by Dusten Rader

StarNewsDaily.com: Feature Article  Great Blue Heron Festival - Musician Preview

After Big Leg Emma's (BLE) triumphant return to the stage at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena's Club on Friday, May 7, Steve Johnson, Charity Nuse and a number of the band's original members decided to continue making music together. Now, after having a whole year to practice they will gather to perform for their fans at the Great Blue Heron Festival.

There are quite a few things that make being invited back to the festival this year very exciting for BLE. “First, we're officially back together again,” said Johnson. “Secondly, they gave us the spot to play right before Donna the Buffalo. We've been working for that for many years.”

Last but surely not the least importantly, the Great Blue Heron has been a back bone of BLE's career. “The Heron is the reason I make music in this realm,” said Johnson. “All we sent David Tidquist was a tape but he decided to have us play last minute. And, ever since then it has been a home for us. It is the only festival that we actually camp at and not stay at a hotel. Plus, no one treats us the same way anywhere else. The people at the Heron are our family.”

According to Johnson, the emotion and feeling at the Great Blue Heron changes lives. “My first time at the festival I stood there staring at the stage taking everything in. And, it was at that point that I changed. What I bring home with me and carry with me always is the family, brotherhood and the spirit of it all,” he said.

With the band back together again the inspiration has been flowing. Since their reunion they have worked on a ton of new material. Mix the new stuff with their classics and the show is sure to be a winner. “Things have finally worked out and come together the way we envisioned it. And, I think with the new songs we're going to have enough to play an entirely new set for our fans,” said Johnson.

The new song “Back to New York” is one that they will be performing during the festival. “A lot of people may not have heard this song unless you come to our acoustic show. So, we're really excited about getting recorded to release as a single.”