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!

Green River Festival 7/17/11 Greenfield MA

Emmylou Harris, JJ Grey and Mofro, Grupo Fantasma, Eilen Jewell, Locos Por Juana, Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited, Wanda Jackson, Patty Larkin.

Entered the festival to the strains of Regrooving the Dream and Stranger's World two of my most favorite Patty Larkin recordings. Patty, from Wellfleet continues to pump out excellent recordings. Next up was the 73-yr young Wanda Jackson. Produced by Jack White, Wanda's new album covers Amy Winehouse and Elvis Presley. Wanda growled her way through Heartbreak Hotel, god bless her for getting on stage with her 1950's sweater in 90 degree heat. African ex-pat Thomas Mapfumo brought some highlife music to the second stage. Highlife, the guitar-percussion precursor of afro-beat has a very distinctive danceable cadence. Boston local and Greenriver staple Eilen Jewell gave the honkytonk americana treatment to the main stage. Locos por Juana a latin trio with a monstrous trombone player brought some high energy to the dance tent. Festival highlight JJ Grey and Mofro were fantastic! Swampy vocals and searing guitar leads were the reason to be here. Mofro played Brighter Days, Lochloosa, Ho Cake, an Otis Redding cover, Orange Blossom Special, and several cuts off the recent (and excellent) Georgia Warhorse release. Festival closer Emmylou Harris has been at it for years. Wrecking Ball, one of my favorite EH records was heavily tasted. Her version of Gillian Welch's Orphan Girl was a great way to cap a hot and fun day

Natalie MacMaster New Haven Green 6/18/11

Saturday evening at the A/I festival brought Natalie MacMaster. A fiddler from the Cape Breton section of Nova Scotia, Natalie played Irish-type tunes. Reels and medleys made up the program. A good crowd showed for a perfect weather evening

Jose Conde w/ Cosmic Jibaros 6/12/11 New Haven Green

Bridgeport natives Cosmic Jibaros started off this Sunday set as part of the A/I festival. Like a local Ozomatli, I've always loved these guys. Frontman Rick Reyes has a good voice with tunes in english and spanish. New York latin sensation Jose Conde was up next. He had a breezy feel that was not cheesy.