The Gathering of the Vibes

People were camped out in every conceivable niche along the length of the park. Tents, sleeping bags, vans, you name it! As you walked along the road, you'd hear tapes from car stereos playing the Dead, Allmans, Marley, Max Creek, or just about any "Fellow Traveler" you could think of. In the main campground Saturday night, a drum circle played all night long, way past sunrise!

They had two stages side-by-side, so there never had to be much break in the music. I believe the crowd is rockin' to a muscular version of St. Stephen by the Zen Tricksters.

In the background, see the first-aid tent, where many a heat-stroked head sought refuge. Three cheers for the medical staff at the Gathering!

Since the back of the stage was the open sky above the Hudson River, it was pretty pointless shooting pictures with my QuickTake fron the crowd in front of the stage. Here's a decent side-view of Strangfolk's Sunday show, taken by David Gans. During this set, a sudden cloudburst and lightning storm shut everything down for a while until the danger passed.

It's always nice to meet people you've come to know pretty well in the cyber-world. On Saturday at 2 PM, this many HOL'ers (AOL Heads OnLine) got together face-to-face.

Let's see, in the back row, from the left is David Gans (DGans), Neil (SGuacamole), Ray Hogan (Eleven Jam), me (Sweeney99), Steve Silberman (Digaman1), and Frank (hslipfrank)

Ladies, from left, Erica (violetbrze), jessie (deliah475) , Kathleen (kat ice), Jodie (Ladywthafn), Robin (Halldancer), Bernice (Nix 8)

It was nice to meet a couple of people I essentially "work" with everyday. Jodie (Ladywthafn) and Neil (SGuacamole) are two of the "busdrivers" who help folk out in the chat rooms at the GD Forum. I'm sure if you ask them about this picture, they'll probably claim I was standing on some phone books or something!

Mr. Silberman's Sunday Morning Service

Deadhead author Steve Silberman led a discussion about the state of the Deadhead community, and where it might be headed. Even after the all-night drum circles, about 20+ people dragged themselves into the rec-hall early Sunday morning.

The guy playing bagpipes outside was certainly memorable!

John Dwork

John Dwork, of Dupree's Diamond News, is resting between sets here. Much discussion during the weekend was swirling around "What's up with DDN?" Everyone hopes for the best for this important community magazine.

Thanks Bob!

Bob from Terrapin Tapes worked practically round-the-clock for the entire weekend, and still maintained an excellent positive attitude, even when we inadvertantly locked him out of the cabin Friday night! Sorry Bob.

Notice the boat on the Hudson River coming out of Bob's left ear.

Ken Hays

Ken Hays, the tireless promoter, and Terrapin Tapes owner, is shown here in the classic pose for the weekend: talking into the radio. He kept threatening to turn the radio off and go dancing; I hope he got the chance to enjoy himself.

Job Well Done Ken.

Thanks to all at Terrapin Tapes.