Deer Tick 8/25/11 Beachcomber Wellfleet MA

Providence band chugged its way out to the Comba for a rocking pre-hurricane Irene set. Known for its boozy live shows, this band lived up to the hype. With cadre of followers who knew every lyric, Deer Tick rocked a packed house. Originals from Black Dirt Sessions, Maybelline, Impromptu Swimmin in a Hurricane were all great. When frontman singer wasn't pouring beer on drummer's cymbals, making out with keyboard player, spraying beer and sandwiches on the crowd, he held it down with straight rock and roll. A fitting exit, the band "escaped" through a window to a show ending wall of feedback. If this band can stay alive, they are certainly worth watching.

Fishtank Ensemble w/ Dr Caterwauls Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps 8/11/11 Cafe 9

Its been way to long since the last entry of Cafe 9. DCCCC with cello, accordion, fiddle, banjo, and drums plucked and harmonized their way through world folk songs and chants. The homemade looking banjo came out for a gypsy inflected take on London Calling. Fishtank Ensemble from LA took the stage late. Fiddle, standup bass, flamenco guitar, and female lead vocals with saw. Thats right, this woman played an excellent saw (youtube them). Truly a family affair, the woman's 4-yr old boy hung out on stage as well, gypsy tradition? Folk songs from Turkey, Greece and Romania , and France filled the set. The singer even growled her way through Fever. Mildly revamped Cafe 9 had a great painting of Captain Beefheart which seems fitting of the venue.

Steely Dan 7/29/11 MGM Grand Theater

What do you do if your band had a string of hits in the 70s, never toured, took your name from a William Burroughs-penned sex toy.......tour americas casinos with a top notch band of young jazzbos. Steely Dan does this because they can. After years of non touring in their heyday, the lords of the hipper-than-thow Becker and Fagan hit Ledyard. My Old School, all of the Aja album, Dirty Work, Kid Charlemagne, Bodishattva, Black Friday were highlights. Becker's great spoken word intro to Hey Nineteen was hilarious. Band intros to Papa Don't Take No Mess was a nice touch. I don't frequent this venue but this show was a keeper, thanks to LB.

John Butler Trio, Rhythm Devils, Dr. John and the Lower 911, Toots and the Maytals GOTV 7/24/11 Seaside Park

Final day of a sweltering weekend. Starts off with reggae legend Toots and the Maytals. Toots was spry and full of activity on stage as he ran through his set of reggae classics. Dr. John looked like he rolled out of bed but was excellent. Google this legend to see how many projects he has touched over the years...we were in the right place right time for this one. Caught a little of the zaniness that is regional outfit Rubblebucket on the second stage. Rhythm Devils with its allstar lineup: Bill Kreutzman, Mickey Hart, Keller, Steve Kimock, Reed Mathis gave an extra push of Grateful Dead that vibesters were jonesing for. Environmental activist and guitar phenom John Butler ended the day on a good note. I have always admired this Aussie's attitude and chops. Only 364 days till Vibes 2012 (maybe Rush will be there sic)

Jane's Addiction, Elvis Costello, moe., DBB, Sister Sparrow, Tea Leaf Green GOTV 7/23/11 Seaside Park Bridgeport

Tea Leaf Green has been plugging away on the jam circuit for years, With Reed Mathis on bass these guys noodled the second stage. Regional band Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds showcased front woman Arleigh Kincheloe. This 22=yr old can rock with full horns and harp player, this band is worth repeated viewing. Deep Banana Blackout's set is getting very predictable. Jen Durkin has swagger and Fuzz has chops, but DBB has lost it by not mixing up their shows. moe. was great considering their last appearance at the vibes was cut way short by a thunderstorm. Elvis Costello was fantastic, every time I see this man he never fails to impress. Elvis jammed it up with Angels, Watching the Detectives, Don't Go Back to Chelsea, Everyday I write the Book and closing with What's So Funny Bout Peace Love and Understanding a perfect ode to the hippie masses. Closing the main stage was Jane's Addiction. After seeing Jane's in the 90's, I didn't think it was possible for Perry Farrell to get weirder....I was wrong. The spectacle of rubber-clad dancers being swung and suspended from the stage banter about Dead Tapers, the whole "where's my booze?" audience chiding was hysterical. All the Jane's standards plus my favorite 3 Days was great. Lackluster late-night from Perpetual Groove rounded out this enjoyable day.

Futhur, Levon Helm, Big Gigantic, Caravan of Thieves, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Taj Mahal, Kung Fu, Big Sam's Funky Nation GOTV 7/22/11 Seaside Park

Start the day with a healthy dose of funk from Big Sam's, we are still at shady grove so Sam can't deride the Steeler's Man. Local group Kung Fu starts the second stage equal mix of jam and Zappa-esque fills from guitarist Tim Palmieri. Standard set from Taj, always great to hear him play Katy. Tedeschi-Trucks have a new record and an expanded lineup. Susan took over vocal duty with Mike Mattison for an awesome set, this "big band" of jam and blues were great. Levon's band rounded out by Larry Campbell and wife, and Levon's daughter Amy played Band classics and americana standards. Furthur's show started strong with some highlights such as the Beatles Golden Slumbers. Second set fizzled and ended with no encore much to the chagrin of the salivating crowd. Late night showed off Colorado's Big Gigantic a sax-turntable and drums duo with a cool light show

Dark Star Orchestra, New Mastersounds, Roots of Creation, Infamous Stringdusters Oli Brown Band 7/21/11 GOTV Seaside Park Bridgeport

After some minor stress to land in Boardietown (thanks to Sneaky Jack), we set up our 4-day home by the sea. First up was Oli Brown on the second stage. Solid blues licks from the Brit guitar phenom. Main stage had the Infamous Stringdusters showcasing the weekends best bluegrass. Standup slide guy was impressive. Did not remember this band carrying that many members but there is safety in numbers. Local reggae Roots of Creation iried the second stage. DSO rocked the main stage with an improvised set. DSO usually performs one historic setlist. Tonight's show was an amalgam of favorites that did not disappoint. After some chillin by the water, late night funk was in order courtesy of the New Mastersounds. Another Brit band with excellent chops. Singer/guitarist wrung out the Clash's Lightning Strikes (not once but twice) for a half hour encore. Do not miss this band if they come to your town!