Langerado Music Festival Entertainment Art Big Cypress Indian Reservation South Florida Everglades Chicago, Ill. March 6-9, 2008

The sixth annual Langerado Music Festival took place March 6-9 in the sunny Everglades of Florida. The pre-game to the upcoming festival season kicked off with a 12-mile drive and a four-hour wait to get into the campground, topped off with ongoing thunderstorms.

Once inside the new location at Big Cypress campgrounds, all the problems seemed to disappear---until I realized I set up camp on top of the legendary and forewarned large fire ant pile, needless to say it was off to a rough start.

Larger than life was the apparent ongoing theme at this years’ festival. Big Cypress, which formerly held Phish’s legendary Millennium Celebration show back in 2000 was twice the size of previous Markham park grounds. Anything and everything you needed were at the palm of your hand, it was the iPhone of festivals.

Inside the festival grounds was the typical scene: Cops on 4-wheelers ready to ‘protect and serve,’ underage security guards more concerned with getting stoned and making money off fans wanting to get backstage, and last but not least, Shakedown Street.

Shakedown featured all your favorite treats, (including the best grilled cheese I have ever eaten although costing a somewhat hefty $3.00)—I left satisfied with money still left to spare on beer, water, and other fun necessities.

The assorted stores featured exceptional artwork, comfortable hammocks, and stylish homemade clothing and accessories to fit the part. Additionally a “Shabbos tent” set-up by Matisyahu was available for those who observe Shabbat; and a silent auction tent featuring artwork, festival tickets, and autographed memorabilia by artists including Umphrey’s McGee.

David LeBatard, a.k.a. LEBO displayed a wide variety of murals, paintings and running artwork vigorously throughout the festival grounds, including some 3-Dimentional artwork, allowing for concert goers to take memorable photos and later destroy with graffiti symbols.

The “eco-friendly” festival grounds provided an array of knowledge and tools on making the adjustment to going green through various festival tents. However, their glorified green festival ways, were anything but ecological. Upon entering the campsite, no garbage bags or recycling bags were given out; leaving campers to leave a mess of empty bottles, discarded food, and left over camping supplies come Monday morning. On top of the exaggerated promised mobile water, the tanker ran dry Saturday and Sunday morning, leaving patrons to purchase overpriced ‘low-energy’ water for $3.00 a pint pouch.

The festival hosted 5 stages and 85 artists, kicking off Thursday. The highlights of the evening included a performance by That 1 Guy (yes, that is his name) as the same time as the highly talked about Les Claypool; a late-night show performance by The New Deal topped off by an overlap of the Grateful Dead cover band Dark Star Orchestra and Georgia’s Perpetual Groove The combination of lights and an unruffled Florida breeze, hinted to festival goers they would be in for a treat.

Friday was off to a good-start having put up with the previous day’s torrential rain, the weather was graciously refreshing. Matt Pond PA was the first act I made my way to see, after my roommate talked them up to me in previous weeks. Their harmonious tunes and soulful voice filled the ongoing void of rich music I had been longing to hear. The highlight of the afternoon was catching the upbeat and outspoken Ozomatli who had everyone in the crowd dancing and cheering them on, particularly when special guest Matisyahu graced the horde with his presence.

As the sun began to set, next up on my list of must-sees’ were the infamous The Wailers. With new singer Elan Atias filling the void of the late Bob Marley it was an eerie but moving performance as they played the classics, including ‘Three Little Birds.” Atias voice, indistinguishable of that of Marley’s brought me back to the feeling I had when I played “Legends” for the first time.

The evening continued with performances by 311, performing such classics as “Amber.” A late start but strong set by The Roots was a great jumpstart into the headlining act of the evening with The Beastie Boys. As fans declared over and over throughout the evening, “it was a performance made for history.” The evening ended with Chicago’s own Umphrey’s McGee with an overlap of Sound Tribe Sector 9, who cut their set short due to the oncoming thunderstorms and lightening.

Saturday carried on strong performances by Railroad Earth, State Radio and Citizen Cope. Copes’ founder Clarence Greenwood brings a taste of Reggae, R & B, rock and blues to the front. The energy was strong as groups gathered singing alongside to “Let the Drummer Kick” and “Sons Gonna Rise.”

Ben Folds unfortunate short lived set proved he still was his cheerful, bubbly self. Followed by an alarmingly jam packed assembly for Thievery Corporation. Cutting out early, I was able to make a pit stop and catch some intoxicating beats by the Benevento Russo Duo. Onto the glorified Matisyahu who collectively maintains a state of well-being on stage. His stage presence is illuminating, yet off stage he is very calm and reserved, staying true to himself and his inner serenity.

R.E.M. made there return, right in time for their new CD album that will hit stores April 1, 2008. Their presence on stage was as if they never faded away. Young and old gathered around the seemingly ageless Michael Stipe, singing in tune with their favorite classics, including “Man on the Moon.”

The evening wrapped up with an impressive late-night set by the ‘Bisco’ aka the Disco Biscuts. Having seen them numerous times, they still keep it coming, bringing mind-blowing performances to the stage. Topped off by the illuminating dancing glow stick woman, the crowd kept warm from the bitter evening air, dancing in the hippie fashion. Festivals are just not complete unless there is a late night show by Umphrey’s McGee, The Disco Biscuits, or STS9.

As Sunday dawned, a brief realization set in that the private world of peace, love, and music was coming to an end. A late start to a short day The Funky Meters were the first stop on my Sunday farewell tour. The Funky Meters, previously known as the Meters, brought their thirty-one years of experience in funk, blues, and rock to fans, getting everyone dancing and grooving along. Following the Funky Meters, I made my way to The Felice Brothers, put on a mixed set filed with rhythmic tunes of rock, blues, and soul.

Surpassing all the Sunday shows was Of Montreal. Their performance was that from a futuristic lifetime, filled with dancing aliens, masked heads on poles, and an encore overflowing with shaving cream. As lead singer Kevin Barnes took the stage, he blended into the what seemed to be a flower surrounded casket with more shaving cream than one person can use in a decade, concluding the evening by walking out into the crowd, spreading the love and minty-fresh feeling of Barbasol.

Like the ending to a great book, it can only exceed with a happy ending, and with that the aging generations took a part Phil Lesh and Friends back to their camp sites. Though their was no late-night show, campers made their own version with a booty-shaking tent, which was complete with the booty-shaking contest, followed by fireworks set off by mischievous campers that snuck them in.

It seemed as though Langerado has become the little sister festival to the highly acclaimed Bonnaroo in Tennessee. Attracting a diverse group of hippies, hipsters, and free spirits alike, one thing was made certain, that everyone was there for their love of music and outstanding live performances.

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