Singing and dancing in the Rain, and a short story about Miss Liberty's Spa treatment

There are certain times when Mother Nature just doesn't care about your well-laid plans, your lists, or the people you need to meet, and no matter how you pray, and wish, and beg, Nature just has her way.

It's sprinkling on my All Points West Festival early this July 31st. Looks like the Fleet Foxes will feel right at home on APW day one 2009, and in their honor, I'm listening to "Sun it Rises."

What’s up with all this rain? You don’t need to record the almost daily downpour in your diary to know this has been one of the wettest summers on record, and I have seen lots of summers to know.

What you really need is a waterproof wardrobe. So grab your super cool, breathable rain jacket, shoes that will keep your feet dry, and come over to the festival.

Miss Liberty (and her music loving friends) can handle the elements and forces of nature out here, but I miss the sunshine and I need a little attention. You girls know what I mean. It was about twenty-five years ago when they said it was time for me to get a little lift. I called it a much-needed beautification after a hundred years of neglect.

I said bring on the oil and deep tissue massages, give me my moisturizer! I am ready for a day at the spa with TLC.


Speaking of TLC, just wanted to applaud the beloved, and sorely missed, Lisa Left Eye Lopez for being my main girl and bringing Safe Sex awareness to the MTV generation. This Freedom Woman applauds strong girls with a mission. I know Lisa is dancing in waterfalls somewhere safe.

Back at the spa, my historic renovation was led by an amazing architect named Blaine Cliver. He restored my copper skin and strengthened my beautiful frame that I have maintained. Not to brag, but I have not added one ounce since I arrived in 1876. That was part of the deal when I left France. French Women Don't Get Fat.

Cliver claimed water damage had taken a toll; it wasn’t the sun or the late nights, it was the water.

Cliver removed my rusted torch and replaced it with a new torch made of solid copper and gilded with shiny gold leaf.

Then the spa workers busily peeled back my outer copper layer and replaced each of the 1,800 rusted iron support bars underneath, I can’t even tell you how great that felt. Calgon take me away.

The crazy thing about the rain and winds from the harbor is that they have also strengthened me. I say it is the magical healing powers of salt and water mixed with the mighty New York City air. Always reminds me of Chicago’s song “Another Rainy Day in New York City.”

In 1925, a New York Sun editorial stated: “Salt air has given ‘Miss Liberty’ her present sea-green complexion, so often remarked from passing liners. Deep-sea winds brawling up the Narrows from Sandy Hook have oxidized her copper and provided a weatherproof coating, which, her custodians say, will make her last forever … or as long as stone and metal hold together.”

Rain is also beautifully melancholy as demonstrated by Gary Allen in "About Rain."

I hope you like dancing in the rain

I'll spin you around and pull you back to me

I sure am glad you wore that dress

It reminds me of the night that we first met

Don't you love the evenings in July

when I'm staring at you with my blue eyes

And we could be fine

We could be fine, fine, fine

So roll the windows down and put the car in drive

It's starting to rain a little bit outside

And I've had you on my mind for some time

And why did you go

Why did you leave

I can't forget about you and me.

I'd like to leave you with some beautiful lyrics from my favorite Seattle songsmiths, Fleet Foxes, who I said previously, careful reader, will be very much at home in this summer's wet weather. Miss Liberty also appreciates the Foxes because they aren't afraid to show some love for our American Flag.

What a life I lead when the sun breaks free

As a giant torn from the clouds

What a life indeed when that ancient seed

Is a berry watered and plowed

What a life

What a life

What a life

What a life

What a life I lead in the summer

What a life I lead in the spring

What a life I lead in the winded breeze

What a life I lead in the spring

So don’t be soft. Come out and enjoy the great outdoors. With rain, or without, we will dance until the final song of this glorious East Coast Festival, All Points West.


You are mighty, beautiful and water-proof. I love you.

Lady Liberty
Official Music Conductor
All Points West Music and Arts Festival

From the mountains to the City: Northwest Indie Folk Makes it's Way to the Teeming Jersey Shores

What? You don’t think that indie buzz cred makes its way all the way to yours truly?

Just because I soar the skies of New Jersey does not mean I do not know what all you hip kids are listening to. Last year, like everyone else in the blogosphere, I fell in love with Seattle, Washington’s very own Fleet Foxes. Combining elements of indie and medieval folk to create what they call “baroque harmonic pop jams,” the five-piece are quintessential dudes with beards and plaid group.

But the Foxes stand above the rest with their hauntingly beautiful multi-person vocal harmonies (a rarity in today’s music), unorthodox song structures that retain a pop sensibility, and engaging lyrics that stem from nature, family and personal struggle. Those lucky enough to have caught them live in their short touring history are well aware of Fleet Foxes’ addicting transcendent live performance.

In 2008, Fleet Foxes released both their EP Sun Giant and their first full length Fleet Foxes to high praised reviews from throughout the world. The Guardian named the full length “a landmark in American music, an instant classic.” After catching the attention of multiple media sources, Fleet Foxes went from a small club playing band opening up for other small indie bands to international headliners, that are close to the top of every festival bill they play. 

A must see band, Fleet Foxes have announced on their MySpace that their September 16 show with Blitzen Trapper in Paris will be their last until they finish recording their next album, of which I, like the rest of the world, am particularly excited to hear.

The long-awaited return of Fleet Foxes to the New York area commences July 31, 2009 at the All Points West Music and Arts Festival that features Coldplay, Tool and Jay-Z . For more information go the Liberty Event and APW sites and follow libertyevent on Twitter. Buy your APW tickets and tell EVERYONE you know that this truly is one of those not-to-be-missed performances at this year's number one East Coast Festival.  

I’ll be leading the harmonies, and conducting the Foxes with my torch!

Grab yourself a bottle of “pop” and come on down.  I'll be flying my flannel.

Miss Liberty