Poll: Gathering of the Vibes named best value festival by Dead Beat readers

After a month long poll asking readers to choose one out of five festivals they would like to attend this summer considering the economic climate, Dead Beat readers have spoken, naming Grateful Dead themed Gathering of the Vibes (GOTV) as their top festival choice this summer.

Of the 29 Heads who cast votes in the poll, 10 (34 percent) chose GOTV as the festival they would most like to attend. The festival, which is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2010, is held at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, CT and features an array of new, jam band favorites, old school giants, unique musical collaborations, car-camping, craft vending, an on-site art gallery, kids activities, beaches and other engaging entertainment. Over the years, the festival has featured such high-profile acts as Bob Weir and Ratdog, Phil Lesh and Friends, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Les Claypool, Keller Williams, Donna Jean & the Tricksters and Dark Star Orchestra. This years line-up includes Damian Marley & Nas, Primus, Jimmy Cliff, Rhythm Devils featuring Keller Williams, Umphrey's McGee, Galactic, Jackie Greene, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Steve Kimock Crazy Engine, Dark Star Orchestra, Little Feat, The Radiators, Martin Sexton & Ryan Montbleau Band, Mix Master Mike, Deep Banana Blackout, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Assembly of Dust, Max Creek, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Zach Deputy, Harlem Gospel Choir, King For A Day, Donna Jean Godchaux, and many more TBA!

Of the remaining four festivals listed on the poll, All Good ranked second with 9 votes (31 percent), the first ever Nateva Festival finished third with 6 votes (20 percent), and Bonnaroo and Mountain Jam tied for last with two votes (6 percent) each.

While there are a number of other great festivals this summer, I chose these five festivals due to their popularity, superior line-ups and close proximity to the Northeast. I have also had the pleasure of attending each one of these festivals, except Nateva that is in its first year, and I believe the readers got it right! While GOTV has been held at a number of locations over the years, Seaside Park is a great getaway, making it feel more like a vacation than a festival with its beaches and urban setting. The line-up is still coming together, but you won't be disappointed if you make the trip to Seaside Park, July 29 - Aug. 1.

Thanks to everyone who participated. I look forward to getting your feedback on many other Dead-related issues in the near future. Thanks for reading along.

Poll: Furthur named best Dead-oriented band by Dead Beat readers

After a month long poll that asked Dead Beat readers to name the "best Dead-oriented band today," the Heads have spoken, naming Furthur as the top act.

Seventy-two Heads cast votes in the poll, and of those voters, 57 (79 percent) chose Bob Weir and Phil Lesh's band Furthur as their top choice. The Dead, a Grateful Dead spin-off band that includes all five remaining members of the legendary jam band, finished second with eight votes (11 percent), Phil Lesh and Friends received four votes (5 percent) and Bob Weir and Ratdog rounded out the poll with a lackluster three votes (4 percent).

It was not surprising to see Furthur finish as the clear winner, considering all the excitement that has surrounded the band since its recent tour. I was, however, surprised that The Dead did not fair as well, considering the band does consist of all five remaining members and they did put on one hell of a tour last spring. Phil Lesh and Friends and Bob Weir and Ratdog's recent hiatus, due to Bobby and Phil's obligations with Furthur, might have contributed to the two band's low vote count.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Dead Beat's first ever poll. I look forward to getting your feedback on many other Dead-related issues in the near future. Thanks for reading along.