The lead singer, Tim of the Alternate Routes expresses his gratitude to the crowd, "We've been looking forward to playing the Vibes this year, ...have a great day, a great life...I love the gold pants" (to a audience member in the front). With heart felt lyrics the last song, a ballad revisits a lost love and the pain of moving on. I sense there is a lot of intention behind the band's lyrics, 'I'm still standing on the edge of something good'. The emcee remarks afterwards that the Alternate Routes are his new favorite band, and he wants a CD.
The impending rain has finally let loose upon us. I watch as the crew rushes to close the stage down. And all but one concert goer in their lonely black beach chair remains on the lawn (covered by an umbrella, only his feet exposed) on the mainstage lawn. Eventually the lawn is closed.
All said it took about 3 hours for the rain to pass through. Most of the time was spent watching the lightning bolts zig zag their away around the park. The rain and wind kicked fiercly causing us to move further into the tent, also casuing huge puddles to sporadically form.
As I am awoken by the sound of the sound equipment being tested and the voice of Jerry Garcia singing, 'here comes sunshine'. I watch Wavy Gravy light a candle in the hope of keeping the rain away but he is still in a rain poncho as well. I realize showtime is about to resume. Starting with New Riders of the Purple Sage then followed by The Bill Kreutzmann.
The Kreutzmann Trio is comprised of Kreutzmann, guitarist Scott Murawski and Oteil Burbridge (Allman Bros.) Their highly electric band incorporates straight up rock with a progressive flair. Improvisational sojourns color the ears with far reaching harmonies as songs bleed into one another. A highlight in the setlist was "Bertha" from the Dead's repertoire.
Later this afternoon while browsing the vendor booths I visit and with Tom of "Apsara". Tom Mond and his wife Sally Chan currently operate 2 vending stands. The vending stand here at the vibes is located on the outside perimeter of the main stage area, waterfront area. While Tom is here at the Vibes his wife Sally is at the Newport Festival. While not touring Asia for tribal art, antiques and carpeting, Tom and Sally work anywhere from 18 - 20 festivals a year, and are currently in the process of renovating a 200 year old church in their home town Eliot, Maine.
Their craft stands offer alternatives to the more commercial/ traditional tie dye fashion that is often found at 'hippie festivals'. Looking around in their spacious tent one can find distinct fashions ranging from sundresses, halter shirts, shorts, capris and fine jewelry. When asked about competition from vendors Tom remarks he 'personally doesn't mind, competition creates vibes'. He continues to speak in a very thoughtful manner, "there is a logic behind a group" and that they ' serve to support each other. Tom and Sally's items reflect their personal taste in a unique setting.
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