – Evening

binny — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:45:12 -0000

We read your comments. Keep up the good work!

Re: An Evening With Doug Jones- Actor, Gentleman, Christ Follower

David John Eden — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:44:27 -0000

Wasn't able to catch Doug, but am a fan. Especially Butterfly Circus- the best short film ever! Also starring the amazing Nick Vijucic (Life Without Limbs) & Eduardo Verastegui (Bella). All serious saints in life & film. Jesus, keep sending us such! thanks for the good review. -DavE (Eband)

Re: Jesus Music – looking back & looking ahead

Becky Laswell — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:11:34 -0000

The old bands were definitely fun. I'm honestly a bit too young to have followed them the first time around, so I don't know if they were as strong as they were back in the day, but it was apparent that they enjoyed playing - especially for the crowd of slightly-older-than-average fest goers who crowded up to the front of main stage.

I presume that there will be some videos posted. The video team has had some delays (with a small power outage yesterday, and the perpetual struggle of getting enough bandwidth to upload big videos from a cornfield...). There will definitely be photos posted, and I suspect my fellow bloggers will cover the music better than I can.

Re: Jesus Music – looking back & looking ahead

binny — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:54:44 -0000

Let me know what you think of the old bands. I was really wanting to go but the 16 hour drive scared me off. Now I think I should have gone because my one commitment (bible study in a county prison on Thursday eves) was called off anyway. Anybody going to post videos? Keaggy, Stonehill, Servant, McGuire...they're what nurtured me as a young christian 40 years ago. Thanks for your post.