Posts by Jeremy Gordon

For a first time festival site, Predaine in Freehold, NJ was a welcome oasis for the fans at PetZoo Festival 2010. From easy entry allowing cars to drop off their camping gear – though they couldn’t car camp – to a cheap air-conditioned bar on site and a grassy amphitheater, it seemed that festival goers comfort was given the utmost attention. And with many having taken the long drive up from Florida to join the Heavy Pets at their annual party, it’s easy to understand why!

[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]

PetZoo rewarded fans, from near and far with a few special treats. Starting with Zac Lasher of U-Melt sitting in with Newton Crosby for a full set on Hammond B3 organ (if you missed this set you can check them out at The Gig in the Sky) . Later in the evening The Brew kept things going with covers of Zepplin’s No Quarter with Dave Drouin on vocals and the Allman Brothers’ Blue Sky. U-Melt showed renewed energy and excitement in one of their final New Jersey appearances with blistering guitar solos on Clear Light and a wink to the neighborhood with Bruce Springsteen’s, Atlantic City. Friday evening was closed by none other than The Heavy Pets who showed everyone exactly whose festival it was, coming out hard and strong.

Saturday was just as exciting with the day starting out with an adorable performance by a local children’s dance squad. Local favorites, Bearin’ Peace’s set was perfect for waking up the crowd with an Island feel to it and Spontaneous Underground still managed to sneak in a great cover of The Beatles’ Tomorrow Never Knows into their short set. As the afternoon continued, The Heavy Pets surprised the 21+ crowd with an impromptu set in the bar between Long Miles and Cabinet. Toubab Krewe’s two hour set was welcomed by the fans and the amazing Funtown hoopers and fire dancers who used the African beats to entrance the crowd. As The Heavy Pets took the stage for the final set however, a bit of trouble ensued as the main stage was temporarily shut down due to noise complaints but luckily with organizers to the rescue, things were settled quickly and the show went on into the early morning hours without a hitch.

READ ON for more on the PetZoo Festival…

They say you are what you eat and if that’s true I don’t know what that would make me at some festivals! When you are out at a festival there is a lot competing for your time – from your favorite bands and friends you haven’t seen all winter, so most of us don’t want to spend the weekend over a hot grill. But that doesn’t mean you have to rely on pre-packaged granola bars or trips to the food vendors. Here are some easy eating tips to keep yourself full of more than just Cheez Doodles, soda and beer, as well as some tips for those who are looking for a gourmet experience.

Setting up a Camp Kitchen/ Packing the Cooler:

1) Stock large plastic bins with all of your kitchen essentials – you can take them out of the car and leave them out without getting worrying about them getting wet or messy. Don’t forget a frying pan, tongs, spatula, cutting board, knife , dish soap, sponge and towels. The container can also double as a sink to do your dishes!

2) If you have one of the newer camping grills that only have a small cover for use when storing – buy a pack of disposable foil pans – not only can you use it as a lid to keep the heat in (so food cooks faster) but you can also use it as a pan.

3) To keep food fresh, use a separate cooler just for food – it will get opened less often which helps keep it stay colder. Also use frozen water bottles (or juice containers) in your food cooler, they stay solid longer than cubed ice and won’t leak all over the food.

READ ON for the rest of our third Festival Survival Guide…

It seems that every band out there is aching to throw a festival of their own and The Heavy Pets are no exception. After two succcessful years, the Pets’ PetZoo Festival 2010 moves to Priedaine in Freehold, NJ for its third year – a private fairground owned by the New Jersey Latvian Society. The site […]

Camp Bisco 9 @ Indian Lookout Country Club – July 15-17

It seems that every year the Disco Biscuits bassist Marc Brownstein starts the last set of the weekend by commenting, “This Was The Best Camp Bisco Yet!” and yes, this year it rings truer than ever.

[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]

From the eclectic artists who kept the music flowing – about 48 hours in total – all weekend long to the new art installations which dazzled and entranced attendees, there was more action at Camp Bisco 9 than ever. While the Biscuits were only able to complete five of their six sets scheduled for the weekend – one set was lost due to safety concerns from heavy lightning – there was no shortage of music to keep you moving all day and night long. While the main focus of the festival seems to be turning to more of an electronic mix, there was much more than just DJs spinning over the weekend.

There were a few major changes that dramatically increased the amount of music that you could see over the weekend. Following the catastrophic rains that left last year’s Dance Tent anything but functional, the tent, which showcases DJs all weekend long and provides late night music till 4AM, was moved to a better location closer to the road up the path from the main stage. Also, a second stage was added adjacent to the Main Stage allowing bigger acts to play back to back without breaking for set changes. The Silent Disco debuted this year giving fans another great late night option that ran just short of sunrise. Other fun additions to the landscape at the Indian Lookout Country Club included performances each night by the Philadelphia Experiment – a dance troupe that included fire dancers, fire hoopers and poi spinners.

Thursday, July 15

On Thursday afternoon, Rubblebucket’s Kalmia Traver rocked a sax that was about the same size as her and the band brought a funky Jazz vibe to Camp Bisco. Many fans soon pushed on to the Dance Tent to dance with Orchard Lounge, who showed that no matter what time it is if you are ready to throw down some hot tracks, people will be there to hear it. Even with a five hour wait to enter the venue, there was no shortage of fans checking out what was their first set of the weekend. Never an act to rest on their laurels, OL also played the VIP tent vs. Magner and the Silent Disco. Pretty Lights took the stage after the Biscuits’ first set of the weekend with their Finally Moving Remix featuring an Etta James sample that had the whole crowd singing along. LCD Soundsystem closed the main stage on Night One by giving props to New York with a combination of New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down and Jay-Z’s Empire State of Mind.

READ ON for more from Jeremy and Carla on Camp Bisco 9…

A few weeks back I gave you my ultimate list for having the best campsite around, this list gets a little more personal. While you might be able to rely on your better prepared friends to bring the tarps and grills, for certain items you are on your own. While this list has some essential to keep you fresh and clean, don’t forget the basics – rain gear, plenty of shoe options, a sweatshirt or jacket for cool night time weather and socks…lots of them!

1) Solar showers are a cinch to use (just fill with water and toss it on top of your car to heat in the sun). They take up barely any room but feel so good when you are too hot to think or too dirty to sleep. Bring a shower mat (though a less expensive plastic one will also work) to keep feet out of dirt, but let the water through. Also don’t forget a jug to fill the shower…or to hold some spare water if you’re far away from a water source.

2) If you are planning on using the on-site showers trailers bring a backpack to tote your essentials. Since the shower is also your changing room something waterproof is a great idea (to keep a change of clothes/ towel dry). I also suggest a pair of cheap plastic flip flops for the showers – its often wet and muddy in the areas surrounding them.

READ ON for more of Pt. 2 of our Festival Survival Guide…

Every year, countless thousands of music fans – from first-timers to seasoned veterans – travel to music festivals of all shapes and sizes. There are many lists of essentials, but here are some of the time honored secrets that can really make your experience better. These suggestions could make the difference from being awakened by the burning sun or sleeping caked in mud. This first post will deal with setting up the best possible camp which means a lot of tips for the rain. The Boy Scouts had it right when they said “Be Prepared!”

[All photos by Jeremy Gordon]

#1 – If you will be camping in your van or SUV, invest in window screens to help you keep the car cool but bug free (or DIY with a roll of screen and some magnets from a home store) and don’t forget pop up solar sun screens.

#2 – If you are tent camping, use old yoga mats to make a tent floor. To make a more comfortable bed place an egg crate on top of your air mattress – or better yet a cot – and a towel underneath to soak up any condensation. Finally, when you leave for the day either put your sleeping stuff & pillow in a car to keep them dry or wrap it up in a blanket to keep moisture and condensation away.

#3 – Bring an extra small plastic bin for shoes – you can leave it right outside your tent or car and shoes won’t get wet or muddy.

READ ON for more tips to make your festival experience great…

While the festival season has grown in recent years, most see Memorial Day as the official opening weekend. Traditionally, many of the festivals on this weekend were smaller, local options but this year we add another large festival to the mix giving fans more options for music over the long weekend. Just don’t forget the weather can still be a little cool & unpredictable so make sure you don’t forget that extra sweatshirt & rain gear!

[Photo by Jeremy Gordon]

FurthurFest
For those of you out on the West Coast (or willing to travel) Furthur has you covered with their inaugural festival at the Calaveras Fairground in Angels Camp, CA. Furthur, which brings together Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, will play 6 full sets over the weekend each covering an entire Grateful Dead album making this the perfect choice for Deadhead’s young and old. Saturday will see American Beauty, Workingman’s Dead and Anthem of the Sun, while Sunday will cover Blues for Allah, Aoxomoxoa and Terrapin Station. Hot Tuna, Jackie Greene and Larry Campbell as well as other GD friends and family will be joining in over the weekend to round out the line up. Tickets start at $125 with a VIP option available. READ ON for more…

On April 10th, Hidden Track got the unique opportunity to spend the entire day with full access to the Massachusetts based jamband, The Brew as they prepared for their headlining performance at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. The concert – in front of 900 fans at the historic theater – was complete with sit-ins, video projections, a full lighting rig, one extremely colorful costume and eight hi-def cameras to capture it all.

The highlights from the evening included favorites Faces, Radio Swiss, and on the aptly named New Funk, where band members Joe, Chris Plante and Kelly Kane added some great explorations. Dave Drouin’s vocals and guitar work shined on a spot on cover of Boston’s Foreplay / Longtime and The Beatles’ Hello Goodbye with Matt Paine jumping in on pedal steel gave those with less familiarity with the original material, additional reason to cheer. The evening also saw 15-year-old Seth Campbell, resplendent in his Peruvian finery, sit in on First of Things and Eyes of the Giant, but it was his flute work on I Do Believe during the second set that brought the crowd to its feet.

READ ON for more of Jeremy’s pics and thoughts on The Brew…

“When you look at a city, it’s like reading the hopes, aspirations and pride of everyone who built it.” Hugh Newell Jacobsen

Of course what Mr. Jacobsen forgets is that a city is an impolite and imperfect marriage of those aspirations. Who does the city belong to and who owns its cultural heritage, episode three of HBO’s Treme asks. Davis McAlary assumes it belongs to him and the musicians of Treme. That no military police can tell him how to act in front of his house and that his rich white neighbors can’t possibly understand the specific history of the neighborhood and even invokes Trombone Shorty’s name in the discussion.*

*Funny moment: Early in the episode Davis, whom is white, unemployed, a part-time musician and a longtime music snob – i.e. a HIPSTER – is railing against gentrification when it’s an older gay couple, whom he’s (wrongly) assumed have no ties to the area. Later on he’s inspired to sing proudly about the group of strippers that have moved into the neighborhood and even uses the line, “You can call it gentrification, but I call it good!”

The musicians on the other hand, have their own ideas about their place in New Orleans. Delmond Lambreaux suggests that while New Orleans loves its music, it doesn’t have nearly as much love for its musicians and almost begs Trombone Shorty to leave the city for greener pastures in New York or Europe. Even the famous Dr. John, during rehearsals for a benefit at Lincoln Center worries that he’ll be criticized for not presenting the Mardi Gras Indian songs with enough “respect”.

READ ON for more on episode three of HBO’s Treme…

While it has been two years since The Wire ended its five season run on HBO, it’s still hard to shake the poignant view it gave us into the reality of Baltimore’s streets. David Simon didn’t sugar coat addiction and corruption by packing it into a neat little 45 min episodes, each with its own […]

At some point during its five year run, The Wire evolved from a lowly rated & unwanted show about the City of Baltimore, to arguably one of the greatest shows ever seen on the small screen. Mixing the stories of cops, dockworkers, city officials, street dealers & heroin abusers, The Wire used memorable characters to […]

Soulive @ Brooklyn Bowl – Friday, March 5, 2010

Words – Carla Danca
Photos – Jeremy Gordon

No one out there that can deny the energy that Eric Krasno and Alan and Neal Evans have as the trio Soulive, but when you add in a rotating casts of special guests, a giant disco ball, all night bowling and fried chicken you end up with so much more.

Many have spoken about how Pete Shapiro’s Brooklyn Bowl complex has changed the way people go to shows. With the Blue Ribbon kitchen cooking up tasty food till after the show is done, the only thing that you need to worry about is if you should go for the white or the dark meat. Bowlive on Friday night exemplified exactly how well this concept can work, a total carnival for the senses, creating an adult playground at its finest.

Scanning the crowd, there was interesting mix of people, young and old, hippie and hipster but everyone was in it together when Soulive started up a set that included their originals and some jaw dropping covers. As the first notes of the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby and I Want You (She’s So Heavy) rang out, everyone was looking around in disbelief. But before most people even realized, they were part of it, singing along and acting as one as Krasno broke out into the biggest smile.

READ ON for more from Carla & Jeremy’s fantastic photos…

With summer festival announcements starting to role in, it’s no surprise that Camp Bisco is again scheduled to be held at Indian Lookout Country Club (ILCC). The biker haven has hosted Camp Bisco since 2006, and continues to be one of the best  festival sites in the Northeast. Camp Bisco, now in its 9th year, […]

Words by Carla Danca
Photos by Jeremy Gordon

After an amazing year on the road the Disco Biscuits returned to New York City’s Nokia Theater for the 2nd year for their New Year’s Holiday Run. Memories of the chaos and cold from last year couldn’t keep people away as the show was again sold out much in advance. With a light wet snow falling outside, the theater staff was much better prepared to greet the masses of fans going into the show, and the smooth entry process allowed everyone to get inside before the first notes of M.E.P.H.I.S rang out. The night started early. Though the curfew at the Nokia was extended for the NYE festivities, tDB went on without an opener and hit the stage promptly at 9:30 much to my surprise.

The past year has been a big one for the Disco Biscuits. From creating their own festival at Red Rocks, to their big sets at Rothbury and High Sierra Music Festival, to a new video on mtvU, the signing with Red Light Management, and the constant teasing of the long awaited album Planet Anthem. The quartet has been in high gear with no signs of stopping. While the entire holiday run is getting rave reviews (especially 12/30/09), this NYE show was one for the records.

Overall just a great collection of shows from start to finish that showed off how tight and together these guys have become.

READ ON to read more about tDB’s New Year’s run and Jeremy’s photos.

Words: Carla Danca
Images: Jeremy Gordon

As many friends were finalizing their plans for the Phish run this week, I headed over to Terminal 5 in NYC on Friday night to see the lovely Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. While Phish has become the polarizing force in the jamband scene this year, either as re-energizing the crazed fanbase or overwhelming a few bands at the bottom – and everyone’s wallet in between – GPN has moved in a different direction altogether.

While you see GPN at many of the summer festivals (including playing at Bonnaroo with Phish headlining) it would be hard to say that they are still part of the “jam” music scene any longer. Grace Potter has made the successful crossover from the festival/ hippie scene into main stream music and TV (with songs used on One Tree Hill and Grey’s Anatomy) and more importantly she did it without losing any of the talent that originally propelled her.

After an opening acts from Sean Bones and Brett Dennen, the stage went dark for a dramatic entrance by first the Nocturnals and then spotlight appearing, Grace came out last beating on her tambourine in a sexy green sequined dress. Staples like Mastermind and Apologies from This is Somewhere started the night off setting the tune for a high energy set by GPN. READ ON for more from Jeremy and Carla…

On an evening when the attention of an entire city – and most of the Northeast – was turned to a small baseball game in the Bronx, jamband veterans Blues Traveler returned home to The Filmore New York at Irving Plaza for the first time in over a year. For over two hours, the band treated the packed house to classic covers, special guests, and their own hit singles.

Mixing Sublime’s, What I’ve Got and Cheap Trick’s, I Want You to Want Me, with Hook, The Mountains Win Again, and of course everyone’s favorite, Run-Around, John Popper invited old friends Jamie McLean to the stage for Mulling It Over (just weeks after his sit in at Sullivan Hall with former Spin Doctors lead Chris Barron) and the lovely Falu to join in on The Path.

With the evening winding down and news of the World Series victory spreading through the crowd, John and bassist Tad Kinchla (in an appropriately attired in a Yankee cap) began the encore with a Led Zepplin tease into a “Let’s Go Yankees” chant, before finishing up with Forever Owed and But Anyway and releasing the delirious crowd into the crisp night.

Set: How You Remember It> What’s For Breakfast, Girl Inside My Head> Slow Change, What I Got> Mulling It Over*, You, Me & Everything> NY Prophesies, The Mountains Win Again, The Beacons> I Want You To Want Me, Carolina Blues, Look Around, The Path**, Just For Me, Nail> Hook, Dropping Some NYC> Crash Burn> Dropping Some NYC, Run-Around

Encore: Forever Owed, But Anyway

* with Jamie McLean on guitar
** with Falu on vocals

READ ON for more of Jeremy’s Traveler photos…

For the second year in a row, Philadelphia’s Lotus kicked off their tour at one of city’s most intimate venues, the Mercury Lounge. Embarking on a 35+ date run, the band remarked on their love for New York City’s music fans, but had no love for the tenuous parking situation in the Big Apple.

[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]

For many in the sold out house it was their first chance to catch the band with Mike Greenfield on drums – who is filling in while regular drummer Steve Clemens is out on paternity leave – and the results were impressive. Mixing in old classics and new material from their next album, fans and band members alike, danced, joked (Let Chuck Sing!) and sweated until the early hours. Highlights from Saturday night included hot versions of Suitcases, Tip of the Tongue, Wax and an excellent Hammerstrike to finish the evening off.

Next up for Lotus is a two-night stand beginning on October 02 at Aces Lounge in Austin, TX; before the Philadelphia quintet moves on to the west coast with friends Break Science. For those unable to make it to New York City this weekend, Lotus will be returning on November 28th at Terminal 5 with special guests RJD2 and the Junior Boys

READ ON for the setlists and more of Jeremy’s photos…

Sunday morning is always a mellow day for Gathering of the Vibes. With the four day weekend coming to a close and the festival rolling into its last hours of music, many are busy packing up camp and getting ready for the trip home. Some are exchanging emails with their camping neighbors, while others are getting the number from a cute girl they danced with through till the morning sun. However, this year’s headliner Crosby Stills and Nash helped to draw many new attendees to the site for Sunday only. A deal that was even further sweetened by the Sunday only VIP option allowing you to show up and get down, no camping supplies needed.

[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]

The morning started off with the World Peace Prayer and the Harlem Gospel Choir, similar to last year’s Sunday lineup. The sweet soothing sounds gently nudged the sleeping masses awake. At the GOTV, even church on Sunday involves singing and getting down.

Next up was a different sort of religion as John Brown’s Body came out strong with their reggae sounds. It somehow seems like sunny Sunday mornings are made for listening to reggae. The boys from Boston get you on your feet and moving with out exaggerating the previous night’s head-ache.

READ ON for the rest of Jeremy and Carla’s recap of day four…

Saturday finally brought a day of gorgeous summertime weather worthy of the incredible lineup. With a slew of hay laid down on the fields to soak up the extra moisture and keep the mud at bay, the music never stops at Gathering of the Vibes, but it sure is a lot nicer enjoying it in the sunshine.

[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]

The day began with a surprise announcement that State Radio wouldn’t be able to make it for their 5:30 PM slot so all of the morning bands were given a little bit of extra time which seems to put smiles on fan’s faces.

The Ryan Montbleau Band, a festival favorite from Boston – who never disappoint with their blend of silly, soulful songs that can’t help but put a smile on your face – took full advantage of the precious extra minutes. Their setlist included favorites off 2007’s Patience on Friday album including Eggs plus 75 and Sunny as well as Dead favorite Unbroken Chain. Even the wet field couldn’t stop all the pretty girls from hooping along.

• GOTV 2009 Recaps: Day 1, Day 2

READ ON for more from Jeremy and Carla on the Vibes…

Day Two of the Gathering of the Vibes began with sunny skies ominous signs lay ahead. King for a Day kicked off the main stage, a local CT band that has played Vibes for four years now, their set included a lovely Jack-a-Roe. It’s great to see so many area bands taking to the stage here at Vibes – showing and promoting the area’s live music scene.

[All Photos by Jeremy Gordon]

Strangefolk hit the stage next and guitarist Jon Trafton’s wife Jennifer came to the stage and sat in on backing vocals for a song. The shout out of the day, however went to Chuck Garvey of moe. who saved Jon’s broken amp and possibly the show.

JJ Grey and Mofro haven’t been to a GOTV in many years since the festival moved from its upstate NY location, but that wasn’t lost on the audience when he started on the classic blues standard I Got My Mojo Workin’. Like they say Vibes is about re-connecting with old friends and turning to your neighbor to make new friends so it’s only fitting that his southern hospitality fits right on in.

Wavy Gravy, a gentleman that has been on the scene for longer than most attendees yet still finds ways to let his clown spirit shine, took to the stage and guided fans through a fun journey as the official MC for the event.

READ ON for more on the Vibes from Carla and Jeremy…