Indian Lookout Country Club, a tremendous biker owned valley in rural Upstate N.Y., was the site of overwhelming generosity, kindness, smiles . and some of the best music that made up Gathering of the Vibes. With bikers as security and (more or less) hippies as the attendees, a Woodstock atmosphere pervaded, without the Altamont results.The officially coined "Celebration of Independence" commenced (appropriately) July 4. The central field had a single professional stage at the end and the sides were lined with food vendors and other organizations such as Organ Donors. Surrounding the main field were about seven fields for camping that were filled to capacity.

And now for the music. The Zen Tricksters, a Grateful Dead tribute band nearly as old as the Dead themselves, were my first highlight of the weekend. Following a 10 minute shower (the only precipitation of the weekend) the Tricksters played the blissful gem "Here Comes Sunshine," at which point the clouds began to disintegrate. "Going Down The Road Feeling Bad" got everyone up, dancing and smiling. Although raw, "Summertime Blues" was especially nice, as it was played in memory of the recently departed Who bassist John Entwistle.

Bananaheads (and there were many) were in for a treat as Deep Banana Blackout played a jam-packed performance of new songs and classics. I must say it was even better than their 'Deis performance, which says a lot. They are really broadening their styles, as was evident during their freestyling.

The first night came to a close with a spectacular performance by the Steve Kimock Band. Their sound is unlike any other, combining traditional guitar improvisation, outstanding percussion (supported by Kimock's son on the Timbale) and a progressive mellowing groove. They blew the crowd away with their electronic tour de force, "Sabertooth." I can see why they were privileged to headline the first night; they are a promising sign of the new and exciting direction in which jamband music is headed.

On Friday Fuzz and Stephen Kellogg formed All Stripped Down. This acoustic duo was a treat, providing intense guitar play, hilarious antics and a fine view of their boxers. Most memorable was their dedication to all the ladies. I'll call it their "Plump Rump Medley." It consisted of Spinal Tap's "Big Bottom," Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girl" and that Frank Zappa tune with the line "The bigger the cushion / the better the pushin'."

Strangefolk (sans founder Reid Genauer) combined rock, folk, bluegrass and at times electronica to impressively and consistently hit ecstatic peaks. Les Claypool and his Flying Frog Brigade came onstage next in garb straight out of a Tim Burton film, with the saxophonist sporting a full red devil costume. The music was unique and Claypool showed why he is one of the most talented bassists, but it was a little too herky jerky for my palate.

Warren Haynes then came onstage for a solo acoustic guitar set. The crowd was sparse at this point because most were back at their sites eating dinner. I chose to remain, and it was worthwhile. His voice resonated through the early evening sky as he did memorable versions of "Soulshine" and a beautiful rendition of U2's "One."

When Phil and Friends appeared Friday night, it was the first time the field was packed to capacity. Phil and Friends were really tight and had a setlist to die for: "Crazy Fingers," "I Know You Rider," "St. Stephen," "Dark Star," "The Other One," "Sugaree" and "Keep Rockin in the Free World" (by Neil Young) were all fantastic. It was mostly a wandering night, however; I never really settled into the full groove.

The following day I missed the Brandeis friendly Aaron Katz Band, but I was able to catch the end of some tight rockin' by Lake Trout and Max Creek went on around 3:30 p.m. I highly suggest seeing this Massachusetts-based jamming institution that has been around since the early '70s. Their play is Dead in nature with less psychedelic space and a tighter country feel. They capped their enrapturing performance with a powerful version of The Who's "Eminence Front."

Next was an acoustic guitar set by ex-Strangefolk founder Reid Genauer. For the life of me I couldn't tell you a single song he played, but at points it seemed like he must have had four or five hands going wildly on that guitar. I emerged from a musical haze to see a couple guys joining Reid on stage, who turned out to be the other members of Strangefolk. This was the first time the founding members were playing together since Reid's departure several years back.

The Strangeheads in attendance were literally begging for more, but the big intimidating dudes screaming "MULE!" had their way in the end. And that wasn't a bad thing by any means. Gov't Mule consisted of staples Warren Hayneson on guitar and Matt Abst on drums, and Andy Hess, Danny Louis, Audley Freed of the Black Crows and Rob Baracco of Phil and Friends. This all-star line up was mind blowing in both their hard rocking and psychedelic styles.

The sun began to set and the Vibe was at its peak. It was time for Phil to shower us with beauty. The first set brought forth a newly interpreted "Uncle John's Band" with a little edge. They continued the previous night's "China-Rider" with "China Cat Sunflower" and ended "Scarlet Fire" with "Fire On The Mountain."

Set break provided a surprise professional fireworks display directly behind the stage. The second set was one of the best of Dead music I've ever experienced: "Jam" into "Shakedown Street" into "Leave Me Out Of This" into "Terrapin Station" into "Not Fade Away" into "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" into "Not Fade Away" into "Friend of the Devil," "Golden Road" into "Unlimited Devotion," "E: The Wheel" into "Unbroken Chain." The music speaks for itself.

Later, at around 1 a.m. the Merry Pranksters were on hand to memorialize their once and future king, Ken Kesey. Each theatrically recited words to their dearly departed friend. Then, a recording of Ken Kesey's children's story "Little Tricker The Squirrel Meets Big Double The Bear," featuring the voices of Kesey and Wavy Gravy played. The official entertainment ended with a "Grateful Dead Dance Party, which was really a video of about five of their songs from a late '70s show.

The following day was sunny and perfect; making it that much harder to leave. Running on little sleep, I partook in the outstanding tension release jazz that is Soulive. Between working with beautiful young people, being on both ends of generosity and hearing soul peaking music, the Gathering of the Vibes left me with an ideal outlook on life and the universe. And now, with an open heart and a smile, I extend this Vibe to you.