Well, the final day of the Summer Camp Music Festival was upon us.  How fast time flies when you’re having fun.  Today, it looked like some of the shows I wanted to see where over at the Starshine Stage, clear on the far side of the park.  Another day of intensive walking, and my dogs were killing me.  What we can endure for the things we love?  It also seemed hotter and dustier than it had been during previous days.  Note to Self: Keep Hydrated!

First up was Umphrey’s final set, scheduled for two hours at the Sunshine Stage.  The setlist:  Domino Theory, Mail Package > Great American, Phil's Farm > Deeper, Partyin' Peeps, untitled new song, Booth Love > The Fussy Dutchman, Resolution > Phil's Farm.   After Umphrey’s wrapped up, moe. was scheduled for an acoustic set over at the Starshine Stage.  This would be an interesting departure from their normal in-your-face Rock ‘n’ Roll.  The setting was much more intimate, a smaller stage, and softer more organic music.  Highlights of the set were an opening St. Augustine, as well as 32 Things and Bones of Lazarus.

We made our way over to the Church to see the Drums Workshop, featuring Andy Farag of Umphrey’s McGee, Greg Fundis of Math Games and Nigel Felony of Floodwood.  It turned out to be interesting seeing how the percussionists interact with the drummers, and how the differences in the sounds can complement each other.  Nigel had a contraption that resembled a wooden martial arts training device, but this one made different sounds when you struck it with your hands.  Very cool, and not something you see every day.   After a short rest in the shade, I returned to the Church for the Bass Workshop, with Rob Derhak of moe., and Janis Wallin of Family Groove Co.  I only stayed for a little while, and it was hard to tear myself away from the air conditioning, but I had places to go and people to see. 

I wandered back to the Starshine Stage for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.  These guys are super fun, and they make every day seem like Mardi Gras.  There were lots of horns and lots of dancing.  Then it was all the way over to the Moonshine Stage for the end of the Yonder Mountain String Band set, which I caught with about 15 minutes to spare.  There is so much going on that there isn’t enough time to get comfortable.  You’ve got to keep moving, or you’re going to miss something.

After a short visit and rest at the VIP Tent, I headed back to the Moonshine Stage for the Tedeschi Trucks Band.  They’re touring in support of their new album, Everybody’s Talking, which I highly recommend.  I’ve seen these guys a couple times before. I love Derek Trucks’ slide guitar work, and Susan Tedeschi’s vocals.  They played a nice set highlighted by Don’t Let Me Slide, Midnight in Harlem, Learn How to Love and Bound for Glory. 

Next up at the Moonshine Stage was Pretty Lights, and as expected, it was super-crowded.  Normally, Electronic Dance Music isn’t my style, but the beat is really infectious.  And the way it takes over the audience is a sight to see, not to mention the wild light show.  They did a cover of Pink Floyd’s Time and also played Finally Moving.  I left before the set ended, which was difficult due to the pulsing and swaying masses.  It was like the crowd became one, single, giant entity.  I quickly made it to the Starshine Stage to catch the final couple songs of Galactic’s set.  They wrapped up their set with Led Zeppelin’s Trampled Under Foot, which included a Dirty Dozen Brass Band sit-in.

Our final set for the day and for the festival was Jane’s Addiction, at the Sunshine Stage.  As expected, everyone was there.  Perry Farrell is a real showman, constantly bantering with the crowd.  He told a story about the hotel they were staying at, which was also hosting the Ragtime World Championship.  He joked that while all the old folks were at the competition, the guys from the band stole all their jewelry.  This, of course led into Been Caught Stealing.  He also scolded the crowd for throwing glow sticks on stage.  Jane Says turned into a big sing along.

After four days of intense music and equally intense sun, the festival drew to a close.  Moe. had a late set, but it was getting to be past my bedtime, and I had an early flight out tomorrow.  This year’s festival was a huge success.  The rearranged stage layout required a little more walking between shows, but also spread things out enough so you didn’t feel too crowded.  The festival season is ramping up with Wakarusa, Electric Forest, Bonaroo, All Good, Mountain Jam and moe.down all coming up during the summer.  We’ll be seeing you out there.