Gathering of the Vibes: Day Three

Assembly of Dust took the stage next, supporting their new album Some Assembly Required that was recently released online for free download but has now hit shelves in stores as well. The new album has quite a few duets with prominent artists; however it was Reid’s three year old son who shared the stage with the band this afternoon. He came onstage to play along with dad and was allowed back up after a little side stage melt down receiving one of the largest cheers of the afternoon.

Max Creek fans who were saddened by the news that they were not holding their annual Camp Creek festival in 2009 were treated to the announcement that it would be back for 2010, though no mention of the location. Creek’s performance included a number of Dead songs as well as their own originals. They brought Donna Jean back up to the stage for a sit in during Cassidy & Bertha.

Pimps of Joytime, took to the solar stage bringing their bi-coastal influence to the festival. While their name seemed to make most new-comers think of a hardcore act, the Pimps are actually a perfect blend of styles. With each song taking on a life of its own, the set started with almost a Motown feel with the audience soul-clapping along. All of the sudden that movement flowed into a funky beat that was burning it up from the stage and then brought some Latin flare into the afternoon to the delight of the crowd. With the solar stage right on the edge of the seacoast, the Pimps turned it up on a beautiful afternoon.

Legendary The Band drummer Levon Helm took to the stage with just a sliver of moon hanging in the distance, giving sunburned attendees a chance to enjoy the cooling ocean breeze. After 40 years in the business, Levon might not be a young kid anymore but his playing doesn’t show it.

Helm threw a little bit of everything into his set with The Shape I’m In from The Band, Dylan’s Simple Twist of Fate and country standard Long Black Veil. Bob Weir couldn’t resist an extended sit in with Helm, starting off with Tennessee Jed and then trading verses on The Weight to end the set.

Bobby was only off stage for a few moments before he was led back out into the bright lights for the RatDog set. Starting the set off with Festival, a crazy light stick war broke out as he went onto Jack Straw which had the whole field singing along. Lazy River Road was up next and then started off the Bird Song sandwich.

Donna Jean came out once again for another Bertha and a Scarlet Begonias with a Silvio into Tequila in-between. Set break was skipped over for an extended Drums section, and as expected the set ended with a One More Saturday Night. Bobby came back out for a Ripple encore that washed over the crowd.

It was the late night tent however that kicked the power up a level though. Perpetual Groove took to the stage and absolutely blew fans away from the first note. With updated versions of their originals, keyboardist John Hruby made a serious impression on fans playing to the crowd throughout the evening.

Though most fans at the light night set probably weren’t around when A Ha first released Take On Me, it didn’t stop them from getting down to the classic ’80s dance hit. Brock Butler even made a quick beer run backstage but still made it out in time to get in his guitar solo during Sundog. The incredible set had many dancing along until the 3:30 AM curfew.

With only one day remaining for GOTV 2009, the Horny Hippie sums it up best “Tons of Love, tons of skin, rain, love and lusciousness – the Vibes is still the best”

VIP and day passes for Sunday’s performance including Crosby, Stills and Nash, available at the gate.