Gary Solomon of The The Band Band @ American Roots Music Festival (Sept 7, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Walking towards the festival grounds at the base of the Piermont Pier on one of the most humid and hot Labor Days on record, I was looking forward to hearing The The Band Band play their wonderfully authentic tribute to The Band.


After paying my $20 at the door and entering the Hudson River-side grounds, I quickly realized I could sit anywhere I wanted… as long as I didn’t mind direct sunlight. 


But armed with my favorite straw hat, my parents, Godmother and jug of happy juice, I set up shop directly in front of the stage… with nothing but dead grass and a few dancing hippie spinners between me and the music.

What more could a guy ask for?


How about, four enthusiastic tribute bands covering Johnny Cash, The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and The Band.

Mike Corbin of The The Band Band @ American Roots Music Festival (Sept 7, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Ray Longchamp of Peach Project @ American Roots Music Festival (Sept 7, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Not all the songs were great (the original legendary bands never were either though… you can’t get those magical jams without failing a few times), but there were plenty of great moments and ass-bouncing jams.


The good boys from The The Band Band are used to hearing me yell, “Turn It Up” at the local Turning Point, a true music gem of the Hudson River Valley. 


Today was no different.


When bassman Gary Solomon gave me a thumb’s up when I asked if Chest Fever made the short set list, I knew I was in the right place.


Chest Fever with the Garth organ sound knocked gets me every time!

The The Band Band @ American Roots Music Festival (Sept 7, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Good thing I everted heat stroke and didn’t miss one frickin’ note all day.


On behalf of me and the thousand other music fans in attendance enjoying Labor Day the old fashioned way… thank you to the musicians who labored through the grueling weather and put on the show.


Big Jim Wheeler even wore a long leave black studded cowboy shirt, black jeans and boots to match.

Big Jim Wheeler and Co. @ American Roots Music Festival (Sept 7, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Flap Your Wings (F.Y.W) friends…