Van Stock ... the history

I have been very blessed in growing up in a family that is extremely talented in the music department (although I did not receive this "gift"). My mom is from a family of 12 children. Almost all of them have this amazing "gift" of music. My mom for example used to be a professional opera singer. Through out her teen and early adult years, she performed in a number of places including starring several times in musical productions. She has since given up performing, but still sings on a daily basis. As children, my younger sister and brother and I grew up with an appreciation for music which included traditional radio play songs, but also musicals and opera. In fact, one of our favorite movies was the Academy Award winning "Amadeus".

(courtesy www.impawards.com)

Not only has my mom been involved in the music field, but I have 3 uncles that were in bands, an aunt that can sing the Hell out of the Beatles hit "Oh Darlin", and a few others that music is just a hobby. I even have a cousin who is a professional drummer that has been in bands, including the heavy metal group "Unearth", which toured all over the world, including performing in the always exciting "Ozzfest".

(courtesy www.decibelmagazine.com)


So with all of this talent amongst us, it was only time before we brought it all together on one stage for an all day concert. So around 1994 our family started the tradition of "Van Stock". The name is taken from the very famous "Woodstock" and the family's last name of Van Lente. We hold it at the family's farm which actually has a recording studio and a outdoor stage.





Although the party is really only one day, there is always a pre-party the night before where everyone shows up and just "jams" the night away. Several people camp out with tents and trailers for the weekend as so they can take in all of the activities.




Not only do we enjoy amazing live music all day long, but we have the most delicious home cooked food, and always enough family and friends to keep entertained. We even have fireworks and a bonfire that the Devil himself would be proud of!

So why am I blogging about this crazy family tradition, because I have just returned from this years party. It was, as it is every year, amazing!