Ramble On

Photo courtesy of @LevonHelmRamble

“And the songs would get a little bit juicier, and the jokes would get a little funnier…” -Levon

This past Saturday, July 21st, my brother Brian, father Phil, and I made our 3rd pilgrimage Levon Helm Studios to play at a Midnight Ramble. Of course, this was the 1st time we had been there since Levon passed away in April. And let me tell you, the magic is still there. Oh, my, is it ever.

This place was always a musical church to me. The perfect location in the woods, the beautiful barn the studio was set in, the wonderful people working there, the fantastic sound that seemed to seep out of the wood of its own accord – these were all part of it. But there is more to that place. There’s a magic there. That’s really the only way I can describe it. There’s a magic at that location in Woodstock, NY, and it comes to a head when the music is kicking and the people are moving.

Photo courtesy of @LevonHelmRamble

I write this because I want this place to last forever, and after Levon’s tragic passing there is no guarantee that it will. I want future generations to be able to make the same pilgrimage that me, my family, and so many others have been able to make. I want the wonderful Midnight Rambles to keep going, as we know Levon would want.

And we can help make that happen! Head to this link from LevonHelm.com to see how you can help keep it going. There is lots of cool merch – shirts, music, and more – that you can buy. But the best thing to do, especially if you’re on the East Coast, is to just go to the Rambles. You’ll see some incredible music from the guests (there are already 4 guests scheduled for August), the Dirt Farmer Band and Levon Helm Band, and whoever else is involved. And you never know. You may just transcend to that magic level that Levon’s Rambles tend to go to. Then you’ll be hooked, and you’ll join me in doing all you can to keep it going.

-Grahame