The 16th annual festival takes place July 21-24 at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Conn. This year marks the seventh time the event has been held at the 370-acre beachfront park.
The initial lineup also includes The Rhythm Devils with Keller Williams, Steve Kimock and Reed Mathis, in addition to moe., Levon Helm Band, John Butler Trio, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Dr. John and the Lower 911, Taj Mahal Trio, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk and Toots & The Maytals.
Gathering Of The Vibes has also booked Dark Star Orchestra, Ryan Montbleau Band, David Gans, Assembly of Dust, The McLovins, King For A Day and Deep Banana Blackout. The Late Night Stage will feature The New Mastersounds and Big Gigantic.
“Gathering of the Vibes continues its musical evolution and remains true to our roots with this year’s lineup,” says festival founder Ken Hays.
Hays founded the event in 1996 under the name “Deadhead Heaven – A Gathering of the Tribe” as a memorial party for Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia. The next year the festival was renamed “Gathering of the Vibes.” In 2000 the fest booked its first Grateful Dead member with a set by Bob Weir’s band Ratdog.
Bob Weir is back this year with Furthur, which also features Phil Lesh. The Rhythm Devils feature Grateful Dead drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart.
The second round of 2011 artists will be announced within the next two weeks.
Weekend camping passes are priced at $205. Friday and Saturday single day tickets are $75 each. Sunday single day tickets are $40.
VIP weekend camping passes are available for $420. This is the first year the festival is selling VIP single-day tickets. Saturday and Sunday single-day VIP tickets are $150 each. Sunday VIP single-day tickets are $125. VIP perks include special parking, a stage-side chill tent, catered meals, snacks and beverages.
Kids age 12 and under get into the festival for free if accompanied by an adult. Kids VIP passes are also available.
For more information, click here for Gathering Of The Vibes’ website.