Last year’s memories of Mountain Jam are a bit tainted. I’d had a really rough morning, thanks to my middle son, and my early afternoon proved that the day could, in fact, become even worse. As always, my friends pulled me through that day and were once again on hand this year to replace any previous negative associations with laughter – and beer.
Unlike previous years, the weather was spectacular. I think this May have been the first time I attended this show wearing anything other than rain boots. We successfully smuggled some sunscreen in and I do not regret my criminal decision. I would have fried without repeated doses of #30.
The music was great! Chris Robinson (from the Black Crowes) has a new project and I appreciated their set more than I had enjoyed his band when I saw them last. Sean Lennon performed with his band, Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, and while I may not have been familiar with his band, it was really cool watching the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono making music. He’s definitely rocking his father’s look and vibe.
As far as Michael Franti goes – well, sign me up to be a member of his church. He preaches good vibes, positivity and love and I’m a believer. He is one of the most inspiring and alive performers I have ever seen and this show was awesome. Musical joy. The Allman Brothers played a super set of rock and roll. As always, their songs seemed to have risen up from some dank mud which also happened to have bred the blues and jazz. While we didn’t stay for their encore, we did hit the road satiated and completely satisfied with our day.
A couple of random things –
- Security was pretty strict and did not permit food or aerosol cans to be brought in. A bit of a bummer for those on a budget or who had packed cans of sunscreen.
- I ate a delicious bratwurst sandwich, with everything, thank you very much. And an ice cream sundae! Beers were reasonably priced ($6 for decent drafts) and a full bar within the lodge was also available.
- Offered as continued evidence that it is indeed a small world, I ran into not one but, two, guys I knew from when I was married. I hadn’t seen either in years and it was more pleasant than awkward.
DelSo 