Headstash

Headstash On The Road: Gathering of the Vibes 2012 Day 2

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

The rain started at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, drenching campsites and awakening festivalgoers with its soft pitter-patter. Waves were crashing hard on the rocks, as the Long Island Sound was singing its own song.

I crawled out of my tent and relished the moment of campsite silence – a rare and precious thing. After a strong cup of coffee, the rain really started to come down. Despite the inclement weather, campers were still ready to rage and most came prepared for the elements. One particular patron donned a HazMat suit. I just might consider that next year . . .

Girls On Bikes

The pouring rain was a blessing in disguise for Girls On Bikes because they were slated to perform at the Tent Stage. People merely attending just to get out of the rain were in for a surprise.

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

The three-year-old band is as grassroots as it gets, practicing in their lead singer’s (Dylan Levinson) basement. Even though these rockers are barely old enough to buy cigarettes, they perform with tenacity and talent of artists twice their age. Levinson's voice is exceptionally strong and can effortlessly flow between octaves. But it was his stage presence that really impressed me the most. He just has a certain “je ne sais quoi” that sticks with you.

Even though he was breaking the golden rule of wearing flip-flops while rocking out, these guys were extremely endearing and are full of potential. When I asked him if he practices in front of the mirror, he said, "No, but I watch Led Zeppelin documentaries all the time." And you can tell.

Dangermuffin

Just before Dangermuffin, I ventured to the artisan village. I was drawn to a sound portal, where people were participating in sonic meditation and soaked in some spectacular art. It's these activities and exhibits that truly promote community and unity in which we can all feel part of a human vibe tribe.

From the village I went to the Green Vibes Stage where Dangermuffin, a roots rock band from Folley Beach, South Carolina was playing. Coincidentally, I walked into their song, "Walk Into The Wind," a bluegrass inspired, fingerpicking hell of a song. Once the crowd was warmed up they hit them with "Moonscapes," a catchy song with a basic chord progression and lyrics about a fun night at the beach with your friends.

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

The only thing dangerous about this band is their talent. Lead guitarist Mike Sivilli was moving his fingers so fast it looked like a big blur. The way he plays with his plethora of pedals is mind-boggling. Lead singer Dan Lotti can turn simple thoughts into dazzling songs and their drummer, Steven Sandifer who when not on tour plays on an upright bass, knows no boundaries. He is so versatile when it comes to improvising, making for a unique and energetic show. 

Phil and Friends

The great lawn in front of the Main S            tage looked like one big umbrella with everyone holding something for cover. The rain was relentless, so it wasn't that surprising to hear there was a temporary stall to the start of Phil's show. One of the video cameras that had been projecting crisp shots of the bands and fans was waterlogged. All weekend long, Vibes has been capturing the awesome crowd shots and close-ups on artists. I catch myself watching the screens sometimes more than the real thing.

Once the situation was remedied, Phil and his friends including guitarist Jackie Greene and drummer Joe Russo came blasting out of the barrel, igniting an energy that the crowd felt immediately. Phil and Friends looked as if they were playing in a living room and not in front of thousands of people.

But it was their second set that had Phil followers saying it was one of the best sets they have ever seen (and not because the rain finally stopped). After opening up with “The Other One" the band raced through Dead classics like "Uncle John’s Band," "Scarlet Begonias," "Fire On The Mountain" and a funky encore of "Shakedown Street.” It really is the coolest thing to see people unifying and jumping for joy over a song, and that is, of course, part of the mission statement of this festival.

Gigantic Underground Conspiracy

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

After Phil, Vibers shuffled down "Shakedown Street" to the Green Vibes stage, which should have been changed to the Digital Tent because Gigantic Underground Conspiracy got things moving with their electronic inspired beats. With members of Conspirator and Big Gigantic, they are heavily steeped in live, organic EDM.

Considering all the music before this set has been Americana, roots or folk oriented, I knew that it was going to take me a few minutes to adapt to the new sound and surroundings. It didn't take long before I was getting my dance on to the music while being hypnotized by a neon juggler.

I moved to the peripheral to get some air and from the distance. Looking out over the crowd, it seemed as if we were in an underwater world of glowing sea anemones the way people were all moving and dancing together. The guys on stage were clearly having a great time on stage. This group of friends is obviously enjoying jamming together and remixing their own songs with new elements.

Brownie got on the mic during the set declaring that it had been his first time back to Vibes in 10 years. As people shouted, “Welcome home,” thoughts of “Home Again” rang through my head before the raging dance party started back up again. After two days, Vibes really did feel like home.

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

Photo Credit: Hannah Schott

 

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Day 3 will feature Primus, STS9, Papadosio, The Machine, Dopapod, The Mickey Hart Band and more.

Stay tuned for more coverage from Bridgeport, CT all weekend long and be sure to check out our live Instagram pictures. Check out Gathering of the Vibes’ official website for more information.