BRIDGEPORT, CT (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Gathering of the Vibes, the Northeast's largest festival event, is set for their 15th anniversary when they return to Seaside Park from July 29-August 1. In 2009, the festival was attended by 20,000 revelers per day at the 370-acre waterfront venue.
The festival has finalized their lineup with the addition of several artists including FURTHER, featuring the Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. “Phil and Bob have graced our stage with their own bands for many years, but to have them both perform together with this powerful and inspirational band is a dream come true.” says Vibes executive producer Ken Hays.
Other bands set for this year's event include a reunited Les Claypool and Primus; reggae legend and 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inductee Jimmy Cliff; Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann’s Rhythm Devils with Keller Williams; reggae sensation Damian Marley with special guest hip-hop icon Nas, pedal steel guitar master Robert Randolph & The Family Band; New Orleans funk superstars Galactic; Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings; and The Radiators.
Additional main stage and "late night" stage performers include Steve Kimock’s Crazy Engine; Umphrey’s McGee; Beastie Boys’ DJ “Mix Master Mike”; Jackie Greene Band; Little Feat; Martin Sexton featuring The Ryan Montbleau Band; New Riders of the Purple Sage; Donna Jean Godchaux; Dark Star Orchestra; Zach Deputy; Big Sam’s Funky Nation; and Connecticut's own Max Creek and Deep Banana Blackout.
Gathering of the Vibes began in 1996 as a celebration of the life of Jerry Garcia, who had passed away the previous summer. Initially named “Deadhead Heaven”, the festival provides an annual forum for fans from across the country to remember the countercultural icon. In each of its past fourteen years, Gathering of the Vibes has paired legendary artists with emerging acts to appeal to a wide cross-section of live-music enthusiasts.
For more information, check them out online at www.GatheringoftheVibes.com. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
