Gathering of the Vibes

infobox music festival
music_festival_name = Gathering of the Vibes
location = Bridgeport, Connecticut, US;
Mariaville, New York, US;
Red Hook, New York, US;
Plattsburgh, New York, US;
Croton-on-Hudson, New York, US;
Purchase, New York, US
years_active= 1996 - present
dates = July 31st, August 1, 2, 3
genre = Jam bands, Alternative rock, jazz, americana, bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, reggae
website = [http://www.GatheringoftheVibes.com Official Website]

Gathering of the Vibes (GOTV) is an annual four-day music, camping and arts festival that showcases a very diverse variety of music. Over the course of the event, styles may include; Funk, Bluegrass, Rock, Jam Band, Jazz, Reggae, R&B & Folk music. Since 1996, GOTV has brought many bands to the New England area during the summer season. There are two main stages that alternate bands so that festival goers experience music all day and into the night. A short stroll down the beach is the "Solar Beach Stage" which showcases some of the Northeast's finest talent.

Besides the music, festival goers have access to food and beverage vendors, a variety of both hand-made crafts and imported goods along the "Craft Vendor Row" know as Shakedown Street which is highlighted by an many types of vender, an Art Gallery along with Vibes merchandise.

The Vibes also showcases non-profit organizations in a Non-Profit "Village" [ [http://thevibes.us/2008beta/activism.html Non-Profit Village] ] with an emphasis on local groups. Information and demonstrations include everything from environmental awareness to social consciousness. The Vibes has hosted a non-perishable food and hygiene product drive every year since 1999 to benefit a local food bank. Last year's drive netted 3,300 lbs. of non-perishable food and hygiene products to benefit the Bridgeport, CT Office of Veterans Affairs food pantry. [ [http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2007/8/emw548130.htm Gathering Of The Vibes 2007 Gives Back To Bridgeport] ]

This year, GOTV took place from July 31 - August 3, 2008, returning to the site of the 1999, 2000 and 2007 festivals: Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. At the festival it was announced that Seaside Park will remain the home of GOTV through 2012.

History

For 30 years, the Grateful Dead were an American musical institution. Born out of a decade of social upheaval and consciousness expanding, the group sparked the creation of an unparalleled sub-culture of loyally devoted enthusiasts. The Grateful Dead inspired thousands of self-proclaimed Deadheads.

For decades, Grateful Dead shows had served as a community-building institution where followers of the group could revel with friends both old and new. But when Jerry Garcia passed away in the summer of 1995, many fans were left with a void in their lives. One man who was determined to keep the fire burning was Ken Hays, who at the time ran Terrapin Tapes, a media distribution outlet for live concert tapers and traders.

In 1996, Hays threw a memorial party for Garcia at SUNY Purchase. Aptly named "Deadhead Heaven - A Gathering of the Tribe", the event provided a forum for music lovers to celebrate the life of the Grateful Dead frontman and reunite for a weekend of spiritual renewal. In 1997, the festival relocated to Croton Point Park, NY and was re-named "Gathering of the Vibes."

In each of the years since, Gathering of the Vibes has carried the spirit of these initial events forward by creating wholly unique musical experiences for attendees from far and wide. The folks who come to the Vibes annually to build and renew their bonds of friendship comprise the community that has affectionately become known as the Vibe Tribe.

After moving to Plattsburg, NY for GOTV 1998, the Vibes found what seemed to be a natural home for the annual event at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT in 1999 & 2000. In 2000, Bob Weir became the first Grateful Dead alumni to grace the Vibes’ stage, performing both with his band Ratdog and in a memorable sit-in with bass virtuoso Les Claypool.

In 2001, as Seaside Park began to undergo major renovations, the Vibes moved to Red Hook, NY for its most well-attended event to date. Following the year in Red Hook, the Vibes took up a five-year residency at Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, New York from 2002 through 2006, highlighted by an incredible two-night performance by Phil Lesh & Friends over Independence Day weekend 2002.

In 2007, Gathering of the Vibes came home to Seaside Park, re-kindling the magic of the unforgettable 1999 & 2000 shows. With the help of the Vibe Tribe and the generous support of the City of Bridgeport, we look forward to Vibes 2008 at this exceptional venue on the shores of Long Island Sound.

1996

SUNY Purchase, Purchase, New York, May 24-26, Originally named "Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe."

Artist Lineup:
Stone Cold , moe., Solar Circus, Zen Tricksters, Jazz Mandolin Project, Max Creek, Voices of Joy, Somah, Strangefolk, Ominous Seapods.

1997

Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson, New York, first festival where the name Gathering of the Vibes was used.

Artist Lineup:
New Brown Hat, Percy Hill, Zen Tricksters, Strangefolk, Max Creek, Kevin Hays Trio, Moon Boot Lover, Charlie Hunter Quartet, Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum Theater, Zen Tricksters, Warren Haynes, Jazz Mandolin (in place of From Good Holmes), God Street Wine, Agents of Good Roots, Hubinger St, Deep Banana Blackout, Ominous Seapods, David Gans and Friends, Laughin’ Bones

1998

Plattsburgh, New York, 16 miles from the Canadian border.

Artist Lineup:
South Catherine St. Jug Band, Fat Mama, The Disco Biscuits, Deep Banana Blackout, Conehead Buddah, Ekoostik Hookah, Michael Ray & The Cosmic Krewe, Zen Tricksters, Ominous Seapods, Percy Hill, Strangefolk, moe., Late night Terrapin Jam, Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum Theater, Gordon Stone Trio, Percy Hill, Max Creek, Jazz Mandolin Project, Gov't Mule.

1999

June 18th - June 20th @ Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Artist Lineup:

Deep Banana Blackout ~ Gov't Mule ~ Jazz Mandolin Project ~ John Scofield Band ~ Max Creek ~ Merl Saunders Trio ~ moe. ~ Percy Hill ~ Schoolhouse Rock ~ Strangefolk ~ The Big Wu, ~ The Disco Biscuits ~ The Radiators ~ The Slip ~ viperHouse ~ Zen Tricksters

2000

June 23rd - June 25th @ Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Artist Lineup:

David Grisman Quintet ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Dennis McNally ~ Gibb Droll ~ Gordon Stone Band ~ Harlem Gospel Choir ~ John Scofield Band ~ Joules Graves ~ Les Claypool and the Rat Brigade ~ Max Creek ~ Merl Saunders and Friends ~ moe. ~ Original P ~ Percy Hill ~ Peter Prince ~ Ratdog ~ Schleigho ~ Schoolhouse Rock ~ Sonia Dada ~ Soulive ~ Sound Tribe Sector 9 ~ Strangefolk ~ Tony Trischka ~ Trans Global Millinium Ensemble ~ Upright Citizens Brigade ~ Walter and Wolfman Washington ~ Warren Haynes Solo ~ Zen Tricksters

Notes:
with the first appearance from Grateful Dead guitarist, now of Ratdog fame, Bob Weir

2001

June 29th - July 2nd @ Red Hook, New York
30 Year Tribute to Hendrix/Joplin/Morrison.

Artist Lineup:

Addison Groove Project ~ BareBones and WildFlowers ~ Blue Floyd ~ Bruce Hornsby ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Dickey Betts Band ~ Disco Biscuits ~ Femi Kuti ~ Grapes of Vaudevillian Fantasy ~ Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey ~ Jiggle ~ Joanne Shenandoah ~ John Scofield Band ~ Joules Graves ~ Lake Trout ~ Les Claypool's Frog Brigade ~ Max Creek ~ Medeski Martin and Wood ~ Merl Saunders and his Funky Friends ~ Murali Coryell ~ Organically Grown Gospel Choir ~ Rafter Bats ~ Robert Randolph ~ Sloan Wainwright ~ Soulive ~ Steve Kimock Band ~ Strangefolk ~ Terrapin Thirty Year Jam ~ Tom Tom Club ~ Topaz ~ Ulu ~ Uncle Sammy ~ Upright Citizens Brigade and Friends ~ Wild Magnolias ~ Zen Tricksters

2002

July 4th - July 7th @ Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville, New York

Artist Lineup:
Aaron Katz Band ~ Andrew Gromiller ~ Bomb Squad ~ Carl Big Heart ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Deni Bonet ~ Fuzz and Stephen Kellogg ~ Gov't Mule ~ Grapes of Vaudevillian Fantasy ~ Jess Klein ~ John Mooney ~ Lake Trout ~ Les Claypool ~ Lightnin' Wells ~ Lucy Chapin ~ Max Creek ~ MoFro ~ NRBQ ~ Peter Prince ~ Phil Lesh and Friends ~ Rafter Bats ~ Reid Genauer ~ Robert Kowal ~ Soulive ~ Steve Kimock Band ~ Strangefolk ~ Third World ~ Waking Dream ~ Warren Haynes ~ Wavy Gravy ~ Zen Tricksters

Notes:

Phil Lesh's first appearance.

2003

July 10th – July 13th @ Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville, New York
GOTV with the Allman Brothers Band and James Brown

Artist Lineup:
Addison Groove Project ~ Allman Brothers Band ~ Andrew Gromiller ~ Bomb Squad ~ Dan Bern ~ David Grisman Quintet ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Derek Trucks Band ~ Dickey Betts and Great Southern ~ Gov't Mule ~ Holmes Brothers ~ James Brown ~ Jim Donovan Rhythm and Drum ~ Jorma Kaukonen and Blue Country ~ Karl Denson's Tiny Universe ~ Keller Williams ~ Max Creek ~ Michael Franti and Spearhead ~ Nerissa & Katryna Nields ~ Particle ~ Peter Prince ~ Rafter Bats ~ Raisin Hill ~ Reed Foehl ~ Reid Genauer and the Assembly of Dust ~ Rusted Root ~ Strangefolk ~ Susan Tedeschi ~ Waking Puppets ~ Warren Haynes ~ Wavy Gravy ~ Zen Tricksters

2004

July 15th - July 17th @ Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville, New York

Artist Lineup:
Assembly of Dust ~ Benevento/Russo Duo ~ Bomb Squad ~ Dark Star Orchestra ~ Martin Sexton ~ Masters of Bluegrass ~ Masters of Funk ~ Rafter Bats ~ Scarecrow Collection ~ Steve Kimock Band ~ Strangefolk ~ The Breakfast ~ The Radiators ~ The Slip ~ U-Melt ~ Zen Tricksters

Notes:
Featured Masters of Funk and Masters of Bluegrass

2005

August 12th - August 14th @ Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville, New York
Special 10 Year Anniversary of Jerry Garcia's passing, with performances by Bob Weir and an "all-star tribute" jam with the Dark Star Orchestra, Reid Genauer and Keller Williams.

Artist Lineup:

Assembly of Dust ~ Chuch ~ Dark Star Orchestra ~ David Gans ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Del McCoury Band ~ Depth Quartet ~ Jazz Mandolin Project ~ John Brown’s Body ~ John Scofield ~ Jonah Smith ~ Juggling Suns ~ Keller Williams ~ Leo Nocentilli ~ Medeski, Martin and Wood ~ New Deal ~ Ominous Seapods ~ Rafter Bats ~ Railroad Earth ~ RAQ ~ Ratdog ~ Ryan Montbleau Band ~ Scarecrow Collection ~ Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers ~ Tribute to Jerry Garcia ~ Wavy Gravy ~ Windfalls ~ Zen Tricksters ~ Zox

2006

August 17th - August 20th @ Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville, New York

Artist Lineup:

Assembly of Dust ~ Bud & Budd, The Kind Buds ~ Burning Spear ~ Chuch ~ David Gans ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Everyone Orchestra ~ G. Love and Special Sauce ~ Hot Tuna ~ Juggling Suns ~ Keller Williams ~ [http://www.kingforaday.net King for a Day] ~ Martin Sexton ~ New Riders of the Purple Sage ~ North Mississippi Allstars ~ Papa Mali ~ Rafter Bat ~ Ratdog ~ Rhythm Devils ~ Ryan Montbleau ~ Scarecrow Collection ~ Strangefolk ~ Tea Leaf Green ~ Walter Wolfman Washington ~ Wavy Gravy ~ Yonder Mountain String Band ~ Kettle Joe's Psychedelic Swamp Review ~ Zero

Notes:

Bob Weir sat-in during Keller's set, played with Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, and also jammed with Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann's Rhythm Devils which featured Steve Kimock on guitar and Phish's Mike Gordon on bass.]

2007

August 9th - August 12th @ Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut

Artist Lineup:

Assembly of Dust ~ Bindlestiff Family Circus ~ Bomb Squad ~ Boris Garcia ~ Brothers Grim ~ Bud & Budd, The Kind Buds ~ Buddy Guy ~ Christopher Robin Band ~ Chuch ~ Clip ~ Corkscrew (the Band) ~ Cosmic Jibaros ~ Darian Cunning ~ Dark Star Orchestra ~ David Gans ~ Deep Banana Blackout ~ Depth Quartet ~ Dickey Betts and Great Southern ~ Dirty Dozen Brass Band ~ Donna Jean and the Tricksters ~ Electric Hill ~ Fro ~ Fungus Amungus ~ George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic ~ HOE ~ Hubinger Street ~ Jay Stollman ~ Jen Durkin's Equinox ~ John Brown's Body ~ Juggling Suns ~ Keller and the Keels ~ Kevin Hays Jazz Session ~ [http://www.kingforaday.net King for a Day] ~ Larissa Delorenzo ~ Les Claypool ~ Los Lobos ~ Manchado ~ Martin Sexton ~ Mickey Hart Band ~ Nardy Boy ~ Railroad Earth ~ Ratdog ~ Roamer ~ Rolla ~ Ryan Montbleau Band ~ Scarecrow Collection ~ Strangefolk ~ Tea Leaf Green ~ U-Melt ~ Wailers ~ Wavy Gravy ~ Zero

Notes:
With a Thursday night Jerry Garcia celebration led by Dark Star Orchestra and a Friday night tribute to James Brown led by George Clinton & P-Funk, Deep Banana Blackout and Guests.

2008

July 31st - August 3rd @ Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Artist Lineup:

Phil Lesh & Friends, The Black Crowes, Taj Mahal Trio, Neville Brothers, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi, Sam Bush, Bill Kreutzmann Trio, Dark Star Orchestra, Porter Batiste & Stoltz, Zappa Plays Zappa, David Gans, Mike Gordon, Jackie Greene Band, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Deep Banana Blackout, Assembly of Dust, Donna Jean & The Tricksters, Strangefolk, Ryan Montbleau Band, [http://www.kingforaday.net King for a Day] , Alternate Routes,American Babies, Bud & Budd ~ The Kind Buds

Notes:
Thursday night will be a tribute to the life and times of Jerry Garcia led by Dark Star Orchestra and Donna Jean & The Tricksters

References

External links

* [http://gatheringofthevibes.com The Gathering of the Vibes official website]
* [http://gatheringofthevibes.com/2008beta/2008+forum Vibes Message Board]