Category Archives: Music Festivals

Interlocken Festival – September 5-8, Arrington VA

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File this under RADAR ALERT: “Brand New Festival”  

What do you get when you cross the one of the Northeast’s biggest promoters, Peter Shapiro (Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theater, Wetlands) with H.O.R.D.E’s co-founder and longtime Blues Traveler manager Dave Frey?

They call it The Interlocken Festival.

Relix Magazine alerted me to Interlocken’s Facebook page where I found this:

“When something ends, another begins”… Interlocken’s two main stages will feature full (2-hour) sets and run seamlessly from one into another without breaks between performances, giving the audience a unique and singular experience. This passing of the baton will ensure that music on the two main states will be continuous or “interlocked” throughout the weekend.

The town of Arrington in Nelson County, VA , is 35 miles south of Charlottesville on Highway 29, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is known for its local wineries, some dating back to Thomas Jefferson’s day, along with craft breweries and two new hard cider distilleries.

Oak Ridge is a 4,800 acre private estate, originally deeded to two Bristol merchants by the King of England. The concert area will feature food and vendor villages, maintaining an emphasis on locally sourced, sustainable fare. In addition to on-site camping options, we will offer packages at Charlottesville & Lynchburg hotels, local B&Bs, and the neighboring ski resort, Wintergreen Mountain Resort.

I look forward to the press release and finding out who is on the bill.  In the meantime, we can sit quietly and wait for them to figure out all the details, including an arrangement with Amtrak to bring festival goers into town.

“Hopefully, this will become the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival of Central Virginia,” Frey said. “That’s our goal.”

Jazz Fest in Virginia?  If there is a crawfish monica there, I’m so there….

 

 

It went to 11 – Jam Cruise 11, Day 1-4, MSC Poesia

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Screen Shot 2013-03-02 at 2.48.39 PMYou could feel the energy, even while we were still at port, with the crew still setting up the stage, and the MSC Poesia staff scraping off the stickers from Holy Ship! which still dressed the boat’s  elevators. I walked around the boat, giving the grand tour to my friends who had never boarded the boat: “virgins,” as they say.  We bought our drink tickets, and sat in the sun, with our drinks, on the pool deck watching people hugging other people, relaxing into the vibe that is Jam Cruise.  Finally.  We were here.

Back at the cabins we spent time decorating our hallway in a zebra theme, and then went up to the pool deck for the Sail Away Party.  Soul Rebels, a brass band from New Orleans, were playing loud and strong,, the wind in your hair was palpable, and we were about to leave the country.  This was a highly anticipated moment, for me, and about the other three thousand people on the MSC Poesia.

Day 1, All Aboard! Saturday, Jan 7 Highlights:

The monster set with Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood on the Pool Deck. They played experimental jazz at its finest.  I love these guys and this was an absolute treat as we sailed away from Florida. I was still feeling amped, excited to become totally decompressed and relaxed, my personal anticipation at its height, and  this set that made me think, “ahhh, we are here.  This is happening. I’m on vacation, I’m on the boat, I’m on the boat!  Ahhhh.”

Notes:

Timing/lack of timing:  Once we left the Port, my phone went into roaming mode, and automatically advanced 5 hours.  This wasn’t helpful trying to figure out the schedule/timing/what stage, etc.

Zebra night – I went back to the cabin after MSMW and put on my zebra pants and made our way down to the Theater for Steel Pulse, and on our way, while walking through the Zebra Room to get to the Theater was The Motet with Nigel Hall playing.  I took a double take.  And then remembered what life is like on the boat – a feeling of total  FOMS (Fear Of Missing Something) all day/every day, and you are ok with it.

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Day 2, At Sea, Tuesday, Jan 8 Highlights:

It was a full day on the seas packed with fun activities and music sets, to keep us busy and dancing well into the early morning hours.  I bought myself a poster and got on line for the Artist Autograph Signing.  I waited in line for about an hour.  In front of me was a seven-week old baby, who brought his parents along to take pictures.  I asked all the artists (Lettuce, MSMW, Dumpstaphunk, funky Meters, Galactic, Soul Rebels, Pimps of Joytime, Zoogma, Skerik, Mike Dillon, I’m sure I’m missing people.)  “Will you sign my poster?” in true dork form, and every one of the artists were gracious.  I shook Mr. Bernie Worrell’s hand.  I told Scofield he was my hero.  And I promptly lost that poster by the time I had left the boat.  :-(

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Wanee Festival 2013, Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park, Live Oak FL

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Screen Shot 2013-01-05 at 12.19.49 AMAnd so it begins.  2012 out the door, and we look to a new year, new festivals, new line ups and more music!

Wanee comes this year on April 18-20.  Mark your calendars, and don’t miss out.  If you like the Allman Brothers, and all their other iterations of family bands (Gov’t Mule, Tedeschi Trucks) and throw in some funk from NOLA – well, there you have it – the Wanee Festival.

http://waneefestival.com/

2013 Aura Music & Arts Festival

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AURA Music Events has announced Papadosio, Conspirator, Perpetual Groove and The Heavy Pets as headliners for AURA Music & Arts Festival 2013! This year’s festival will be February 15th – 17th, at the renowned Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida.

What is it?:  AURA Music & Arts Festival has been going strong since 2010, and has stayed true to its mission of showcasing the best regional and national touring bands in the underground jam community and live-electronic scene.  AURA Music & Arts Festival brings together a diverse range of musical styles ranging from rock, funk and jazz to roots reggae, jam-tronica and hip-hop, merging a community of music, arts, and culture.

The Details:  A limited number of $75 tickets will be available on Monday, September 10th at www.AURAMusicFestival.com. For cabin rentals, RV hook ups and golf cart rentals please contact The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park at 386.364.1683 or www.MusicLivesHere.com.

Wanee Festival – Friday, April 20, 2012

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I woke up and hung with my camp family while some people trekked up to the Peach Stage for Bruce Hornsby.  Even in camp I could hear Bruce playing a soulful tribute to Levon Helm with “The Night They Drove ‘Ole Dixie Down” and “Ride That Train”.  It gave me the chills and I wasn’t near the stage.  My friends told me it blew them away.

I do finally motivate around 1:30 to go see Buddy Guy.  On a hot afternoon, the sun beams down on the field and my notes go something like this:  playing with one had, keyboardist explosion, deep southern groove, Buddy is BAD.

Yes, Buddy is bad singing “Nobody Loves Me but my Guitar,” and then he stops and banters with the crowd.  “Wait a minute, wait a minute.  Ya’ll brought me here to sing the blues, we will not disappoint!”  He goes into “Hoochie Coochie Man” and then stops again to scream at the crowd.  “I was in India, and even they didn’t f*ck up the words like yall have.”  Yep, Buddy Guy is a character – but can belt the blues like nobody’s business.

Then he does this bit where he leans on the speaker, turns the guitar around and sings this song where he plays a lick with his belly – or more to the point – his man parts.  Uh huh.  Seriously.

Then I move over to the mushroom stage to hear Mickey Hart’s new band that I had been hearing really great things about.  I wanted to hear it for myself.  The crowd goes wild on the first song, Not Fade Away, and the female singer, Crystal Monee Hall, brings a nice feminine voice to the mix.  Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) is on base and then we go into some of Mickey’s new songs from his latest album, Mysterium Tremendum.  I can honestly say this was the set that blew me away with new sounds, great jams and hard hitting percussion and bass.  Some new music that really blew me away with its experimental groovy danceable jams.  The third song began sounding reminiscent of early Pink Floyd with a bit of space and drums mixed in.  The jams were hot and new and fresh.  I can’t wait to see them again.

SET LIST:  Not Fade Away >, Let There Be Light, Time Never Ends > Who Stole The Show?, Starlight Starbright, Cut The Deck > Bertha >, Supersonic > jam >, Fire on the Mountain

photo by: Shelly Smith

I then move back to the Peach Stage to see Tedeschi Trucks Band.  If you know me at all, you know I’m a huge Derek Trucks fan.  No, I was not disappointed at this set.  They are greeted by a loving crowd.  Tedeschi sings the first note of the first song and the audience is captivated.  The sun beams down on the field, Susan Tedeschi banters with Derek Trucks’ guitar.  The horn section is tight and sharp.

A few songs from Trucks’ old band, Derek Trucks Band were dusted off with “I Know” with Matt Mattson singing.  It was a strong rendition, with a B3 keys explosion from Kofi Burbridge, and a just a tiny bit of shredding from Derek Trucks.

“Love Has Something Else to Say” was changed up a bit, there was a sick trumpet groove by DeShawn Ross, Oteil Burbridge, bass, was squirming in the background, hitting the sickest bass groove.

I then found some food while they played “Midnight in Harlem.”  Derek noodled for a bit while I was on the ticket line, and then they began the song. Derek and Kofi start off the song sultry and soft.  It is a beautiful song, Susan sings it perfectly – there is no one else out there with her type of voice.  It was chillingly beautiful.  And it was silent during Trucks’ solo.  A field of 20,000 people, silent.  He shreds that guitar to a silent crowd.  Wow.

The second DTB song was Majoun, with its soft and dreamy bantering flute and guitar also kept me swaying in the crowd.  Full set list below:

Don’t Let Me Slide, I Know, Love Has Something Else To Say, Midnight In Harlem, Down Don’t Bother Me / Band intros, Lord Protect My Child, Nobody’s Free, That Did It, Mahjoun > bass > drums, Darlin’ Be Home Soon >, Bound For Glory

I needed a break after that one; needed some food, more drink, and a rest back at camp.  On the way back to the site I heard Bonerama from the Mushroom stage.  A little bit later I heard Furthur begin to play. I sat in a chair at camp (home), and listened to both bands play. Continue reading →

Wanee Festival, Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park. April 19-21, 2012

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Wanee.

This is the first festival I go to every year.  I’ve been going for quite a few years now, and I go for the Brothers.  (Allman Brothers, that is.)  The last two years, Widespread Panic headlined.  This year Furthur headlines.  My favorite Gov’t Mule and the funky Dumpstaphunk are playing as well as a Q&A session with the Fur Peace Ranch w/ Jorma Kaukonen. Who’s going??

From the Wanee Website:  For the first time Wanee Music Festival will host one of the premier music workshops in the country, Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch. Wanee and Fur Peace Ranch will hold workshops during the festival and Q&A groups that will be held by Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Mickey Hart, Oteil Burbridge, Warren Haynes, and other performers that will be at Wanee 2012. They will all be hosted by Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer, Jorma Kaukonen.
 
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Jam Cruise Virgin No More – Day Two

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photo by: Gabe Terlemezian

Please read Jam Cruise Virgin No More for my recount of the first day on the boat.

Ok, I lied. We did find the Jam Room our first night, and were treated to Zach Deputy jamming the first night away. I also forgot that we ate dinner with The Heavy Pets, and we bonded over us all being Jam Cruise Virgins. They told us where the Jam Room was, how to get there, and that they’d be down there. Yes, this was the first day…

photo by: Jeffrey Dupuis

After an amazing first day on the boat, we woke to coffee that we remembered to order the night before, and lounged on our balcony far away from land, my iPhone didn’t get a connection, and I was beginning to feel the first signs of becoming unplugged. Phones were safely locked away in the safe and it was time to start this second glorious day.This day we figured out what the drink tickets were all about. You buy a packet of drink tickets, charge them to your room, and there is a slight savings on price. Not much, but a small savings. I had decidedly become addicted to the fruity cruise drink known as BBC – Bacardi, Baileys, Banana and Pina Colada mix all whizzed together into a smoothie. Oh my my my, delicioso! (I have become so enamored with this drink, that from here on out we make a BBC every Friday – BBC Friday – and celebrate in honor of Jam Cruise.)

Our Hallway Decorated. Photo by: Gabe Terlemezian

The coolest part of Jam Cruise is that the most unexpected people show up. I met a friend who I had met at Warren Haynes’ Xmas Jam in 2010, and it was like no time had passed. I met friends whom I only see at Wanee, or any of the other festival folk I see year after year. The greatest thing was we were all on this boat together for the next 5 days, it was the ultimate festival.

OK – so this second day we found our place on the 2nd level on the pool deck. I slathered sunscreen on my hideously white body and drank my BBC’s while grooving to Keller and the Keels and Bruce Hornsby. The winds were intense, but the mere scene of warmth, water, cruise, lounging, drinking, music and dancing blew any issues of the wind from my mind.

Bruce Hornsby Photo by: View Skewed

We caught Matt Hubbard playing as we walked from the Pool Deck to our room. Photo by: View Skewed

Ivan Neville’s crew were set to play a Sly set on the pool deck, and they did a funky little bit until the rain came. They were troopers, Ivan didn’t want to leave the stage, but the rain came down quick and fast, and everyone scrambled. I was bummed that set was cut short.

We went for dinner at the buffet (pizza and pasta) and then went back to the cabin to get ready for the evening musical extravaganza.

So, there is a theater on the boat called Zebra Bar. And everyone wears zebra clothing in the Zebra Bar. This night, I wore my zebra shoes – 5 inch platform real zebra shoes, which I was only able to stand in for about an hour. We bounce our way down to the Zebra Bar – we have a definite idea now how to navigate around the boat, and the place is pumping with the Dead Kenny G’s. Raging. Hard. Fast. Furious. I’m loving it, in seventh heaven until George Porter Jr. shows up and raises this funk a notch. Or two.

photo by: View Skewed

We ran from the Dead Kenny G’s to see Galactic on the Pool Deck. The rain had passed, and these guys crush it. The pool deck was packed, but not too packed. I stayed on the side of the stage, behind the speakers so the music wouldn’t kill my ears. I tried to be aware of things like that. Me and my crappy ears…thank goodness for ear plugs.

Then we ran to the back of the boat for Eric Krasno’s Jam Room session where the Royal Family members were kicking back, jamming in perfect Jam Room style. Seriously, this room is chill, and funky and intimate. Did I say this whole cruise still felt intimate and accessible?

photo by: Ananda Atmore

Then we hit a little bit of Umphree’s in the Purple Theater (Teatro Carlo Felice) and go for The New Mastersounds on the pool deck, and back to the Jam Room. Yes, it was a Magical Meredith Tour once again from the front of the boat to the back of the boat, up and down elevators, stairs and hallways.

photo by: View Skewed

The third day we got off the boat in Haiti. By this time, I had fully unplugged. Stay tuned!

2011 Catskill Chill Festival, Last day, Sunday

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Photo by: Katie Feinstein

I slept like a baby the night before.  Missed the late night Wyllis show with the fantastic Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet, vocals) and I was bummed, thinking, “I just had to rest my ankles, not pass out for the night.”  Darn it…

Luckily there was a small crew from my cabin, virtual strangers before the Chill Festival, who were up and chatting on the porch.  To my ultimate surprise, I was treated to a coffee machine, hooked up and coffee being spooned in to be brewed.  There is nothing like a weekend at a festival, with a coffee maker.  Thank the sweet heavens, I am becoming re-born again.

This morning was a real treat for me, meeting strangers and becoming close friends with them in the early morning over coffee and bloody Mary’s.  Laughing so hard with each other, recounting the adventures of the day before, and truly making bonds.  I was so grateful I was amongst such wonderful people, and feeling the bliss from music wash over me.   My mind drifts, and I apologize for this is a festival review, so… on to the music….

The line up:
Particle
Dopapod
John Brown’s Body
7 Walkers
Big Sam’s Funky Nation

Particle

Photo by: Phrazz

I interviewed Steve Molitz from Particle before the Catskill Chill Festival (click here for the review), and I was excited to see him play again.  These guys are like electronica/trance/groovy dance music.  The crowd was still light at this time (3:30pm)… perhaps we all needed more coffee?  But I got my groove on, danced a while and flitted through the crowd, seeing friends and friendlies everywhere I turned.

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Photo by: Phrazz

Dopapod I have to say, I personally wasn’t into these guys.  My friends and posse seemed to be, so I wandered back to the cabin to get ready to leave.  The plan was we’d leave after John Brown’s Body, to take the 2 hour drive back to Manhattan, so I figured this was a good a time as any.  Little did I know that I wouldn’t be leaving for many, many hours.

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Photo by: Phrazz

John Brown’s Body – raging RAGING reggae.  These guys were so much fun, the venue was pretty well packed, it was kinda muggy, rainy, sweaty, but no one seemed to mind.  This was an amazing 2 hour set, people dancing, swaying – artists painting in the crowd, soccer balls being kicked around, balls bouncing, hoola hoops hooping… yes. Yes, yes, yes!  The Catskill Chill’s website says it best, ” JBB’s live show has the kind of organic, body-rocking sound that’s only possible with an 8-piece band where air tight drum and bass, a three piece horn section, and “the most gorgeous melodies in all of modern reggae music” [All Music Guide] meet a dubbed-out sound engineer.”  This was a highlight, indeed.

In between these shows, we took the time to pack the car – as originally planned.  Then, I believe it started to rain, so we took cover with…

Photo by: Joshua Raskin

7 Walkers:  I couldn’t leave.  Who, me? Leave during Billy Kreutzmann (drummer, Grateful Dead), George Porter, Jr., (bass, The Meters), Papa Mali and Matt Hubbard.  I had all great intentions, but what do they say?  The best laid plans…. yeah, that’s what happened.  This band is a mix of Grateful Dead hippy bounce with some creole soul from New Orleans.  It is fresh and upbeat, they play new original songs (some written by Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter), and they look like they are having the greatest time.  I have seen them quite a few times now, and I just have a blast every time I see them.  They never disappoint, I always feel like I’m amongst family, and my heart shines bright when they end the show.  Thank you.

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Photo by: Phrazz

Big Sam’s Funky Nation / Jets Game / We gotta go!

Yes, we had to go, but I was very excited to just linger aimlessly amongst the vendors while Big Sam was crushing it at the other stage. I needed some food, I needed some coffee and I was planning on not rushing before jumping in the car. My friend was enamored with the Jets Game, which made me feel no pressure to start driving. I have to admit, this was a great way to end the evening. Watching the Jets with my friends, hearing Big Sam’s Funky Nation in the background, quietly eating, patiently waiting, and enjoying my last few breaths of the Chillest festival I believe I’ve ever been to.

I wonder what the numbers were from their first year, to this year (their second). I will poke around and be sure to report back.

Please leave comments on your favorite memories. And I hope to see everyone again next year!

2011 Catskill Chill Festival, Camp Minglewood, Fri & Sat

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The Scene:  Talk about a Chill Festival.  This small little festival was tucked away far into the Catskill Mountains, at a summer camp called Camp Minglewood.  It had all the makings of a lovely summer camp; cabins for campers to sleep, docks and a lake for swimming, halls for eating and gathering.  This weekend, Camp Minglewood was transformed into a vendor filled, camping, music loving extravaganza.  Tents were mixed with the cabins, electricity was available for coffee percolators in the morning, hot showers (yes, I said HOT showers in the cabins) and the people were friendly.  So friendly.  Did I mention friendly?  Hugs and good mornings from strangers and friends alike.  It felt like one large big happy family, who were all floating on air from music overload, shared experiences and dancing hard.

Friday:  So, after a long day at work, and a longer ride up to the Catskills, getting our wristbands, parking the car, finding the cabin, and unloading, we were able to catch the evening’s last set.  My friend and I found our friends and I was jonesing for some music already.  We bolted from our posse and went to find the music.  We made the last set of the night, Break Science.  I remember there were about 300-400 people, and some very heavy beats from Mr. Adam Deitch.  After I got my fill from head nodding, and some hip shaking, we went to check out the fire drum circle. Jumping through mud puddles, we checked it out, and was treated to a fire dancer twirl right next to us.  I put my toes near the fire, got warmer (thankfully!) and wandered around.  We went back to the cabins to chill out with my posse, check out the vendors, understand the lay of the land, and think I passed out at 3.  Oh – we had bunkbeds, typical for a summer camp.  It’s been a very long time since I’ve slept in bunkbeds.  (side note: bring padding for bunkbeds).

Photo by: Josh Raskin/Tiny Rager

Saturday:  Ok, so I was hurting this morning.  Between the crazy long week, the dancing and wandering till 3am, the bunk beds and waking up to the sound of the drum circle still going on, I have to admit… I was kind of hurting.  If you know me, you know I am not the most lively, cordial, talkative person in the morning, and my new cabin mates learned that quickly.  I found the coffee truck, bought three cups, gave one to my friend and drank the other two quickly.  It helped…  It was beginning to help.

The day was gorgeous, not a cloud in the sky, the sun was out, the weather was a perfect 80 degrees.  It was spectacular.  And perfect.  And very Catskill Chilling.

The Heavy Pets: I gathered myself together, took a shower, ate a bit of food (don’t remember what it was), and got myself down to the stage for The Heavy Pets.  It was a really nice way to start the day.  The Main Stage wasn’t packed at all – probably under 400 people.  The Pets jammed, crazy guitar licks, heavy groovy bass drum, bouncy, trippy kind of music.  There was room to bounce.  There was room to jam.  I was relaxing into the vibe of the festival – the Chill.

Photo by: Josh Raskin/tinyrager

There was a surprise birthday party for me and a few other Virgo babies, that was completely a surprise for me.  The coordination to get at least 20 people together, at a certain time at a festival is a feat in itself, but to have candles and goodie bags for the birthday boys and girls, well… all I can say is I am grateful.  (And thank you, Karen.)

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Photo by: Phrazz

Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds:  Wow.  Hello there.  I’d never seen these guys before and… wow.  Rage-o-rama.  Horns galore, incredible harp player, and the chick that sings – WOW.  I was impressed.  We had trombone, trumpet, sax, bass sax, guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, drums, singer.  The horns do a great dance in sync, Sister Sparrow sings it hard – full Aretha/Whitney/Janis in your face (the chick is about 5 feet nothing and maybe weighs 25 pounds.  How does that work?!?)  This band is on my highlights list.  They are fun.  They are funky.  And I danced my butt off.

Photo by: Robyn Gould

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