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July 31, 2008
2008 Vibes - Thursday 9 p.m.
It’s finally cooled down at Seaside Park and there’s a nice breeze blowing off Long Island Sound. It’s just what this less-than-svelte guy needed.
I spent most of my time today in the media tent, occasionally heading to the VIP tent to grab a bottle of water. It was so hot that I was sweating the water out almost as soon as I finished. In my Vibes Tips story in Monday’s Post, I should have also mentioned the importance of staying hydrated.
So here’s an added tip: If you’re going to be swilling beer in the hot sun, mix in a few bottles of water here and there. You’ll thank me the next day.
I did catch Groovesect on the Main Stage and it was fun. It seems that bands from New Orleans very rarely churn out bad music.
Donna Jean and the Tricksters just finished up their show and also was entertaining, from what little I was able to see. Now that the sun’s down, the campers have come out of hiding and are filling the concert area. It’s just a preview of the rest of the fest when those with single-day passes start their invasion.
One other thing that comes to mind is the precision with which this festival is being run. The schedule said Groovesect would play from 5:30 to 7 and that’s what it did. Donna Jean and the Tricksters was listed as being on stage from 7:15 to 8:45 and that too went according to plan.
If you are one of those coming to the Vibes see a specific act or two this weekend, you might want to be on time.
My story for Friday’s paper is filed, so I’m going to enjoy some Dark Star Orchestra before heading home. The band blew me away last year at the Vibes, so I figure seeing a little of the band’s show tonight will be a good way to end Day 1.
Posted by Sean on 9:08 PM | Comments (0)
July 16, 2008
Bosstones, Murphys in Pawtucket
I went to Pawtucket, R.I., Saturday to catch The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Dropkick Murphys in concert at McCoy Stadium and, surprisingly, everything ran smoothly.
I’m not usually a fan of big outdoor events, but whoever put on this concert knew what they were doing. Long waiting periods were easily avoided if you a) hit the ATM before you got to the stadium and b) didn’t feel the need to get in line before the gates opened at 5 p.m.
The only complaint I had was a small one. There was another opening band, the all-girl punk quartet Civet, that was not listed on the show’s Web site. The group was entertaining — and not too hard on the eyes either from my vantage point — but I like to know all of the acts on the bill. This way I can decide whether I want to rush and get into the show or take my time.
Like I said, a small complaint.
After Civet’s set, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones took the stage and made the trip worthwhile. The plaid-clad ska-punk band put on an energetic performance and it is good to see the band back together. Every time I watch “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” on ABC, I feel Bosstones singer Dickie Barrett is wasting himself as the announcer. He belongs on a stage somewhere leading his band.
I had seen the Bosstones once before, at Toad’s Place in New Haven, but an afternoon wedding that day had kept me from seeing the whole concert. Since that day, I have grown to like the band even more, helped along by my friend Pete, who always manages to play a few of the band’s tunes on the jukebox at our local watering hole.
As an added bonus, the Bosstones did a killer cover of The Clash’s “Rudie Can’t Fail.”
In March, I went to see The Dropkick Murphys in the Dorchester section of Boston and swore I would never leave the state to see the band again. Not that I was growing tired of the music, but rather tired of the costs that go with overnight shows to Boston.
That vow lasted four months, thanks to the prospect of seeing a full Bosstones show — and the fact that we weren’t staying overnight in Rhode Island.
The Dropkick Murphys were as fun as usual, but I was ready to leave the stadium before the band even left the stage before the encore. Five hours of standing up was quite enough for my 42-year-old legs and, besides, I have seen the group enough in the past few years so that I didn’t feel like I would be missing anything.
Singer-bassist Ken Casey told the crowd that the show was being recorded for a live CD/DVD, so I can always see the end of the show whenever that comes out.
Posted by Sean on 5:45 PM | Comments (0)
