Umphrey's McGee

After a summer of much-praised high-profile festival performances, pop prog rockers Umphrey’s McGee heads indoors this fall to play in many of the country’s most beloved theatres. As always, along the way Umphrey’s continues to raise the bar for fan experiences, with their innovative and interactive Stew Art events planned in at least a few markets, and an incredibly creative first-time offer of “Enhanced Experience” fan packages for their always-epic Halloween Monster Mash-Up in St. Louis on October 30 and 31.

Big IV Productions owner and CEO Lyle Williams and director/Chief promoter Paul Levine continue to shape Florida’s music scene with plans to bring two festivals to Live Oak, Florida’s Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in 2010. Returning for its fourth consecutive year, Bear Creek Music Festival will take place November 12-14 and the inaugural Blackwater Music & Art Festival will touch down August 26-28.

Until I arrived at this year’s Gathering of The Vibes Festival in Bridgeport, CT, I didn’t know I was looking for something. Until I left, I didn’t realize that I had found it. The following is a recounting of that journey. Along the way masters in the field of musical entertainment will appear. All were influential, some more than others. But as you read this recounting of GOTV 2010, remember that this is one man’s quest.

As I was walking on the hill in Boulder to get some Chinese food and a beer before the show, I passed by a very animated and excited Jeff Austin (mandolin player from Yonder Mountain String Band) talking to a friend.

Gathering of the Vibes, the largest and most-respected Music, Arts and Camping Festival in the Northeast, is thrilled to return to Seaside Park, on the shores of Long Island Sound in Bridgeport, CT, July 29 through August 1.