“Gathering Of The Vibes started as a grassroots response to the death of Jerry Garcia, an attempt at keeping some of the Grateful Dead spirit and community alive,” explained Ken Hays, owner and executive director of Terrapin Presents, who created and organizes the event.

This year, the Gathering celebrates the music and lives of three artists who died within 10 months of each other 30 years ago: Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison. The Terrapin Thirty Year Jam will feature musicians who played with the honored artists, as well as newcomers whose music is directly influenced by them. Ray Manzarek, founding member of The Doors, will emcee and perform at the event.

Located 90 miles north of New York City, Red Hook is a new venue for the, which had been held at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Conn. The Gathering will take place on a 500 acre farm, with camping available for attendees. More than just a music festival, the Gathering offers a chance for friends to catch up with one another, sample microbrews, browse the arts and crafts, and even check on their e-mail in the Terrapin CyberTent.

Contrary to usual festival rules, attendees are actually encourages to audio tape the shows and then swap tapes with others. Video taping, however, is not allowed.

While mom and dad might take more interest in the musical aspects of the event, the fest is family-friendly and has a special kid’s area with entertainment for the younger ones.

Among the artists scheduled to perform on Friday, June 29, are Merl Saunders and His Funky Friends, Disco Biscuits, Col. Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade.

Saturday, June 30, performers include Wild Magnolias (after a Mardi Gras parade), Tom Tom Club, Blue Floyd, Max Creek, Strangefolk, Deep Banana Blackout, Steve Kimock Band, and the Terrapin Thirty Year Jam Band – which comprises Manzarek, Buddy Miles, Blue Floyd, Bernie Worrell, DBB Horns, Andrew Gromiller, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, D.J. Logic, Robert Randolph, Mark Mercier and many more.

Wrapping up the event on Sunday, July 1, are Zen Tricksters, Dickey Betts Band, Soulalive, Femi Kuti and Positive Force, Jon Scofield, Bruce Hornsby, and Medeski Martin and Wood, among others.

The Showcase Stage will feature performances by Upright Citizens Brigade and Friends, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Addison Groove Project, Lake Trout, Ulu, and BareBones & Wildflowers, and addtional artists.