Tucked away between cornfields, off of the Illinois river, a gathering of sweet vibes and phenomenal music took place Memorial Day weekend. Several hours away from Chicago across from the scenic yet then flooded river bank, Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe Illinois held home to this festival. Summer Camp returned for the tenth year with some huge musical talent on the agenda. The music wasn't the only draw to the crowd. There was something to say about the down home, close-knit attitude's of the people which made the weekend. This years line-up was attracting more-so than in years past, with seventy plus bands, including the usual suspects like Moe, Umphrey's McGee, Cornmeal and Keller. Vendor booths, art displays and even Make a Difference Activities touching on crucial issues in today's society enticed many to come and kick off Summer with live music in the sunshine. This gathering had a lot to offer and many positive attributes. Yet, throughout the weekend the apparent frustration in patrons was very present. In regards to organization surrounding this gathering there were many aspects that needs attention for this place to be better rounded. Ticket booths were a mess, many waited in the sun for hours just to receive their tickets only to wait again to go through security gates. Harsh enforcement on outside alcohol being ban made for an expensive weekend for the average ticket holder. VIP of course received accommodations on all ends in regards to alcohol being let in, that is as long as they slang the security a bit extra. Even typical necessities of cleanly restrooms was hard to come by, its ridiculous though that you should have to pay hundreds of dollars more to get standard living necessities such as this. Volunteer workers were uninformed on many vital areas which patrons need to be aware of such as where to recycle, information on garbage collections or where to locate stages. Overall this festival still needs a lot of work on interior organization. The call to the music was undeniable to say the least. Though this has been known as Moe's Midwest festival, many others dominated the stages and rocked attendees the duration of the weekend. A diverse collection of genres were covered within the stages. The dance floor surrounding the stages were filled with awaiting fans to get their groove on. As the bands began summertime, to many present did as well.

Thursday Pre- Party~ May 27th
Those early ragers who purchased pre-party passes unpacked and hauled their belongings from the parking lot to the camping areas. Many arrived to catch the acts in the early afternoon yet those coming a bit later in the day were just in time to check out Family Groove Company. They drew you to the lit up stage and funky melodies which dispersed into the air. This band is a complete, genuine act with a fire of emotion to their jam rock style. Whole hearted passion went outward with every jazzy rift, lyrics fun and outreaching to the lighter side of life. The Chicago based band strummed, slid and banged out energy. The crowd has had a long wait to sway outside to melodies like these. At one point Jordan Wilkow, the incredibly multi talented musician on keys, mentioned his own cabin fever relating to those dancing in the crowd. The band played remarkably in front of a lively audience, the music seemed to soar. The jams were well balanced and fast paced enticing you to move. Kicking off the numerous appearances of this band throughout the weekend with an uplifting set. An appearance from Allie Cral of Cornmeal on fiddle during one song and the cover of “American Girl,” all included. You couldn't have chosen a better band to kick off the festival experience.

Emerging next on the Starshine stage was Cornmeal, a band which has surpassed expectations and broken boundaries on live bluegrass music. The area surrounding the stage populated, heavily as the music began causing shaking and grooving in the crowd immediately. Lifting spirits through furious plucking and flashes of enthusiasm with striking cords. The energy was overflowing. Fast tempo jams and breathtaking solo's by the talented musicians populating the band. The crowd did not cease to move the whole time the music played. Whether it was the sincere playing or their stage presence, the audience was hooked. The set was positive and elevating. Adding a splash of R&B flare to typical strings. Making a guest appearance, Kenny Liner of The Bridge beat boxing was incredibly unique and interesting to see and hear. The combination of sounds was new and completely in sync. Performing several Cornmeal classics such as, “My Georgia Home” along with a cover of “When the Music's Over.” The set was sensational and left lovers of bluegrass anxious to hear the band play again later in the weekend.

Moving forward in the night, late night sets began. In a big red barn on sight, music flowed outreaching to those passing by. On Thursday night the band Dumpstaphunk held to their name with pure funky music. Introducing their own slice of jazz and soul to the Scamp crowd. Ivan Neville is a key player in the band, he emphasized on the power and compassion encompassed in this music style. The whole populous on stage wailed, a very visual display. Witnessing spirit in every note, the craziness of the set was a temptation cured for those shaking it in the barn. Glancing at the faces of the musicians was priceless. You could see the delight which was carried out with every beat in the music. Dumstaphunk definitely swayed the crowd till the final beats were dropped. The audience cheered louder and gave praise to the soul masters that just rocked their evening away.
Stepping outside the red barn 30Db was performing on the Campfire stage. Giving an intimate feel with the stage being located next to a fire. The fellas of this band know how to get a crowd going. Jeff Austin of Yonder Mountain String Band and Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey's McGee put together their masterly instrumental skills along with their kooky personalities and created this entertaining sensation. Both members of this band have charming and hysterical stage presence. Such intense interaction between the music and the crowd. Jeff's wacky vocals and vivid mandolin playing beside Brendan's guitar skills made for an act not to miss. Both have instrumental skills deeply explored and displayed in this band. They kept the night flowing with strumming melodies that made you move. Close to the conclusion of their set they brought out Allie Kral of Cornmeal to sauce up the performance with her fiddle playing. The power behind this collaboration is complete and insanely in tune. Its fantastic when the appreciation of talent is put together and shared. For this duo is one not to be missed if the opportunity arises between both members touring schedules.

Friday May 28th
Awaking in a boiling tent with the Midwest heat and humidity beaming down it wasn't hard to get up prepared to see some music. Early afternoon acts were jam packed with tranquility and helped distract you form the heat. Van Ghost was a notable act perfect for the start of the day. Walking past the Campfire stage you had to check out the smooth, rock beats. This Chicago band knew how to strum out the soul and liven up those surrounding the stage. Mixing acoustic and electric instrumentals also accompanied by powerfully moving feminine vocals of the notable Jennifer Hartswick, the stage was streaming soft melodies making you sway to the rhythm. The lead singer/ songwriter of the band Michael Harrison Berg is talented and sincere with his playing on the acoustic guitar, adding the subtle and sweet vocals. True meaning came with every note played, the m