Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Gathering of the Vibes

The Gathering of the Vibes (GOTV) was an annual four-day music, arts, and festival that celebrated the subculture and music scene, attracting approximately 25,000 attendees each year. Founded in 1996 by Ken Hays and Bob Kennedy as a memorial to frontman , who had died the previous year, the event began at SUNY Purchase in under the name "Deadhead Heaven – A Gathering of the Tribe." It was renamed Gathering of the Vibes in 1997 and relocated to Croton Point Park in , marking its shift to a dedicated format. Over its two-decade run, the festival moved through several venues, including a debut at Seaside Park in , in 1999; a high-attendance event in , in 2001; and a five-year residency at Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, New York, from 2002 to 2006. It returned to Seaside Park in 2007 for a long-term commitment, where it became a staple on the waterfront, fostering a atmosphere with , workshops, and environmental initiatives. The lineup consistently featured Grateful Dead founding members and alumni, such as , , and , alongside jam bands like , , and , as well as diverse acts including , , and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Notable milestones included the 2000 debut of , the 2014 tenth anniversary return to Seaside Park, and the 2015 20th anniversary edition, which drew widespread acclaim for its blend of music, art installations, and community vibe. Following the 2015 event, festival organizer Ken Hays announced a hiatus for 2016 to reassess operations and explore future possibilities, citing the need for rest after 20 consecutive years. Despite initial plans for a potential return in 2017 under an existing contract with Bridgeport, the event did not resume, effectively concluding its run as a landmark in the jam band festival circuit.

Overview

Origins and Founding

The Gathering of the Vibes was founded in 1996 by Ken Hays, a local businessman and avid fan who owned Tapes, and promoter Bob Kennedy, in response to the death of leader on August 9, 1995. The inaugural event, titled "Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe," took place on May 25 at the SUNY Purchase campus in , as a one-day designed to honor Garcia's legacy and reunite the grieving community. Attracting around 3,500 attendees from the and scenes, the gathering emphasized spiritual renewal and communal celebration amid the band's touring hiatus. Bob Kennedy's expertise as a promoter proved essential in the early organization, including coordinating logistics and obtaining permits for the campus venue after a planned tribute fell through. The event's success, bolstered by partnerships like that with Dupree's Diamond News for booking, highlighted the demand for such gatherings. By 1997, the festival was renamed "Gathering of the Vibes" to broaden its scope and appeal to a wider audience beyond an exclusive focus, while relocating to Croton Point Park. This foundational memorial event laid the groundwork for the festival's expansion into a multi-day format celebrating diverse .

Festival Format and Features

The began as a one-day event in 1996 and evolved into a four-day by 1999, typically held in late July over a . This structure allowed attendees to immerse themselves in a continuous experience blending , , and outdoor living, with the festival concluding after its 2015 edition. Core features included multiple stages for performances, such as the main stage for headliners and smaller ones like the Green Vibes Stage for emerging acts and educational sessions. areas were central, providing designated zones for tents and low-impact setups to foster a sense of communal "VibeTribe." Arts installations dotted the grounds, alongside vendor markets known as Shakedown Streets offering crafts, food, and merchandise. zones, including a Kids Corner and Teen Center, ensured accessibility for all ages with activities tailored to younger attendees. In the mid-2000s, the festival introduced sustainability practices through its Green Vibes initiative, emphasizing programs that collected thousands of pounds of materials annually and low-impact rules prohibiting campfires while promoting reusable items and principles. These efforts extended to solar-powered charging stations, compostable vendor products, and workshops on environmental and social action to minimize . Unique elements enhanced the experiential aspect, such as the beachside featuring local DJs for late-night dancing with wireless headphones. The Green Vibes Stage also hosted workshops exploring culture and related themes, complementing the event's foundational tribute to the .

Venues and Logistics

Early Venues (1996–2000)

The inaugural Gathering of the Vibes event, originally titled "Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe," took place over weekend in 1996 at the SUNY Purchase campus in . This campus-based festival served as a memorial tribute to guitarist , who had passed away the previous year, and featured a modest indoor and outdoor setup suitable for its scale as a one-day gathering. Attendance was approximately 3,500, reflecting the event's grassroots origins and limited production resources at the time. In 1997, the festival relocated to Croton Point Park in , marking its transition to a fully outdoor format over two days and its official renaming to Gathering of the Vibes. Held along the , this venue introduced a more expansive natural setting compared to the previous year's campus confines, though it operated without on-site camping to streamline logistics for the smaller production. The park's location provided scenic appeal but highlighted early challenges with variable weather conditions typical of outdoor events in the region, though no major disruptions were reported. In 1998, the event moved to Crete Memorial Park in Plattsburgh, New York, for a three-day from June 19 to 21. This northern location continued the outdoor format and programming expansion, attracting a growing audience in a lakeside setting, though specific attendance figures are not widely documented. The festival shifted to Seaside Park in , for its 1999 and 2000 editions, introducing a waterfront environment that enhanced the event's communal and scenic vibe with views of . This three-day format in 1999 and subsequent year allowed for expanded programming and attendance growth, drawing over 10,000 participants by 2000 as the event gained regional momentum. The park's coastal location facilitated a relaxed, beach-adjacent atmosphere but required careful coordination for sound and crowd management near residential areas. Throughout these formative years, organizers faced logistical hurdles inherent to small-scale operations, including securing permits from local authorities amid evolving regulations for public gatherings and managing limited infrastructure for power, staging, and sanitation in varied terrains. These challenges underscored the festival's experimental phase, with teams relying on support and adaptive to host events without the resources of larger festivals.

Mid-Period Venues (2001–2006)

In 2001, the Gathering of the Vibes relocated to Greig Farm in , after Seaside Park in , underwent major renovations that prevented its use. This move was necessitated by permit issues tied to the park's construction work, marking a temporary shift away from the festival's original coastal venue. The Red Hook site, however, featured a smaller capacity than anticipated for the event's growing attendance, drawing an estimated 25,000 people—about 10,000 more than organizers expected—which raised concerns over overcrowding and strained site management. From 2002 to 2006, the festival established a five-year residency at Indian Lookout in Mariaville, New York, a rural venue approximately 20 miles west of . This location offered expansive fields suitable for expanded camping areas, accommodating the event's increasing scale while providing a more isolated, pastoral setting compared to urban-adjacent sites. However, its remote position presented logistical challenges, including limited road access that led to during peak arrival and departure times, as well as higher operational costs associated with transporting resources to the outlying area. During this mid-period, organizers introduced enhanced infrastructure to address prior limitations and improve attendee experience. The Indian Lookout site included running water, sewer systems, flush toilets, and hot showers—amenities absent at the 2001 Red Hook venue—along with a superior that supported larger-scale performances without overwhelming . These upgrades reflected efforts to scale operations amid venue experimentation, though the rural logistics occasionally complicated service delivery.

Later Venues and Permanent Site (2007–2015)

Following the renovations to Seaside Park that necessitated a temporary relocation in the early 2000s, the Gathering of the Vibes returned to the venue in , in 2007, establishing it as the festival's primary and permanent site through its final edition in 2015. This return rekindled the event's early success at the waterfront location, where it had previously drawn strong crowds in 1999 and 2000. Over the years, the festival's capacity at Seaside Park expanded to accommodate up to 25,000 attendees per day, reflecting growing popularity and logistical refinements. Key improvements included dedicated parking areas to streamline access, enhanced VIP zones with waived parking fees, hospitality tents, and exclusive camping near the concert fields for premium ticket holders. The waterfront main stage underwent enhancements for better sightlines and sound distribution, contributing to improved attendee flow across the multi-stage setup. Additionally, festival organizers donated $100,000 toward a new pedestrian bridge in the park, aiding connectivity and safety. In the later years, adaptations addressed environmental challenges, particularly after Superstorm Sandy in 2012 damaged the site with flooding and erosion. Recovery efforts, supported by FEMA assistance, focused on fortifying the park's infrastructure for resilience, enabling the festival to proceed uninterrupted in 2013 and beyond. The decision to maintain Seaside Park as the long-term venue stemmed from strong partnerships with the City of Bridgeport, including a five-year agreement signed in 2012 that ensured stability and community involvement. These ties were bolstered by the event's economic benefits, such as injecting outside revenue into local businesses through attendee spending on lodging, food, and services, while fostering volunteer opportunities with non-profits.

Historical Development

Inception and Growth (1996–2000)

The Gathering of the Vibes originated in 1996 as a tribute to Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia, who had passed away the previous year, with founders Ken Hays and Bob Kennedy organizing the debut event under the name "Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe" at SUNY Purchase in New York. The three-day festival featured Grateful Dead tribute bands and drew approximately 3,500 attendees, primarily from the Deadhead community seeking a space to mourn and celebrate Garcia's legacy through music and communal gatherings. This initial outing emphasized a memorial atmosphere, fostering connections among fans in the burgeoning jam band scene. In 1997, the event was renamed Gathering of the Vibes and relocated to Croton Point Park in , marking a shift toward a more established annual tradition while retaining its roots in Grateful Dead-inspired programming. Attendance continued to grow through word-of-mouth promotion within the network, as the festival's relaxed, inclusive resonated with fans eager for live music experiences post-Garcia. By 1998, held at Crete Memorial Park in , the event had solidified its reputation, with early media coverage in regional outlets highlighting its joyful, family-like environment and drawing larger crowds annually. The festival reached a milestone in 1999 with its first appearance at Seaside Park in , introducing a multi-stage setup that allowed for simultaneous performances and enhanced the overall experience for attendees. This move attracted at least 8,000 people over the three days, reflecting steady expansion driven by the event's appeal to the jam band subculture and positive press. In 2000, returning to Seaside Park, the festival featured its first performance by a original member, , who played with his band and joined for a notable , further boosting its prestige among fans. Attendance continued to grow, underscoring the rapid expansion fueled by community buzz and the addition of high-profile acts tied to the legacy.

Expansion and Challenges (2001–2006)

In 2001, the Gathering of the Vibes relocated from Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Greig Farm in Red Hook, New York, after the original venue underwent major renovations that prevented its use for the event. This shift introduced uncertainty for organizers and attendees, though the festival proceeded successfully and marked its most well-attended edition to date, drawing large crowds for performances by acts including Bob Weir and the Disco Biscuits. However, heavy thunderstorms and rain throughout the weekend created significant logistical difficulties, turning fields into mud pits, shortening sets, and forcing some acts like Uncle Sammy to relocate to a nearby barn. The following year, the festival moved again to Indian Lookout Country Club in Mariaville, , establishing a five-year residency there through 2006 that facilitated broader programming and steady growth in scale. This venue change supported expanded lineups featuring high-profile acts such as & Friends over Independence Day weekend in 2002, helping attract a dedicated fanbase and contributing to attendance nearing 20,000 by the tenth anniversary in 2005. Despite this progress, operational challenges persisted, including financial strains exacerbated by travel logistics for a more dispersed audience and variable weather conditions. Weather disruptions remained a recurring hurdle; in 2003, financial losses from wet and cold conditions at an earlier event that year led to substantial losses for organizers, prompting the cancellation of a planned performance and highlighting the vulnerabilities of outdoor events. Rising production costs during this period further intensified pressures, as the festival scaled up its infrastructure to accommodate larger crowds and diverse programming. Co-founder Ken Hays assumed a more prominent role in navigating these issues, focusing on booking decisions, sponsorship outreach, and logistical oversight to sustain the event's momentum.

Peak Years and Conclusion (2007–2015)

The Gathering of the Vibes returned to Seaside Park in , in 2007 after a period at other venues, marking a stable period that lasted through 2011. This relocation allowed for enhanced logistics and community integration, drawing record crowds that exceeded 20,000 attendees daily by 2007 and reached an anticipated 25,000 per day by 2011. A highlight of this era occurred in 2010, when the surviving core members of the , , , and —performed at the festival through acts like Furthur and the , evoking a sense of reunion for fans. From 2012 to 2014, the festival built momentum toward its 20th anniversary in 2015, expanding its programming to include diverse artists beyond the traditional focus, such as , , and , which broadened its appeal. Attendance remained strong at around 20,000 to 25,000 daily, contributing significantly to Bridgeport's economy through and local fundraising efforts, including over $100,000 donated to community projects like park improvements. This period solidified the event's role as a major economic driver for the city, with enhanced vendor partnerships and visitor spending boosting regional commerce. The 2015 edition, celebrating the festival's 20th anniversary, drew approximately 25,000 attendees per day across its four days at Seaside Park, serving as a triumphant milestone with a lineup honoring its roots while showcasing its evolution. Organizers announced a immediately following the event to allow time for and reinvention. The break stemmed from founder Ken Hays' fatigue after two decades of independent production challenges, compounded by market saturation from a proliferating festival scene that intensified competition for audiences and resources. Hays emphasized the need for adaptation to an evolving industry landscape, expressing personal disappointment but a desire to reimagine the event's future. No editions have occurred since 2015, as efforts to resume under a refreshed format have not materialized. As of 2025, the has not returned.

Performers and Programming

Headlining Acts

The Gathering of the Vibes festival prominently featured alumni as core headliners, underscoring its roots as a tribute to the band's legacy following Jerry Garcia's death in 1995. , the 's longtime drummer, delivered solo sets with his Mickey Hart Band in 1998 at the festival's early iteration in , blending percussion-driven with global influences. He returned for a headline performance in 2007 at Seaside Park in , where his all-star ensemble emphasized rhythmic exploration and electronic elements, drawing large crowds of jam enthusiasts. In 2010, a full reunion of sorts occurred when Furthur—featuring on bass and on guitar—headlined Friday night at Seaside Park, delivering extended improvisational sets that evoked the Dead's classic sound with modern twists from and John Kadlecik. Recurring jam band staples solidified the festival's identity as a hub for improvisational rock, with acts like appearing frequently as headliners across its run. Led by , the band performed multiple times between 2000 and 2014, including a notable 2003 slot alongside and a 2013 return that highlighted their blues-infused jams. also became a fixture, frequently headlining including in 2005, 2008–2012 and culminating in a 2015 performance with special guests and , where their bluegrass-tinged jams attracted diverse audiences. Later years saw diversification beyond strict jam band fare, incorporating broader rock and blues acts to expand appeal while maintaining ties to Grateful Dead influences. Elvis Costello headlined in 2011 with The Imposters, offering a set of punk-inflected new wave and covers like the Dead's "It Must Have Been the Roses" to bridge genres. Furthur returned as a Dead tribute vehicle in 2013 and 2014, with Lesh and Weir leading marathon sets that paid homage to the band's catalog amid growing festival attendance. The Tedeschi Trucks Band, blending blues, soul, and jam elements, headlined in 2012, showcasing Susan Tedeschi's vocals and Derek Trucks' slide guitar in a performance that marked the band's rising prominence post their 2011 Grammy win. This evolution reflected broader programming trends: early editions from 1996 to 2005 centered on Dead-related acts to honor Garcia's memory, while post-2006 lineups diversified into rock, blues, and reggae to sustain growth and attract wider demographics.

Supporting Artists and Special Performances

The Gathering of the Vibes frequently showcased emerging jam bands that contributed to the festival's evolving lineup, providing fresh energy alongside established acts. Umphrey's McGee made their debut appearance at the 2002 event in Mariaville, New York, where they performed as part of a diverse bill that highlighted the festival's commitment to up-and-coming improvisational groups. By the late 2000s, the band had become a regular fixture, returning for multiple performances through 2015, including a notable set in 2014 at Seaside Park. Similarly, Lotus emerged as a consistent presence from 2010 onward, delivering intricate, instrumental-driven sets that resonated with the jam scene audience; their 2014 performance featured a deconstructed tribute to Talking Heads, blending electronic and rock elements. Special collaborations added layers of excitement, often drawing on the festival's Grateful Dead roots to create memorable cross-band moments. In 2013, Warren Haynes, performing with Gov't Mule, invited guest musicians for extended improvisations, including nods to classic rock influences that underscored his role as a connective figure in the jam community. These supergroup-style jams exemplified Haynes' frequent contributions, building on his earlier solo acoustic sets at the event, such as in 2002. Headliners occasionally joined these efforts, enhancing the communal spirit without overshadowing the supporting acts. The programming also incorporated non-jam diversions to broaden appeal, introducing and elements that complemented the core focus. Saxophonist brought sophisticated to the 2014 lineup, performing a set that highlighted his quartet's expressive style and drawing crowds with its departure from typical rock-oriented performances. Reggae-infused rock outfit provided laid-back, genre-blending sets across several years, including 2009, 2014, and 2015, where their fusion of , , and island rhythms offered a refreshing to the festival's improvisational ethos. Unique events capped the festival's innovative programming, particularly during milestone years. The 20th anniversary in 2015 featured an all-star jam led by and the Seaside All-Stars, uniting musicians like , , , Joe Russo, and for a spectacular late-night set on the main stage, celebrating two decades of the event with covers and originals that evoked its founding spirit.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Community and Attendance

The Gathering of the Vibes began with approximately 3,500 attendees at its inaugural event in , a memorial concert for guitarist held at SUNY Purchase. Over the subsequent two decades, attendance grew substantially, reaching an average of 25,000 per day during its later years at Seaside Park in , from 2007 to 2015. This expansion reflected the festival's evolution from a niche tribute into a major regional music and arts event, with peak daily crowds consistently reported around 25,000 by the . Attendee demographics centered on enthusiasts drawn primarily from the fanbase and broader improvisational music scene. Following the 2007 return to Seaside Park, the festival increasingly attracted families and younger participants, with organizers noting that 75-80% of attendees were repeat visitors who brought children, leading to over 2,200 kids under age 15 reported in 2013 alone. Programming diversified to appeal across age groups, incorporating acts popular with 18- to 24-year-olds alongside legacy performers resonating with middle-aged fans. The festival cultivated a strong sense of community through its "VibeTribe" culture, a loyal network of long-term attendees who fostered intergenerational bonds, including VibeTribe weddings and family traditions spanning multiple generations. Volunteer programs were central, offering opportunities for participants to contribute in areas like setup, cleanup, and guest services, often in exchange for access or perks, which reinforced attendee investment and ownership. Fan-led workshops enhanced communal ties, featuring activities such as sessions, acrobatic yoga, classes, puppet-making, and introductory explorations, held daily alongside music performances. By the 2010s, the event generated significant economic benefits for host cities like Bridgeport, contributing to local business revenue through visitor spending on , , and services, while supporting revitalization efforts as a key driver. The festival's scale, with thousands of out-of-town campers and daily crowds, amplified these impacts by drawing regional and promoting the host area's cultural .

Influence on Jam Band Scene

The Gathering of the Vibes played a pivotal role in sustaining the 's legacy following 's death in 1995, emerging as a dedicated platform for Deadheads to reconnect and honor the band's improvisational ethos. Founded by Ken Hays as a memorial event in 1996, the quickly became a key reunion space for alumni, featuring performances by members such as in 2000, in multiple years, and collaborative projects like Furthur, , and . These appearances not only preserved the band's communal spirit but also bridged generational fans, fostering a sense of continuity in the post-Garcia era by blending classic tributes—such as the 2005 tribute organized by Jeff Mattson—with ongoing explorations of Dead-inspired improvisation. The festival also served as a vital launchpad for emerging acts within the jam band genre, amplifying their visibility and helping shape the evolving scene. In its early years, it provided crucial exposure for bands like moe., Strangefolk, and Deep Banana Blackout, which debuted or gained momentum through performances that showcased their improvisational prowess alongside established acts. Later iterations extended this support to projects tied to influential figures, such as , which made its Vibes debut in 2012, introducing fresh interpretations of jam traditions to a receptive audience. This curatorial approach not only boosted these artists' careers but also diversified the genre by integrating modern jammers, ensuring the jam band's emphasis on extended jams and audience interaction remained vibrant into the . Culturally, the Gathering of the Vibes exerted ripple effects across the jam band landscape, inspiring a model of inclusive, community-driven that prioritized musical and shared experiences. Recognized as the Northeast's premier jamband summit, it influenced the broader circuit by demonstrating how to blend Grateful Dead reverence with diverse lineups, promoting inclusivity through family-friendly programming and artist crossovers that encouraged jamming across genres. Following its conclusion after the 2015 edition, the festival's legacy endured through archival efforts, fan-driven recreations, and founder Ken Hays' continued advocacy for jam music preservation. Performances from the event were extensively documented and shared via fan archives, allowing the communal spirit to live on digitally for enthusiasts worldwide. Informal fan gatherings and tributes emerged in subsequent years, replicating the Vibes' atmosphere at smaller scales, while Hays remained active in promoting Grateful Dead-inspired music and community initiatives, underscoring the festival's lasting impact on genre preservation. As of 2025, the festival has not returned, though its legacy persists through inspired events such as the Soundside Music Festival at .

References

  1. [1]
    History of the Vibes | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    Gathering of the Vibes is an annual music, arts and camping festival. Vibes has grown into a four-day festival that has featured such world-class talent as ...
  2. [2]
    Gathering of the Vibes Festival to Take 1 Year Off | Billboard
    Nov 28, 2015 · Founder Ken Hayes posted a note on the festival's site Friday (Nov. 27) saying he has decided not to pursue holding a festival in 2016. By ...
  3. [3]
    History of Gathering of the Vibes + Interview with Founder, Ken Hays
    Jul 17, 2014 · LiveForLiveMusic interviews Gathering of the Vibes founder, Ken Hays, and explores the 19-year history of this iconic waterfront festival.
  4. [4]
    Gathering of the Vibes Gears Up for Record Attendance and ...
    Jul 14, 2011 · Gathering of the Vibes began in 1996 as a celebration of the life of Jerry Garcia who had passed away the previous summer. Initially named " ...
  5. [5]
    Gathering Of The Vibes | The Music Museum of New England
    Feb 7, 2018 · The annual music festival known as the Gathering of the Vibes (GOTV) grew out of the need by many to fill the void that was left due to the death of Jerry ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    No Gathering of the Vibes next year - CTPost
    Nov 30, 2015 · While the Vibes' current, five-year contract with the city would conclude after 2017's festival, Hays said, “The venue for 2017 is definitely in ...
  7. [7]
    Gathering of the Vibes Celebrates 20 Years
    Jul 15, 2015 · ... Gathering of the Vibes has built since its establishment in 1996. What started out as a remembrance for Jerry Garcia, frontman of the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Gathering of the Vibes Will Not Return in 2016 - Jambands
    Nov 27, 2015 · Gathering of the Vibes has released a statement confirming that, after 20 consecutive years, the festival will not be returning next year.
  9. [9]
    A Conversation with the Gathering of the Vibes Ken Hays and Bob ...
    Sep 12, 2005 · A year later, Hays and Kennedy moved their festival a few towns upstate to Croton, NY and rechristened their festival the Gathering of the Vibes ...
  10. [10]
    Whether for the music or the parties, the Vibe Tribe descends on ...
    Jul 20, 2011 · Hays founded the Vibes, originally branded "Deadhead Heaven -- A Gathering of the Tribe" -- in an effort to unify Grateful Dead enthusiasts ...
  11. [11]
    Gathering of the Vibes makes splash at Bridgeport's Seaside Park
    Jul 29, 2015 · The 20th annual Gathering of the Vibes musical festival will return to Seaside Park in Bridgeport on Thursday, July 30, when it will open for ...Missing: typical | Show results with:typical
  12. [12]
    Green Vibes | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    Environmental & social action awareness opportunities for attendees through our Green Vibes Stage workshops. Solar-powered cell phone charging station; Event ...
  13. [13]
    Gathering Of The Vibes - Dancing Together Into The Future
    Jul 3, 2012 · In 1996, Ken Hayes threw a small festival on the campus of SUNY Purchase called, “Deadhead Haven – A Gathering of the Tribe.” The event was ...
  14. [14]
    Gathering of the Vibes Returns to Bridgeport - NBC Connecticut
    Jul 3, 2013 · The four-day festival will started yesterday and runs to July 28 at Bridgeport's 370-acre Seaside Park, which has hosted more Vibes festivals ...Missing: typical | Show results with:typical
  15. [15]
    Looking At Gathering Of The Vibes In Bridgeport By The Numbers
    Jul 8, 2015 · 3,500 – Deadheads gathered to commemorate music and a way of life back in 1996; 25,000 – VibeTribe gatherings have evolved into the pre-eminent ...
  16. [16]
    20 things to know about Gathering of the Vibes - CTPost
    Jul 30, 2015 · In 1996, Ken Hays, a Grateful Dead fan and businessman, and local promoter Bob Kennedy launched a festival to celebrate the music of The ...
  17. [17]
    Bridgeport, Gathering of the Vibes a perfect match - CTPost
    Aug 31, 2009 · But the Summit on the Hudson was marred by torrential downpours, which kept away the expected large crowds. There also was the issue of flooding ...Missing: 1997 | Show results with:1997
  18. [18]
    Weather steals the show (again) at Vibes festival - Daily Freeman
    Jul 1, 2001 · RED HOOK – A crowd that grew to an estimated 20,000 sweltered in the summer heat on Saturday at the Gathering of the Vibes festival, and rain ...Missing: overcrowding | Show results with:overcrowding
  19. [19]
    Gathering of the Vibes fest won't be in Red Hook this year
    Jan 24, 2002 · He also says festival-goers will have access to flush toilets and hot showers, two things that were not available at the Red Hook farm when the ...Missing: overcrowding concerns
  20. [20]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2002 Setlists
    Venues. Indian Lookout Country Club, Mariaville Lake, NY, USA. Gathering of the Vibes Timeline. 2002 marks the 7th festival (20 total). Incorrect? Deadhead ...
  21. [21]
    Gathering of the Vibes, Mariaville, NY- 7/4-7/7 - Jambands
    Jul 10, 2002 · For the 2002 Gathering, festival organizers Terrapin Presents changed the venue to Mariaville, NY home to the Harley Davidson Reunion, Camp ...Missing: shuttle services 2002-2006
  22. [22]
    Seaside Park keeping its Vibes - CTPost
    Nov 20, 2009 · It's official: The Gathering of the Vibes will mark its 15th year in 2010 at Bridgeport's Seaside Park. Ken Hays, the founder of the four ...
  23. [23]
    Looking back at Bridgeport's Gathering of the Vibes music festival
    Sep 14, 2023 · The Gathering of the Vibes was organized in 1996 by local businessman, Ken Hays, as a tribute to honor the Grateful Dead's, Jerry Garcia.
  24. [24]
    VIP Weekend Experience | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    VIP Check-In location · VIP camping area located near the concert field · $20 Parking fee waived · Hospitality Tent with plenty of room to spread out, relax, and ...
  25. [25]
    Storms wreaked havoc on area beaches - CTPost
    Apr 6, 2013 · ... Superstorm Sandy ... Bridgeport's Seaside Park, which will again host the Gathering of the Vibes this summer, did not escape the storm's wrath.
  26. [26]
    FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Gathering of The Vibes 2013 - Live Music Blog
    Jul 17, 2013 · I understand that it took quite the beating from Hurricane Sandy. How has it been down there? KH: It did. It really did. But FEMA stepped up ...Missing: Superstorm | Show results with:Superstorm
  27. [27]
    Gathering of the Vibes Festival Signs 5-Year Deal with City of ...
    Dec 19, 2012 · Festival organizers have joined together with Bridgeport non-profits to effect positive change within the community. Attendees can volunteer ...
  28. [28]
    Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo! The Vibes' Positive Impact
    Jul 23, 2012 · The Bridgeport community benefits. It makes many of us proud to be Bridgeporters. A lot of outside money is brought into the local economy. They ...<|separator|>
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
    VIBES FESTIVAL DRAWS JOYOUS CROWD - Hartford Courant
    Jun 20, 1999 · At least 8,000 people attended the sun-drenched festival, which is in its fourth year, said Andrea Kramer, public relations director for ...
  31. [31]
    Weekend Gathering of the Vibes - The New York Times
    Jun 18, 2000 · Last year's festival, the first held at Seaside Park, drew more than 8,500 fans daily. Mr. Hays said he hoped to round off that number at 10,000 ...
  32. [32]
    Gathering of the Vibes, Red Hook, NY 6/29-July 1 - Jambands
    Jul 8, 2001 · Gathering of the Vibes, Red Hook, NY 6/29-July 1. Great Music and a Whole Lotta Rain-A Gathering Review. Let me preface this review of the ...
  33. [33]
    Thunder and rain and still plenty of good vibes – Daily Freeman
    I've talked to Terrapin people, and they said it was the first time they had rain (at the Gathering of the Vibes) in the six years they held it.” Sgt. Paul ...<|separator|>
  34. [34]
    Gathering of the Vibes | 08.09 - 08.12 - JamBase
    Aug 24, 2007 · ... Gathering of the Vibes :: 08.09.07 – 08.12.07 :: Seaside Park :: Bridgeport, CT. GOTV 2007. Twelve years to the day after the passing of Jerry ...
  35. [35]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2007: Recap - Grateful Web
    Aug 21, 2007 · The four-day festival, August 9-12, brought together musical artists, staff and an estimated 20,000 attendees from all across the nation to ...
  36. [36]
    Gathering Of The Vibes Lands Furthur - Pollstar News
    Main Stage: Furthur Feat. Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Jackie Greene, The ...
  37. [37]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2012 Lineup Announced - Live For Live Music
    Apr 2, 2012 · Headliners include sets from Phil Lesh and Friends, Bob Weir & Bruce Hornsby with special guest Branford Marsalis, and Primus.
  38. [38]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2013: Phil Lesh & Friends, Black Crowes ...
    Mar 19, 2013 · Check out the rest of the impressive initial lineup including the original Strangefolk, Galactic, Railroad Earth and the Tedeschi Trucks band ...
  39. [39]
    Gathering of the Vibes Festival Finalizes Preparations for 20,000+ ...
    Jul 28, 2014 · Gathering of the Vibes Festival Finalizes Preparations for 20,000+ Music Fans to Celebrate in the Park City. "One of summer 2014's must-see ...Missing: improvements | Show results with:improvements
  40. [40]
    (PDF) EVENT TOURISM AS A STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING CITY ...
    Oct 22, 2019 · “History of Gathering of the Vibes Interview with Founder, Ken Hays.” L4LM, 17 July 2014, liveforlivemusic.com/news/interview-ken-hays-vibes ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    20 years in 4 days: A Gathering of the Vibes 2015 Recap - NYS Music
    Aug 8, 2015 · The 20th annual Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival made quite the statement this past weekend, bringing upwards of 20,000 people from all ...<|separator|>
  42. [42]
    Gathering Of The Vibes Releases Statement Announcing Hiatus
    After 20 consecutive years, it seems the organizers of Gathering of the Vibes are taking a break. Today, a statement appeared on the GOTV website, ...
  43. [43]
    Organizers Will Not Move Forward With Gathering Of The Vibes In ...
    Feb 1, 2017 · Read a letter from Gathering Of The Vibes founder Ken Hays about the decision not to stage the event in 2017.Missing: 2015 | Show results with:2015
  44. [44]
    1998 Lineup | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    ... Mickey Hart · Mickey Hart Band · Mike Gordon · Mix Master Mike · MiZ · moe. MoFro · Moon ... Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
  45. [45]
    Mickey Hart Band Setlist at Gathering of the Vibes 2007
    Oct 30, 2025 · ... 2007 and other Mickey Hart Band Setlists for free on setlist ... Festival Time! Hey, this setlist was played at a festival: Gathering of the Vibes ...
  46. [46]
    Furthur Confirmed for Gathering of the Vibes - Jambands
    May 15, 2010 · Gathering of the Vibes has finally announced its Friday night headliner. Bob Weir and Phil Lesh will bring Furthur to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT on Friday ...
  47. [47]
    2003 Lineup | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    ... Gov't Mule • Holmes Brothers • James Brown • Jim Donovan Rhythm & Drum • Jorma ... Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival © 2025 All Rights Reserved.Missing: headliner | Show results with:headliner
  48. [48]
  49. [49]
    Jane's Addiction, Elvis Costello, Furthur to Headline Gathering of the ...
    ١٤‏/٠٣‏/٢٠١١ · Jane's Addiction, Elvis Costello, Furthur to Headline Gathering of the Vibes 2011.
  50. [50]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2014 - Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT 7/31-8/3 ...
    Gathering of the Vibes 2014 – Seaside Park, Bridgeport, CT 7/31-8/3/14 ... Furthur, Dark Star Orchestra, Reflections, Splintered Sunlight, Dead ...
  51. [51]
    Tedeschi Trucks Band | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    In May 2012, Tedeschi Trucks Band released their first live album ... Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival © 2025 All Rights Reserved.
  52. [52]
    Past Performers | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    David Gans · Zen Tricksters · Warren Haynes · Ominous Seapods · Percy Hill · Moon Boot Lover · Kevin Hays · Laughin' Bones.
  53. [53]
    Lotus Live at Gathering of The Vibes on 2014-08-01 - Internet Archive
    Aug 22, 2014 · 1 banter - intro 01:29 2 Pull Up The Roots + 12:07 3 banter - welcoming Gabe Otto 00:33 4 Moon Rocks + 10:48 5 The Great Curve + 07:44Missing: 2010-2015 | Show results with:2010-2015
  54. [54]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2013- Day 3 - Glide Magazine
    Jul 28, 2013 · With Warren Haynes extensive musical heritage, the Gov't Mule set promised much collaboration, and certainly didn't disappoint. Setting the ...
  55. [55]
    Branford Marsalis | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    Jan 28, 2015 · Branford formed his own quartet in 1986 and, with a few minor interruptions in the early years, has sustained the unit as his primary means of expression.
  56. [56]
    Gathering of the Vibes 2015 Lineup - Jul 30 - Aug 2, 2015 - JamBase
    Lineup for Gathering of the Vibes ; Strangefolk · Bombino · Max Creek ; Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings · Doyle Bramhall II · Tedeschi Trucks Band ; Warren Haynes ...Missing: 1996-2015 | Show results with:1996-2015
  57. [57]
    Warren Haynes to Lead Superjam at Gathering of the Vibes
    Warren Haynes will lead an all-star jam at Gathering of the Vibes this year dubbed “Vibes 20th Anniversary Spectacular.
  58. [58]
    Warren Haynes Seaside All Stars- Gathering of the Vibes ...
    Aug 3, 2015 · For the past twenty years, Gathering of the Vibes has kept the spirit of the Grateful Dead pulsating through the veins of New England.Missing: 2007 2013
  59. [59]
    Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival 2010 in Bridgeport CT
    Jun 19, 2010 · In this part, we talk about the history of the festival and the changing trends in music since he first started out following the Grateful Dead.Missing: sustainability | Show results with:sustainability
  60. [60]
    An Interview With the Magic Man Behind Gathering of the Vibes, Ken ...
    Jun 30, 2015 · An Interview With the Magic Man Behind Gathering of the Vibes, Ken Hays. Gathering of the Vibes is one of the biggest music festivals of the ...Missing: sponsorship | Show results with:sponsorship
  61. [61]
    Gathering of the Vibes music festival drives success with family ...
    Jun 28, 2014 · We bring a band like Twiddle that kids love and has an 18 to 24 year old fan base but also John Fogerty who hits the middle age demographic and ...
  62. [62]
    What Does the VibeTribe Mean to You? Here are Your Answers
    Jul 28, 2015 · The official Gathering of the Vibes 2015 countdown is down to two DAYS. ... I've been to two Vibe Tribe weddings, and my kids have had the ...
  63. [63]
    Volunteering at the Vibes | Gathering of the Vibes Music Festival
    Volunteering at the Vibes. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Gathering of the Vibes. Your Cart. No products in the cart. Product Categories.
  64. [64]
    Conscious Convergences: Festivals and Conferences
    What: Gathering of the Vibes is an annual music, arts and camping festival ... Workshops this year will include yoga, acrobatic yoga, introduction to ...
  65. [65]
    Gathering of the Vibes Sets 2012 Lineup - Relix
    Apr 2, 2012 · Mickey Hart Band, 7 Walkers and Yonder Mountain String Band are among the acts slated to perform at Gathering of the Vibes 2012. The annual ...