Didn't bring a djembe

The Gypsy in the Field festival 2012 took place on the weekend of the 22^nd and 23^rd of September, and although there were many things about the weekend that I thoroughly enjoyed, the failure on my behalf to bring a djembe is unlikely to be forgotten. The festival is best described in these terms: one field, one stage, one campfire, 200 campers, no djembe.

The festival is the brainchild of the organisers of a night called ‘Gypsy’, which runs in various venues across London. I once performed at one such night at The Alexandra in Clapham. The idea to create a festival under the ‘Gypsy’ banner was inspired, and the first Gypsy in the Field Festival was a resounding success. The weekend sustained a particular vibe with a various assortment of Gypsy regulars (including Joe Inman himself) performing on the main stage. Other entertainment included a tent which played host to spoken word and stand up comedy.

The Joe Inman Project, the band in which I play drums, performed in the sunshine on the Saturday afternoon. We were probably the loudest performers all weekend: described by Gypsy as “blending infectiously melodic guitars with anthemic sing-along choruses” the band is constantly evolving, due to inevitable band dynamics. Our style fluctuates regularly, depending on Joe's writing, and it was the potential of a band split which meant we neglected travel logistics until the last minute. If it wasn’t for a desperate plea for a lift from London to Norwich on Facebook, Joe and the bassist would never have made it.

When the sun went down the focal point of the field became the great campfire in the middle, as people sat around (no cliché intended) and warmed themselves sufficiently, accompanied by cheery guitar sing-alongs. It was at this point the resonance of a missed djembe opportunity struck me hardest- my frustration at being unable to jam along on my beloved drum led me to extremes: attempting to use a battered tambourine as an African drum (not something I’d recommend). Eventually I accepted my mistake, and consoled myself with the belief that a lesson had been learnt. That lesson being that if you’re going to a typically friendly, small music festival, make sure to pack a djembe. 

Oh yeah, and did I mention I did this whole thing on one leg?

Me sporting the Gypsy in the Field t-shirt