The cycle of school is in full force, and with each passing day the summer fades further into the past. With that I feel the continual struggle to retain and practice the ideals of peace, compassion, sharing, community and joy that flourished within me with each sunny, and not so sunny, summer day. Nowhere did I feel more compelled to be the best possible human being than at . the festival.It all started at Gathering of the Vibes on July 4 weekend. First of all, I was working (when I say working I really mean playing) at the Kids Corner where I met the most beautiful young people. I helped them make their imagination tangible with art projects, and in return, many gave me their creations, highlighted by Kaya's hemp stitch, which you can see on my backpack. Anyway, kids are purely beautiful. Now for the rest.

More generally, there's something magical about the pitching of the tent. You're establishing your home for the next two, three, or (in the case of the Vibes) four days. Unless you're the expert you might hit a snag. By the time you step back take a breath, look at your sleek home, and then really listen to the music that is echoing in the distance, you know your adventure of a lifetime has truly begun.

Then there's the phenomenon of the extraordinary becoming prevalent enough to the point of being expected. Some, or much, of this may be due to the fact that there are no cops to worry about on the confined, rolling, picturesque green hills and valleys (which for me meant Indian Lookout Country Club in upstate New York, Haystack Mountain in southern Vermont, and Whippernon Country Club in Western Mass.)

This phenomenon is not limited merely to the partaking in recreational extracurriculars. It includes deep conversation with the random stranger, handing out free gifts, hula hoops, being a part of nearly as many hugs as you would give/receive at a family reunion, hearing a "China-Rider," paper mache oddities dancing in unison to the tunes, guest appearances by Mike Gordon of Phish, not going ten steps without seeing a Steal Your Face logo, late night drum circles, and of course, the omnipresence of bubbles.

Oh. And, why do I go in the first place? Well now I must admit it's for both the vibe and the music, but as an inexperienced concert virgin, it was the music of course. Having so many incredible improvisational acts in one setting can only be a recipe for greatness. This community is not only shared among the audience, but also between the staff and the artists. It is reflected in the passion of these phenomenal guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, vocalists, percussionists, drummers, mandolinists, and my favorite of all to say, tromboners. They know they are playing to the genuine music lover, and not the sorority girl who goes to Phish to get wasted and gab the entire time , and it shows.

Furthermore, the collaboration that pops up between artists from different bands are priceless: Mike Gordon playing with Max Creek at Camp Creek and Wormtown; Andy Hess, Danny Louis and Audley Freed of Black Crows with Gov't Mule at the Vibes; Tina Weymouth of Tom Tom Club, formerly of Talking Heads, with Max Creek at Wormtown; and the Strangefolk reunion with Reid Genauer at the Vibes are just an excerpt of many instances.

These timeless musical compositions are sometimes being formed by people who have met but 20 minutes before. Similarly, the people who are soaking up the music are forming timeless relationships with those they've just met. Even if it's just an embrace with the girl next to you after the best "Terrapin Station" you've ever heard (even if you are distracted from the "Inspiration" by glowing bugs or stars shooting lasers), it is more then likely that at the next gathering of the good folk you'll be turning to high five for a sweet "Sugar Magnolia," and it'll be that same girl.

And so now we come to the great dilemma. How do you take it with you? There's some play that says you can't, but I'm not gonna buy that. The opportunities are everywhere; we just have to make the effort. Look deeper into an acquaintance's eyes than you normally would, and make that connection of souls. Hula-hoop in the upper Mods at 2 a.m. (if you don't have one, you can borrow mine). Share enlightenment with a friend, or a stranger. Dance the night away at a drum circle at Chum's. Live by the lyrics of "Scarlet Begonias," "Strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hand / Everybody is playing in the heart of gold band."

We all have the potential to share the beauty of our lives with all those around us. It'll be a long winter if we don't at least make the effort. See you where the music flows.

- Greg Lawrence '03 submits a column to the Justice