Good early Thursday eve VibeTribe,

Musically, things got of to a ice, easy going start on Thursday afternoon, beginning over on the Greene Vibes Stage. The funky, latin groove of the Cosmic Jibaro’s was a very early pleasant surprise. The sax player was quite expressive.

But the booty really started rocking and shaking back over on the main stage. For those who were here with us in 2010, we welcomed Zach Deputy to the vibes line up, calling that he’d find a home with the VibeTribe. Consider that confirmed! He brings a rootsy, island vibe with, and a funky, groovy beat. But what was quite different this year, was he was being backed by a full band, whom he’s been playing with on random gigs, where as in his 2010 performance, he was still performing solo. It’s been amazing to watch him grow and develop his sound, yet all of the 6-piece totally get the vibe he’s giving and get into it as much as he does, and just go with him. “Tube Steak/Collard Greens” was an early, funky jam that saw extended improve, and then he transitioned back to a bit of a mellow, Moroccan jam. Deputy certainly got the young, largely female contingent crowd shaking and moving, and is clearly now an official part of the VibeTribe family.

Believe it or not, it has been years since Yonder Mountain String Band performed at Vibes – 2006, which would mean the last time the band played the festival it was then still located at Indian Lookout Country Club. That year in fact, they performed with Martin Fierro, tenor saxophonist, who passed on in 2008, and offered a toast in his honor. But they absolutely tore it up like they are regular performers, with a thriving, high energy show at dusk tonight. Opener “Side Show Blues” was a foot stomper that drew people back in quickly after a short respite between theirs and deputy’s sets.

“Fingerprint,” sung in a true bluegrass twang by banjoist Dave Johnson. And as the sun fell, the temperatures dropped just slightly, bringing a very pleasant cool, yet the crowd remanned lively and danced away. “Well Yeeee Haaaugh and all of that folks,” said stand up bassist Ben Kaufman, after a particularly traditional bluegrass number got people moving. “Just a little tune to put the swing your thing!” Indeed, the VibeTribe was kicking up some dust to that and to the smoking song, “Two Hit’s and the Joint Turned Brown,” which left quite a pungent air over the crowds head. This string band certainly brought their A game, and the VibeTribe was along with every swing.

Gotta boogie, as I hear strains of “Touch Of Grey,” which can only mean one thing – DSO has taken the stage for the first of two sets tonight. Watch this space for a report on them and tonight’s late night activities from the Royal Family ball!