Gathering Of The Vibes Lands Furthur

Spread out over three stages, this year’s Gathering Of The Vibes – July 29-Aug. 1 in Bridgeport, Conn., at Seaside Park – is starting to look like a Grateful Dead homecoming, what with Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann’s Rhythm Devils with Keller Williams already set to play the multi-day festival. Other artists scheduled to dish out good vibrations include Les Claypool in a reunited Primus, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Galactic, Jimmy Cliff, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley with Nas, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and The Radiators.

But those are just a few of the names descending on this year’s Vibes. Additional main stage and late night performers include Steve Kimock 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, Max Creek and Deep Banana Blackout.

Founded one year after Jerry Garcia’s death, this year’s Gathering marks the festival’s 15th anniversary and the fifth year at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park.

Here’s how the festival’s day-by-day schedule is shaping up:

July 29
Main Stage: Dark Star Orchestra, New Riders Of The Purple Sage, Donna Jean Godchaux, Quincy Mumford Band and Big Sam’s Funky Nation (late night).

Green Vibes Stage: Turbine, Leroy Justice, Christopher Robin Band, Hot Day At The Zoo and Bronze Radio Return.

July 30
Main Stage: Furthur Feat. Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Jackie Greene, The Radiators and Mix Master Mike (late night).

Green Vibes Stage: Caravan Of Thieves, Quinn Sullivan, MacPodz Kung Fu and Billy Simons.

July 31
Main Stage: Primus, Bill Kreutzmann’s Rhythm Devils, Umphrey’s McGee, Galactic, Assembly Of Dust, Max Creek, Zach Deputy and Deep Banana Blackout (late night).

Green Vibes Stage: The Trapps, King For A Day, Jamie McLean Band, David Gans, McLovins and Kicking Daisies.

Aug. 1
Main Stage: Damian Marley & Nas, Jimmy Cliff, Martin Sexton with the Ryan Montbleau Band, Little Feat and Harlem Gospel Choir.

Green Vibes Stage: Lubriphonic, Waylon Speed, Band Together and Andy the Music Man.

Gathering Of The Vibes is also known for its philanthropic projects, with the festival and its fans supporting several social causes throughout the years. During the past couple of years festival organizers have donated more than $125,000 to local Bridgeport charities, the Connecticut Special Olympics and many not-for-profit organizations. Last year Vibes fans donated 5,500 pounds of non-perishable items to local and state food banks. Add that to the festival’s “Green Vibes” efforts, such as on-site recycling and telling attendees about alternative energy solutions, and you have a very eco-friendly spectacular.

A limited number of weekend camping passes are going $197.50. Other options include VIP passes priced at $420, Friday and Saturday single-day tickets for $65 and Sunday tickets for $50. To learn more about this year’s Gathering Of The Vibes, click here for the festival website.