There’s a festival of historic proportions taking place next weekend–epic from a jamband perspective. There are larger fests and more mainstream hitmakers, but this is, hands down, the Shangri-La of this music genere.
First off, it’s being put together by Peter Shapiro and Dave Frey. Shapiro took over the Wetlands Preserve, runs the Brooklyn Bowl and the wonderfully restored Cap Theater. He also publishes Relix and Jambands. The man knows his fanbase. Frey I’m less familiar with, but his most recognizable contribution to musical joy were the H.O.R.D.E. fests of the 90s.
Second, they’re approaching it with an aficionado’s mindset. Not several competing stages where you have to choose betwen acts. And no zones where multiple band’s PAs overlap in a muddy mess. No, they went for an All Good-style perfection—two stages, side by side, and that’s it.
The wonder of the setup is that as one band’s set ends, the other will join on the other stage and the two will jam together until the next act takes over. The whole festival is built on collaboration and interlocking sets. Ten hours a day of nonstop music ecstasy.
The artist list is made of pure gold. Neil Young and Crazy Horse cancelled a lot of their North AMerican tour so they won’t be there. BUT:
Further (Phil and Bobby)
String Cheese Incident
John Fogerty
Widespread Panic
Jimmy Cliff
Trey Anastasio
Gov’t Mule
Warren Haynes Band
Col. Bruce Hampton (with an all but certain Aquarium Rescue Unit reunion)
Tedechi Truks
Dirty Dozen Brass Band playing with the Soul Rebels
And a lot more, all in the same vein.
We splurged on our tickets—which means we’ll be taking in two private acoustic sets, one with Further and one with Warren Haynes solo.
I’m pretty sure there’s a good chance MBP from Salt Lake will be there, at least in spirit (I know he’s banned, but this was right up his ally). I know there are a handful of other Deadheads and jammers here too–any of you going to be there?
We’re packing and leaving today. Can’t believe this is happening. A shining concert on a hill.