day 0: off to the races...

hey all !

...coming to you from the top of marvin's mountain. the early birds arrived in droves from early yesterday to well into the night. the camp site is already fully alive...and its only noon on friday. the view is unbelievable, the sun is still shining and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the rain gear hidden in the tents won't have to be used. here's hoping...

the music kicked off around 8:30 last night with the Sonic Bids contest winners, American Dumpster. I don't know too much about these guys other than the fact that their lead singer reminded me of iggy pop after he's had a few too many jack and cokes with a splash of morrissey (anthony kiedis, this is a warning). anyway, the band played a tight 45 minute set, ending with bob dylan's "how does it feel?" and johnny cash's "ring of fire," complete with flaming baton twirlers.

...english jammers Ozric Tentacles were up just as the sun was going down. unbeknownst to the crowd, the band nearly missed their all good appearance due to some trouble getting overseas (damn work visas). the trip hoppers showed their exhaustion and played a little less than usual, but what they did play sounded incredible.

...the crowd swelled in anticipation for Dark Star Orchestra. this band never fails to get things going full throttle. they did Jerry proud with a set list from a show on June 29, 1977. things really came to a peak around 2:30 am when the band cut into "el paso." maybe it's the moutnaintop, maybe it's the frenzied crowd- but this time, i felt it.

"many thoughts ran through my mind as i stood there;/ i had but one chance and that was to run."

that's all for now. play on.