Andy Ridenour and Tegan Easterday are captured by the roving camera of Imaginary Paparrazi, who awaits the arrival of Douglas Eye. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

As audience filters in, Imaginary Paparazzi snaps Larry Groce (at right) and Laurie Helgoe, one of several Briefs and Shorts committee members who -- along with the person at left -- wore boxer shorts in honor of the end of the series's season. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Tammy Perkins, of Kanawha Players, takes a moment before running lights for the show. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Jeff Pierson fake glowers for Imaginary Paparrazi's camera while Megan Kozak studies up. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Just arrived, Ukulele Girl (Amy Williams) greets audience member Charlie Jupiter Hamilton. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Douglas Eye (Douglas Imbrogno) ushers Ukulele Girl onto the stage after her entrance into the building. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Pleased to see his paramour, Douglas Eye dances with Ukulele Girl as she enters the buidling. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

DJ Smack (Jeff Hanson) does that hip-hop thing. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Or maybe you like this pose, sez Smack, who wasrms up the audience with tunes by Edie Gorme, Glen Campbell and other ancient hitmakers. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Douglas Eye heads to the microphone with cow and coat on the wall hanger behind. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Douglas Eye unfoilds the story of how garagecow came to be. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Ukulele Girl tries her unsteady, yet earnest hand at 'Swanee River.' Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Imaginary Paparrazi (Mark Wolfe) has his camera momentarily snatched by Douglas Eye, who turns it on him.

The Performer arrives to read his knee-deep-in-the-stream-of-consciousness readings, set to a score of 'White America' by Eminem. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Ukulele Girl takes a breather backstage sans mask. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Garagecow's tale told, 'Swanee River' played, Ukulele Girl and Douglas Eye prepare to get a dinner of ravioli di ricotta con spinache e vino rosso. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Dekali Giovanni Martini d'Imbroglio -- his agent suggested Douglas Eye instead. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

To the sounds of 'Godless Appalachian Haiku,' the couple departs the stage and the building. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

To the sounds of 'Godless Appalachian Haiku,' the couple departs the stage and the building. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Adam Hager of Goldtown sits in with the members of 'Once Blue' at Vandalia on Saturday. Sometimes, it's the very youngest players who take the spotlight in under-the-trees jam sessions. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Cameras, microphones and tape recorders document the Vanadlia jams. It could be one of tomorrow's legends performing on the state Capitol Complex grounds today. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

It's just not everyday that hammered dulcimer jams break out. Wherever three or more hammered dulcimers are gathered is sure to be a hamronic convergence as it was at this jam at Vandalia 2005. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

The Kanawha Pipes and Drums from Saint Albans started the day off on Saturday by piping their way through the Craft Circle. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

The arts and crafts at Vandalia sometimes get right up in your face like this carved moose. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Of course, there's nothing like a wooden hat for when the wooden rain falls. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Vandalia's music contests pit players young and old against each other's skill and concetration. Donald Jones of Scott Depot took first place in the Senior Fiddle Contest. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Vandalia's Friday show opened with a tribute to the late Bob Kessinger, a member of one of the most prominent musical families in the region, whose influential players span generations. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Performers at the Kissniger tribute included Dwight Diller on trusty banjo. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Boyd Phillips joined in on fiddle on the Cultural Center theater stage as part of Vandalia's tribute. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

The Bing Brothers (with Danny Arthur on fiddle) closed the evening's tribute to Bob Kessinger. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Meanwhile, out in the sunshine, jams continued across the grounds on Saturday and Sunday, in all permutations of players. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Traditional arts like how to wield a two-handled saw are passed on to, well... a really younger generation. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Dancers gather up some oxygen while preparing for a spin of traditional dancing in the Grand Hall of the Cultural Center. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Dancers showcase traditional styles of Celtic dancing. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Part of the Vandalia Festival's mission is to pass on traditional arfts, music and crafts and these girls have the idea. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Liars can be found anywhere but on the Vandalia Stage they are honored. Justin Wood of Charleston won first place as Biggest Liar. Adam Booth, Huntington, was 2nd and Rich Knoblich, Wheeling, lied his way into third with his tall tale. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

Lester McCumbers of Nicut earned the 2005 Vandalia Award for a lifetime of old-time music skills. McCumbers was born in 1921 in southern Calhoun County, and carries on a rich tradition of fiddling, singing and guitar playing that has thrived in his family for generations. He has performed widely for more than 60 years with old-time and bluegrass music groups, appearing at concerts, contests, festivals, square dances and on radio shows throughout West Virginia and elsewhere. 'I just don't feel right if I don't play a tune or two every day,' he has said. Photo for the Gazette by Michael Keller

'Alexis Karmichael' needs a little help from friends to don this heavy headdress.

It's up ... it's good! The headpiece stays on as Alexis Karmichael heads out into the spotlight.

Once airborne with a Carnival quality headpiece, Alexis Karmichael takes a royal turn on the Civic Center Little Theater stage.

You could mistake backstage at the Miss Pride of West Virginia event for an explosion in a feather and ruffles factory. 'Taylor Maid' gets ready for the stage.

A rainbow or mixed roll of Lifesavers candy has nothing on 'Bridget Nichols,' armed with perhaps the largest West Virginia state ornament ever worn.

A statuesque 'Chantel,' albeit with assorted and sundry non-statuesque Technicolor feathers and finery, takes a turn at the microphone.

Charlie Rouse, chairman of Rainbow Pride West Virginia, introduces the festivities at the Miss Pride of West Virginia 2005 event at Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on June 9. The event was part of the 10-day 'Gay Pride in West Virginia' celebration.

'Michelle St. James,' winner of the 2004 Miss Pride contest, splits the difference on stage.

'Priscilla Devine' came to the stage looking like the queen mother of all butterflies.

'Julia Deville' came outfitted in a sensible striped business suit.

'Tia Chanela' -- multiplied -- poses for a moment.

'Taylor Maid' and 'Diseare' corner the market in spangles, ruffles and costume jewelry.

'Stacy Hartwell' glammed it up in a dress that threw off more sparkles than a rippling lake on a sunny day.

'Tiffany Bonnet,' a former Miss Gay America, arrived all pinked out.

FestivALL Charleston and thegazz.com teamed up at the Scottish Rite Building for the Ann Magnuson event, in the process showcasing the Scottish Rite's not-well-known 500-seat performance hall and sumptuous ballroom at 406 Capitol Street. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Gar Ragland, director of the Mountain Stage NewSong Festival, greets Pat Love of Charleston at the pre-show cocktail gathering catered by The Summit. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

The 2nd floor Scottish Rite Building ballroom was filled with more than 200 visitors who soon emptied into the first floor auditorium for Magnuson's show at about 7:30 p.m. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Musicians Heidi Muller and Bob Webb prepare to exit the Scottish Rite Building ballroom for Ann Magnuson's performance in the downstairs theater. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Gazz editor Douglas Imbrogno explains the origins of thegazz.com, a name chosen because the original one (gaz) turned out to be shorthand for 'orgasm' in certain quadrants of the web. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Magnuson, backed by Ron Sowell and other Mountain Stage band members, arrives on stage in full regalia to the cheesy strains of 'Hooray for Hollywood,' or her own version thereof.

Magnuson's tunes stretched from Hollywood to the 'Mystery Hole,' a reference she noted that others might easily misinterpret but that West Virginians would get just right. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Julie Adams (at right) joined Magnuson in harmonic accompaniment on several of her songs in front of the crowd in the Scottish Rite auditorium. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Magnuson riffs on school days in Charleston as the man she calls 'Sophistication personified,' painist Bob Thompson looks on. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Hoyt Burdick of Huntington came to Blues, Brews and BBQ at the University of Charleston on June 24 for the great tunes in the outdoor atmosphere -- not to mention the food. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Magnuson's songs and stories shifted between Hollywood (the Charleston native now lives in a suburb of L.A.) and West Virginia, with pieces devoted to the Flatwoods Monster as well as a grade school instructor who wandered the hallways armed with the ping-pong paddle of punishment. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

While in school in Kanawha County, Magnuson said she was warned about the 'risque' material she kept wanting to do. Only her teacher pronounced it 'risk' material, said the actress. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Erin McNamara, who went to George Washington High School along with Magnuson (and who now works in Chicago) cheered on her classmate along with her parents, Ray and Paula McNamara, of Charleston. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Mountain Stage band guitarist Michael Lipton adds the pedal effects for Magnuson's goofy-sweet ode to the Flatwoods Monster of Braxton County. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

'I'm Old Enough to Be Your Mom' was Magnuson's ode to the pleasures of older woman-younger man arrangements. She reprised the song on the FestivALL-closing 'Mountain Stage,' to be heard on public radio on Sept. 25. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Julie Adams and Blues Du Jour entertain the early crowd at Blues, Brews and BBQ during FestivALL Charleston, on the UC campus. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

They came during the day and by nightfall, several thousand visitors had arrived for the Blues, Brews and BBQ event's debut at the University of Charleston on June 24, as part of FestivALL Charleston. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Vasilia Scouras and Michael Boggs paint stencils to print onto fabric for making flags and banners to be hung during FestivALL Charleston. Gazette photo by Chris Dorst

The alley between Capitol Street and Summers was hung with flags, portions of which were made by elementary school children from Pennsylvania to Ohio. Kids in Charleston had the opportunity to contribute to the project on June 25 during FestivALL. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

The Clay Center's new plaza sculpture, created by 96-year-old sculptor Harry Marinsky, was unveiled on June 25 during FestivALL Charleston. Gazette photo by Kenny Kemp

Angus Peyton introduces the Clay Center's new outdoor sculpture unveiled during FestivALL. Gazette photo by Kenny Kemp

The Clay Center's new 19-foot-high, 4 1/2-ton bronze sculpture is called 'Festival delle Arti' -- Italian for 'Festival of the Performing Arts.' Gazette photo by Kenny Kemp

During FestivALL, free music could also be found at the Starbucks kiosk at Town Center Mall's central court where (from left) Phil Edwards and Ron Hughes were among the acts on June 25. Gazette photo by Kenny Kemp

Alexa White, 5, contributes to the youth art project going on at the library on June 25 during FestivALL. Her mother, Donna Slayton, supervises. Children painted on strips of fabric, that was then stitched together and displayed. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Hannah Johnson examines Mayssan Shora Farra's pottery sculptures at the street visual arts fair that filled Capitol Street on June 25 during FestivALL Charleston. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Larry Groce, the volunteer executive director of FestivALL Charleston, was a whirlwind of activity in promoting and helping direct the three-day event, spread across the town. Gazette photo by Lawrence Pierce

Bethany Toler and her 2-year-old daughter, Magnolia Toler, watch the performers at the Charleston Ballet's 'Ballet & Brown Bags' free performance on Virginia Street on June 25 that was part of free FestivALL Charleston. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

(From left) Robert Shaffer, Johnny Staats and Butch Osborne performed at Capitol Market as part of dozens of area acts and more than 50 hours of free music offered around the town during FestivALL Charleston. Gazette photo by Kenny Kemp

James Terpening, age 6, spends most of the 15-minute ride on the FestivALL 'water taxi' from UC to Haddad Park enthralled with the paddle wheel on the Spirit of South Charleston. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

The Spirit of South Charleston arrives and disembarks at UC on June 25, depositing visitors at the Wine and All that Jazz event. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Laurel Dennie fronts the Charleston band Moments Notice, which played during the Wine and All that Jazz event on June 25 at UC. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

(Left to right) Richard Evans, Jason Winnell and Keelan Shepherd taste wines from the Jones Cabin Run Vineyards on June 25 during the Wine and All that Jazz festival. Elaine Wolfe serves the vino. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Nick Rupert and Dinah Gryszka flew into Charleston from Athens, Ohio to be at the Wine and All that Jazz festival on UC's campus. They found shade under one of the only trees on the lawn. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

A Cross Lanes native who became a country music star, Kathy Mattea showcased at her FestivALL concert how her music has gone in many other genres and directions. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Among the showcase ticketed events during FestivALL Charleston was an intimate Kathy Mattea concert on Sunday afternoon at Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Tanayia Simpson, a 2005 Miss West Virginia pageant contestant, was one of the judges for the Miss Pride contest.

Doris Fields brings Bessie SMith to life in a performance at the site of the future Hardman-Gilmore African American Museum near Capitol Market. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

The banners were hung by the chimneys with care -- and downtown stores and streets -- as part of FestivALL Charleston. Photo for the Gazette by Mark Wolfe

Kathleen Edwards opens the 600th Anniversary Show, Part 2, for Mountain Stage at the Cultural Center Sunday, June 26. It was the final FestivALL event. Photo for the Gazette by Greg Wood

Ann Magnuson delights the crowd at Mountain Stage. Lending a hand are Chris Allen, left, and Michael Lipton, right. Photo for the Gazette by Greg Wood

Pink Martini brought an international flair to this edition of Mountain Stage. Photo for the Gazette by Greg Wood

Nickel Creek wowed the Mountain Stage crowd with their high-engergy bluegrass fusion. Photo for the Gazette by Greg Wood

Seemingly countless trails crisscross the forest, sometimes following old gas well access roads, such as this one.

Venturing even a little ways off the trails and roads of the forest can reward the hiker with lush, enchanted scenes like this one.

Practically every hollow has its own stream of clear-running water.

The first spring flowers stretch out over a brook to gather more sunlight.

More signs of spring.

Bare trees stand out against the hemlocks.

A wise old man of the mountain looks serenely down upon the forest.

Towering rocks dot the ridges, inviting climbers and explorers.

Wildflowers, like this trillium, are abundant.

The forest reveals its secrets to watchful eyes.

Lichens of many colors find homes on the rocks.

Plants often find toe-holds in the pitted rocks.

With a little imagination, the rocks can take on personalities of their own.

With a little digital manipulation, the rocks can take on decidedly weird personalities.

Taking the roundabout way back to the road.

Beauty comes in many forms in the forest.

Leaves caught in an old stump.

Insects leave their trails on a dead tree.

This colorful variety of lichen drapes many of the rocks in the forest.

On a winding trip through the bottom of Log Town Hollow.

It pays to be careful where you tread.

Cycle of life.

Twilight comes early in the deep ravines.

Heading into the sunset along Ring Hollow Road.

Light and dark, high and low, hard and soft, wet and dry, life and death: Kanawha State Forest is a study in contrasts.

In its day, Humphrey's Pine Room at 1600 Bigley Ave., was the place for power breakfasts for Charlestonians with oomph, as well an old-fashioned reliable place to eat for all. The neon has since gone dark.

The wave of immigrants into America brought great craftsmen and stonecarvers who passed on their skills and work, leaving evidence of their influence in ornate carvings like this on the Masonic Temple bujilding at Virginia and Hale streets.

The heyday of the Rose City Press downtown has been nearly -- yet colorfully -- obliterated by time and new developments. Such urban markers of shuttered businesses have been called 'ghost signs.'

This street graffiti art used to be found on a building downtown, but this artist's signature look has been seen elsewhere around downtown.

Somewhere over the rainbow? Actually, the rainbow pulls up right across the Kanawha River on this day.

Charleston sculptor P. Joseph Mullens crafted what has to be West Virginia's -- if not the country's -- smallest sculpture, which you see looking up between storefronts on Capitol Street.

A 24-hour porn stop vies with a Baptist ministry for the attention and eyeballs of passing souls, though the church (at least signwise) has the upper hand for the moment.

Another 'ghost sign,' this one recalling the old Rexall drugstore in downtown Charleston.

This Washington Street storefront on the West Side proclaims 'You Need Jesus,' but with a colorful exterior decorating touch.

The Masonic Temple Building at the corner of Virginia and Hale streets awaits the return of some icon, as this niche could fit it.

Sure, it's an alley, but it's a good and classic alley, located between Quarrier and Virginia Streets.

The stone angels at Spring Hill Cemetery never sleep, dusted with the grime of decades of overseeing the dead.

Hubcap Heaven-- the place to go along U.S Route 60 East when you're running on three hubcaps.

It's both sunset and moonrise at Spring Hill Cemetery as angels overlook the sea of gravestones.

Stone & Thomas is long gone, but the sign testifies to the days when downtown department stores ruled as shopping destinations instead of malls.

The first of two buses certainly turned some heads upon their arrival July 8 in downtown Charleston, the sides and front screaming in bold print: 'GIRLS GONE WILD.'

The twin buses head for their target destination, the Banana Joe's bar on Capitol Street, where a July 8 event in the club would spark some attention and a controversy, already stirred by the arrival of the high-profile transportation.

It had to be one of the more unusual sights on Capitol Street that day. 'Which way to Banana Joe's?'

The Charleston TV media was out in force for the high-profile arrival of the founder -- and now multi-millionaire -- of 'Girls Gone Wild,' 32-year-old University of Southern California grad Joe Francis.

Francis, who has been likened to a young Hugh Hefner, has rejected the label he produces soft-core -- and hard-core -- porn, saying real woman in average towns explicitly agree to flash their flesh, and -- when agreeing to board the inner bus sanctum -- do more explicit things with each other. Yeah, right, but about those videos you sell...

Z-Rock 94.5 hosts Steve Animal and Larry Shockley, who helped to host the Banana Joe's event, frame Francis standing on one of the infamous 'Girls Gone Wild' buses, where more explicit footage is shot for the line of videos and DVDs hawked widely on late-night TV and the web.

Banana Joe's was packed to the gills for the July 8 event, while a couple of area women took to the stage as cameras, cellphone cameras and videocams whirred.

It was apparently about this time that a couple of the dancers bared their tops. Mayor Danny Jones was quoted later as saying that if 'Girls Gone Wild' ever attempts to return to town the club may have to get an adult entertainment license.

Francis monitors the action in Banana Joe's. Living proof that sex always sells, he now owns two jets (he didn't come to Charleston by bus, but by his own private air transport), and a sprawling empire based on video sales. A 2002 Los Angeles Magazine profile notes that when it comes down to it, you have to believe it's the money not the flesh for him: 'Francis wants very much to be seen as a shrewd businessman, not a B-grade smut merchant...'

Meanwhile, outside the club, city police officers were keeping an eagle eye out for public obscenity violations and any other 'Girls Gone Wild'-night in Charleston infractions.

Inside the club, DJ Steve Animal was making sure that the surf was up. Never again, it turns out, as a result of the controversy that ensued over the evening.

And, of course, the night was all about pushing the merchandise, if not the Budweiser (or at least, the 'Girls Gone Wild' merchandise that can be seen in public without a plain brown wrapper.)

Up in the 'Poor Man's Bar' balcony section of the club, onlookers hoot on the action below.

It's on the bus where women sign on to go further, egged on by a little alcohol and GGW cameramen (who are fired, Francis has claimed, if they touch any of them). The footage appears in the multi-million selling video and DVD series that has made Francis a mint.

GGW producers said the Charleston event was a big success for them and they'd like to return. The mayor, at least, and community folk outraged by the visit, weren't so enthusiastic. Banana Joe's has since apologized to the mayor's office for the event and said 'Girls Gone Wild' won't be back to their place.

Exposure to the elements, always a feature of classic old ballparks, meant not only rain at Watt Powell, but the pleasure of mountain vistas over the outfield fence and big skies full of tumbling clouds.

Former minor-league player and baseball owner Walter B. 'Watt' Powell was a driving force behind creation of the park that would come to be named after him.

Watt Powell owned and managed the West Virginia Senators baseball team in the 1930s and '40s, and pushed for a replacement for Kanawha City's Kanawha Park, which burned in 1939. Construction of Watt Powell Park began in 1948, but Powell died before the facility was finished.

In this undated view of Watt Powell Park, it looks like the cars out past the old center field bleachers are themselves enthusiastic spectators, waiting for the action to commence. A keen eye will reveal some very 1950s-era auto makes out there -- the park opened in 1949.

This photo, dated May 18, 1961, depicts where you wanted to sit to get out of the sun and rain.

This undated photo captures a little downtime in left field during one of many thousands of games at Watt Powell, the sun moving toward the horizon, during the classic park's 56-year-history.

In that eternal, communal moment that happens during ballgames, the crowd all cranes the same direction to see some action unfolding on the field. No date on this photo, but judging by the many Clark Kent hats, it looks to be in the late '50s or early '60s.

Two onlookers identified on the photo only as Ben (left) and James take up some really cheap seats past center field -- the 'Railroad Section,' you might call it -- in this July 27, 1988 photo. Gazette photo by Chris Dorst

A CSX coal train clatters by the field as the Alley Cats, Charleston's old class A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, play the Capital City Bombers at a home game on May 13, 2003. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Charles Herndon, Dave McWatters and Dale Pence were in the stands at a sparsely attended Monday night game in May 2003, when the Charleston Alley Cats hosted and defeated the Capital City Bombers 2-0 at Watt Powell Park. The three served as ushers for the games for more than 20 years. Though retired, they still attended many of them. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Brendan Fuller gives his Alley Cat teammates some fielding practice on a May day in 2003 before their game against the Capital City Bombers that evening. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

A light breeze kicks up dust from the field as Zeph Zinsman, Charles Poe, David Corrente and John Schneider (left to right) watch their teammates at batting practice in May 2003, before their evening game against the Capital City Bombers. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Charles Poe, the Charleston Alley Cats' batting coach throws to his players at Watt Powell Park, warming them up for an evening contest. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Eric Bailey works to drain water off the Charleston Alley Cats baseball field at Watt Powell Stadium Thursday morning May 15, 2003, in preparation for the evening's game against the Capital City Bombers. Despite his efforts the rain continued and resulted in a rain out. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Sarah Lynch sings the National Anthem to kick off the baseball game between the Charleston Alley Cats and the Capital City Bombers on a Wednesday evening in May 2003 at Watt Powell Park, during a homestand from May 12-18. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Rob Sheridan walks hand in hand to the ball park with his 6-year-old son Patrick Sheridan in this 2003 photo. The two are attending a home game between the Charleston Alley Cats and the Augusta GreenJackets. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Mickael and Justin Tucker wait in the stands at Watt Powell for the beginning of a May 16, 2003 game between the Charleston Alley Cats and the Augusta GreenJackets.

The Alley Cat works the crowd on a Friday evening in May, 2003, at Watt Powell Park as the Charleston Alley Cats took on the Augusta GreenJackets. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Charleston Alley Cats pitcher Ryan Houston (No. 49) practices his juggling skills while passing the time in the bullpen with pitchers Brendan Fuller (No. 18) and Mark Comolli (No. 52) during a May 2003 game at Watt Powell Park. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Billy Keen sells programs inside the main entrance to Watt Powell Park during a May 16, 2003 Charleston Alley Cats game against the Augusta GreenJackets. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Eric Smith works the hotdog/sausage stand on a Friday evening during a May 2003 ca,e between the Charleston Alley Cats and the Augusta GreenJackets. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Charleston Alley Cats outfielder Jason Waugh signs autographs before a game that will eventually be rained out on this Saturday, May 17, 2003, at at Watt Powell Park. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Charleston Alley Cats pitcher Eric Stephenson holds a pitching clinic for (front to back), Daulton Tyler, Jonathon Murphy, Jordan Tyler and Dustin Fridley when the kids visited Watt Powell Park on Little League day on Saturday May 17, 2003. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

It's opening night 2003 for the Alley Cats and fans await entry into a whole new season. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

The stands begin to fill for the Alley Cats home opener in 2003 at Watt Powell Park. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Fans chow down at the food tables near the concession stands during the Alley Cats home opener in 2003. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

The ballplayers are doing all the hard work while fans lean back into their chairs. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

The West Virginia hills tower in the background above the lesser walls of Watt Powell. The view and the trains passing in center field were among the park's finest charms. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

It's the birds-eye view of Watt Powell, a perfect demonstration of the park's intimate setting. Cool breezes would blow in from the hills as night came on. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Don Cook announces a Monday evening game in 2003 for the Charleston Alley Cats. The Cats beat the Capital City Bombers 2-0. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

You got your baseball, of course, but never far behind you got your beer. Watt Powell provided. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Alley Cats outfielder Maikel Jova hits against the Capital City Bombers during a Monday evening game in May, 2003. The Alley Cats defeated the Bombers 2-0. The catcher for the Bombers was Brandon Wilson and the umpire was J. D. Robertson. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

R.J. Anderson precedes his stepfather, Eric Starcher into the stands at Watt Powell stadium for a 2003 night game when the Charleston Alley Cats hosted and defeated the Capital City Bombers 2-0. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Charleston Alley Cats fans cheer at the top of the eighth inning as the Alley Cats battle the Capital City Bombers during a May 13, 2003 game. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Rod Blackstone, affectionately known as 'the Toast Guy' rallies the crowd as Alley Cat player Rodney Medina comes up to bat against the Capital City Bombers. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Mason Hayes, 3, plays a little ball of his own in the picnic area at a Charleston Alley Cats game in 2003 against the Capital City Bombers at home at Watt Powell Park. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

The players don't always play just baseball. Charleston Alley Cats players (clockwise from bottom left) Brendan Fuller, Zeph Zinsman, Adam Peterson and Ryan Houston undertake a game of cards to kill the time between their afternoon practice and evening game on May 13, 2003. Ismael Ramirez sits at the back of the room near his locker. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

The old stadium will be no more come later in 2005, after 56 years. Gazette photo by Chip Ellis

Take a last look. Here is a final view of Watt Powell Park, seen from center field on in July, 2005. The park is slated for destruction as early as September 2005. Gazette photo by M.K. McFarland

Jimmy Costa and a future old-time banjo great go mano-a-mano on the back porch of Camp Washington Carver's Chestnut Lodge. Photo by Michael Keller.

Inside the Chestnut Lodge, square dancing raises the termperature nightly at Stringband. Photo by Michael Keller.

When you need a partner, you either grab one or take whomever comes around the circle in the near constant dancing that goes on after dark at the festival. Photo by Michael Keller.

The jams start everywhere, in the morning, in the afternoon, at nighttime, after midnight. It's not unusual to hear music emanating from the campground all night long and to keep on hearing it as the sun comes up next morning over the ridgelines. Photo by Michael Keller

A brief rainstorm Saturday brought out a game of mud soccer in the field. Photo by Michael Keller

You are apparently never too old to play in the mud. Photo by Michael Keller

Susan Chalker can work out the kinks from either a rough game of mudball or deepen the chilling out from being in full-time festival mode. Photo by Michael Keller

Three Rivers Avian Center brought its raptor program to the Festival. Meet Spirit, a Golden Eagle. Photo by Michael Keller

Craft activities Saturday included making your own basket. Photo by Michael Keller

After weaving a basket at Clifftop, you could move onto weaving wheat into crafts. Photo by Michael Keller

The action on stage includes both Traditional and Non-Traditional String Band Contests. Here, the Downward Dogs of Ithaca, N.Y., are on their way to Third Place in the Traditional contest. Photo by Michael Keller.

It's lonely onstage during the Fiddle contest finals. Jimmy Triplett of Ames, Iowa, was the eventual winner during at String Band '05. Photo by Michael Keller

Doug Smith brought his Cowboy Fun rope tricks to the stage during a music break Thursday night. Photo by Jeff Pierson.

Smith tied himself into knots as part of his Cowboy Fun presentation. Photo by Jeff Pierson

Let's shift now over to Jeff Pierson's photos taken at Clifftop 2005. He spotted this musician, one among hundreds, warming up for a tent jam. Photo by Jeff Pierson

Different angle, different shade. Thank you, Photoshop. Photo by Jeff Pierson

The fiddles really come out to play at Clifftop, used on behalf of traditional tunes to outrageous variations. Photo by Jeff Pierson

The stage is filled with music pretty constantly, as bands and performers compete-- but there's far more live music in the hollows and under tents. Photo by Jeff Pierson

Bands face off for the benefit of contest judges they see out at the judging table placed in the center of a grassy field in front of the stage. Photo by Jeff Pierson

An interesting thing about the contests at Clifftop is that they are not the main event, just another one. Musicians love to win them, of course, and music fans love to listen. But many String Band followers never leave the jams in the campgrounds, a different kind of main action. Photo by Jeff Pierson

A member of The Hix, a Clifftop favorite and multi-contest winner in Clifftop's always offbeat Non-Traditional String Band Contest. A Philadelphia Music Press reviewer described The Hix this way: 'They sound like Doc Boggs meets David Byrne on the way to Lou Reed's House.' Photo by Jeff Pierson

The Hix -- possibly the coolest band name for an offbeat Appalachian-based band ever. Photo by Jeff Pierson

The Hix upright bass player -- in shades of blue. Photo by Jeff Pierwson

Or, in a different (digitally enhanced) light.... Photo by Jeff Pierson

A fiddling Hix, part one. Photo by Jeff Pierson

A fiddling Hix, part two -- in blue. Photo by Jeff Pierson

Bullhorns are not exactly traditional old-time musical accoutrements, but then this is The Hix, one of the Non-Traditional Band supergroups of Clifftop. Photo by Jeff Pierson

Another Clifftop favorite and perrenial contest high achiever is Mando Mafia, who play Appalachian old-time, jazz, bluegrass, world music, and original compositions. Photo by Jeff Pierson

Mando Mafia's 'wall-of-mandolin' sound has been heard across the country and was once featured on 'All Things Considered.' Photo by Jeff Pierson

The sun going down at Clifftop is hardly a sign things are wrapping up. More that the music has just begun -- and will go all night long. Photo by Jeff Pierson

The 2005 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta ran Aug. 31 through Sept. 6, 2005, on the downtown streets of the city. Photo by Mark Wolfe

The traditional Sternwheel Regatta Funeral Parade brought some wildmen out onto city streets. Photo by Mark Wolfe.

A few monsters, too. Photo by Mark Wolfe.

Perhaps this Funeral Parade denizen had brought his lunch with him/it. Photo by Mark Wolfe

The previous monster wasn't the only creature featuring two heads in the crowd -- the other one(s) were Lakers fans. Photo by Mark Wolfe

Mardi Gras beads were scattered hither and yon by these youths. Photo by Mark Wolfe

Long missing, Elvis showed for the Funeral Parade, guitar in hand. Photo by Mark Wolfe

This literally flowery dress had to be one of the most colorful outfits in the whole parade. Photo by Mark Wolfe

Then again, basic black always works. Photo by Mark Wolfe

The street fair at the Sternwheel Regatta is caught in full motion. Photo by Mark Wolfe

The carousel goes full tilt during Regatta. Photo by Mark WOlfe

Crowds line up for games while other test their stomachs' limits on the whirling ride nearby. Photo by Mark Wolfe

This might be about what the world looked like to your discombobulated brain after getting off the whirling ride. Photo by Mark Wolfe

It was a family-friendly evening this night at the Regatta. Photo by Mark Wolfe

Just how much money are you willing to spend to earn a stuffed animal that cost perhaps 25 cents -- or less -- to make? Photo by Mark Wolfe

This ride looks more like a giant roulette wheel in motion than a dinner-challenging experience. Photo by Mark Wolfe

Loverboy lead vocalist Mike Reno takes to the Regatta stage. Photo by Stephen Ross

The crowds are thick and ready against the Sternwheel Regatta main stage as the Loverboy concert revs up. Photo by Stephen Ross.

Reno leads Loverboy into its set, an act honed after 25 years in the music business. Photo by Stephen Ross

Loverboy lead guitarist Paul Dean backs Reno as bassist Scott Smith lays down the groove. Photo by Stephen Ross

Loverboy keyboard player Doug Johnson takes a solo turn. Photo by Stephen Ross

Loverboy frontman Reno passes autographs out to fans through a gate near the backstage. Photo by Stephen Ross

The Sternwheel Regatta featured a karioke contest this year. Photo by Stephen Ross

Tiana Toney takes to the Regatta karaoke stage. Photo by Stephen Ross

Adam Parker takes a turn at the mic. He was later declared winner of the karaoke contest. Photo by Stephen Ross

Stephanie Bird has a star turn during the karaoke contest, with the city of Charleston listeng in. Photo by Stephen Ross

Photo by Stephen Ross

Stephanie Bird, seen from the other side of the mic, tries her karaoke hand. Photo by Stephen Ross

Moonrise over the 2005 kaaoke contest, as the crowd cheers favorites. Photo by Stephen Ross

Ben Lewis tries his hand at the Sternwheel karaoke contest-- he came in 2nd place. He is lead singer for the Mountain State band. Photo by Stephen Ross

The 2005 Sternwheel Regatta karaoke finalists take a group moment. Photo by Stephen Ross

Patti Loveless is escorted backstage toward the Kanawha Boulevard main stage for her Sternwheel Regatta headlining show. Photo by Stephen Ross

Loveless in the spotlight at the Regatta. Photo by Stephen Ross

Photo by Stephen Ross

Brett Michaels, former frontman for the band Poison, heads for his Regatta gig. Photo by Stephen Ross

Michaels, not shy about who he is, wears a -- what else? -- Brett Michaels t-shirt. Photo by Stephen Ross

The crowd was ready for the big-hat rocker, some having lighters already lit before the song was over. Photo by Stephen Ross

Michaels certainly had one of the most colorfully adorned microphones ever seen on a Regatta stage. Photo by Stephen Ross

Here's a drummers-eye view of the lake of humanity seen looking out from the Sternwheel Regatta stage. Photo by Stephen Ross

Star treatment for Michaels comes by way of lighting that resembled a star itself. Photo by Stephen Ross

Runners taking part in the 5K race speed down Virginia Street.

Volunteers hold out water and Gatorade for the 5K runners.

Volunteers hold out water and Gatorade for the 5K runners.

Volunteers hold out water and Gatorade for the 5K runners.

Volunteers hold out water and Gatorade for the 5K runners.

2003 winner Hillary Lelei (507), keeps pace with other top finishers as they cross the South Side Bridge. Lelei finished third this year.

Among this pack of runners, Glen Baldwin (418) helped his team win first place in the corporate relay, Chris Chattin (311) finished 12th and first in the masters division, and Brooks Crislip (36) finished in 11th place.

Scott Clark (292) of Charleston, races ahead of Tammy Slusser of Monroeville, Pa., who later passed Clark to finish 26th overall and fourth in the women's division with a time of 1:34:27. Clark finished in 54th place.

Scott Clark (292) of Charleston, races ahead of Tammy Slusser of Monroeville, Pa., who later passed Clark to finish 26th overall and fourth in the women's division with a time of 1:34:27. Clark finished in 54th place.

Scott Clark (292) of Charleston, races ahead of Tammy Slusser of Monroeville, Pa., who later passed Clark to finish 26th overall and fourth in the women's division with a time of 1:34:27. Clark finished in 54th place.

Scott Clark (292) of Charleston, races ahead of Tammy Slusser of Monroeville, Pa., who later passed Clark to finish 26th overall and fourth in the women's division with a time of 1:34:27. Clark finished in 54th place.

Scott Clark (292) of Charleston, races ahead of Tammy Slusser of Monroeville, Pa., who later passed Clark to finish 26th overall and fourth in the women's division with a time of 1:34:27. Clark finished in 54th place.

Runners spread out across the South Side Bridge.

As runners cross the bridge for the first time, the morning fog begins to lift.

As runners cross the bridge for the first time, the morning fog begins to lift.

As runners cross the bridge for the first time, the morning fog begins to lift.

As runners cross the bridge for the first time, the morning fog begins to lift.

As runners cross the bridge for the first time, the morning fog begins to lift.

Onlookers cheer on the runners as they come off the South Side Bridge.

Bruce Blankenship of Beckley grabs some water on his way to a sub-2 hour time.

Jeffrey Martin of Institute takes in some tunes on his way to a 1:55:47 finish.

Kenya native Francis Bowen of West Chester, Pa., crosses the finish line with a winning time of 1:15:31.75.

A jubilant Burangulova Ramilia of Gainsville, Fla., is the first woman to cross the finish line.

A jubilant Burangulova Ramilia of Gainsville, Fla., is the first woman to cross the finish line.

Maarten van Gelder of Blacksburg, Va., celebrates his 32nd-place finish with a bottle of water.

Mark Gunderson of Charleston celebrates his 75th-place finish with an upside down shower.

Mark Gunderson of Charleston celebrates his 75th-place finish with an upside down shower.

The bubble machine rains bubbles into the midst of Huck Finn's Restaurant and Bar.

Huck Finn owner Linda Coulter says the club got the idea for the bubble machine from a Travel Channel show on Las Vegas clubs where a similar machine is used.

The place begins to fill with a massive amount of bubbles on Sunday night of the 2005 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta.

'It's a hoot and holler of a night,' says Coulter, when the bubbles take over the dance floor.

The inflatable pool that goes with the bubble machine has four foot high walls, but they are not high enough to contain the bubble waterfall.

'People just go and they dance,' says club owner Coulter, as the bubbles keep pouring out during the evening.

'It's a blast to be in,' says Coulter.

Not sure if this guy was placikng a bubble-icious cellphone call, in mid-bubble, to his girlfriend. But he does look pretty bubbly.

It's not often you get a chance to dance at a group bubblebath. About 100 people showed for this year's event, said Coulter.

Just one 10-gallon container of the bubble solution kicks out bubles for nearly five hours in the club.

Coulter couldn't be sure whether some customers showed up, bathing suit-ready, for the bubbly events since about 50 percent of Huck Finn's customers cruise up to the waterside establishment on boats, already in their suits.

'Everyone smells fabulous the next day,' added Coulter, because of the fragrant bubble solution. 'Your hair is all soft and nice. You smell like coconut-- whether you want to or not.'

Colter thinks Huck Finn's bubble machine may be the only one in the state. The club uncorks the machine a couple of other times during the year.

The bubbles get you a bit damp, but not too wet unless you stand beneath the bubble spot, which drips water.

Towels await customers once they are done playing in the gigantic bubble bath.

'It's certainly different when you're here that night,' says Coulter, as these bubbly fellows can attest.

The bubble pool is about 20 feet bu 20 feet. All tables and chairs are removed from the space before it is set up and glass bottles aren't allowed into the bubble zone.

The challenges of dancing in a bubble avalanche include losing sight of your friends or partner.

People reappear as the bubbles shift and transform like cumulous-nimbus clouds in the sky.

Part of the Huck Finn crew stands mid-bubbles.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

Until that next bubble bath, they bid you a clean farewell.

The bass player for Crossfade meets a couple of fans

Members of Dark New Day, another band in the festival, cavort back stage.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.

Crossfade's lead singer parties with a couple of roadies.