As we weaved around colorful kids and kind folks, songs of the Grateful Dead filled the air. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the jam band scene’s creators, and that special fact was not lost on anyone at Mountain Jam. Mountain Jam can at times resemble the hippie Utopia that the Dead, and the best parts of the idealistic generation they sprang from, spoke of. Positivity and excitement saturated the grounds, but so did a mellow mountain vibe that is scarcely replicated at other festivals. The sketch factor is noticeably lower too, making the 6 women I camped with feel at peace as we camped in the most perfect spot, over the river and through the woods, hearing the music perfectly through the trees.
Railroad Earth (listen) rang through the trees as we set up our sleeping quarters. We could hear every note from our chosen campsite but we were eager to get to the stage. On the way there we danced our way through the forest to the rhythm of spirited and gifted pianist, Marco Benevento, fireflies danced around us, and the moon shone brightly in the starry clear sky. What a picturesque scene to start the festivities. We arrived as moe. (listen) sparked their first note of the night which turned into a fiery set. With a great mix of old and new songs, moe. took the crowd for a ride with stellar solos, a surprising Grateful Dead cover of “Loser”, and ending with an almost 15 minute “Opium” featuring Warren Haynes. Before dipping into moe.’s original, Warren Haynes came on stage and teased Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, building the anticipation of seeing him perform “Dark Side of the Mule” with Gov’t Mule on Friday night. The crowd went wild.
Friday was saturated with not only more musical talent but the skies opened up in the afternoon, making it a challenge for anyone to stay dry. However, this was only a small deterrent to dedicated Mountain Jammers who wanted to see the music rain or shine. At the peak of the storm, there was quite a large turnout to see Grateful Dead tribute band, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD) – (listen). I believe the band showed their gratitude for braving the weather by opening up with a 32 minute “Terrapin Station”. “This makes it all worth it”, I overheard someone say mid-improvisational Terrapin jam. Indeed, they were right. The tightness/cohesion and the undeniable individual talent in this band makes them a favorite live show amongst jam band fans and Deadheads.
Grace Potter (listen) warmed up the main stage for Robert Plant with her hot and steamy set that seemed to clear the skies and bring out the stars. Grace has the ability to hypnotize a crowd with her intoxicating voice and vibrant stage presence. She did just that, mixing originals with covers from the Pointer Sisters (“Yes We Can Can”), Johnny Cash (“God’s Gonna Cut You Down”), and Neil Young (“Cinnamon Girl”) accompanied by Warren Haynes.
The sounds of Led Zeppelin permeated the mountain air as Robert Plant and The Sensational Space Shifters brought fans who had experiences Zep in their prime down memory lane and those who never got the chance were able to experience Plant’s orgasmic and unwavering vocals singing those timeless Zeppelin tunes. Opening song, “What Is And What Should Never Be”, was the perfect start to a satisfying set from the legendary British rockers. Everything weaved in between, such as “Black Dog”, Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful”, and “Whole Lotta Love” was incendiary.
Later that night, the classic rock vibe continued on with Gov’t Mule‘s cover of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”, as well as their electrifying version of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, “Welcome to the Machine”, “Have a Cigar”, and “Wish You Were Here”. Many reported “Dark Side of the Mule” to be their highlight of the weekend.
On Saturday, the sun finally came out and it stayed out in the late afternoon. I woke up to the sounds of Burnell Pines and laid in my sunken air mattress as his soothing voice echoed through the mountains. I finally arose when Dopapod (listen) hit the stage and was able to catch the end of their set. This east coast based band is grooving through with a mission: to rock and funkily anyone who fights to get down. Dopapod is a guaranteed good time with never-failing energy and enthusiasm at every show.
I caught the beginning of Benjamin Booker but quickly realized how hungry I was. As he blew away the crowd, I was being blown away by the variety of delicious foods. Without hesitation, Mountain Jam has had the best food options than any other festival I have attended. Warm, filling, sweet, savory, spicy, wholesome, and flavorful, there is something for everyone – vegans and carnivores alike.
Early in the evening, the Mountain Jammers were in for back-to-back reggae with Rebelution into The Wailers. Good vibes ensued as the reggae beat of Rebelution continued to move those dancin’ bodies and inevitably Bob Marley sing-alongs lead by The Wailers. Folks were feelin’ irie as The Wailers carried the positive vibrations into Gov’t Mules’ rockin set. Back-to- back rock-n-roll sets, Gov’t Mule > The Black Keys, left my head banging hair a disheveled mess. Mule, as they usually do, brought the heat, warming up the stage for The Black Keys whose seamless set continued to ring through my ears long after their they finished.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday came fast. I decided to savor this day by taking in as much as I could and allowing the flow of Mountain Jam to take me where I needed to be. Lake Street Dive was the first set I caught on Sunday and they still remain one of my favorite bands to see live. This band is tight, sexy, and witty. Rachel Price’s lyrics are fun, full of a wide range of emotions, raw and relatable.
Then, there was Amy Helm. Amy’s angelic voice echoed through the forest creating an almost hymn-like feel. Her father, the late Levon Helm (drummer for The Band), would be proud to see his legacy shine through in such a beautiful spirit and musical gift as Amy.
Just when I thought I didn’t have any more skin to shed, Alabama Shakes (listen) proved me wrong as Brittany Howard’s voice sent shivers through my body. This fiery female attuned to the crowd and lead that band through a flawless two hours of musical perfection to end the weekend.
For the past 11 years, friends and family (including friends who are family) have come together in this little ski town in Hunter, NY to celebrate life and the love live music.
Mountain Jam has it all, whether you’re looking to be immersed in wonderful music and beautiful surroundings, or are just looking for a family-friendly, clean, and kind-hearted festival. Not to mention the outstanding lineup that impresses year after year. For those of us who live on the East Coast, we know we have maybe 4 1/2 good months to see music outdoors before we climb back into our winter cocoons. This festival is the perfect way to jump start your summer and recharge after a long winter. For those of you who made it to the mountain, I hope to see you groovin’ next year.
Writer, Marinda Snow Righter, has been living in the Boston area for the past 9 years and attends Lesley University for Dance Movement Therapy. Alongside her graduate studies, Marinda is a freelance music promoter and avid fan of live local music.
All photos by Rich Gastwirt.
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