Gathering of the Vibes 2008 | Lineup and On-sale

The Gathering of the Vibes — that deadheadiest of festivals — has released its initial lineup. Taking place July 31st through August 3rd, the Vibes will once again be returning to Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Seaside Park. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, March 11, at 10am ET.

Befitting a festival that began as a birthday tribute to Jerry Garcia in 1996, the lineup features a number of Grateful Dead offshoots. Phil Lesh and Frends will anchor the festival, along with other dead-oriented bands including Donna Jean and the Tricksters, and Dark Star Orchestra. The Vibes isn’t just a festival for deadheads, though. Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi’s Soul Stew Revival, Assembly of Dust, Deep Banana Blackout and the Neville Brothers are among the higher-profile bands announced so far.

I was at only one Vibes, in 2003, and found it to be well-run and generally great experience. With their return to Seaside Park, they’re in a fantastic location, right on Long Island Sound. With the links to mass transit, this is one of the few festivals that those without a car should have no trouble reaching.

Initial Artist Line-Up:

Phil Lesh & Friends
Neville Brothers
Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi
Sam Bush
Dark Star Orchestra
Porter Batiste & Stoltz
Zappa plays Zappa
Jackie Greene Band
New Riders of The Purple Sage
Deep Banana Blackout
Assembly of Dust
Donna Jean & The Tricksters
Strangefolk
Ryan Montbleau
King For A Day
The Alternate Roots

Limited on-site camping will be available, and shuttle buses will be running between the event and local hotels. In addition, if you’re coming up from New York City, shuttles will be running to the Metro-North trains, and if you’re coming from Long Island, shuttles will be taking Vibers to and from the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry.