Jake Williams
Equinox Staff
Winter has finally retreated, albeit slowly, while its resonance has drawn the ire of many since spring began three weeks ago. This week in particular, however, has made it clear that spring has found its footing. While sitting outside feeling the first tactile rays of the sun and experiencing the moderating spring breeze, we are transported to another place, ripped from the reality of a semester with one month left. For some, they’re with their closest friends under an E-Z Up, prepping themselves for Phil Leshs’ undulating bass rhythms or the low-end onslaught of electronic acts like Bassnectar and EOTO. Tis’ the season for music festival devotees– the lineups are out and the pondering begins. As most know, it isn’t just about the lineup, as the date, cost, travel and the disturbances to a work schedule are all factors that deserve consideration. Certain aspects of a music festival experience are less tangible, however. The energy that manifests from a community all chasing after the same thing has continued the migrations to these summer rites since 500,000 descended upon White Lake, New York for Woodstock in 1969.
Summer Camp
If you’re like me, three days of Umphrey’s Mcgee and Moe., coupled with two sets of the Trey Anastacio Band has you fiending for some serious time off this summer. Located in the middle of Illinois in Chillicothe, Summer Camp takes place from May 26 to 28. The tickets are currently selling for under $200 for the three-day pass with camping. Important to note however, is the added $90 it will cost to catch any of the late night shows at Summer Camp. Unless you plan on missing STS9, Big Gigantic, Yonder Mountain String Band or Thievery Corporation’s sets, expect to spend more like $300.
Strange Creek Campout
Located at Camp KeeWanee in Greenfield, Mass., Strange Creek is an extremely doable festival, especially for those who aren’t looking to stretch themselves thin by the end of summer. One day has a cost of around $120—with the chance you may score one for $80– not only is this three-day festival prudent monetarily, but features one of the best overall feels of any festival.
The music is diverse: ranging from the eastern rhythms of Consider the Source, to those of the brilliant Parliament Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell. The main attraction is Max Creek, a can’t miss for anyone who enjoys the Grateful Dead but also artists from Warren Zevon to The Who, as often the best part of a Max Creek show is seeing what covers they will play. They’re just as apt to bust out a “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” as they are to play a “China Cat Sunflower.”
The woods offer a refuge from the heat of late May, but also add to the kinship of Creek. With three stages and two late-night cabins, Creek is a must-have experience for those living in the northeast.
The Friendly Gathering
Here is an example of why exploring the local festivals is imperative when deciding where you will see your music this summer. Timber Ridge will host the gathering June 28 and 29, about an hour drive from Keene, in Windham, Vt. Although a line-up has yet to be announced, blind faith tickets are being offered for a modest $55. The 2012 line-up included headliners Railroad Earth and Deer Tick, but also featured are Vermont troubadours Twiddle and Jatoba. Expect to see the same local footprint on this year’s line-up.
All Good
2012 marked the beginning of a new era for the music festival All Good. Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio will host All Good from July 18 to 21 for the second time, after replacing Marvin’s Mountaintop in Morgantown, W. Va. last year. This year’s line-up looks to be a volley back to the magic of the Mountaintop’s swan song. The bill looks like this: Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Primus, Pretty Lights and STS9. The only major act missing from the 2011 line-up is Umphrey’s Mcgee. However, artists like Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, and John Scofield, among others, fill in this void quite nicely. With a price tag of $189 (before service fees, which will make it look more like $220) and no extra fees, All Good will surely avoid a sophomore slump. That is just a small sampling of what festival-goers can expect from festivals this summer. Remember, music fests are a right, exercise it!
Jake Williams can be contacted at
jwilliams@keene-equinox.com