The 2011 incarnation of Gathering of the Vibes has come and gone once again without disappointing. This past weekend I spent three glorious days in the nasty CT heat and humidity to enjoy some truly memorable musical performances. Last year, I only attended the Friday night show and was brooding all weekend about the great acts I'd missed. I would not let that happen again.
Things started off on a great note when I ran into someone who I'd met last year - part of the group of people who adopted me for the day during my first solo Vibes show. It's always fun meeting new people at shows; and it's even better when you get to see them again. It was definitely fun hanging out with them - I think they're a good influence to get me to more shows, not to mention it's always great to have more people to experience new music with. Also, big thanks to my local friend who brought me a chair and possibly saved my leg during the shows!
The scene was very mellow again. No fighting or grief. Even the wookies seemed well behaved....perhaps the enhanced police presence in campgrounds had something to do with that. Reason #256 why I stayed in a hotel. Shower and A/C being reasons 1-255.
There was so much to take in. I had my first experience with Dark Star Orchestra - the ultimate Grateful Dead cover band. And Wow! If you close your eyes, you can almost hear Jerry, and Donna sounds on-key. Beyond that there was so much more to see. Two early standouts were Infamous Stringdusters - a really talented electric and acoustic bluegrass band that even covered the Police's Walking on the Moon, and Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk. This band featured two bass players and a Neville Brother - how can you go wrong with that combo? They funked it up good and dirty!
Friday's lineup was filled with all sorts of good fun. Taj Mahal played a super set and had the place dancing. And Levon Helm with his band were amazing as always, and the perfect segue for the big finale of the night: Furthur. Those guys can still bring it hard and keep it fresh. Heard some stuff I've never heard live before, so that was fun, albeit Jerry-less.
Perhaps the surprise of the night for me was a band from Baltimore called "The Bridge." My friends were telling me that this would be the best band I'd never heard - and they were right. A skillful mix of blues, bluegrass, rock and jazz, these guys can do it all. They played a balls-to-the-wall set at the "Green Vibes" stage and had the crowd screaming for more. Unfortunately, this was one of their last performances, as the band is preparing to break up. It's truly sad that such talented musicians and songwriters can't sustain a living doing what they love. Really a shame - because these guys really rock!
Saturday was a full day for me. I got there early to hear the McLovins - you HAVE to Google them if you haven't heard them yet. These guys are still in high school and are freaking amazing. I also had my first Assembly of Dust set and was hooked by the second song. They play around here a lot, so I know I'll have some good opportunities to see them again.
I finally got to hear Tea Leaf Green live. I was having leg problems (which I now know to be a fracture of the somethingorotherIBIA), so I was sitting through their set in the shade - actually lying down with my leg up for most of it. But it was fun, though not as great as I'd hoped. Maybe my leg had something to do with that, I don't know. I returned to the main stage area to see the end Max Creek's set. I really liked them! And they were followed by a CT favorite, Deep Banana Blackout (from Bridgeport). After them came "moe." I first saw them back in the mid-late 90's during the first Furthur Festival. Damn, they rocked it hard and had some sick-sweet jams. Sadly, I was benched and couldn't be up in the crowd during their set - but it was all good. I'm sorry I've missed them when they've been through before, and will definitely make the effort to get to see more moe.
The headline was shared by Elvis Costello and Jane's Addiction. While I've always loved Evis' music, his recent political bullshit toward Israel, and his solidarity with the "poor Palestinians" crap, makes me less into him. But I will give him credit, he and his band played a solid set and had the whole arena moving. Jane's Addiction, however, was so off-the-hook-on-fire, they practically made the place explode. I guess since they quit heroin they've gotten their shit together. This was one of the best performances I've seen. Not sure if this was a one-off or if they're back together for real; but if you get the chance to see them, do it. Steven Perkins' drumming fueled the band through a high-energy set, filled with typical Perry Farrell performance art.
All in all, it was a great festival. I missed Sunday as we had previous plans. And as much as I wanted to see some of the acts, I'm not sure my leg would've done too well, so it's really for the best. But to say I'm hooked on this festival is an understatement. The people, the energy, the music and the great vibes have me counting down the days until next year. I don't care where you live - this is one worth the trip - and you can take "trip" any way you like.
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