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Summer Camp 2012
Wuddup fellow Scampers! What a helluva journey the last few weeks have been! As one of your beloved Counselors in Training for this year’s delicious Summer Camp expedition, I welcome you to the madness! With only three grueling 24-hour sessions left until the horns, tu-tus, bag-slapping shenanigans begin, I invite you to let your inner Scamper start dancing this morning! Don’t be shy now people. It’s time you started infecting everyone around you with those disco butterflies grooving around in your belly on the reg. Click the name of the guitar masters, key shredders and bass overlords < UMPREY”S MCGEE > and prepare to bring the boogie train all up in your workplace.
For your ascension into the mother-land of groovery, aka Summer Camp, let’s review a few dance tips to get your headspace right and your backstroke tight:
- Nodding your head will not do. I say it will not do kind sir. Once your head starts nodding, you know the bass has hit you. It is now time for further movement. Start slow if you must but let your body get all wobbly. Fall into it like the first time you made love- all clumsy and silly like.
- Infect lone white boys afraid to make the move with your new-and-improved groove. Don’t be scrrrrd. Tap your neighbor on the back, nod your head and keep the conga line flowing. This shit is infectious!
- Ladies, hula-hooping is hella fun when you’re in the sun on an Umphreys high—but be careful that you don’t knock any of your brothas and sistas down with that whirly twirl. You know you have skills and we do too but make sure everyone has space to get their two-step on.
- Dressing up is always fun! If you don’t have one yet, you best make a quick trip to the Dollar Tree and find something that makes you feel as wonky as an Easter Bunny on Christmas morning. Head gear that makes you look like Tony the Tiger, a wonder woman bra and cape to keep everyone in check while flying around Summa’ town, one of those fake horsies on a stick…er…umm..whatever makes your man-humps sing Disney songs.
- Glow toys. Even though it seems that these things would have disappeared long ago—they have never lost their appeal, and for good reason. When the lights go out and the boom boom comes on, a little zippity-doo-da with that greenish-orange disco ball, stirs something deep inside. Do your thang you sexy Scamper. (P.S. The Dollar Tree has a ton of those too- for only $1)
Catch you on the fly side ~Tiffany
Hello fellow music lovers! I’m sure everybody is just as excited as I am for Summer Camp. I can’t believe my luck in getting the opportunity to be a CIT in just a little over a week before the festival after somebody dropped out! Whoever that may have been for whatever reason, thank you, thank you, thank you! For those of you who have seen my video, I will unfortunately NOT be riding my pedal bike all the way from North Dakota to the fest. I am sorry if there is any disappointment. Trust me, I really wanted that journey.
This will actually be my first year at a music festival and I am extremely excited. I am also very humbled that I can come and experience it as a CIT! Here’s a list of a couple things that I am most excited for…
- Gogol Bordello, Rebelution. Two of my favorite bands that I have not yet had a chance to see. I’ve been listening to Gogol for years now and finally get to go see them! From what I hear they are nucking futs on stage! Rebelution is just solid, their sound is extremely likeable and always a good spirit lifter. All good dancin music!
- Drum circles? There has got to be some drummers out there bringin their drums. We shall unite, jam down and groove on! I will be buying a drum this week!
Soon these things will happen, soon. Until then… Party on Garth.
I’ve been working as a freelance music reviewer for awhile now. I started small reviewing shows for local musician friends, and worked my way into reviewing the likes of Cornmeal, Hot Buttered Rum, and Family Groove Company and interviewing Ben Folds and Steve Kimock. Music has always been involved as part of my everyday life, and I love writing about what I am experiencing because its something I am passionate about and comes naturally. I’m going to keep the ball rolling at Summer Camp so i’m able to provide you with an inside glimpse into some of your favorite artists.
I don’t have a calendar OR a sundial, so i’m glad there’s Facebook to tell me how many days are left until Summer Camp! I’ve been outside of the office for two weeks now, and aside from growing a beard and getting pimped out for SCamp I’ve kept busy by scoping out various bands on the lineup (Henhouse Prowlers, Old Shoe, Chicago Farmer, Afternoon Moon, Elsinore) as they tune up for next week. Let me tell you they are just as excited as fans to throw down and get rowdy!
I’ve also been getting acclimated in the language of Summer Camp. I’ve learned about the evolution of a great festival and seemingly how people are always searching for the elusive Carl. I commissioned a forearm tattoo of the SCamp map for accessibility during the festival…but then found out they switched things around so had to scrap that idea. I started busting out my camping gear and thinking about sundries that will provide sustenance to keep my crew going strong throughout the summer day(ze). Our group always likes to bring stuff that’s portable and can provide a quick boost of energy that will keep us raging responsibly throughout the musically jammed weekend. Although, I hear the onsite food vendors are top notch as well, and surely will be grabbing some Minglewood Wood Fired Pizza once or twice…maybe thrice throughout the fest.
Also released this past week was 2012 Field Day schedule. I have fond memories of “capture the flag” from my younger day camp years, and have been formulating a strategy that will allow Blue Team to bring back old glory to its rightful home! I used to be pretty fast back in high school (400m in 49s) and we all know that speed kills.
If you see me walking around make sure you stop me and slap me some skin, tell me what you are excited to see, what your crew does to make your Summer Camp experience your own. T-minus 6 days people until the start of one helluva time!
CIT Dave
Hey Scampers, one week till Scamp time! Yesss!
I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to attend Summer Camp 2012 as your Counselor in Training. It truly is an honor and a dream come true. I’m going to tell ya a little bit about myself so you can get to know your CIT a little better, and then I’m going to tell you what I’m most excited for at SC.
Since 2005 I’ve been attending 1-2 music festivals each year, and they have more or less turned into my home away from home each summer. I always choose which festival I attend each summer based on who has the best lineup for my tastes. And this year it was a no brainer, Summer Camp 2012 all the way! (I must admit though that I do have a soft spot in my heart for Wakarusa and the Harvest festival with their spectacular scenery up on Mulberry Mountain. Just check out this breath taking aerial shot!) In St. Louis, I’m always attending shows. Especially the shows of Aaron Kamm and the One Drops (check them out!). One thing that’s great about my city is that there’s always free shows going on year round, which is a great way to get into and support local bands. I usually attend shows at small venues such as the Firebird, Broadway Oyster Bar, the Old Rock House, Lemmon’s, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the Schlafly Tap Room, and the Schllafly Bottleworks. As for the larger shows, I usually go to the Pageant or Pop’s.
As for SC, I’m most excited to see some Gogol Bordello. I’ve seen these accordion playin-fiddlin’ strummin’-wine splashin’-gypsy punks several times, and their energy is enough to blow your face off! If you need a quick energy boost to get ya through the rest of Friday night, make sure you check out this band. (Just don’t forget to find me during their set and dance with me in the front!) I also can’t wait to see some Umphrey’s, I’ve been seeing these guys 2-3 times a year since 2005, and like everyone knows, every show is always different and better than the last! Now let’s just hope that we can all make it to every one of their 5 of their sets in 3 days at SC. And I can’t wait for some Primus, especially since I haven’t seen them since they put out their new album Green Naugahyde. It’ll be quite a set with some new tunes in rotation. Plus, you can never go wrong with the lovely bass playin’ of Les Claypool, side project or not, he always puts on a spectacular show. I also can’t wait to get on my dancin’ shoes and hit up some Rubblebucket! This will be a first for me, but just the sound of Kalmia Traver‘s sultry voice puts me in a romantic daze. I’m also excited for some Keller Williams, Galactic, The New Orleans Suspects, The Infamous Stringdusters, Gov’t Mule, Michael Franti, G. Love, Common, Jane’s Addiction, Wooten, Zoogma and many more!
Once I first found out that I made it to the top 6, the planning and packing began. Well, mostly because I had a horrible nightmare that I showed up to SC with only my tent and the clothes on my back. That was frightening. But anyway, my festival essentials include my eno hammock, lots clean under drawers, costumes, sunscreen, baby powder, apples, and my blow up mattress. I’m always lookin’ out for the Scamper, so I purchased some goodies to give away to my fellow Scampers such as hundreds of glowsticks (for glowstick wars), glow paint, and fuzzy pink moustaches. I am also apart of the Umphrey’s street team, so you can expect some sweet Umphrey’s goodies from me as well! As your CIT, of course I will give you a personal perspective of my SC experience through technology, but I’m all about you, the Scamper. I can’t wait to get to know you and make lifetime friends in the process. I’m going to be running around in costumes half of the weekend, so if you’re dressed in a costume too, I wanna meet ya and award you with a fuzzy pink moustache! And as promised, I will be bringin’ those apples! So if you’re a fan of the apple, be ready to catch one headed in your direction. Also, I’m coming to SC with my main squeeze Adam. If you watched my contest video, he was the dude that was trying to “rob” me. One of our favorite things to do together is swing dance, so you’ll probably see us bustin’ some swing moves during sets and especially at Gogol Bordello. I’ll also be hangin’ with my friend Joe (who I met some years ago through my best girl E-Flat) and his friends who are SC veterans.
I am excited and proud to say that this is going to be my first Summer Camp! And I can’t wait to spend it with you. So if you see me out and about, don’t be shy, come say “hi”! I’d love to chat it up with you or dance our booties off together to some tasty tunes. So let’s make it the best one yet! (Not only because my birthday is on Thursday of SC, but especially since I heard some crazy rumor that the world is supposed to end sometime late this year…it’s probably a buncha psssh, but let’s do it up anyway!)
Love, hugs, and thugs,
Mo
Hey Campers,
One week from RIGHT NOW we are all going to be together having an amazing time at Three Sisters Park. Until then, here are a few pointers to make sure you have an amazing time at Summer Camp this year!
1. Plan ahead. Check out the schedule online and map out your weekend at the fest. You can also share your schedule online with your friends and print it out to take with you! Make your schedule now!
2. Pack smart. We’ve put together an essential packing list on our web site. Check it out now!
3. Get the app. We are psyched to announce that the 2012 Summer Camp app is ready to download! The app works on iPhone and Android phones and has the lineup info, map of the park, up-to-the-minute news, and more! Download it
now!
4. Create a GroupMe. Connect with your Summer Camp crew by creating a GroupMe group. Never get lost, plan better, and don’t miss a beat.
One last thing….don’t forget your tickets!! If you haven’t grabbed yours yet, get one now!
See you all soon!
Your Summer Camp Director
Hey Campers,
In 8 days, the Summer Camp Pre-Party will be in full effect! And that means, it’s time to get in gear and start packing. While we put our personal lists together, here are some essential items you shouldn’t leave home without.
1. Your ticket. If you haven’t grabbed yours yet, get one now!
2. A tent, sleeping bag, and pillow for when you need a little R and R.
3. A headlamp or flashlight for finding your way around after dark.
4. Warm clothes. It can get cold at night, and it’s best to be prepared.
5. Rain boots and a rain jacket or umbrella. Fingers crossed we have amazing weather this year, but you never know.
6. Your reusable water bottle. We will have water stations throughout the grounds to fill up all weekend long. (Remember to stay hydrated!!)
7. Sunscreen, bugspray, wet wipes, baby powder, and plenty of hand sanitizer and toilet paper….because we’re camping, and using porta-potties.
8. A towel, flip flops, soap, and other shower stuff (trust us, it’s a good idea).
9. A backpack or bag large enough to carry your daily essentials to the main stage areas. 10. A wagon to help get all of your stuff from your car to your camp site.
11. Ear plugs. So you can still enjoy Summer Camp (and other amazing music) 20 years from now.
12. Glow sticks, totems, glitter, costumes, decorations, and other pieces of flare. They make everything more fun.
Can’t wait to party with you all soon!
Your Summer Camp Director
Greetings from CIT ChickenHeadFan Jason! With each tick of the clock Summer Camp is getting closer! Like most of you, I have been working hard the last few weeks gathering all the necessary toys and equipment that it will take to make this Summer Camp the best one yet! My friends and I have been to many festivals and have learned a lot along the way. Each year our campsite gets better and better so I would like to share with you some tips I have learned to make sure your site is eggsellent (chicken pun intended).
First you need to buy (or borrow) the right equipment in order to be prepared for anything the festival life will throw at you. Here is a list of what I think is necessary to make your campsite the best that it can be. After all it will be your home for four days.
Tent – This will be your only shelter for a few days in case you plan on sleeping. I have a three-season tent that can get a little hot, but protects you better from the weather. It can get hot around 10 am so if you want to sleep a little after your late night shows you will want a tent with proper ventilation. Also it has been known to rain at Summer Camp so a tent that is waterproof and has no holes is ideal.
Comfortable camp/lawn chair - You will need a place to rest your buns after raging all day. It is also a good place to catch a quick nap in the afternoon. Cup holders are nice, and the smaller it collapses the better. You can even bring it to a show if your legs are feeling weak from all the dancing you did the night before.
Canopy - The sun is HOT, especially if you aren’t lucky enough to camp in the woods. The canopy is a necessity in my book. It will provide you shade in the afternoon sun, and shelter from the rain. It also looks cool when you cut open glow sticks and splatter them all over the canopy! This year we are going big, a 10×20 portable car-port shelter! I have already practiced setting up. Being able to set up camp quickly makes all the difference.
Hammock - This might seem like a luxury to some, but nothing will help you relax at Summer Camp more than a hammock. It also can be a lot of fun if you have a friend swing you around in it! Bringing a hammock does make the search for a campsite a little more difficult, but the woods are full of trees that are the perfect distance apart. Hammocks also attract many people. Do not be surprised if you wake up to find a random person sleeping in the hammock every morning. Great way to meet people!
Cooler - You will need to drink water sometime, this will keep it cold. Coolers also make great benches. One lesson I learned the hard way is that a 200qt. cooler holds a lot of stuff, but is a pain in the ass to carry to your campsite. Two smaller coolers do just fine!
Grill – Grills or other camp stoves are nice to have as well. Portable propane grills are the easiest to use because you do not have to bring charcoal or worry about hot coals. If you need that charcoal flavor it is permitted but remember to be safe and smart when disposing of your coals.
Food/Drink – You can bring food into the festival. In terms of food, unless you are a chef the easier to prepare the better. Hot dogs and hamburgers are Summer Camp staples. For lunch sandwiches like PB&J and ham and cheese are the best choice. There is food available from vendors at the festival (I suggest trying the brick oven pizza and breakfast burritos), but bringing your own will help save some money. For drinks, first and foremost, WATER. You can’t get enough! Soda, juice, tea, lemonade are also nice, but bringing your own alcohol is not allowed, so don’t even try!
Wagon – This is one of the most important things you can bring to Summer Camp. Getting the prime camping spot (I prefer somewhere in the woods) is key to having a good Summer Camp experience. The right wagon will get you to that spot quicker and easier than the competition. This year we bought a gardening wagon with air filled rubber tires that can climb mountains and the ability to hold 400 pounds. The standard “red wagons” have never held up for us.
Decorations: Decorations are not only fun, but they can serve a practical purpose too. Ifyou want to find your campsite again you need to make it a landmark.You can string lights up, fly some balloons, throw streamers around, or you can duct tape a mouse mask to the tree and light off smoke bombs in it. Whatever you do just make it your own!
These are what I believe to be the most important things to keep in mind when planning your campsite for this years Summer Camp Music Festival. If any first times S Campers have any questions or if any crafty veterans would like to chime into this discussion online follow the links below.
Continue this conversation on twitter with @chickenheadfan using #bagawk #scmf12
Become my friend on Facebook.
See you soon,
Jason
Hola fellow SCampers!!!
As we approach the weekend we have all been anxiously waiting for, I wanted to take a minute and give you guys a better idea of who I am and what I am going to bring to Summer Camp this year. First and foremost I want to introduce you to the people I am coming to SC with; two of the main people who you will see in my vblogs are dear, close friends of mine who actually introduced me to Summer Camp six years ago and have been there with me every year since, Derrick Lawless and Steve Bannister. Two super chill, awesome people who I met in college and am proud to say will be a part of my life for the rest of it. Come Summer Camp 2050 we will be there rockin’ it out like ever before. There are other friends of mine who are coming, Matt Weiler, Brian Buss, Christina Fountain, and Jake Kuykendall, (if you meet anyone of them, buy them a drink!) most of them are also friends from college who share the love for good music and good times.
One of the reasons that Summer Camp is the ULTIMATE most AMAZING festival is the line up. Every year I think to myself “man there’s no way this year’s line up is going to be as killer as last year’s” and every time I am proven wrong. I not only get to see the bands I already love and follow throughout the year; but there are always so many new bands that I fall in love with.
Some of this year the sets that I am looking forward to seeing for the first time are Gigantic Underground Conspiracy; an awesome compilation of artists from several bands who are sure to put on some jams you most certainly don’t want to miss. Tedeschi Trucks Band, I have always wanted to check them out and for some reason or another have never gotten the chance, with that kind of talent I know it’ll be an amazing show. Sun Stereo a sweet local Champaign-Urbana band with a distinct and fresh jazzy-rock feel, check them out in advance on facebook.
The bands that I have seen many a time before but cannot wait to check out are Lotus, went to their Halloween weekend show in Pittsburgh, PA this past year and it was out of this world good, if you haven’t checked them out – seriously it’s a show you don’t want to miss. Eoto is probably one of the bands I enjoy seeing live the most – they NEVER disappoint and manage to keep every show super fresh. Lastly can we say Talking Heads cover band? This Must be the Band is definitely one of those I gotta check out, can I put a request in? Let’s hear the Talking Heads song your band is named after =)
Alright so I have limited space and limited time and there are tons of bands I am dying to check out (like two bands not mentioned above who are among my all time favorite bands and who I get to see every year 3 days in a row ONLY at Summer Camp? that’s right…moe. and Umphrey’s), but I can’t talk about them all. So to let you know more about myself, I grew up on the Beatles, it led the way to harder rock and then jazz, such as Zeppelin and Dave Brubeck, and from there evolved further to include jam and electronic rock. I appreciate all artistry and talent, but I have a soft heart for drummers as I like to pretend I know how to jam on my used Evans drum set. I love Summer Camp for various reasons, but one of the main ones is that it was the first music festival of my life. Music has always had such an influential role in the essence of my being and there is no other festival that I feel as in touch with the tunes I love as SC. This is not your impersonal mob fest, you come to Summer Camp once and you feel like part of an extremely, extremely, large family forever.
On that note, for you first timers let me tell you some of the things I make sure to pack. For all you ladies, TP is a MUST. As glorious an experience as port-a-potties are, most of them run out of toilet paper and the best thing to do is be prepared, bring some and put a few squares (can you spare a square?) in your pocket. Next bring some trash bags, it is a privilege to use Three Sisters Park and we need to be responsible, have plenty of trash bags not just for garbage, but you never know what the weather could bring and you’d be surprised how dry one of those can keep you. Glow sticks are essential, not only do they add to the beautiful sea of lights at night on the main stage but they provide a great atmosphere for campsite hangouts. With all the great shows playing all the time, you are destined to catch some day shows and when the sun is strong some sun screen is essential! I have seen way too many people painfully red from neglecting to get their rub down, so SPF 50 it is! Finally, make sure to bring your crazy. This is a once in a lifetime experience to let go of everything that ties you down and let your true inner-self soar, so bring a happy spirit and leave your worries at home!
As your Summer Camp counselor I want you all to seek me out, let me make this your best Summer Camp yet. I want encompass the sweetness that is Summer Camp, and the only way I can do that is with your help. You fans are what keep SC alive and I want to show how we bridge the gap between the fans and the bands. Summer Camp is so much more that just music. It is about you living life; lets celebrate it.
I am going to promote some special Summer Camp spirit; my fellow moe.rons and I will be awarding fellow scampers that show special spirit throughout the festival. For example we will award the sweetest campsite, the person with the wildest outfit, the dude/dudette with the most innovative accessory or the neatest jam shout, and many many more; so let us join together and make this year the best Summer Camp EVER woop woop!!
SCampers for life!
Summer Camp Counselor Maria
Every year, it seems like Summer Camp is so far away, and then these last few weeks fly by in no time. Can you smell it? It’s almost here! Here are a few things I’m super excited for…
- The entire Campfire Stage line-up. It is sick. Chicago Farmer, Greensky Bluegrass, and then Hot Buttered Rum in the wee hours of the morning? I just saw them at the Vic with Cornmeal on 4/20 and I truly fell in love with this band. They are not to be missed. For what is thought of as a smaller side stage, the Campfire Stage is pulling some pretty serious weight this year.
- Weir, Robinson, and Greene Acoustic Trio. I am beyond excited to hear these guys collaborate, and I can’t wait to hear what kind of set they put together. Late afternoon on the Sunshine Stage is the perfect slot for this set. Also, if you don’t know Jackie Greene, click here and check him out – he’s (in my opinion) one of the best lyricists around right now.
- Morning yoga at the Soulshine Stage. Confession: I’ve planned to do this every year and have never actually gone. I’ve even brought my yoga mat and everything… but let’s admit it, 10am is a tough time to be up and moving at a festival. Everyone that goes says it changes your day – gives you energy, and re-centers you for another day of raging and music. So this year, I will make it happen. (Probably.)
If this is your first time at Summer Camp, or a festival in general, here are some tips:
- Don’t forget your ticket. Really. Every year I see sad people in line realizing they forgot it and are 3 hours from home. Triple check it, people.
- Bring baby wipes. Showers are available, but baby wipes will save your life.
- Print out the schedule! Yes, they give you one at the gates, but every year by Friday afternoon there are 10,000 people asking to see a schedule. I don’t know how thousands of them get lost every year, but they do – print out a backup, and you will be everyone’s best friend.
- Forget about a map. You’ll figure out where you’re going in no time, and there will always be a friendly face to point you towards the next stage. Just let go, and you’ll figure it out.
- You cannot pack enough of the following items: bottled water, glowsticks, hair rubber bands (for girls or long-haired boys), sunscreen, an extra pair of party pants (in case you dance yours into oblivion), and smiles.
- If you forget any of the items mentioned above, there is a grocery store right down the block from Three Sisters Park. If you’re traveling from afar, I’d suggest stopping there for your ice & perishable food right before you head in to the greatest weekend of the year.
That’s all! So start packing and get pumped, because I have a feeling this might be the most epic Summer Camp yet…
xoxo
Abby Mager, CIT 2012
You know sometimes when you listen to an album and it feels like the lyrics to each song are narrating your life story at that exact point in time. Well right now, David Byrne must be the fly on the wall playing Best of the Talking Heads and reading my mind. To help you understand what I mean, observe the course of events leading up to this once in a lifetime chance to get into the heaven that is Summer Camp.
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself, “Well, how did I get here?”
That was me in a nutshell at the beginning of April. I wasn’t in a shack, but I was certain my life vehicle wasn’t driving in the right direction in the land of cubicles. My passion was hearing live music not climbing some synergistic hypothetical ladder. So, I stepped off the merry go round. I wanted a place where the music didn’t stop and my creativity could flourish. I wanted it to be the Seinfeldian “Summer of Dave.”
My core group of friends in Chicago are part of two bands, FGC a seasoned SCamp veteran, and Old Shoe who are first timers to Chillicothe like myself. The best way to start the summer I wanted was to be at Summer Camp to see them perform. After entering the contest to be part of the camp counselor program I thought my perspective of the different festival experiences, both from the collective eyes of bands I know, and my own could provide a unique glimpse into Camp life. What I hope to provide for all camper experience levels is a genuine voice and accurate account from the point of view of both performer and fan.
People who live near Chicago are truly blessed for one reason and its not the weather. This city draws so much great musical talent to its wind swept shores. Homegrown acts like Umphrey’s and Cornmeal to left coasters like Hot Buttered Rum regularly stop by to say what up while on tour. I’ve been fortunate to scope a lot of the 2012 lineup this year before they hit the stage just because of this allure Chicago holds over musicians.
In my spare time I attend an average of about three to four shows a week. Burning the candle at both ends responsibly is my modus operandi. With venues such as Martyrs and the Vic in my backyard its actually tough to avoid all the good midweek music. Luckily, as it happened I ran into the right set of circumstances that left me reviewing shows for a few music publications. Coincidence or fate stepped in and corrected my course and set my path towards a dusty moonlit road in Chillicothe.
I’m ecstatic to experience the aura I’ve heard surrounds the festival. For a festival going on its 12th year the SCamp team has managed to keep their core fans happy while adding national talent and handling expanded ticket sales. That usually takes someone at the heart of it all making sure values are upheld and everyone is on the same page. So the first thing i’m doing when I get to camp is finding Jay to shake his hand.
While its no secret that UMphreaks and moe.rons are the foundation of the festival the lineup keeps evolving each year. The multi-genre acoustic funk artist that calls himself Keller Williams will surely be on my top must see acts. As will be the case with legend infused Weir, Robinson, Greene Acoustic Trio. Transcendental folk artist Elephant Revival is an act gaining attention and I’m relishing the chance to hear their fiddle laden harmonies. Yonder Mountain String Band and the Infamous Stringdusters will not leave me strung out. I’ll stay close to home and the lake and check out some homegrown bluegrass in Cornmeal. Then move on over to the funk-defying sounds of Family Groove Company in addition to a bevy of spectacular windy city acts sprinkled throughout the schedule. Chicago Farmer is the type of story teller that relates to people from all walks of life and i’m gonna scope Cody’s Sunday set for sure. Confirmed are rumors of a superjam collaboration called “Shoe Groove Z” taking the stage Thursday with Old Shoe, Zmick, and members of Family Groove Company as special guests. I hear the red barn late night will be where is at for Brain Damaged Eggmen as members of Umphrey’s and The Disco Biscuits celebrate music of Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Hopefully i’ll also get a chance to brush shoulders with the husband wife super couple that makes up the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Been really looking forward to hearing new songs off their new release Everybody’s Talking due out before camp starts May 22nd. Where else would a Talking Heads fan be, but front stage center for This Must Be the Band’s late night soulshine tent appearance? DJnoDJ also performs Daft Punk which should be a great listening experience at those wee morning hours moments before the rooster crows.
Schedule wise there is so much greatness that i’m thinking you’ll be hard pressed to please everyone. But that’s life and sometimes you run into difficult choices. To me that is a good problem to have happen and too much good music should not dissuade from your overall satisfaction when its all said and done. Breathe deep and let the great wealth of talented open air performers smack you across the face ever so gently. There is nary an act on the bill who can’t handle a large crowd as opposed to a cramped recording booth. Part of the allure of festivals such as Summer Camp is you are almost guaranteed to see some magical sit ins and collaborations. I’m going to keep close to the musician workshops at the Soulshine Tent to capture those moments first hand for you throughout the weekend.
The David Byrne fly on the wall keeps whispering to me that he isn’t sure where we’ve been, but one things for certain i’m going to Summer Camp. The world is blooming and we are floating above it with nothing but glass blown 1000 year old flowers to show life during festival time can leave you with memories that remind us this must be the place. Such a wild, wild life sometimes. Hope you’ll share in my Summer Camp of Dave.
See you at camp friend,
Dave