Check Out The Hippie Fest This Weekend!

CT RESIDENTS BEAT THE BUDGET BLUES WITH FREE AND DISCOUNTED TICKETS AT THE GATHERING OF THE VIBES FESTIVAL

Veterans & Active Military Also Enjoy Half Price Tickets on Sunday. Kids 15 & Under are Free Sunday when Accompanied by Parent

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Recognizing the federal budget crisis, the pending layoff of several thousand State workers, and the tough economy, Gathering of the Vibes has added a half price $20 Sunday, July 24 ticket for all Connecticut residents, veterans and active members of the military from any state. Sunday is also “Family Day at the Vibes,” allowing families to attend with no charge for kids 15 & under when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Sunday attendees will be treated to performances by nine incredible bands on two stages plus special programs for kids and teens.

“This is our way of celebrating families, helping out fellow Connecticut residents, and saying thank you to the men and women who serve our country,” explained Ken Hays, festival founder. “Family Day is the perfect event because it offers the ideal compromise between children’s need to have fun and their parents’ desire to catch as much music as posible.”

While ticket sales are booming, the Vibes continues to give back to the community. Hays has always been honored to take up residence in Seaside Park and as a thank-you to Bridgeport residents, the Vibes continues to offer a $75 three-day ticket for Friday, Saturday and Sunday to anyone who brings a valid, Bridgeport photo ID to the gates.

Family Day kicks off with the World Peace Prayer and Flag Ceremony (www.worldpeace.org) featuring a special musical performance for families by Andy “The Music Man.” Children who’ve created special puppets at the Vibes’ Kids Corner will lead a parade to the Main Stage with their puppets as flags representing every country on Earth are raised, leading everyone in the group prayer, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

SUNDAY – JULY 24 – FAMILY DAY SCHEDULE

Main Stage

11:00 am World Peace Ceremony feat Gospel Choir & Kids Corner Puppets

12:45 pm Toots & the Maytals

2:45 pm Dr.John & the Lower 911

4:30 pm Rhythm Devils – Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Keller Williams, Steve Kimock & Reed Mathis

6:30 pm John Butler Trio

Green Vibes Stage

10:30 am Andy the Music Man

12:00 pm Band Together

1:45 pm David Gans

3:30 pm Rubblebucket

5:15 pm Sam Kininger Band

Other highlights include:

85 foot high Ferris wheel – New this year and overlooking the Long Island Sound, kids of all ages can view this majestic site from 85 feet high in the sky.

Kids Corner & Teen Scene – Acitivities include the opportunity to jam with some of their heroes on professional gear and instruments donated by sponsors such as DBS Audio, Meyer Sound, Zildjian Cymbals and Headphones.com. Kids, teens and adults who are interested in the “behind the scenes” of live concert production can learn the art of stage, sound and lighting design taught by Vibes production professionals.

• Led by Gabrielle Fugere and Andy “The Music Man” Morse, Kids Corner is a clean, green, strategically located scene offering plenty of activities whether it’s painting on a community mural, listening to children’s entertainers, face painting, costume making, arts and crafts, dancing with puppets or just relaxing on a comfy couch and reading stories. Hours are 9am-sundown.

• Teen Scene is the place where teens can learn to play musical instruments and show off their musicianship while engaging in jam sessions with their peers. Teens can socialize, play games, get hair wraps, ride the Orbitron, learn to juggle with Try Out Toys and much more. Teen Scene hours of operation on Sunday are 9am-8pm.

School of Rock Teen Vibes Stage – Thanks to a unique partnership with School of Rock, the nation’s leading performance-based music school, teens will have a chance to watch Vibes Main and Green Vibes Stage artists jam with the rock stars of the future!

Puppets – One World Puppetry and Ash Street Puppets invite kids to enter the world of make believe by creating life size puppets. One World Puppetry will showcase engaging performances each day.

Nick The Giant – There’s big-sized fun to be had with Nick of Time, the Giant! The wizard of fun will be just in time to bring giant fun, giant toys and giant smiles to the VibeTribe.

Play-4-All – Join the playful folks of Try Out Toys as they host a super-fun play area for VibeTribers of ALL ages! They’ll have ongoing lessons in the art of diabolo, sphereplay, poi swinging, hula hooping, rhythm sticks, juggling and more.

Everyone’s Drumming – Don’t miss the special Drum workshop led by the rhythmic folks from Everyone’s Drumming.

Bio-Bus – The Bio-Bus travels around the country educating kids & teens about science and the sea. There will be hands-on workshops including a walk to the shoreline to study marine life in the Long Island Sound.

Oribitron – Always popular with kids and their parents, The Orbitron is out of this world! Strap yourself in and spin in a circle, upside down at your own pace.

Charlie Dane – Talented singer-songwriter Charlie Dane will perform at the Teen Scene this year. She performed last year and kids & parents alike couldn’t get enough of her soulful and rocking sound.

Although VIP tickets for 2011 Gathering of the Vibes are sold out, a limited number of camping and single day passes are still available at prices ranging from $20 on Sunday for Connecticut residents to $225 for the full weekend camping package. Kids 12 and under are FREE (15 and under on Sunday, “Family Day”). Veterans, active members of the military, Bridgeport residents and City of Bridgeport employees may purchase a 3-day pass for Friday, Saturday and Sunday for $75 by showing appropriate ID at the gate. On Sunday, Connecticut residents, veterans and active members of the military get in half-price for $20 per person. For complete ticket details and information at http://www.GOVIBES.com.

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About Gathering of the Vibes

Gathering of the Vibes is an all-ages, family-friendly event that caters to both weekend campers and single-day guests. For complete and up-to-the-minute Gathering of the Vibes information, including the entire artist lineup, check the website at www.GOVIBES.com, and follow Gathering of the Vibes on Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace, or check the message boards.