BRIDGEPORT, CT (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The 12th Annual Gathering of the Vibes, set for August 9-12, returns to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT, after a recent multi-million dollar renovation that has taken several years; Seaside was home to the festival in 1999 and 2000.
New additions to the line-up include Mickey Hart with The Mickey Hart Band, Les Claypool, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Zero featuring Steve Kimock, The Wailers, Donna Jean (Godchaux-MacKay) and The Tricksters, Keller Williams and the Keels, U-MELT, John Brown’s Body, Martin Sexton, Railroad Earth, Strangefolk, Ryan Montbleau Band and Chuch.
These bands join the previously released lineup of Bob Weir with his band Ratdog, Buddy Guy; Los Lobos, Assembly of Dust, Deep Banana Blackout and Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Wavy Gravy will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies. Deep Banana Blackout will team with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic to offer a special tribute to James Brown at the event.
"We’re thrilled that Gathering of the Vibes is returning home to Bridgeport," Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi said.
“We missed Bridgeport while the Seaside Park renovation took place these last several years," said Vibes Executive Director Ken Hays. "We’re honored that the city has welcomed us back and look forward to showcasing Bridgeport to music fans from across the country.”
A special tribute to Jerry Garcia by Dark Star Orchestra is scheduled for early arrivals on August 9, the 12th anniversary of his death. Gathering of the Vibes began in 1996 as a celebration of the life of Jerry Garcia, who died the previous August. Initially named Deadhead Heaven, the festival provided a forum for fans across the country to remember the counterculture icon. In each of its 12 years, Gathering of the Vibes has paired legendary artists with emerging acts to appeal to a wide cross-section of music fans. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
