The Gathering of the Vibes is taking place from July 19th to 22nd in Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Seaside Park. This seventeen-year-old festival, which began as a tribute to Jerry Garcia, has come to encompass a wide range of musical styles, from classic rock to funk to genuinely good cover bands to reggae. Of course, the lineup wouldn’t be complete without some quality representation from the Grateful Dead: Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby (with Branford Marsalis), Bill Kreutzmann’s 7 Walkers, and the Mickey Hart Band will all be making appearances. The combination of these reliable standbys and newer, more diverse artists is sure to deliver fun vibes for all.
Mates of State – “Maracas” *
Husband and wife Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner deliver layered boy-girl vocals over bopping keyboards and synths. This intentionally low-quality video fits the new wave style of the song. Unsurprisingly, the eponymous instrument makes an appearance, shaking along with Hammel’s drums during the catchy chorus.
Bad Rabbits – “Girl I’m Like Damn” *
This worldly band, with members of Indian, Argentinean, and Ghanaian lineage, is sure to bring some funk to the festival. “Girl I’m Like Damn” is a playful tune that recalls Prince – always a good thing!
Deep Banana Blackout – “Bump and Sway” *
Here, courtesy of Deep Banana Blackout is another funky, party-starting (or perhaps, more accurately, continuing) track. This comically named “Funk Roots Rock Band” (according to their official website) has been at it since 1995, and this performance, from the 2008 Gathering of the Vibes, shows that they’re sure to energetically forge ahead.
The Stepkids – “Suburban Dream” *
The Stepkids play dreamy, mysterious psychedelia. The band formed just a few years ago, but their sound recalls the past. If this live video is any indication, their set will be quite the sensory experience, with trippy lights and grooves the audience can get lost in.
STS9 – “Hidden Hand, Hidden Fist” *
Sound Tribe Sector 9’s “Hidden Hand, Hidden Fist” is another trippy tune. This Red Rocks performance from 2008 shows why they have been so popular on the festival circuit – the instrumental music is highly atmospheric, with sounds of both electro and jamband floating in a haze.
More GOTV…Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why – “Can’t Break Free” *
Here’s a mellow, reggae-inflected track from a young band. Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why seem well suited to the festival scene, with their positive spirit and sound that recalls a mild summer day.
The Primate Fiasco – “Whale Song” *
The Primate Fiasco describe themselves as a “Psychedelic Dixieland” band, and judging by the old-timey-meets-rock feel of this performance, it seems an apt description. The band includes sousaphone, banjo, and woodwinds. All these instruments make for a rousing good time, as demonstrated by this cute, spontaneous video.
Toubab Krewe – “Sirens” *
This seasoned festival band plays instrumental compositions that combine traditional American music with Malian influence. The resulting sound is bluesy and exotic at the same time. One need only look at and listen to the variety of instruments in this 2009 Bonnaroo performance to feel the unique quality of their sound.
Papadosio – “Geoglyph” *
Papadosio is part of the Vibes’ Late Night set. This groovy, layered instrumental track is ideal for the wee hours. After a long day of varied music, a song like this can take you wherever you want to go – whether you want to unwind or get the party started, it’s up to you.
Keller Williams – “Restraint” *
Keller Williams has collaborated with many different groups, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey’s McGee, and The Rhythm Devils among them. This solo waterside performance shows that he can certainly deliver, even in a minimalist setting. “Restraint” features comical, self-effacing lyrics (which may not be safe for all audiences) and casually delivered yet complex guitar work.
Editor’s pick: Strangefolk Reunion – “Westerly”
The original Strangefolk quartet which reunited earlier this year through the efforts of Relix publisher Peter Shapiro will return to the Vibes and quite possibly perform this song, not too far from Westerly, Rhode Island.