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La
Goose, Part Deux
October 31st, 2006 When
Vegoose was created, the event seemed a match made in heaven. To many, the
idea of ever missing a repeat of the event seemed inconceivable. Until this
year's lineup was announced, that is. To
some, a festival in Las Vegas featuring Widespread Panic, String Cheese Incident,
Galactic, a Marley (Damian), and five of eight surviving members of the Grateful
Dead and Phish, seemed a festival not to be missed. To others, the lineup
lacked the diversity that made the initial Vegoose the most unique festival in
many years. With
attendance announced at 10,000 less than last year, the crowd actually seemed
half the size. While festival lacked the air of enthusiasm and electricity
of last year, the music that filled the air was in many ways superior to the performances
of 2005. The Black
Crowes offered a stunning set on Saturday, led by new guitarist Paul Stacey.
"Jealous Again" featured his most moving work, bringing a joyous smile
to Chris Robinson's face that has rarely been during his tumultuous year. One
of the biggest surprises of the weekend came during a set by Las Vegas natives
The Killers. The crowd at their stage was far from what one would expect
for a band whose just released CD, Sam's Town, was #2 on the Billboard charts.
The band played an abbreviated set, just over an hour, despite having another
half hour of stage time. Perhaps the band, along with the crowd, found it
more entertaining to flee for the Cabaret Clubs Tent, where the crowd was enthralled
by the sounds of Jurassic 5. It
was a shame more of the crowd had not ventured to the Tent earlier in the day,
when the Yard Dogs Traveling Road Show performed the most unique sets of the weekend.
Part burlesque, part vaudeville, the Yard Dogs are a true story on stage.
Sword swallowers, dancing angels, fire eaters and hobos, all animated to the live
sounds a cartoon gypsy band, the Yard Dogs sonic and visual voodoo carnival surmised
the spirit of Vegoose. For
the most part, Sunday was a Grateful Dead-Phish-Widespread Panic jam fest, as
the Rhythm Devils (featuring Mickey Hart and Bill Kruetzmann of the Dead, along
with Phish's Mike Gordon), Phil Lesh and Trey Anistasio (with a guest appearance
by Gordon) and Widespread Panic graced the stage. While all three bands
performed strong sets, the crowd's biggest ovations were reserved for Panic.
Led by new guitar wiz Jimmy Herring, who interestingly performed his final show
with Lesh during a Vegoose at Night show one year ago to the day, Panic again
staked their claim as the highlight of yet another festival. Despite
lackluster attendance, promoters have already promised a return next year. |