The Peach Music Festival - Scranton, PA
Montage Mountain 8/11-8/14
Words: Christopher Snyder |Photos & Videos: Alex Buschiazzo
The 5th Annual Peach Music Festival was held from August 11th - August 14th in Scranton, PA at Montage Mountain. Wedged on a mountain with Wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides, ample concessions and fan-run stands of goods and apparel, the festival saw acts from The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Trey Anastasio Band, Toots & The Maytals, Anders Osborne, Cabinet, jamband favorites The String Cheese Incident, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Twiddle, Gov’t Mule, Dopapod and many more. Here are some highlights, photos and videos from the weekend on the mountain in Scranton.
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades:
Kicking off Saturday on The Mushroom Stage, were bluegrass group, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. From the opening notes of “Gator Tracks”, the Wisconsin natives, engaged the crowd with their high energy bluegrass. As the campers came down from the mountain, and the crowd grew for the first set of the day, the band kicked it into high gear, with the Talking Heads classic and crowd favorite, “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)”. The highlight of the sixty minute set was the stellar rendition “Rhiannon” (Fleetwood Mac) featuring their good friend, fiddle player, Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth.
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds:
Starting the day off on The Peach Stage was Brooklyn soul/rock seven-piece group, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. The band quickly engaged the crowd and up & dancing with the opening numbers , “Frankie” and “Catch Me”. One of the highlights of the opening main stage set was a great rendition of, “Dr. Feelgood” (Aretha Franklin). Lead female vocalist, Arleigh Kincheloe, with her upbeat energy and soulful, and the rest of the band were firing on all cylinders on the legend’s song.
Railroad Earth:
Railroad Earth is known for their precise musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Taking center stage a little after 2 PM, the band dove right into their extensive song catalog, with the oldie but goodie, a high-paced, “Lordy, Lordy”. A highlight of the set was " Everything Comes Together ", a well-known tune by die-hard fans and then paying homage to Delaware legend, singer/songwriter with an on point rendition of “New Lee Highway Blues “ that segued into the energetic instrumental, “Fiddle”.
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades:
Kicking off Saturday on The Mushroom Stage, were bluegrass group, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. From the opening notes of “Gator Tracks”, the Wisconsin natives, engaged the crowd with their high energy bluegrass. As the campers came down from the mountain, and the crowd grew for the first set of the day, the band kicked it into high gear, with the Talking Heads classic and crowd favorite, “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)”. The highlight of the sixty minute set was the stellar rendition “Rhiannon” (Fleetwood Mac) featuring their good friend, fiddle player, Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth.
Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds:
Starting the day off on The Peach Stage was Brooklyn soul/rock seven-piece group, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. The band quickly engaged the crowd and up & dancing with the opening numbers , “Frankie” and “Catch Me”. One of the highlights of the opening main stage set was a great rendition of, “Dr. Feelgood” (Aretha Franklin). Lead female vocalist, Arleigh Kincheloe, with her upbeat energy and soulful, and the rest of the band were firing on all cylinders on the legend’s song.
Railroad Earth:
Railroad Earth is known for their precise musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Taking center stage a little after 2 PM, the band dove right into their extensive song catalog, with the oldie but goodie, a high-paced, “Lordy, Lordy”. A highlight of the set was " Everything Comes Together ", a well-known tune by die-hard fans and then paying homage to Delaware legend, singer/songwriter with an on point rendition of “New Lee Highway Blues “ that segued into the energetic instrumental, “Fiddle”.
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Bustle In Your Hedgerow:
Making their only festival appearance of the year the supergroup, Bustle In Your Hedgerow, was one of the most anticipated acts of The Peach Music Festival. Drummer, Joe Russo along with his friends, Marco Benevento (keyboards), Scott Metzger (guitar) and Dave Dreiwitz (bass) amped up the pavilion with instrumental renditions of Led Zeppelin classics, “Heartbreaker”, “The Ocean”, and “The Lemon Song” into their nine song set. You could see the joy on the musicians faces as they played off each other with ease.
Making their only festival appearance of the year the supergroup, Bustle In Your Hedgerow, was one of the most anticipated acts of The Peach Music Festival. Drummer, Joe Russo along with his friends, Marco Benevento (keyboards), Scott Metzger (guitar) and Dave Dreiwitz (bass) amped up the pavilion with instrumental renditions of Led Zeppelin classics, “Heartbreaker”, “The Ocean”, and “The Lemon Song” into their nine song set. You could see the joy on the musicians faces as they played off each other with ease.
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Joe Russo’s Almost Dead:
For any fan of The Grateful Dead, Joe Russo's Almost Dead, was a show not to miss at the festival. Russo along with his talented bandmates started off their set with, “Cumberland Blues” that clocked in around 17 minutes in length. The virtuosic musicians paid homage to the legendary group with a strong set that included an upbeat version of “The Music Never Stopped” and a magical “Terrapin Suite” bringing the set to a close.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium:
At first glance, this may seem like an odd pairing, but the two musicians brought a unique set to The Peach Stage. Focusing on material from their debut release, “Monolith Of Phobos”, Sean and Les drew the audience in with their musicianship that complimented each other well. You never know what Claypool has up his sleeve, mid-way through their main stage performance the band busted out the King Crimson song, “In The Court Of The Crimson King”.
For any fan of The Grateful Dead, Joe Russo's Almost Dead, was a show not to miss at the festival. Russo along with his talented bandmates started off their set with, “Cumberland Blues” that clocked in around 17 minutes in length. The virtuosic musicians paid homage to the legendary group with a strong set that included an upbeat version of “The Music Never Stopped” and a magical “Terrapin Suite” bringing the set to a close.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium:
At first glance, this may seem like an odd pairing, but the two musicians brought a unique set to The Peach Stage. Focusing on material from their debut release, “Monolith Of Phobos”, Sean and Les drew the audience in with their musicianship that complimented each other well. You never know what Claypool has up his sleeve, mid-way through their main stage performance the band busted out the King Crimson song, “In The Court Of The Crimson King”.
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Trey Anastasio Band:
Phish frontman, Trey Anastasio, along with his stellar band settled in for their late night set. The opening notes of fan favorite, “Cayman Review”, was the perfect way to get the crowd engaged early on. “Gotta Jibboo” gave a chance for the group to zero in and gel as one. As the band started the opening chords to “Sand”, Mr. Anastasio announced that due to the inclement weather the set would be delayed. After the storm passed the group dove right back into “Sand” not missing a beat. Highlighting the set was a laid back cover of “Clint Eastwood”, originally by The Gorillaz. During the song, with a big grin on his face, Anastasio took a moment to introduce the band with guest trombonist Jeff Cressman from Santana and Cyro Baptista returning to the band on percussion. Trey was most gracious to be at Peach again and thanked everyone for sticking out the weather. The cherry on top was an energetic closer, “Push On ‘Til The Day” which always seems to exemplify the energy seen from Anastasio and TAB.
Phish frontman, Trey Anastasio, along with his stellar band settled in for their late night set. The opening notes of fan favorite, “Cayman Review”, was the perfect way to get the crowd engaged early on. “Gotta Jibboo” gave a chance for the group to zero in and gel as one. As the band started the opening chords to “Sand”, Mr. Anastasio announced that due to the inclement weather the set would be delayed. After the storm passed the group dove right back into “Sand” not missing a beat. Highlighting the set was a laid back cover of “Clint Eastwood”, originally by The Gorillaz. During the song, with a big grin on his face, Anastasio took a moment to introduce the band with guest trombonist Jeff Cressman from Santana and Cyro Baptista returning to the band on percussion. Trey was most gracious to be at Peach again and thanked everyone for sticking out the weather. The cherry on top was an energetic closer, “Push On ‘Til The Day” which always seems to exemplify the energy seen from Anastasio and TAB.
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Cabinet:
For bluegrass musicians, Cabinet, The Peach Music Festival is a homecoming. Forming ten years ago, their grassroots following has led them to success today. Bringing the day to an end on The Mushroom Stage, the group showed why they are rising stars. Inviting out their good friend, guitarist, Justin Mazer along with the Turkuaz Horn Section, the fans were treated to an “A+” rendition of the Elvis Costello classic, “Watching The Detectives”. Twiddle lead singer/guitarist, Mihali Savoulidis, was invited onstage for “The Dove”, that had everyone in crowd in awe as he ripped through his solo. This high energy set was the perfect ending to a magical day at Montage Mountain.
For bluegrass musicians, Cabinet, The Peach Music Festival is a homecoming. Forming ten years ago, their grassroots following has led them to success today. Bringing the day to an end on The Mushroom Stage, the group showed why they are rising stars. Inviting out their good friend, guitarist, Justin Mazer along with the Turkuaz Horn Section, the fans were treated to an “A+” rendition of the Elvis Costello classic, “Watching The Detectives”. Twiddle lead singer/guitarist, Mihali Savoulidis, was invited onstage for “The Dove”, that had everyone in crowd in awe as he ripped through his solo. This high energy set was the perfect ending to a magical day at Montage Mountain.
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Although there were a few weather delays, and some stormy spots throughout the weekend, the attendees of The Peach Music Festival didn't let it dampen their spirits, nor did the artists who were quite grateful for those of us who bared the elements. Everyone involved kept faith and let the music bring joy to Peach goers.
The festival finished up on Sunday afternoon with performances by Gov’t Mule, Rich Robinson Band, Blackberry Smoke and a special tribute to George Wesley and finally the formation of power trio Russo, Benevento & Burbridge, who we hope to see more from soon.
Always a warm and friendly festival and one we highly recommend to anyone who is a music fan. See you at the Peach in 2017!
The festival finished up on Sunday afternoon with performances by Gov’t Mule, Rich Robinson Band, Blackberry Smoke and a special tribute to George Wesley and finally the formation of power trio Russo, Benevento & Burbridge, who we hope to see more from soon.
Always a warm and friendly festival and one we highly recommend to anyone who is a music fan. See you at the Peach in 2017!
Check out the rest of the photos and videos from the 2016 Peach below
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Dopapod - Roid Rage 8/11/2016
Electron - Run Like Hell 8/11/2016
Dark Star Orchestra - Walking Blues 8/11/2016
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Toots & The Maytals - 8/12/2016
The String Cheese Incident - Quinn The Eskimo 8/12/2016
Bustle In Your Hedgerow - Heartbreaker guitar solo
(Scott Metzger) |
Peach Fest Campus Photos