Rockin' Rothbury

Bonnaroo is a huge annual music festival that takes place in Tennessee and has continued to grow each year since it started in 2002. I've never been, but I know many people who have and, from what I've heard and seen, it seems to be a real good time, and a well-done festival. Lineups have been terrific in the past, with artists such as Phish, The Dead, Les Claypool, Bruce Springsteen, The Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Tool, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, Metallica, etc. - some pretty big name bands, even Snoop Dogg. Of course not to mention dozens of terrific jambands, bluegrass infused string ensembles and great musicians of all sorts.

Up until this year, Bonnaroo was the most talked about and pretty much biggest festival around, with a 2009 attendance of more than 75,000. This is huge, but Double J Ranch in Rothbury Michigan is slowly starting to rise to meet the masses of Bonnaroo, by providing the music and the experience that festival goers all over the nation are seeking. Rothbury Festival is hands-down the best music experience I've ever had in my life. From what I heard while I was there this summer, from people who have been to Bonnaroo, it's the best festival a lot of people have ever been to.

Of course, this is subjective, because that can be based on a lot of things. There's absolutely no doubt that they have the music covered without question. Rothbury has had lineups with artists such as The Dead, String Cheese Incident, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Black Crowes, Damian Marley, Jackie Greene, Umphrey's McGee, Toots & the Maytals, Flogging Molly, Railroad Earth, Taj Mahal, Mike Gordon, Trey Anastasio, State Radio and many many more.

In addition to the kickass lineup they have numerous activities and such that people can participate in. The had Think Tanks and people speaking about the environment. In fact, the festival itself was completely green: being environment-friendly and everything green. There were people guarding every trash station with their only job to make sure people are throwing things into the right receptacle: compost, trash and recyclable. It was cool, everything was served in cups or on plates made from corn starch. Bathrooms were cleaned every few hours or so. It was very comfortable and accommodating.

Something Phishy Goin' On

As some of you may have heard, Phish has been touring the country, tearing up venue lots everywhere they go. I recently caught a show in Portland, at the Cumberland Count Civic Center. To be honest, it was the first Phish show I've ever been to. I almost saw them before their breakup at the IT Festival in Limestone, but was unable to attend. I was also a lot younger then, and probably wouldn't have had the appreciation for the music as I would today.

It was an excellent show, though I had nothing to compare it to, it was it's own thing. You just had to be there to experience the feeling they're trying to communicate to you through their instruments. I went alone to the show and ended up meeting up with some people I had met at a couple festivals earlier, and we went in to the show together. We got in a little early while everyone else was still hanging out in the lot, so we got a terrific spot. We were right at the barricade up front towards the left side of the stage. I was literally forty feet from Trey Anastasio. It was unbelievable.

They energy that they brought to the place was amazing. For anyone who hasn't heard of Phish, or hasn't heard any of their stuff, I strongly recommend that you log onto LivePhish.com and stream some live music. I can assure you that you'll truly enjoy at least some of it. They have more upcoming shows, with their last four shows being played in Miami at the American Airlines Arena over New Year's Eve. I can only imagine what the scene's going to be like outside of that place for four nights. Unbelievable!

Furthermore Furthur Tour Dates

So Furthur has extended their tour quite extensively, I am soooo excited. At first, they had scheduled shows in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and San Francisco totaling about 6 shows. They've since added on about 10 or more shows. So i've decided I'm gonna hit the Manchester, New Hampshire show.

Everybody's loving the tour so far, i've heard nothing but good things. I downloaded a recent show and it was very good. Had a more jerry-like authentic feel to it. The guitarist in place of Jerry sounds like 1980's Jerry. He has the moan-like quality to his voice that has characteristics of Jerry, and I can imagine being there all tripped out and telling myself that I'm actually listening to Jerry play. That would be great.

Furthur has much more characteristics of earlier Grateful Dead. They're jamming is great! Of course, Bobby and Phil's playing styles have changed over the years, but it happens. People find new things to play. Plus the sound at these shows has been great, awesome engineers. It doesn't have the southern rock feel like The Dead with Warren Haynes sounded, although sometimes I really like Warren cuz i think he sounds a lot like early 80's Brent Mydland.

Anyway, you should all check out the scene if you're into the Dead and wanna have your mind blown. just don't stay too long! the scene is fun and all, but it has it's evils. Sadly, I recognize them every time I'm in it and it sort of depresses me. Oh well I guess...