Gathering of the Vibes is only a few days away! Vibes, in its admirable 16th year, has put together another excellent lineup that will undoubtedly continue to bring the festival to new heights. They have a rich history of tremendous artists playing at their festival, and this year is no different with headliners Furthur, Janes Addiction, and John Butler Trio. Besides the great performances these huge acts will bring, Vibes has arguably one of the best top to bottom lineups of the summer. For the full lineup and daily schedule click here. The purpose of this post is not to talk about the killer bands you know not to miss, but to bring about some attention to the other huge talents and late nights that excite us even more!
Late-Nights with Big Gigantic and Perpetual Groove are sure to be memorable, and we’re also excited for Ivan Neville’s Dupstafunk, Tea Leaf Green and Deep Banana Blackout, what a funky, soulful mix!
Top five acts not to miss at Gathering of the Vibes 2011:
5. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
Giant Panda is a psychedelic, roots, reggae, grassroots band who is simply put a whole lotta fun to see live! From the moment they hit the stage, good vibrations spread throughout the crowd, and the music is great. They continue to build a strong fan base after playing over 500 shows in the past 3 years, especially in the northeast. This 6 piece band has got a perfect spot in the mid-afternoon Saturday to let the relaxing reggae help people prepare for the festivities ahead, and help people recover form the wild night before. Everyone needs to check this band out, if you have not already, you will not be disappointed.
4. Rubblebucket
Rubblebucket, still amidst the hype of their new kick ass album Omega La La, is really starting to make a name for themselves, as they are making a run throughout many of the northeastern festivals this summer including All Good and Gathering of the Vibes. Having seen this band a few times now, it is amazing to see how much they have grown over the past few years. The raw, energetic, vibe that Rubblebucket brings is enough to make it worthwhile to see what they have to offer, but their growth musically from their first album to Omega La La is just great. Rubblebucket is a band on the rise, and I hope to see a big crowd for their Sunday Afternoon set at GOTV!
3. The McLovins
It is unbelievable that this group of teenagers has been able to make as many appearances on the festival circuit as they have already. This Connecticut Trio made up of musical prodigies Jake Huffman, Jeff Howard, and Jason Ott have pushed the envelopes of progressive jam rock, as they are already gaining nationwide success in a world where jam bands seem to be fading to the electronic scene. The McLovins are making there second appearance at GOTV, and have a great Saturday afternoon spot. Please check these kids, you will not be dissappointed.
Okay, I am so excited the New Mastersounds have got a late slot at Vibes! I saw these guys play a 35 minute set at All Good last year, and I was left wanting so much more. The New Mastersounds are a band also on the rise in the jam scene, and are due to be releasing a new album on August 9th. Their sound is very unique for the jam scene, as they help to bring out the soul, and funk similar to the likes of Herbie Hancock. This late night set on Thursday night can not be missed, as I promise it will blow you away!
Alright, So I know I am cheating a little bit by mentioning Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi as the number one act to check because to call them unknown is just foolish. I am just so exicted to get to see them share the stage together once again, as their new ensemble with the new name Tedeschi Trucks Band will be sure to rock everyones world. This 8 piece jazz, blues and jam ensemble is a collection of some the greatest musicians in the world, and I believe their new album Revelator is only half of the talent they actually have on stage. I for one can not wait to see what they can all do on stage together setting the stage for what should be an epic Friday at Gathering of the Vibes!
See you out there! Visit Gatheringofthevibes.com for more info
