Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh and Friends and New Orleans legends The Neville Brothers are among the bands chosen for the 13th annual Gathering of the Vibes music, camping and arts festival from July 31–Aug. 3 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT.
Other confirmed artists include: Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival; Sam Bush Band; Zappa Plays Zappa; Dark Star Orchestra; Porter, Batiste & Stoltz; Jackie Greene Band; Deep Banana Blackout; New Riders of the Purple Sage; Assembly of Dust; Donna Jean & the Tricksters; Ryan Montbleau Band; Strangefolk; King For A Day; and Alternate Routes. Additional artists will be named later.
The all-ages, family-friendly event caters to both weekend campers and day-only guests. Early bird weekend camping passes are on sale now at $130; non-camping early bird weekend passes are $110. Single day tickets will become available after the festival’s complete schedule is finalized.
As in previous years, Gathering of the Vibes is supporting a variety of social causes. Locally, festival organizers have pledged $5,000 to Bridgeport charities as well as the Connecticut Special Olympics. Nationally the Vibes has partnered with HeadCount, a not-for-profit organization devoted to voter registration, in its “Cents for Sense” campaign and will donate 50 cents from the sale of each ticket to help register voters at designated concerts and festivals throughout the country this summer. Additionally, the festival has introduced a Green Vibes environmental initiative to educate and equip fans with the tools necessary to raise awareness about global climate change.
Gathering of the Vibes began in 1996 as a celebration of the life of Jerry Garcia, who passed away the previous summer. The festival is know for pairing legendary artists with emerging acts to appeal to a broad cross-section of live music fans.
(The image accompanying this story is from NewHavenAdvocate.com)
