Selected Press Hits From 2011
ProSound News
“This year, the School of Rock— teen performers from different regional branches of the popular performance school—played and ran instrument workshops.”
New York Times, July 15th, 2011
“There are a lot of festivals out there,” Mr. Hays said, “but we truly are the only one remaining that keeps the torch of the Grateful Dead alive and burning strong…”
Rolling Stone Magazine, June 30th, 2011
“The Gathering has grown into a multi-faceted fest that’s not just for hippies.”
“The Gathering has grown into a multi-faceted fest that’s not just for hippies.”
Meriden Record-Journal, June 7th, 2011
“If I could plan the perfect musical lineup I would have Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, the Rolling Stones, U2, and The Who,” Hays said. “Clearly that would be a dream lineup.”
New York Times, May 5th, 2011
“Bridgeport, July 21-24. It should surprise no one that a festival called Gathering of the Vibes is a peacful, jam-friendly event. Sixties rock nostalgia rage strong here.”
Patch.com, March 25, 2011
“And for resident of Fairfield County and beyond, Hays’ love of song and craft alike brings joy to more than 20,000 people each summer. Since 1996, Hays, a Weston resident…”
Westport News, March 24, 2011
“Phil Lesh at the Gathering of the Vibes fesitval last year planted the seed for ‘Firefighter Going Furthur.’”
ABC News Radio, March 14, 2011
“Hays emphasized the importance of family. He said, ‘Number one is family. We had over 2,000 kids come with their parents last year. I think what stands out most is it’s a family affair.’”
Billboard.com, March 14, 2011
“Elvis Costello says he’s happy to be joining the Deadhead ‘family’ for the Vibes weekend. ‘Any event that embraces the spirit of the Grateful Dead in the former home of P.T. Barnum has got my vote.”
Relix, March 14, 2011
“Jane’s Addiction is a more unexpected Gathering of the Vibes headliner. The classic alt-rock band — which created and headlines the first Lollapalooza…”
Hartford Courant, March 14, 2011
“Everything from gospel to blues to straigh-up rock ‘n’ roll. This year, we’re going to expand the perimeters.”
Connecticut Post, March 14, 2011
“Gathering of the Vibes continues its musical evolution and remains true to our roots with this year’s lineup.”
Selected Press Hits From 2010
Acquarian Weekly, September 1, 2010
“You become family for those four days, surrounded by other families who seem to know the same thing — enjoy yourself, be good to each other, and the music never dies.”
ProSound News, October 1, 2010
“Anyone who migh think Jamband culture has cooled off in recent times need only have attended the annual Gathering of the Vibes festival.”
Jambands.com, August 17, 2010
“The diversity of the musical acts this weekend held everyone’s interests and closed out my festival season with good vibes.”
Spin, August 3, 2010
“The bill featured an array of like-minded, though stylistically different, performing acts.”
Connecticut Post, August 5, 2010
“Calling the festival crowd diverse is an understatement.”
MTV, August 2, 2010
“…adding Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Nas to this year’s Gathering of the Vibes bill couldn’t have made for a sweeter end to the four-day festival in Seaside Park this weekend.”
Hidden Track Blog, August 2, 2010
“Another successful Gathering of the Vibes”
New Haven Register, July 30, 2010
“The 15th Gathering of the Vibes, perhaps the nations leading celebration of the culture…”
Rutland Herald, July 29, 2010
“The masses and performers visibly seethe with exuberance here, and each moment and friendly interaction become larger than life.”
Rolling Stone Magazine, July 27, 2010
“Gathering of the Vibes has evolved into a dependable stop on the summer tour circuit.”
New York Times, June 11, 2010
…they’re huge!”
Pollstar, May 17, 2010
“…a very eco-friendly spectacular.”
Selected 2010 Press Quotes and Articles
Additional 2010 Press hits
2010 News Packages
Selected 2009 Press Hits
Selected 2008 Press Hits
Selected 2007 Press hits
For Immediate Release
November 23, 2011
Contact: Andrea Kramer
(480) 459-5740
press@gatheringofthevibes.com
‘Black Tie Dye Friday’ Gathering of the Vibes VIP & Weekend Early Bird Tickets On Sale
BRIDGEPORT, CT — The 17th annual Gathering of the Vibes kicks off the holidays on ‘Black Tie Dye Friday,’ November 25, 2011, when VIP and Weekend Early Bird tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. at http://www.GOVIBES.com. Well known as the Northeast’s most family friendly music festival destination, Gathering of the Vibes will deliver a four-day extravaganza of eclectic music, arts, and community July 19-22, 2012 at Bridgeport’s magnificent 370-acre Seaside Park. The Vibes is an all ages event offering an exclusive family camping area, Kids Corner, and Teen Scene, welcoming both campers and single day visitors. Kids 12 & under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
“Music fans can sleep in late knowing that the perfect gift or stocking stuffer awaits them just a mouse click away,” says Ken Hays, festival founder. “What could be better than gifting someone you love, a live musical experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives?”
A limited number of VIP Passes will be available and include expedited, exclusive entry, rock-star parking with easy in/out access, shaded camping areas along with catered meals, snacks, and beverages. VIP ticket holders also have access to air conditioned bathroom trailers and hot showers. Located stage left on the concert field, the VIP hospitality tent and viewing platforms offer exceptional stage sightlines as well as the opportunity to mix and mingle with artists.
Early Bird Weekend Passes will be available for a limited time for $175, a sizeable savings over the gate price. RV passes are also available on a first come basis. Shuttle bus service will once again transport festival attendees to and from Seaside Park and many local area hotels, the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, as well as the Bridgeport train and bus stations.
Seaside Park is Bridgeport, Connecticut’s 370-acre crown jewel, offering three miles of sandy beaches, lush lawns, and shady retreats. Easily accessibly by public transportation and just 50 miles from New York City, this sparkling oceanfront destination celebrates its eighth year hosting the Vibes. Seaside Park provides an unparalleled festival home with acres of beautifully manicured fields and breathtaking views of Long Island Sound.
With artist announcements around the corner, the rumor mill is already abuzz. Gathering of the Vibes promises its most spectacular and diverse lineup to date, delivering over 40 hours of music on multiple stages. Powerhouse Vibes alumni include: Elvis Costello, Jane’s Addiction, FURTHUR with Phil Lesh & Bob Weir, The Allman Brothers Band, Crosby Stills & Nash, Damian Marley & Nas, and The Black Crowes. The festival also has a proud history of featuring breakout acts like moe., Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jackie Greene, and Connecticut favorites, The McLovins. The Vibes also warmly embraces new, virtually unknown artists, who may submit music for consideration at http://www.GOVIBES.com.
Gathering of the Vibes welcomed 20,000 fans per day last year, despite record-breaking heat. With more than 125,000 Facebook fans and a strong family friendly environment, the festival continues to attract a diverse, multigenerational audience, affectionately known as the ‘Vibe Tribe.’
Follow Gathering of the Vibes on Facebook, Twitter, or check the message boards for the most updated festival information.
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