Pondstock 2001
Big names join local faves for annual wekend festival
After six years, the festival is still going strong. Fans are excited about this weekend's Pondstock 2001: A Pond Odyssey, which features some of the best local bands, along with some big names. This year, the festival has extended stages and more vendors; but, don't fear, Pondstock is all about music.
Gates open at noon tomorrow at Twin Ponds Campground and Resort in Peru.
Phish drummer Jon Fishman will be performing with his side project Pork Tornado. This is Fishman's first concert in the area since Phish's 1996 Clifford Ball on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base.
The other main act is JGB, featuring former Jerry Garcia colleague Melvin Seals.
Local favorites at the two-day camping and music festival include The South Catherine Street Jug Band, The Seth Yacovone Band and Redneck Aliens.
The South Catherine Street Jug Band has been a regular at Pondstock for four years.
"The fans keep us coming back," Jug Band bass player Adam Friedman said. "It's a good time every year."
Friedman believes Pondstock 2001 will be better than ever.
He credits the production company ; SWM Productions Inc., based in Plattsburgh ; for the festival's success.
"They do a good job of picking a variety of music for the North Country," he said.
This weekend will be the first time the Jug Band has shared a stage with JBG and Pork Tornado.
"We're really excited about the bands," Friedman said.
He also likes the campground venue. He said the nice stage, the ponds and the fields all add to the atmosphere.
The Jug Band likes the campground so much they are holding the fifth-annual Harvest Dance Music Festival there in September.
Pondstock also marks Hazin Jane's first performance since the death of lead singer Dennis Rule in May.
"The popularity of the concert has a lot to do with the local bands," said Chad Baker of SWM Productions Inc.
Jenny Jenkins has gone to Pondstock four times. This year, she is excited to see Pork Tornado and JGB. She plans to stay for both days of the festival.
"It's getting bigger and better (as) the years progress," Jenkins said. "I'm glad to see it expanding."
About 1,800 people attended last year's concert, and Baker expects 3,000 people this year.
Pondstock's free camping is a major draw for some fans.
"There is great music, friends, food and free camping," Jenson said. "What could be better?"
Concert organizers built on to existing stages. To accommodate larger crowds, Pondstock will have vendors selling everything from food to glass beads.
"We just needed something bigger this year," Baker said.
He is excited about Pondstock's lineup. He believes Pork Tornado will appeal to Phish fans and jam band JGB will attract Grateful Dead fans.
Phish has been on hiatus since fall. Meanwhile, band members such as Trey Anastasio have launched solo tours and Jon Fishman has devoted his time to recording and touring with Pork Tornado.
"It's a fun time," said Peacock Music employee Kyle Labrake. "The whole atmosphere of it is good."
Labrake likes the lineup, but especially wants to see Geezer, Seven, The Bailey Brothers and The Seth Yacovone Band.
He said ticket sales are going well; Peacock's has sold more than last year.
The organizers thought JGB and Pork Tornado would add variety to the festival while showcasing local musicians, which are the festival's core.
Sixteen bands will play over the two days.
The band Seven will kick off the festival Friday at 5 p.m. Pork Tornado will perform at 10:15, and The Seth Yacovone Band will close the day with a midnight performance.
High Falls starts Saturday with an 11 a.m. performance. Hazin Jane is the festival's final band, performing Sunday at 12:30 a.m.
"We hope everyone who shows up has one of their best weekends," Baker said.
If you go to Pondstock 2001
WHEN: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 3 and 4
WHERE: Twin Ponds Campground and Resort, Peru
TICKETS: Available at Peackock Music, Plattsburgh; SWM Productions, 33 Clinton Street, Plattsburgh; Maui North, Lake Placid; Pure Pop, Burlington; Strawberry Fields, Potsdam; The Music Shack, Albany.
Advance tickets are $23.50 for both days. Tickets are $17 for Saturday only.
Gate tickets are $27 for both days and $20 for Saturday only.
Gates open at noon on Friday.
FRIDAY PERFORMANCES: Seven, 5 p.m.; Redneck Aliens, 6 p.m.; The Gordon Stone, 7:20 p.m.; South Catherine Street Jug Band, 8:30 p.m.; Pork Tornado, 10:15 p.m. Seth Yacovone band, 12:00 p.m.
SATURDAY PERFORMANCES: High Falls, 11: a.m.; The Blind Pig Blues Band, noon; Jim Branca and the Red Hot Instant Combo, 1:30 p.m.; Blue Fox and the Rockin'; Daddy's, 3:15 p.m.; Geezer, 5 p.m.; Bailey Brothers, 6:45 p.m.; Mr. Charlie and Blues for Breakfast, 8:40 p.m.; JGB featuring Melvin Seals, 10:00 p.m.; Jim, 11:20 p.m.; Sunday, Hazin Jane, 12:30 a.m.
For more information, call SWM Productions Inc. at 561-5794 or visit their Web site www.swmproductions.com