Summer Meltdown proved to be so much fun, I was back for more this year. It's hard to describe, this kid-friendly illicit throwback to the days of flower power and free love. It's a unique blending of acid rock and Barney. There are oodles of creative things for the kids to do by day, and adults to do by night (or whenever). It's very similar to the groove of Grateful Dead shows, but on a much smaller scale, without the drama. You know what I mean. The rules are simple: No glass containers. Be kind. Other than that, seemingly anything goes.

It all started in a cow pasture, so the story goes. For many years it was a small gathering hosted by the house band, Flowmotion. They're a great jam band, and over time outgrew the pasture and got swept up in a twister that landed them in the shadow of Whitehorse Mountain in the magical land of Darrington.

Fortunately, a bigger venue has done nothing to dull the shine. Rather, it's enhanced the roots of the gathering. Summer Meltdown has a story to it now, a historical background that fuels enthusiasm around the concerts, yet it's still small enough for friends and guests to express their unabashed appreciation. As it grows - and it surely will - we can only hope it doesn't lose that.