Written by Kathy Moore
Are we there yet? Are we there yet? I try to live in the now, but with the 32nd Annual Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash coming up, it’s hard to not want to fast forward a few weeks. There is magic and love in the air at Sunshine Daydream (Trip’s Farm) in Terra Alta, WV. The people, the mountains, the barn- it truly is wild and wonderful. The anticipation of spending 4 days at this beautiful setting while listening and dancing to amazing music is killing me. From the moment you get greeted at the gate with a smile and a hug, to the end of Sunday when you pack up- the weekend is nothing but family, fun, and music.
This year’s Birthday Bash is going to be one for the books; the lineup is stacked-from local favorites to nationally recognized musicians- from funk and bluegrass, to jazz and jam- this list is impressive. Acclaimed bluegrass flat-picker Larry Keel will be celebrating with Larry Does Jerry- A Larry Keel Experience– as well as a guitar showdown with jazz great Bobby Lee Rodgers, who will also have a solo set. Getting funky and bringing the horns is a Farm favorite, Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band. Joe will get the crowd going with his unique and inspiring story-telling and his band will get your feet moving. Bringing their own unique blend of funk and fusion is Electric Soul Pandemic-these boys from Greensboro, NC are sure to rock your world. Sleepy Creek, WV favorites, Brokedown Hustlers, will get you on your feet, ready to rage, as the crowd sings along to their original ballads. Hailing from the western PA music scene and sure to funk things up are HABATAT and Trailheads. HABATAT brings an original sound with a mix of jam, funk, and rock, including saxophone, trumpet, and trombone, while Trailheads will put you in the groove with their progressive mixture of psychedelic and funk. The Derek Woods Band presents a set of Bob Dylan as well as their own original rock and jam, while The Bees Trees from Youngstown, OH play a unique set of funk, jazz, and fusion, as well as a Jerry Garcia Band set.
The WV Hitchers
Morgantown, WV Americana/folk bands 18 Strings and The WV Hitchers create soothing and soulful sounds that are sure to captivate you. Other artists on the bill include Jordan August, who plays a solo Dead Grass set as well as a set with his band, Andrew Roulette, CJ Oswald, Whiskey ‘Stache, Brian Nalls, Jack Funk, Ryan Krofcheck, and more. There’s music outdoors, there’s music in the barn, and there’s late night/early morning campfire jams, so no matter what time you wake up, it’s time to rage!
When you need to refuel, there will be a variety of food vendors, and when you need to rest and recharge, yoga and meditation in the barn will set you on the right path. For the kids (and big kids), there will be a magic show Saturday at 12:30, along with a group photo that you won’t want to miss. Accompanying the music will be plenty of visual stimulation from fire and flow arts as well as live art. Watch a painter create while listening to your favorite band and be prepared to get entranced by the flow artists as they spin and hoop to the music.
If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, hugs and smiles from the kindest people you’ll ever meet, and music from some of the best in the scene, come on down to Trip’s Farm, where everyone is family. It’s sure to be a wild and wonderful weekend.
Buy tickets and find more information here.
