Known as the Northeast’s premier music, arts and camping festival, the 17th annual Gathering of the Vibes will deliver a four-day extravaganza featuring a stellar lineup including: Primus, Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby with Special Guest Branford Marsalis, Mickey Hart Band, Sound Tribe Sector 9, The Avett Brothers, along with Yonder Mountain String Band, 7 Walkers, The Greyboy Allstars, and Steel Pulse. Vibes favorites Dark Star Orchestra, Zappa Plays Zappa, and Bridgeport’s own Deep Banana Blackout will return to the stage in 2012. Over 40 bands will perform on multiple stages located throughout the 370-acre beachfront venue. While Early Bird tickets have sold out, Way Advance ticket pricing has been extended as a token of thanks to the “Vibe Tribe” for their neverending love of great music and good times.

“The Vibes is a seminal gathering of the tribes, and should be supported by those who spawned it,” shared Mickey Hart, founding member of The Grateful Dead.

Continuing its tradition of embracing new, undiscovered artists, Vibes is letting its 130,000 Facebook fans select one up-and-coming band to perform in front of 20,000+ music enthusiasts. Fans are encouraged to vote by June 1st using the Road to the Vibes App and the winner will be announced in early June.

“Gathering of the Vibes celebrates the way music allows us to share that which goes beyond words,” explained festival founder Ken Hays. “Right now there’s a convergence of jam bands, electronica, and rock and roll - bridging the generations and truly making this a festival with something for everyone.”

Gathering of the Vibes is an all ages, family friendly event, offering an exclusive Family Camping area, Kids Corner, Teen Scene including interactive programing and a “School of Rock Teen Vibes Stage,” featuring musical instruction and jam sessions with Main Stage artists.

Single day and Weekend VIP ticket holders enjoy added perks: expedited entry and rock-star parking with easy in/out access, shaded camping areas along with catered meals, snacks and beverages, air conditioned bathroom trailers, and hot showers. Located stage left on the concert field, the massive VIP hospitality tent and viewing platforms offer exceptional stage sightlines and the opportunity to mix and mingle with artists. Single Day, Weekend, and VIP tickets are on sale now at: www.GOVIBES.com.

Seaside Park is easily accessible by public transportation and just 50 miles from Manhattan. Fans traveling from NYC can take Metro North or the Port Jefferson Ferry. Shuttle bus service will transport festival attendees to and from the venue, local area hotels, the ferry, train and bus stations. Discounted hotel accommodations at Vibes preferred hotels are available here.

Follow Gathering of the Vibes on Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace, or check the message boards for the most updated festival information.

Sunday is “Family Day” at the Gathering of the Vibes, allowing families to attend the festival at a significantly reduced ticket price. Available only at the gate, kids 15 & under are free and all Connecticut residents and members of our military showing a photo ID will gain entrance admitted for $20. Family Day offers the ideal compromise between children’s need to have fun and parents’ desire to watch some music and catch up with old friends.

Gathering of the Vibes, the Northeast’s premier camping, music & arts celebration, remains a pioneer in creating a truly family friendly festival experience. Last year, Vibes hosted 700 families & their kids – 1,800 children under the age of 15 were in attendance. This unique “community” experience is what ultimately separates Gathering of the Vibes from all other music festivals, using music to bring generations together.

“In 2011, ‘Family Day’ turned out better than we ever envisioned. The positive ‘vibe’ was amazing, and the spirit of thousands of young people in attendance was palatable,” says Ken Hays, festival founder. “We want to continue celebrating family, our fellow Connecticut residents, and thanking the men and women who serve our country. ‘Family Day’ has become a great platform for us to do just that.”

School of Rock Partnership & Teen Vibes Stage

The Vibes is pleased to again partner with the nationally acclaimed School of Rock organization. SOR is the leading performance-based music education program with schools located throughout the country, including Fairfield, Conn. The School of Rock Teen Vibes Stage will feature some incredibly advanced young artists, offer music lessons, and organize jam sessions for every age and talent group. For more about School of Rock at Vibes and a full All Stars schedule, click here.

“The extraordinary talent of these School of Rock kids completely blew us away last year,” Hays. “To see these teens perform with clear focus and vision was inspiring to us all. Teens inspired by something other than video games and TV – there’s hope for future generations!”

Kids Corner & Teen Scene

Celebrating its 13th installment at the festival, Kid’s Corner, led by Gabrielle Fugere and Andy "The Music Man" Morse, is a clean, safe, fun, and exciting place for younger children. Kids Corner & Teen Scene is located in a shaded, tree lined area with plenty of space for having fun, with the Family Camping area situated nearby. For info on Kids Corner, Teen Scene, and families at the Vibes, click here.

Sunday festivities kick off with the World Peace Prayer and Flag Ceremony, where children who have created special puppets at the Kids Corner lead a Mardi Gras parade to the Main Stage, where every country on Earth is recognized in a group prayer. This prayer, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” is guided by 1960’s icon Wavy Gravy alongside James Dugan of The World Peace Prayer Society.

Gathering of the Vibes welcomed over 20,000 fans per day last year, despite record-breaking heat. With more than 160,000 Facebook fans, the festival continues to attract a diverse, multigenerational audience, affectionately known as the ‘Vibe Tribe.’ A full artist lineup and ticket details for this year’s four-day extravaganza is available at http://www.GOVIBES.com.

Seaside Park is easily accessible by public transportation and just 50 miles from Manhattan. Fans traveling from NYC and Long Island may take Metro North or the Port Jefferson Ferry. Shuttle bus service will transport festival attendees to and from the venue, local area hotels, the ferry, train, and bus stations.

For complete and up-to-the-minute Gathering of the Vibes information, visit www.GOVIBES.com and follow Gathering of the Vibes on Facebook, Twitter, or check the message boards.

The Gathering of the Vibes and the City of Bridgeport have confirmed an agreement to hold the annual music, camping, and arts festival at Seaside Park for five more years, through 2017. The 18^th Gathering of the Vibes will return to the shores of the Long Island Sound July 25-28, 2013. Plans are already in motion for making next summer’s festival an unforgettable experience for all ages. 

Just in time for holiday stocking stuffers, tickets for the 18^th Annual Gathering of the Vibes go on sale today at 10:00 a.m. EST. Visit http://govibes.com for details.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch commented, "The Gathering of the Vibes is an exceptional addition to Bridgeport's blossoming arts and entertainment scene. We're excited to continue developing Bridgeport's relationship with Vibes for another five years and look forward to the tremendous opportunity to showcase the Park City to thousands of out-of-town guests from throughout the country."

Gathering of the Vibes executive director, Ken Hays added, "I am grateful to Mayor Finch and the entire City of Bridgeport for all their support over the years. This agreement solidifies the genuine relationship between the Vibes and this city; and epitomizes the original vision of legendary Bridgeport resident and circus impresario, P.T. Barnum, who donated the park land for all who wanted to hear music.” 

Founded in 1996, Gathering of the Vibes’ rich music history includes performances by both legends and rising stars including: Crosby, Stills & Nash, all living members of the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers Band, James Brown, Elvis Costello, Primus, Derek Trucks, Jane’s Addiction, and hundreds more. 

Over the past seventeen years, the Vibes has returned to the picturesque, coastal Connecticut park eight times, more than any other venue. Some younger fans may even consider the festival to be synonymous with the park’s beaches and waterfront. The Vibes’ main stage is so close to the Long Island Sound, attendees can walk from the concert field and into the waterfront to chill out during their favorite bands. 

The fondness between Gathering of the Vibes and Bridgeport runs deeper than aesthetics. Festival organizers have joined together with Bridgeport non-profits to effect positive change within the community. Attendees can volunteer to cleanup area beaches, or help facilitate the collection of non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and new or gently used clothing items that people bring to the festival’s annual drive. Last year's concert goers gathered 12,516 lbs. of combined donations. 100% of those goods and supplies were distributed to local shelters including: the Connecticut Food Bank, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and the Center for Women and Families. The goal for 2013 is no less than 15,000lbs! 

For tickets and festival information please visit www.govibes.com.

The 18^th annual Gathering of the Vibes announces their initial line-up, keeping their track record – for nearly two decades as the premier music, arts and camping festival in the Northeast.

Returning to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT for the 7^th year in a row, the four-day event features the top names in Rock & Roll alongside talented up-and-comers and local musicians. Headliners include: Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh & Friends featuring: John Scofield, John Medeski, Joe Russo and John Kadlecik; Southern Rock icons The Black Crowes; Grammy winners Tedeschi Trucks Band, featuring Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks; Grammy Award winners and the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Roots; Grace Potter & The Nocturnals; Australia’sJohn Butler Trio - back by popular demand; and late night DJ sets by James Murphy (DFA/LCD Soundsystem) and Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation).

“Our 2013 lineup is a result of sorting through thousands of comments and surveys responses; we hope to deliver an experience that keeps our core fans happy while remaining diverse and current,” commented Ken Hays, festival founder. “It’s a model and approach that works for us.”

This year’s lineup also includes New Orleans funk legends the funky METERS, Americana new-grass rockers, Railroad Earth; distinguished jazz legend John Scofield; lords of punk/ska FISHBONE; son of Willie Nelson – Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real; and gifted singer/songwriter/Vibes regular, the Ryan Montbleau Band are among some of the many notable bands and artists performing. Bridgeport’s own Funk superstars Deep Banana Blackout will return to the Vibes stage along with Latin rock band Cosmic Jibaros. The Silent Disco returns, proving that the loudest late night party on the beach can’t be heard. **Additional artist announcement are still to come.

In total, Gathering of the Vibes will host over 40 bands in 2013 on multiple stages located throughout the historic and scenic 370-acre beachfront venue. Latest updates are available at www.GOVIBES.com.

Gathering of the Vibes is an all ages, family friendly event, offering an exclusive Family Camping area, Kids Corner, Teen Scene including interactive programming and a "School of Rock Teen Vibes Stage," featuring musical instruction and jam sessions with Main Stage artists.

Though tickets at the Early Bird price range have sold out, Way Advance tickets are still available. VIP ticket holders enjoy added perks: expedited entry and rock-star parking with easy in/out access, shaded camping areas along with catered meals, snacks and beverages, air conditioned bathroom trailers, and hot showers. Located stage left on the concert field, the massive VIP hospitality tent and viewing platforms offer exceptional stage sightlines and the opportunity to mix and mingle with artists. For complete ticket buying options, please visit: www.GOVIBES.com.

Seaside Park is easily accessible by public transportation and just 50 miles from Manhattan. Fans traveling from NYC can travel easily via Metro North or the Port Jefferson Ferry and shuttle bus service will transport attendees to and from the venue, local area hotels, the ferry, train and bus stations. Discounted hotel accommodations at Vibes preferred hotels are available here.

With an already stellar line up announced, the 18th Annual Gathering of The Vibes Festival is thrilled to welcome Blues Traveler, guitar impresario Steve Kimock & funky keyboard godfather Bernie Worrell, Jason Crosby Band, von Grey, Twiddle, and local festival favorites The Kind Buds, to its already impressive four-day lineup. They join the current roster of Jam Festival Favorites: Phil Lesh & Friends, The Black Crowes, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, The Roots, Funky Meters, John Butler Trio, Galactic, Fishbone, Deep Banana Blackout, John Scofield Uberjam, Ryan Montbleau Band, Max Creek, Lord Huron, Tribal Seeds, Lukas Nelson & The P.O.T.R, Kung Fu & Dojo Allstars; and Late Night DJ Sets by Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem. Festival organizers pointed to June 10th as the date for the next line-up reveal, and confirmed another HUGE artist addition and special guests announcements that will not disappoint. Dates for Vibes are: July 25th - July 28th, 2013The daily schedule is now available! This means fans can purchase Friday, Saturday, or Sunday Single Day Passes (VIP for Single Day is also available), or the Weekend Camping Passes (that allow concert goers to enter the venue on Thursday morning enjoy music throughout the weekend - including Late Night Sets). Over 40 bands will perform on multiple stages located throughout the 370-acre beachfront venue. “While the roots of Gathering of The Vibes remain deep in the ground with acts like Phil Lesh & Friends and The Black Crowes, the mainstream exposure of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in popular culture is revealing a convergence of jam and rock bands with electronic music,” notes festival founder Ken Hays. “The addition of the Late Night DJ Sets by Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem this year, keeps Gathering of the Vibes a festival with something for every generation. Over the last several years, we've witnessed the rise of EDM largely due to promotion by underground fans; this same phenomenon drove the music of the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers Band, and others in the emerging jam band scene of the 1960s.” Gathering of the Vibes continues its 18-year tradition of embracing new, undiscovered artists, by letting its 175,000+ Facebook fans select one up-and-coming band to perform in front of 20,000+ music enthusiasts. Fans are encouraged to vote by June 1st via the Road to the Vibes Contest App on the Vibes Facebook. The winner will be announced in early June. Go VIP! Single day and Weekend VIP ticket holders enjoy added perks: expedited entry and rock-star parking with easy in/out access, shaded camping areas along with catered meals, snacks and beverages, air conditioned bathroom trailers, and hot showers. Located stage left on the concert field, the massive VIP hospitality tent and viewing platforms offer exceptional stage sightlines and the opportunity to mix and mingle with artists. Single Day, Weekend, and VIP tickets are on sale now at: http://www.GOVIBES.com. - July 25th - July 28th, 2013Discounted hotel accommodations at Vibes preferred hotels are available here.Seaside Park is easily accessible by public transportation and just 50 miles from Manhattan. Fans traveling from NYC can take Metro North or the Port Jefferson Ferry. Shuttle bus service will transport festival attendees to and from the venue, local area hotels, the ferry, train and bus stations. Gathering of the Vibes is an all ages, family friendly event, offering an exclusive Family Camping area, Kids Corner, Teen Scene including interactive programing and a “School of Rock Teen Vibes Stage,” featuring musical instruction and jam sessions with Main Stage artists.Follow Gathering of the Vibes on Facebook, Twitter, or check the message boards for the most updated festival information.

The Vibes is thrilled to welcome Warren Haynes & Gov’t Mule back to Seaside Park following the band’s triumphant performance at the Mountain Jam Music Festival this past weekend.

One of the most righteous touring bands on the scene today, Gov’t Mule (guitarist and vocalist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Abts, keyboardist Danny Louis, and bassist Jorgen Carlsson) will rock the Vibes Main Stage Saturday, July 27^th, rounding out a line-up stacked with music legends and rising stars.

“I love playing the Vibes,” says Haynes. “Vibes is one of the early festivals built around the ‘jam band’ community. As we are half jam band (and half rock and roll band), it’s important to us to stay connected with all the roots as they grow.”

Saturday’s line-up includes: Lukas Nelson and the P.O.T.R., Tribal Seeds; Steve Kimock with Bernie Worrell; funky METERS; The Roots; Grace Potter & The Nocturnals; headliner Phil Lesh & Friends. Late night DJ sets from Rob Garza (Thievery Corporation) and James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem); Papadosio; and the Vibes late, late Silent Disco party on the beach will keep the energy flowing until sunrise. For festival details & ticket information go to: http://www.GOVIBES.COM.

Also new to the Vibes 2013 line-up is legendary saxophonist Bill Evans, performing as a featured guest with bands throughout the weekend.  At 22, Bill joined Miles Davis’ group, and from there toured the world playing with John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, Herbie Hancock, Lee Ritenour, Mick Jagger, and since 1990, his own band.

For the first time in Vibes history, the Late Night Stage will be opened up to single day ticket holders on Friday and Saturday. Late Night performances –previously only accessible to the thousands of weekend campers—will be available to purchase exclusively on-site for an additional $20 per night. Late Night performers include: Bridgeport’s own Deep Banana Blackout on Friday, with Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem throwing down until the wee morning hours, on Saturday. Complete Band Line-up Schedule is available at: http://gatheringofthevibes.com/schedule.

Discounted hotel accommodations at Vibes preferred hotels offering 24-hour shuttle bus service are available here. 

Seaside Park is easily accessible by public transportation and just 50 miles from Manhattan. Fans traveling from NYC can take Metro North or the Port Jefferson Ferry. Shuttle bus service will transport festival attendees to and from the venue, local area hotels, the ferry, train, and bus stations.

Gathering of the Vibes is an all ages, family friendly event, offering an exclusive Family Camping area, Kids Corner, Teen Scene including interactive programing, and a “School of Rock Teen Vibes Stage,” featuring musical instruction and jam sessions with Main Stage artists.