Pink Moon Festival V Review

Making my way down Interstate 81 South with Envoy in tow – it was finally September 12^th. Their set started at 3 p.m. and we were going to be cutting it oh so close but all of this left my mind as we left Union, West Virginia and drove down the old and familiar Willowbend Road to the farmhouse. Words cannot even begin to explain how filled with happiness I was when I reached the long, rocky driveway. It had only been three weeks since I left the farm to go back to school, but it felt like years!

Once I got to the house and the band got to where they needed to be, I set up camp and was ready to start working. While Jess and Seth managed things around the venue, I worked a while at ticketing at the gate. The day was hot and beautiful in the mountains and on this particular weekend, encompassed by music.

More and more people arrived steadily throughout the day Friday. I was even lucky enough to have my very own father attend the festival this year – give him a first-person perspective of exactly what it is that I do for Rock Camp Productions.

With the inflow of people, a cool front also passed through Rock Camp providing a perfect temperature for the remainder of the weekend. As attendees where getting set up, High Street and the Northerners started the day off right and put everyone in good spirits. PBR rocked the Shangri La stage followed by the Shack Band. Rumpke Mountain Boys and David Gans arrived later just in time for their sets. Despite some bus trouble, they made it to Rock Camp though. The only issue that presented itself was that David Gans was set to perform within twenty minutes and they still were not at the stage yet. So the one and only John Church and his handy dandy golf cart made their way down to scoop David for his set. 

Soon to follow, Rumpke Mountain Boys were on their way to the farmhouse to hang out a bit before they played later that night. In the meantime, I hung out around the campsite with friends where we were all able to enjoy David’s set at the Farmhouse Stage. The rest of the night included GalaxyDynamite, Moogatu and Rumpke’s sets (including an additional set with DavidGans). The Rumpke Mountain Boys brought their “trashgrass” straight to Pinky’s Farm! The group named this style from blending bluegrass and jamgrass to create something all their own. With amazing banjo, mandolin, bass and acoustic guitar technique, Rumpke had captured the crowd – looking around it was clear that everyone was having a great time!

Friday was wrapping up and I made my way back down to the gate after meandering around for a bit.

Because the air had cooled down quite a bit since the night before, Jeremy had started a small bonfire earlier in the evening that proved to be essential as the night progressed. Friends upon friends made their way down to the gate to sit by the fire and enjoy each other’s company and partake in light banter. It was the second night of Pink Moon V and it was obvious that the weekend was just going to get better!

Saturday began with music from Nice Couch, FractalCat and the Northerners followed by the Mad Anthonys, Threesound, Golden Guns, Funk Punch and Kings of Belmont. The weather was still exceptional and I really cannot stress enough how perfect everything during the weekend of Pink Moon V was! After spending some time here and there, I was able to catch a bit of Urth’s set which turned out to be completely mesmerizing! This group had an immense impact on a few of my friends who were still talking about their performance even hours after they played. The evening continued with the Former Champions, Sol, and Big Something bring a BIG crowd to the main stage around 11 that night. Octopus, Plaeground, Tek Subport and Aarodynamics all played amazing sets for the remainder of the night and into the early morning.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Professor Marvel started the day off with some good jams followed by my personal favorite of the weekend – the KIND! The KIND is known for their amazing Grateful Dead covers and with a voice like Wendy Godley’s, they are really unforgettable. 

Sunday also included an animated set for M.H. and his Orchestra. This group really knows how to keep an audience captivated not only through their music but also through the overall performance throughout their set. Around seven, things got funky with the Good Funk on the Shangri La Stage followed by sets from Greenhouse Lounge and Bassdread.

Photo Credit Jason Hann

Then there was EOTO. But as Jason Hann would say, “EgOaTO.” Not only was their set so much fun and jammy, but the duo were accompanied by Jed the goat (an awesome pet of a member of the Pink Moon Family) hence the name “EgOaTO.” EOTO played for an incredible 3.5 hours, for an beautiful, tight-knit, intimate crowd. Their performance this year was by far one of the best that I have seen!

So, here you have a bit of my weekend at Pink Moon Festival V at Pinky’s Farm. The weekend was magical, beautiful and all-around perfect. 

I truly could have not asked for better company for which to work, and to see everything come together as it did is incredible. I am so very grateful that I have the opportunity to work with Rock Camp Productions and to also have Jess and Seth as my absolutely amazing bosses and friends. I would like to give a huge thanks to the two of you for all the hard work you go through during the year to make Pink Moon as great as it is! 

I would also like to thank all of the musicians and artists for taking the time to be interviewed and for their awesome performances at the festival this year. Another thank you goes to the staff and volunteers that helped keep things running smoothly, we could not have done it without you all!

What a wonderful Pink Moon it was indeed. 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Atoadaso

Atoadaso is a band from Roanoke and will be playing their second Pink Moon this year. It consists of brothers Griff and Billy, who have been playing off and on for most of their lives, and Max and Stephen. The two began playing with Max about three years ago and formed Atoadaso a little while after that with Stephen joining the band just under a year ago. 

Atoadaso has an interesting story behind their band name choice, “We wanted a word or idea people would have to assign a new and unique meaning to – create a ‘fresh idea’ in their mind. The word ‘Atoadaso’  actually comes from an episode of ‘Trailer Park Boys’ as a misspoken, ‘I told you so.’” 

The group has a few rituals in which they partake prior to performing, such as frequent urination, stretching, caffeine, flowers, IPAs, and bananas in various forms. 

As for plans after Pink Moon, Atoadaso intends to focus on writing and recording during the winter.

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Galaxy Dynamite!

Galaxy Dynamite will be performing their third Pink Moon Festival this year. The band consists of Mike, Baker and Sam and they have been together for a little more than three years. 

The named developed from a fighting move used by a character in a videogame based on a Japanese anime cartoon called “Dragon Ball Z.” Mike’s college roommate suggested that would be a good band name and they decided to use it a year later. They are most proud of their song “This Should Happen Again” and also “Nothing Says Beach Like a Highway.” 

Galaxy Dynamite is playing two nights at Pink Moon Festival V and will also be performing three Phish after-parties in Hampton. If you are not able to catch their first set then you will have the opportunity to see their second, be sure not to miss out! 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Major and the Monbacks

Major and the Monbacks is a nine-piece band. The group includes Neal Friedman, Cole Friedman, Michael Adkins, Nick Saunders, Woody Marshall, Jay Einhorn, Tyler West, Hunter Rhodes, and Harry Schloeder. Instruments present in the group include vocals, guitar, organ, bass, harmonica, trumpet, saxophone, percussion, hype, and drums. 

As a band, they are all really looking forward to the progress and growth of the band what the future has to hold for them. Major and the Monbacks are currently broadening their horizons, “We have broken out of our hometown in Norfolk and we are starting to play farther and farther from home and have a great time meeting new people, bands, and venues that enjoy our music.” 

They are looking forward to next summer when they plan on touring out-of-town more regularly and playing as many shows as they can fit into their schedule. A full-length album could also be in the works in the near future for the group. 

This group really has a lot to offer and you should be sure to check them out at Pink Moon Festival V this year!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: General Patton

General Patton will be playing his third Pink Moon Festival this year. He is from Newport News, Virginia and has been dj-ing for over 12 years and has been playing music since he was 11. 

He plays because music is the ultimate release for him. Many people and artists inspire him but he is inspired most by his parents. In choosing his stage name, the obvious was Patton because it is his last name and also because the famous General Patton was his grandfather’s cousin. General Patton’s favorite thing about performing is “bringing people together and making them dance.” 

For musical goals, he would like to improve upon marketing himself as a musician and is looking forward to “life in general.” The next move for General Patton is to transition to a career that will allow him to focus more time and finances on his music hobby. Be sure to check out his set this weekend because it will not disappoint!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Dr. Jektor

Dr. Jektor is a solo artist and has been making music since he was 15. He was born in Yonkers, New York and grew up and lived there for 23 years. As a kid, he was inspired by Pink Floyd, “The way they changed and evolved music and the stories conveyed through their art. I knew I wanted to express myself in the same way by creating sound and weaving those sounds into melody rhythm and e

motion.”

The pseudonym Dr. Jektor came to be during a drunken brainstorming session between him and his roommates at the time. He was dissatisfied with his pervious moniker and wante done that fit his manner of approaching music, something that was able to convey a type of “mad scientist…who makes and spins beats, someone who injects life and energy into a party.” 

If Dr. Jektor could be a candy bar, he would “probably be a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, it’s a winning combination of two opposites that together I find irresistible.” On a more serious note, he is looking forward to the point where he can make a living off of his music and gigs and where he does not need a day job to “stay afloat.” In the near future he will be finishing and releasing his first LP! 

We are extremely excited to have Dr. Jektor with us this year because he was scheduled to perform last Pink Moon Festival, but had car troubles and had to cancel. 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Serotones

Pink Moon Festival first-timers Serotones had their beginnings in the summer of 2011 with a few line-up changes since then. The band consists of Nate Oakes, Christopher Oakes, Tyler Carnahan, and Zac Magalis. Each member has been playing music for ten years or more. 

The name came about from Christopher, “It’s a play on words with the chemical in your body, serotonin, popularly thought to be a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.” They are looking forward to one day quitting their jobs and playing music full-time. Up next for the Serotones is recording an EP and touring. 

Be sure to check out this group at the festival this year! 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: The Good Funk

The Good Funk will be performing their first Pink Moon Festival this year. The group has been together for about three years, but due to complications, the original guitarist and keys player, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalists are no longer members of the band. Currently the members include Greg on bass, Bob on drums, and Ari on guitar and vocals. 

The Good Funk plays music because they love it. Ari elaborated on his musical interest, “I play music because it’s been an outlet for me all my life. Through struggle or smiles, it’s what came out of me and helped me to be who I am. I don’t know where I’d be or if I’d even be here without music and I’m sure it’s the just the same for the other guys in my band.” 

The Good Funk has a ritual of having group hugs before performances and while performing they like being able to tell how “in sync” they are and so much so that it puts a smile on everyone’s face, “It’s beautiful to see us make that connection as a band, truly satisfied with something you’ve created together.” 

The band is looking forward to PinkMoon Festival V the most because it the biggest festival for them so far and soon following they will be performing at Fall Freequinox the following weekend with a show at the Diamondback Tavern in early October. Be sure to check out the Good Funk at the festival this year because they will indeed be nothing less of good funk!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: The Megadrives

Another Pink Moon Festival newcomer is the Megadrives. This group has been together since 2006 and they have been playing music their whole life.

The band's name came about in an interesting way, “Apparently it came to me in a dream Joe says, I don’t quite remember that, but we used to live in the same house so I could have been bleary-eyed after waking up,” explains Ryan. “It’s also a homage to old school video games which helped get me into electronic music – I used to jam out in the sound test menus with headphones on, tapping sound effect in a rhythm – the Sega Genesis has a headphone jack and volume slider, the Sega Megadrive is the Japanese name and I always thought that was way cooler sounding.” 

Currently, something the group would like to improve upon as musicians is the business side of things. They are looking forward to getting their passports renewed and traveling the world! Other than Pink Moon Festival V, the group is working on a custom set for a Jim Henson inspired rave with a Labyrinth theme. 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: David Gans

Radio personality, musician, producer, and music journalist, David Gans will be a headliner at Pink Moon Festival V this year! He is a native Californian and began playing music 44 years ago when he began with the clarinet around the age of seven. David explained that he ventured to playing guitar at the age of 15 when his brother “set a couple of my tortured teenage poems to music and taught me the chords,” and has been writing songs ever since. His music journalism career began in the 1970s because he felt it was not only fun, but also a great way to learn; he has been earning his living doing music and music-related things ever since!

David plays music because he has a natural gift for it and he explains that it is “pretty much the thing I care about most in the world. He gains his inspiration from connecting with people and his favorite part of performing is connecting with people onstage and in the audience. I asked David about his music idol and why that person was significant to which he responded, “Jerry Garcia. Great songwriter and guitarist who taught me the value of the silences between the notes and to serve the music, I never go onstage to show off my chops; I go onstage to play the song.”

David is currently finishing up a studio album and is looking forward to growing both creatively and musically. For us at Rock Camp Productions, we are extremely excited to have David Gans perform his first Pink Moon this year! Be sure to check out his set and in the meantime, catch him hosting the Grateful Dead Hour!

Pink Moon Festival Preview: What to Pack!

Pink Moon is right around the corner! We can't wait to have the entire Pinky Moon Family congregated here on Pinky's Farm! Here are some basic suggestions of things to remember to bring along with you to the Moon!

ID, phone, and money for food from our great food vendors, and cool art and merch from our craft vendors! You're probably also going to want a Pink Moon 5 t-shirt and/or poster!!
     *We also would like to encourage you to buy supplies locally, in Monroe County, WV! Support the community that supports us!

Your TICKET (if you purchased a shipped pre-sale ticket)

Camping Gear - tent, sleeping bag, a tarp (or two!), an EZ-Up (and tapestries to hang up - they provide decoration AND shade!!), camp chairs, a small camp stove, hammocks, cooler, etc.

Lanterns, flashlights and headlamps (and extra batteries)!!

Extra clothes, ESPECIALLY extra socks and sweatshirts!

A blanket

Plenty of water! And any other libations you may need for the weekend.

A first aid kit (including an Epi-pen if you have allergies)

Trash bags!!! This is a Leave No Trace event!

Bug spray and sunscreen

Rain gear

Baby wipes (a.k.a. Festy Shower), condoms, toilet paper, and paper towels (not necessarily in that order ;)

Toys, props, costumes - hoops, poi, glowsticks, dragons...

Musical instruments - guitars, banjos, drums, ukuleles, kazoos, etc

Jumper cables

Your CAMERA, video camera and other recording devices!! Tapers welcome!

We strongly encourage you to bring and create art here on Pinky's Farm, so consider that when packing up!

And don't forget to bring your friends!! The more the merrier!



Please do NOT bring:

Guns or weapons, tanks, glass, unnecessary valuables, more than one dog, firewood (there's plenty here, don't worry), and TROUBLE!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Groova Scape

For over two years now, Groova Scape’s guitarist, vocalist, and bassist have been playing together with a new drummer that has been on board for about six months. The group has been involved in music they were in middle school and the vocalist began at an earlier age singing in the choir. 

Years ago the band consisted of a few different members who all worked at a landscaping company called Ground Up Landscaping. “We used to joke about making a company called Sound Up GooveScaping and after tossing this around for a few days, ‘Groova Scape’ was born with the idea of creating infectious grooves or ‘Groove Scaping’ if you will.”

The group mentioned one unforgettable experience during which they opened for EOTO. Because their bassist was late, Michael Travis sat in for Groova Scape’s bassist and that “was a very cool experience.” 

This will be their third time performing at the Pink Moon Festival and I encourage everyone to check these guys out!  

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Fractal Cat

Fractal Cat as a full band was formed in 2011 when they played their first show. The band consists of Miles, Jason, Joe, Andy, and Keith but originally, Miles and Jason began working together in the studio in 2007. Miles plays lead guitar, bass, mandolin, and vocals; Jason is on drums, percussion, and keys; Keith plays rhythm guitar and vocals; Andy plays bass; Joe samples and is on keys. 

While I was able to get responses from the majority of the members, I was not able to get information from Keith because he is currently at a week-long meditation retreat with Tich Nhat Hanh and Miles informed that he “presumably he has been listening to the space between his ears.” 

Fractal Cat aims to “touch dimensions of life that can’t be expressed by words” when they perform and are provided inspiration from “life, the mystical experience, and dreams.” For individual improvement as a musician, Jason would like to improve upon ESP while Miles wants to work on his singing and lead guitar skills. Fractal Cat is also looking forward to “inspiring consciousness shifts with our music” and recording their new songs. 

This psychedelic act is going to be a must see this year!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Kings of Belmont

Kings of Belmont is from Charlottesville, Virginia. Ross, Max and Aaron have been playing music together since 2006 with the addition of Drex filing the position of drummer this year. Each member has been playing since they were in middle school and have continued to do so because it is something they like, “We play music because we enjoy doing it, we enjoy each other and it makes us smile.” 

The group used to have cook outs every Sunday in Belmont and used to joke that they were eating like kings. At that time, Belmont was kind of the bad part of town and the guys thought, “Who would want to be the king of Belmont?” They felt it had a nice ring to it and from then on have been known as the Kings of Belmont. 

While performing, the band loves “evoking emotion in the audience; moving people.” The next big thing for these guys is “world domination!” – besides Pink Moon Festival V, of course.

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Moogatu

I was able to interview Pink Moon returners, Moogatu. The members include Brian Raubacher, Brian Dodds, Brian Zupruk, Chris Lee, and Steve Jacyna who have all been playing music most of their lives. 

The band played their first show in July of 2011 in Aldie, Virginia at Quail Ridge Lake and have been together for about a year and a half with their current members. The background behind the name selection was too long of a story for them to elaborate upon and was basically a “stupid name that stuck.” 

Moogatu is touring many great shows this fall including Pink Moon Festival V, supporting Dopapod and Zoogma, performing at the 8x10 on Halloween with Freedom Enterprise in addition to shows with Big Something and DeltaNINE at the 8x10 as well. Moogatu played a late night set at 4 a.m. last year at Pink Moon Festival IV, so be sure to catch their set this year as well!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: The Shack Band

What began as a 6-piece with two guitars, drums, bass, keyboard and a percussionist transformed into what is now known as The Shack Band. There are only two remaining original members who moved to Richmond three years ago and have been together with the current members since. A recent addition to the group was a saxophone player added around six months ago. 

Current members include Hunter Pease on guitar and vocals, Josh Crowley on saxophone, Bobby Hudson on drums, Mason Owen on bass, and keyboardist Andrew Gillespie. The Shack Band’s name arose from “The Shack” in which Mason lived before the band ever existed. “The people who were first there for the jams called the band ‘The Shack Band’ and the name just stuck,” stated Hunter.

The Shack Band is extremely dedicated to their work, it encompasses their life but they would not have it any other way, “We are all very passionate and we play because we love music as well as our instruments. We all collectively have embraced no longer having weekends to spend with friends, missing family vacations, and not making the greatest money,” said Hunter “But once we are on stage we all know why we do what we do and why we sacrifice all that we sacrifice.” The loyalty of the band can be seen in the measures of sobriety taken when playing they are able to perform at their utmost best because “the band comes first.” 

One of the latest songs which they are most proud is “Muddy Waters.” Give it a listen and be sure to catch the live version in two weeks at the festival!

The Shack Band was extremely influential in making Pink Moon Festival IV happen by providing sound in a crisis. These guys are deeply connected with our Pink Moon family because not only are they outstanding musicians, but they are also amazing people!

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Aarodynamics

Aarodynamics is the solo project of Aaron Malander and is yet another Pink Moon first-timer! A 22-year-old native from Herndon, Virginia who has been working on this project for the past year and half but started loop pedal stuff and production about five years ago. Aaron has been playing music for about 12 years and guitar for about 10 years. 

The pseudonym of Aarodynamics originally began as his rap alias which solidified itself after many performances and bookings and has remained his stage name. Today, artists such as Keller Williams ushered him into the jam scene and from there into festivals and overall bringing his “love of live music where it is today.” 

As for current musical aspirations, Aaron wants to improve upon his guitar playing and singing and even has plans of taking vocal lessons to make this happen. 

Off topic - when asked what candy bar he would be and why he responded with “I would be whichever candy bar the ladies like the most. So… Dove?”  

Aaron is a pretty witty guy from what I have observed, but word around town is he is an even better musician, so be sure to check him out at Pink Moon Festival V! 

Pink Moon Festival V Spotlight: Envoy

As the festival quickly draws closer, we have decided to briefly highlight some of the musicians that will be performing at Pink Moon Festival V this year!

Our first focus is on Envoy, a Pink Moon first-timer! Envoy is a four-person progressive rock and jam band from Richmond, Virginia. The group consists of Josh McCormick on drums, David Russell and Taylor Smith on guitar, and Kyle Setterlund on bass. 

They began playing together early in the summer of 2012 and are self-described as “really great upside down rock.” The band name has evolved since its beginnings a little over a year ago; what started out as “Envoy to the Open Fields” was shortened to Envoy because they felt it was overall confusing. 

Individually, the members have been playing since they were in the 5^th or 6^th grades with the exception of Josh, who “has been playing since he was spawned onto the earth,” Taylor informed. 

Envoy preps a little before every show by singing barbershop quartet renditions of their originals and partake in sharing a ceremonial bowl of rice. As for performing a show, Envoy agreed that “the energy that the crowd feeds back to you is the best part of any show.” 

\Every musician has those weird experiences that cannot be forgotten, whether it be a show or a fan encounter.  I asked Envoy what their weird moment would be to which they responded, “It’s all been weird.” Of course they followed up with stating their performance at Addis EthiopianRestaurant in Shockoe Bottom of Richmond took the cake, “We were blasting all this music to a bunch of families trying to enjoy their sourdough flatbread wraps.” If you can visualize this, I am sure you can see how it was a bit odd too! 

Well, folks, there you have it from Envoy. Be sure to catch their set at Pink Moon Festival V in 15 days!

A Weekend in Bartow: Camp Barefoot 7 Review

Photo Credit Jessie Gordon

Thursday, August 22^nd was here before I knew it and the Rock Camp Productions crew was en route to Camp Barefoot 7! The drive was worth every minute. We were greeted by smiling faces and the sounds of great music in addition to the incredible mountains that surrounded the entire venue. After going through the motions of getting camp set up and unpacked, we ventured out to explore the venue and catch up with a few friends. 

Thursday held Pink Moon Festival’s own Urth followed by performances from Conspirator and Silo Effect with Brothers Past performing a great late night show. Friday began with a bit of rain but as the day progressed the weather greatly improved! EOTO performed a nothing less than a mind-blowing set that had the whole venue entranced. The Motet followed with the funkiest of funk! This was undoubtedly my favorite performance of the entire weekend and I was clearly not the only person impressed! 

Puff T. Magic-Dragon also had a great time running around the venue and felt so much love from the crowd. Saturday was full of great performances that included a few  that will be playing at Pink Moon this year – The Shack Band, Octopus, Kings of Belmont, Galaxy Dynamite!, and People's Blues of Richmond. I really cannot convey how great Saturday was with so many amazing musicians like Toubab Krewe and Keller Williams to Kyle Hollingsworth and Tiny Boxes. 

Photo Credit Jessie Gordon

The weekend was filled with good vibes from everyone and from that a euphoric atmosphere encompassed those three days in beautiful, rural West Virginia. Thank you, Camp Barefoot for such a lovely weekend and also a big thanks to the musicians, artists, organizers, volunteers, and attendees for making it all come together! 

Camp Barefoot 7 Preview (August 22-25th)

Rock Camp Productions is thrilled to be bringing Puff T. Magic-Dragon out to Camp Barefoot, August 22-25th in Bartow, WV!

Keep an eye out for Puff T. and our signature Dancing Bear Mascots for chances to win FREE tickets to Pink Moon Festival V! We will also have Puff T. hat pins and patches available for sale, designed by Crazyredbeard! 


This will be RCP's 5th time performing at Camp Barefoot! Plus, we LOVE partying in WV - and you know this is going to be a great time!

8 Pink Moon V bands will be playing CB7 this weekend, and 14 of the bands playing this weekend at Pink Moon Festival veterans! Do you know which ones??

And here's some great info from Barefoot's event page:

The Camp Barefoot 7 Music and Art Festival in Bartow, WV Starting on Thursday, August 22 through – Saturday, August 24, 2013.

Kyle Hollingsworth Band ft Anders Osborne & Motet Horns
EOTO
Conspirator
Keller Williams & More Than A Little (Solo & Full Band Set)
New Mastersounds
Particle (Pink Floyd Tribute Set)
Tea Leaf Green
ZOOGMA
BREAK SCIENCE
Jennifer Hartswick Band
Brothers Past
That 1 Guy
Toubab Krewe
The Motet (2 sets) "Parliament Funkedelic Tribute set & Original Set"
Nigel Hall (Lettuce)(Artist at Large all Weekend)
Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band)(Artist Large all Weekend)
Ras Puma (Thievery Corporation)(Artist at Large all Weekend)
Dangermuffin
The Mike Dillon Band
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band
Juno What?! (2 sets)
American Babies (2 sets)
The Broadcast
Consider the Source
Cris Jacobs Band
DJ Williams Projekt
James Justin & Co.
Tiny Boxes & Friends (Jennifer Hartswick, Nigel Hall, Motet & etc)
Mekong Express
Ras Puma w/ Antero Reggae Band
The Big Payback "James Brown Tribute set"
A Morning Session w/ Travis Rinehart & Friends
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (2 sets)
Silo Effect (2 sets)
The Archives
Jazzam
Segway (2 sets)
Imperial Blend
DELTAnine
The Kings of Belmont
Tiny Boxes (2 sets)
Funkuponya
People's Blues of Richmond (2 sets)
The Greens (2 sets)
Woodwork (2 sets)
The Shack Band
The Southern Belles
The Judy Chops (2 sets)
The Boatmen
Hound Dog Hill (2 sets)
Savi Fernandez Band (2 sets)
The Polychrons
The Dharma Initiative (2 sets)
Antero
Octopus
Second Self
Pseudo Blue
The Deluge
Grapefruit Fred
Freedom Enterprise
3 Fifths
Family Tree
Funk Punch (2 sets)
Galaxy Dynamite
Urth
Bigfoot County
Bats Dynamic Strings Band
Sarah Lynna & Misfit Toys
The Trongone Band
Ricochet Red
Camryn Wessner


Get your tickets early at www.campbarefoot.org

More Adventures in Rock Camp (August 12th)

The morning sun was peeking through my curtains and gently waking me for the day. I made my way downstairs for a nice, hot cup of coffee while I checked my email and other things online. Initially, I thought the day would be just like any other business day on the farm, but little did I know it would be quite the adventure! The truck was fixed and need to be picked up from the mechanic, so Seth and I started down the mountain towards town. 

The day was shining brightly and the air held a hint of humidity that would eventually bring rain, but I’m getting ahead of myself so I will save that bit for later! We took the back roads to the shop during which we made a few stops along the way and were even halted on our journey by an unmoving cow in the middle of the road. 

Our first stop was at Joel’s, a very close friend of Jess and Seth. Joel had the most magnificent garden which I was fortunate enough to tour! It was full and rich of vegetation and flowers and everything green – raspberries, grapes, apples, potatoes, squash, edamame, peaches, and the list goes on forever.

Because there was so much to see, we stayed in the garden haven for about an hour and I was also able to tour Joel’s house. It was completely beautiful and packed with character and wonderful details. During the tour, he presented me with a grapevine wreath shaped into a peace sign – which is amazing!

We soon continued on our venture to the mechanic’s with the addition of a few cucumbers and carrots from the garden. We did have a second pit stop before getting the truck at Mark’s house. Mark also had a luscious garden but had an even greater abundance of farm animals! There were sheep, turkeys, chicken, and so many others but my favorite were the cutest little (and big) dogs!

One of them had one blue eye and one brown eye and also spent a good portion of its life in Brooklyn with Seth but found his way here to Rock Camp.

We didn’t stay there nearly as long as we did at Joel’s and got to the mechanic’s around 2 p.m. and started back up the mountain to the farm. After getting back, I got some RCP work completed while Seth and Jess watched the new episode of Breaking Bad. Towards the afternoon, we had a date to meet the mechanic once again, but this time it dealt with a different type of transportation. He led us about 20 minutes away to the field where he has his horses and cattle. We spent an hour or so with the horses and were able to see a few of the tiny calves that had recently been born! 

Thunder could be heard in the distance while we were on the way home and stopped at the store to pick up a few veggies for the evening’s dinner. The rainy drive home was extended slightly by a wrong turn along the way but the air turned so cool that it was perfect for riding. 

Around 8 p.m. or so I began preparing the vegetables for the ginger carrot and sweet potato soup I was making for the evening accompanied with easy listening from Neil Young and Janis Joplin. It’s one of my favorite recipes and Jess and Seth loved it as well! We all enjoyed our meal by the warm fire. This leads me to now, still by the fire, and watching the Office with the best bosses and friends for which an intern could ask!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their day as much as I have and has the loveliest night – don’t forget to step outside to see the Perseids tonight, it should be an amazing light show! 

Prajñā: A Vacation Preview (August 9-11)

Rock Camp Productions is thrilled to be bringing Puff T. Magic-Dragon out August 9-11th to Prajñā: A Vacation at Healing Waters Farm, West Virginia!

Keep an eye out for Puff T. and our signature Dancing Bear Mascots for chances to win FREE tickets to Pink Moon Festival V! We will also have Puff T. hat pins and patches available for sale, designed by Crazyredbeard!

We would also love to do a Community Dragon Building Workshop - a.k.a. we would like to build a "Puff 2.0" and we think that there is no better place to do so than Prajñā! We'll be bringing materials to get this new dragon well underway!

Be sure to look for the Pink Moon Family campsite - we'll be decked out with Pink Moon Festival signs and lots of pink, pink, pink!

Photo Credit Grateful Web

Here's some more information on Prajñā: A Vacation from their event page:

★ PRISM & The Foundation Present, Prajñā: A Vacation ★

Prajñā is the highest kind of spiritual wisdom. It teaches us how to see and understand the true self. It teaches us how to see reality, how to end the cycle of rebirth and gain liberation. This is not in the realm of worldly knowledge. Prajñā wisdom is something very special, very profound and can be difficult to understand. We therefore need to be patient.

Prajñā wisdom indicates that which is able to understand Tao, realize Tao, cultivate the self, release one from the bondage of birth and death and leap over the mundane. This is not common intelligence. It is the wisdom which is the root and origin of the body of Tao. This cannot be the result of cognition. Rather, it's the great wisdom achieved through complete engagement in the cultivation of one's body and mind. It is this level of wisdom which is Prajñā. The word wisdom, which we commonly use, cannot express the full extent of the meaning of the word Prajñā.

The Vacation will be a Conscious Gathering at Healing Waters Farm in West Virginia. The Land is about 2 hours from Baltimore City, located along the Beautiful Capacon River. This is a Weekend Camp Out where we can get a chance to Relax, Have time to ourselves, Be around Friends, Meet new people, and just get away from it all. This is an Intentional Gathering where the Participant is the Host. Each person Vacationing is invited to Co Create this Experience.

You are Encouraged to:
Be Yourself~
Bring Gifts for Others~
Meet New People~
Respect the Space, and Each Other~
Help One Another~
Smile~
Be Truthful~
Share Your Ideas, Skills, and Energy~
Display Your Talents~
Wear Costumes~
Meditate~
Have Great Conversations~
Dance~
Laugh~
Make, or Bring Your Art~
Be Creative~
Have Fun~
Love~

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This is a Camp Out where We Collectively Facilitate the Experience. Bring Everything you may need or want along with whatever you feel you are able to bring to assist in creating a Wonderful Experience for Everyone else involved. Think Rainbow, Think Burner, Think DIY, and Lets come together and Raise the Vibration!!!

★ Please Decorate Your Camp Sites. Light Up Your Areas.

★ Bring things to make this Fun and/or Relaxing. The more we all take part, the more abundant the weekend will become.

★ Enjoy the River so Bring Clothing to Swim. Multiple fire pits on site as well.

★ Please Bring Drums and Instruments. Drumming is more than Wanted and Encouraged. (No P/A Systems Please.)

★ Lead a Workshop, A Discussion, Teach Yoga, Group Meditation, Teach/Share Skills, Talents, And/Or Anything else you like. (There will be a Community Tent/Space with Blank Schedule to be Filled for use of these purposes, or Create your own areas to do your thing). The more people with something to share or teach the Better, so Bring Your Talents!!!

★ Fire and Flow Artists, Face Painters, and more requested. Share/Have Fun or Teach a workshop!!

★Saturday Night Community Pot Luck. If you are able, Please Bring Something to Share with people you meet as we intend to have a Large Community Pot Luck Saturday Night.

★ Bring Lots of WATER. And Food. Again, whatever you will need for the outdoors and the weekend.

★ PRISM and THE FOUNDATION will also have Surprises Planned!! We encourage everyone to help make this a Beautiful Vacation Including Us.

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THIS IS A DONATION BASED EVENT

★ $10 - $20 Donation Requested. Includes Entire Weekend of Camping & Parking. Please Donate Whatever You Can.

★ GATES:
Friday Open - 11am / Close 2am
Saturday Open - 9am / Close 2am

IMPORTANT INFO:

★ Please CAR POOL. Space for Parking is Extremely Limited. Cars with 3 or More passengers will be HIGHLY Appreciated.

★★★ LASTLY, THIS IS A LEAVE NO TRACE EVENT. EVERYONE IS ASKED NOT ONLY TO KEEP ALL TRASH COLLECTED, BUT TO ALSO TAKE IT WITH THEM WHEN THEY LEAVE. THERE IS NO TRASH PICK UP/COLLECTION FOR THIS FARM.

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★ If you wish to get involved, lead a workshop/discussion, anything, feel free to contact us as we would Love Your Involvement. Or simply show up and share :-)

★ All of our Animal and Pet Family and Friends are Welcome as well. As long as they get along with other Animals and Humans, They are more than Welcome. :-)

Rock Camp Productions Crew Roster Application

Ever wanted to be on the Rock Camp Productions crew to a festival likeGathering Of The Vibes, All Good Music Festival, Camp Barefoot, or the Pink Moon Festival! Then fill out this application and email it with a picture of yourself to jessica@rockcampproductions.com to be added to our RCP Crew Roster!

Pink Moon Festival 2013 Volunteer Application

Want to be a volunteer on site at this year's Pink Moon Music & Arts Festival? Well fill out the application below and email to Mindy Priddy at mindy@rockcampproductions.com

Gathering of the Vibes Festival Review (July 25-28)

Thursday, July 25^th had finally arrived. Anticipation and excitement filled the Rock Camp crew as we all were packing away the final supplies needed for our extended weekend trip to the 18th Annual Gathering of the Vibes. Not only did the weekend mark Jess and Seth's anniversary, but it also marked the 9th year that Rock Camp Productions would attend the festival! We were on the road by 10 a.m. headed to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut - a solid 11 hours of traveling. Though a long journey, the sunny drive was accompanied with tunes from the Grateful Dead, Jim Croce, and the Allman Brothers traced with light conversations. This combination generated nothing less than happy spirits!

We arrived around 9 p.m. just as the rain was ceasing. We checked in and were in search of a spot to set up camp. We found a prime location directly beside of the 1876 Solders’ and Sailors’ Monument that was the perfect distance from the stages. Dark Star Orchestra, a Grateful Dead tribute band, could be heard in the distance so we knew it was time to get set up and grace the crowd with Puff T. Magic-Dragon. Thursday night would mark Puff’s first appearance in his brand spankin’ new dragon skin. We had spent the entire day before cutting, sewing, and sizing Puff T.’s newest skin with a Stealie patch along his spine. Puff finally came out for Dark Star’s second set and was lovingly welcomed to yet another GOTV by the mass of people! After a good run through, we came back to camp and rested up a bit for Friday.

Photo Credit govibes.com

Around lunch Friday, a few dancing bears came out to get down to Assembly of Dust at the Main Stage. Assembly of Dust plays a variety of music and was formed by Reid Genauer in 2002. They put on quite the show! The bears were also spotted hanging around the Green Vibes Stage listening to David Gans and later around the festival grounds giving hugs and bringing smiles to everyone! David Gans will be playing at the 5th Annual Pink Moon Festival in Rock Camp this September! Railroad Earth played earlier afternoon, one of my personal favorites, and they did not disappoint! The sextet opened with their well-known “Elko,” which is from their fourth album that was released in 2006. 

The day continued with other great performances by musicians such as Galatic, JohnScofield, and Tedeschi Trucks Band! Evening started to fall over Seaside Park, which meant only one thing – Puff T. Magic-Dragon would be waking from his slumber and begin gearing up to check out Phil Lesh & Friends on the Main Stage with guest appearance by John Scofield.

Photo Credit gratefulweb.com

Puff was so impressed with everything he was hearing that he danced around for both sets of Phil and even came out for a beautiful encore of “Ripple.” The night was quite over for Puff either; he stopped in for Connecticut's own, Deep Banana Blackout, at the Green Vibes Stage for late night as well!

Saturday was yet another gorgeous day by the Long Island Sound! Dancing bears were making their way around the grounds once again and happened to run into a few puppet friends from Ash Street Puppetworks that were parading around! The Main Stage had phenomenal musicians all throughout the day. The Roots, a Philadelphia group, performed around midday with a spectacular show with Grace Potter & the Nocturnals playing shortly afterward and blowing the crowd away with Grace’s killer vocals. Gov’t Mule, formed by Warren Haynes and Allen Woody in 1994 as an Allman Brothers Band side project, played later in the evening and was absolutely incredible! Phil Lesh & Friends played again with another impressive performance with yet another guest appearance from John Scofield in addition to Bill Evans on saxophone for which Puff made dragon appearances during the first and second sets as well as making his way to catch Papadosio’s electronic and progressive rock vibes emanating from the Green Vibes Stage for late night.

Phot Credit B.K. Angeletti

The Sunday sunrise over the sound was one that will be forever ingrained in my memory. It was a lovely morning spent with new and old friends all embracing the magic that was Vibes. The Children’s Parade took place around 11 a.m. where Puff T., our bears, and fellow puppeteers from Ash Street Puppetworks in addition to others trekked on to see Andy the Music Man until it was time for the World Peace Ceremony. The ceremony featured Wavy Gravy, an entertainer and activist for peace and was a member of an entertainment and activist commune at Woodstock called the Hog Farm (a true inspiration to Rock Camp Productions). During this time, the parade continued throughout the crowd of flag-holders, representing  different countries. A prayer of peace was spoken for each country with a “may peace prevail” before every mention of the country. After the World Peace Ceremony, our bears danced away throughout the day hitting the crowds for Max Creek and Kind Buds! The day held great performances by Blues Traveler, John Butler Trio, and the Black Crowes, which drew quite the audience! I had met a few festival goers that had purchased a Sunday pass solely to see the Black Crowes and after seeing them live I can understand why they have such a dedicated following!

Photo Credit Jeremy Pantovic

The weekend slowly came to a close with another beautiful sunset by the water. Vibes was an incredible time for me during which I formed bonds with people I would not have met otherwise and a deeper relationship with my fellow Rock Camp crew members. It was the most perfect weekend. The energy that comes from the community of musicians, artists, festival goers, and staff can only be defined as good, positive vibes. If I was not already in happy enough spirits when I arrived, it certainly generated an even more elated feeling as we pulled out of Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut headed south back to mountains of West Virginia.

A huge thanks to all of the musicians, artists, staff, volunteers, and festival goers for such an amazing weekend! Be sure to check out Rock Camp Productions and Puff T. Magic-Dragon on Facebook! We love you!

Photo Credit Gathering of the Vibes