2011 Gathering of the Vibes 7/21-7/24/11

By the Sea, by the Beautiful Sea … oh how happy we’ll be” goes the 1914 tune, and  this year, The Gathering of the Vibes will return to Seaside Park in  Bridgeport , CT July 21-24 for four days of legendary musical acts, art, food, and camping,  to embrace that classic American summer boardwalk atmosphere.  For the last sixteen years, Terrapin Presents has worked hard to bring in legendary headlining acts, and this year is no exception. Covering a complementary selection of genres, Vibes 2011 will feature major acts like Further (with former Grateful Dead members Bob weir and Phil Lesh), Jane’s Addiction, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, and a number of other heavy-hitters including Toots and the Maytals, Dr. John and the Lower 911, Taj Mahal Trio, Levon Helm Band, , Dark Star Orchestra with Donna Jean Godchaux, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Tea Leaf Green , just to name a few…

But don’t underestimate some of those other names you may not be as familiar with either; groups like Caravan of Thieves, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Darian Cunning Band, and Kung Fu pack a powerful punch too. These local bands from the Southern Connecticut and NYC area are inventive with their music and lyrics, putting on captivating stage shows. All of which are swiftly moving toward crossing over into national headliner status.  

Another staple act to return to the Vibes this year is Ryan Montbleau Band. Rising from side stage favorite to nationally known main stage sensation, this Americana –pop ensemble uses classic American music styles and catchy pop melodies to roots-y grooves for a resounding feel good experience.

Truly four days of music is an indulgent treat, but the cream to top it off for some of us is the opportunity to completely immerse ourselves in the celebration of good ‘Vibes’ by staying overnight to hang with our fellow festival goers and the Bridgeport Coastline is the perfect locale for such an occasion. This being its 7th year at Seaside Park, the festival has refined the process of transformation down to a simple science, providing the necessary amenities for an active comfortable weekend in a really fun and versatile environment (complete with flushable toilets). As an attendee for many years I can honestly say this spot is my favorite in the festival’s tempestuous past. Moving back and forth throughout various locations in New York and Connecticut, we battled extreme weather to each side of the precipitory spectrum. Making  fans recognize how lucky we are to be in this versatile, convenient spot, and protected by The City, and The Sound. So don’t be deceived by the urban scenery, Gathering of the Vibes becomes an oasis of all things sweet and easy in the bustling city. It provides a great camping opportunity on the soft grass under tree spotted lawns next to the boardwalk. Cool ocean breezes bring relief from the passing heat of the July sun while vendors offer various treats (hot or cold, ethnic, or American as it gets, vegetarian and vegan, you will always find a great selection of tasty options -including  those timeless  fairground meaty favorites!)

Hoping to create an amazing experience for music lovers of all ages, Vibes focuses on an interactive, worry-free experience for parents and children alike (including free admission for anyone under 12 accompanied by a parent or guardian, registration with an on-site child ‘recovery’ service, continual musical entertainment and creative activities in the kid’s tent), and what child doesn’t love going to the playground or the beach? Well, Seaside has both.

Meanwhile, the creative minds of Bridgeport’s growing local adult artisan scene have taken on the challenge of turning this urban park into a wonderland of artful whimsy and thoughtful reflection. Best described as ‘oversized psychedelic lawn art’, the  creations of Bridgeport’s Darren Greene illustrate sentiments of some of music’s greatest minds, and interactive creative outlets lie in wait on the main field,(and speckled throughout the camping areas) for inspired minds to come and share their own illuminations too. Go visit the ‘Karma-wash’ to get into the peaceful, loving, clarity of a clean mindset as you head out to dance.  For the night owls not quite ready to stop after the majority of the crowds retire to their tents, there are late night dance parties Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night and into the wee hours of dawn with great bands like The New Mastersounds, Big Gigantic, and Perpetual Groove (beware though -music ends at 8pm on Sunday).

For those not quite convinced by the idea of sleeping on the ground and taking showers in portable bathhouses, Vibes has you in mind too! Providing a shuttle bus service to and from a selection of local hotels for a onetime flat weekend fee of $20, promoters are hoping to eliminates any stress surrounding the dilemma of getting back and forth to the festival grounds. A NYC shuttle will provide the same service back to Penn Station each night for attendees needing to travel a little further.

Check out the official website at http://www.gatheringofthevibes.com for more details and the guidelines for what to bring and what not to bring. Prevent simple unnecessary discomforts: Please make sure to drink lots of water, use sunscreen, don’t forget rest when you feel fatigued. Mind your belongings, be sure to lock up valuables when you leave your site (even though this is environment is as safe and clean as it can be, remember that there are still  many people passing through)… and don’t forget to check back for updates every day from the festival, we’ll be dancing it up all weekend!

*you can livestream music from the Gathering of the Vibes by visiting the website above or by going to Bridgeport’s local radiostation WPKN.org

Photos by Chad Anderson

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