How Was Rothbury?

[jonnygospeltent]

Sharon or anybody else,how was the festival?Was it well run?
What were the musical highlights??

[i wanna be in NOLA]

Yeah -- what he said!!!

[Phatpapa]

Specifically, the String Cheese Set??

(patiently tapping foot)

[Lit]

http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/review-a-look-at-rothbury-2009/

[steeleye]

Judging by the text Sharon sent me on Saturday, I think she was in The Rapture. Can't wait to hear the details.

[Apostrophe (')]

Specifically, the String Cheese Set??

(patiently tapping foot)

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=526498

[Corona]

did she ever make it back? lol.....SHAAAAAARON!!!!!!!!! Spill sistah!

[Corona]

oh man! we HAVE to make this fest next year.....it's only 3 hours away!!! Great review and it sounds incredible!

[Phatpapa]

http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/review-a-look-at-rothbury-2009/ Thanks for that, Lit

http://bt.etree.org/details.php?id=526498

and thanks ('). I had actually seen the set list and it's smokin' for sure. It's been a couple of years since they were together and still want to hear how tight they sounded because I'm having puter issues and can't download shiite.

[tabasco]

Bumping for the Fats lover...Sheeee's Baaaaack. :)

[jonnygospeltent]

Bumping since Sharon is back on the board.

[Phatpapa]

Bumping since Sharon is back on the board.

hmmm, how could you tell?? :rolleyes:

[sharon_loves_fats]

Yes, I made it back alive!! And now to tell the tale...

Rothbury is CRAZY!!!!!!

First, I should mention that the only camping festival I've been to is CFF, so maybe a lot of this stuff is the norm at Bonnaroo, High Sierra, etc., but to me it all seemed pretty wild.

THE SECURITY CHECK: It took about half an hour to get into the grounds. I was highly entertained during the wait watching everyone franticly emptying water bottles and filling them vodka and whiskey. I had the foresight to purchase Seagram's 7 in the plastic jug, so I didn't have to participate in that chore. When it's your turn, they make you open the trunk and stand outside your car while they poke around. They didn't seem to open your bags, but they did seem pretty interested in what was in everyone's cooler. I was asked if I had any medical marijuana, but wasn't asked about non-medical marijuana??? Or any other drugs for that matter.

THE CAMPGROUND: It took awhile to find a site. There wasn't anyone directing you to open camping space. THat might have had a lot to do with arriving on Saturday. My friends said they had a much easier time on Thursday. Anyway, it was an ocean of cars, tents and RV's. And about a zillion hippies meandering all over the place with complete disregard for moving vehicles :). I was terrified I was gonna run over someone's foot. Or a dog. Which, BTW, were prohibited. There were plenty of bicycles and fireworks too, also prohibited. So much for the security check :p. I finally found a spot off the Rothbury map in an auxiliary campground. The ground was hard scrub and crisscrossed with huge ruts (it wasn't bad if you were in the regular areas). Thank gawd my friends had an RV, I never even pitched my tent.

THE SCENE: Holy friggin' moley!!! Hippies, tie-dye and the smell of patchouli everywhere! THe crowd was generally young. Didn't see too many families with kids. And it's definitely the Festival of Shitty Beer. Haven't seen so much Busch Light since freshman year of college. I didn't come across any veggie burrito or grilled cheese hawkers but I'm sure they were out there. Mostly I was offered cigarettes, bloody marys, mimosas and brownies. And all manner of hallucinogens. Seriously, if you like jam bands and you like psychedelics, Rothbury is the fest for you! And I haven't even gotten to the music or the tripped-out forest yet :D

THE VENUE: Unless you were lucky and got close, it was a long walk from your site tothe venue. You weren't gonna pop back to your car on a whim. Basically there are 3 stages and another stage with speakers, workshops, and I don't know what all, I didn't really go over there. Stages pretty much ran on time. The second largest stage had some nice shade towards the back, but the main stage was full on sun. You could hang in the woods tho, if you didn't care about being able to see, and hear just fine either the main stage or the smaller one on that side. The food looked pretty decent. The only thing I had was a steak sandwich and it was awesome. And Rothbury's not content with mere beer & wine, most drink stands offered full bars.

THE MUSIC: Off the hook!!! WHat a lineup! The Dead, Dylan, Willie, Gov't Mule, Black Crowes, John Butler, Umphrey's, Toots & the Maytals, RR Earth, Yonder Mt, Grace Potter, more... And that was only for Sat & Sun! The sound was good and the lighting was incredible. The Dead (the main reason I went to Rothbury in the first place) put on a helluva show on the 4th. And yes, they did play US Blues. It was the first encore, and they shot off fireworks during it and the second encore, Not Fade Away. Not sure how late everything went, I left Umphrey's at 3:30am and they were still going strong. What a night!!!

THE SHERWOOD FOREST: OMFG, what a tripped-out place!!! Psychedelic sculpture hanging from the trees, drum circles, and all kinds of bizarre stuff like Gong Therapy and baby doll heads tied to tree trunks. I heard talk of a secret burlesque stage too, but never came across it. Hammocks everywhere, people lounging around napping or hanging out getting high. And that's during the day! Lit up at night, it's just unbelievable... I don't have the words to do it justice. I'll post my pics soon, but even those aren't real great... do a google image search for Sherwood Forest. Fucking unbelievable.

So who's in for next year? :D

[sharon_loves_fats]

You guys were bumping while I was typing my book :p

[sharon_loves_fats]

Specifically, the String Cheese Set??

(patiently tapping foot)

Sorry Papa, I didn't get to see them. They were on Thursday, I think.

[sharon_loves_fats]

Judging by the text Sharon sent me on Saturday, I think she was in The Rapture.

Heehee, just a lil bit!

[sharon_loves_fats]

oh man! we HAVE to make this fest next year.....it's only 3 hours away!!! Great review and it sounds incredible!

Corona, you MUST do this Fest!! Waaaay too much fun to be had!

[MormonMatthew]

Yes, I made it back alive!! And now to tell the tale...

Rothbury is CRAZY!!!!!!

First, I should mention that the only camping festival I've been to is CFF, so maybe a lot of this stuff is the norm at Bonnaroo, High Sierra, etc., but to me it all seemed pretty wild.

THE SECURITY CHECK: It took about half an hour to get into the grounds. I was highly entertained during the wait watching everyone franticly emptying water bottles and filling them vodka and whiskey. I had the foresight to purchase Seagram's 7 in the plastic jug, so I didn't have to participate in that chore. When it's your turn, they make you open the trunk and stand outside your car while they poke around. They didn't seem to open your bags, but they did seem pretty interested in what was in everyone's cooler. I was asked if I had any medical marijuana, but wasn't asked about non-medical marijuana??? Or any other drugs for that matter.

THE CAMPGROUND: It took awhile to find a site. There wasn't anyone directing you to open camping space. THat might have had a lot to do with arriving on Saturday. My friends said they had a much easier time on Thursday. Anyway, it was an ocean of cars, tents and RV's. And about a zillion hippies meandering all over the place with complete disregard for moving vehicles :). I was terrified I was gonna run over someone's foot. Or a dog. Which, BTW, were prohibited. There were plenty of bicycles and fireworks too, also prohibited. So much for the security check :p. I finally found a spot off the Rothbury map in an auxiliary campground. The ground was hard scrub and crisscrossed with huge ruts (it wasn't bad if you were in the regular areas). Thank gawd my friends had an RV, I never even pitched my tent.

THE SCENE: Holy friggin' moley!!! Hippies, tie-dye and the smell of patchouli everywhere! THe crowd was generally young. Didn't see too many families with kids. And it's definitely the Festival of Shitty Beer. Haven't seen so much Busch Light since freshman year of college. I didn't come across any veggie burrito or grilled cheese hawkers but I'm sure they were out there. Mostly I was offered cigarettes, bloody marys, mimosas and brownies. And all manner of hallucinogens. Seriously, if you like jam bands and you like psychedelics, Rothbury is the fest for you! And I haven't even gotten to the music or the tripped-out forest yet :D

THE VENUE: Unless you were lucky and got close, it was a long walk from your site tothe venue. You weren't gonna pop back to your car on a whim. Basically there are 3 stages and another stage with speakers, workshops, and I don't know what all, I didn't really go over there. Stages pretty much ran on time. The second largest stage had some nice shade towards the back, but the main stage was full on sun. You could hang in the woods tho, if you didn't care about being able to see, and hear just fine either the main stage or the smaller one on that side. The food looked pretty decent. The only thing I had was a steak sandwich and it was awesome. And Rothbury's not content with mere beer & wine, most drink stands offered full bars.

THE MUSIC: Off the hook!!! WHat a lineup! The Dead, Dylan, Willie, Gov't Mule, Black Crowes, John Butler, Umphrey's, Toots & the Maytals, RR Earth, Yonder Mt, Grace Potter, more... And that was only for Sat & Sun! The sound was good and the lighting was incredible. The Dead (the main reason I went to Rothbury in the first place) put on a helluva show on the 4th. And yes, they did play US Blues. It was the first encore, and they shot off fireworks during it and the second encore, Not Fade Away. Not sure how late everything went, I left Umphrey's at 3:30am and they were still going strong. What a night!!!

THE SHERWOOD FOREST: OMFG, what a tripped-out place!!! Psychedelic sculpture hanging from the trees, drum circles, and all kinds of bizarre stuff like Gong Therapy and baby doll heads tied to tree trunks. I heard talk of a secret burlesque stage too, but never came across it. Hammocks everywhere, people lounging around napping or hanging out getting high. And that's during the day! Lit up at night, it's just unbelievable... I don't have the words to do it justice. I'll post my pics soon, but even those aren't real great... do a google image search for Sherwood Forest. Fucking unbelievable.

So who's in for next year? :D

Sharon, so nice to hear what a fine (read: apparently wild as a hoodoo-mutha) time you had!!!

Quick question----How did Phil look? I have heard that his health has not been great over the past several months, and was wondering if you noticed anything?

Of course I am certainly hopeful that this is NOT the case, and hoping to hear he is still looking/sounding strong!!!

Anyways, try to get some rest, sounds like you have earned it.

Matthew

[i wanna be in NOLA]

LAUGHING!!!!

I don't know what to say other than Well Done!!!

Thanks for the report.

[mwgirlonherown]

I just hope you had as much fun as I did reading your story.


"Festival of shitty beer!" Thank you MDfest for not making us dink Old Milwaukee!

Glad to have you back, Sharon.

[Phatpapa]

Your story was very entertaining, Sharon Thanks for sharing and I may have to check this out someday

[freebo]

SLF wrote:
And it's definitely the Festival of Shitty Beer. Haven't seen so much Busch Light since freshman year of college. I didn't come across any veggie burrito or grilled cheese hawkers but I'm sure they were out there.

Mmm. Nuthin' goes better with shitty beer than a kind veggie burrito!

Or a phatty goo ball.

Yummy!

Not to self: Get out on the road more often... :D

When I was a freshman in college, I was at the University of Texas, where the shitty beer was either Pearl or Lone Star. (Don't hate me, Texans!)

When we had money, we upgraded to Shiner Bock. OK, that's not exaclty true. But I don't know if Busch or Natty Light had even been invented by then. :eek:

[Mexi]

THE SCENE: Holy friggin' moley!!! Hippies, tie-dye and the smell of patchouli everywhere! THe crowd was generally young. Didn't see too many families with kids. And it's definitely the Festival of Shitty Beer. Haven't seen so much Busch Light since freshman year of college. I didn't come across any veggie burrito or grilled cheese hawkers but I'm sure they were out there. Mostly I was offered cigarettes, bloody marys, mimosas and brownies. And all manner of hallucinogens.

Great reporting, Sharon. This is going way high on my fest wishlist!

I need your address...I have a little gift for you. I meant to give it to you at CFF! email me when you get a chance: jens office at yahoo dot com

[sharon_loves_fats]

Sharon, so nice to hear what a fine (read: apparently wild as a hoodoo-mutha) time you had!!!

Quick question----How did Phil look? I have heard that his health has not been great over the past several months, and was wondering if you noticed anything?

Of course I am certainly hopeful that this is NOT the case, and hoping to hear he is still looking/sounding strong!!!

Anyways, try to get some rest, sounds like you have earned it.

Matthew

Hey now, Matthew! I thought Phil was looking good and in fine form. He even said he hopes they play Rothbury again next year!!

[sharon_loves_fats]

Mmm. Nuthin' goes better with shitty beer than a kind veggie burrito!

True dat!

[MormonMatthew]

Hey now, Matthew! I thought Phil was looking good and in fine form. He even said he hopes they play Rothbury again next year!!

Very pleased to hear that Sharon!!!

Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself; I will have to look into Rothbury next year.............

[sharon_loves_fats]

Great reporting, Sharon. This is going way high on my fest wishlist!

I need your address...I have a little gift for you. I meant to give it to you at CFF! email me when you get a chance: jens office at yahoo dot com

Hi Mexi,
Yes, add it to your wish list for sure!!

And you have mail :)

[sharon_loves_fats]

Very pleased to hear that Sharon!!!

Sounds like you really enjoyed yourself; I will have to look into Rothbury next year.............

Definitely consider next year, it's a great fest!!!

[sharon_loves_fats]

pics: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYs2LVo0as2Trw&emid=sharview&linkid=link5&cid=EMsharview

[innertube]

thanks for the pics..............

[steeleye]

Thanks, Sharon. What a cool looking festival. This old hippie better get his azz there next year.

[sharon_loves_fats]

Thanks, Sharon. What a cool looking festival. This old hippie better get his azz there next year.

Yes, put it on your list!!

[ABITAGIRL1]

Great review Sharon, I wish we could have been there. You should write for a living. I have been to many Jamband fest's that are just like that...the dogs, the bikes... your descriptions were hilariously on target. Many of the fests are held in very wooded sites and you are camping in the forest. Usually there are "bars" set up in the middle of the woods. You'll be strolling along and hit upon some hippie couple (with a baby strapped on to dad's chest) who have set up a FULL bar on a folding table right in the middle of the woods and they're selling mixed drinks, shots, and blender (battery op) drinks of all varieties for 3 bucks or something. There is a whole enteprenurial underworld out there. Veggie burritos, grilled cheese aside, there are people who specialize in breakfast foods! The best bacon egg and cheese wrap I ever had in my life was purchased in the woods one morning at Berkfest. A couple of years ago at All Good Fest in West Va I saw this girl skipping thorough the woods with a basket on her arm and a red cape (a la Red Riding Hood) singing (in the sweetest voice)....mollies,shrooms, zannies, goo balls.... and all these kids were stopping to check out her basket and shop. It's so Alice in Wonderland.
So who's up for Gathering Of The ViBes next weekend??

[wahinemicha]

Sounds like such a great time. Hilarious reporting, Sharon, and thanx for the fantastic photos !

Michelle

[sharon_loves_fats]

A couple of years ago at All Good Fest in West Va I saw this girl skipping thorough the woods with a basket on her arm and a red cape (a la Red Riding Hood) singing (in the sweetest voice)....mollies,shrooms, zannies, goo balls.... and all these kids were stopping to check out her basket and shop. It's so Alice in Wonderland.

So who's up for Gathering Of The ViBes next weekend??

OMG, that's too funny!

Wish I was going to Vibes. Have a blast!!!

How was Costa Rica?

[Michelino]

pics: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AYs2LVo0as2Trw&emid=sharview&linkid=link5&cid=EMsharview

Very cool.