How The Getdown went down

For those who got down it was a Labor Day weekend that will not soon be forgotten.  Around 750 anticipated fans flocked to a remote stretch of woods dubbed Possum Holler for a taste of jam.  What they received was no less than the experience of one of the best new festivals this year.

The debut of The Getdown could not have gone any better for the first time festival organizers.  Viavant Productions put on an exceptionally smooth show that gave you the feel they had done this dozens of times.  The layout of the grounds was well thought out with plenty of shaded camping grounds and a stage area that offered trippy lights and dancing room.

The crowd was perfect; I couldn't have envisioned meeting so many great people in one weekend.  Being there you really got the aura of a family reunion because of the relatively small crowd in comparison to larger festivals.  It felt like most people knew each other and the people you didn't know you met and had an instant bond.  Fans traveled from 16 states and some from as far away as Ontario and Alaska to be there; and it really shined through because you could see the passion for adventure in everyone's eyes.

What The Getdown lacked in size it made up for in music.  If you didn't realize that our regional area had a sublime music scene you left in the know.  Band after band took stage and served up great vibes and groovin' tunes through the forest.  When I go back in my mind and try to pick out who shined above the rest I am left in perplexity.  Every band that took stage walked off leaving nothing to be desired except for them to keep going. 

The night shows at The Getdown couldn't have delivered any better.  The Mantras rocked both nights with an incredible amount of energy.  If you've ever seen them live before you know it's more of a musical spectacle than concert.  The two bands that closed out the nights were Sci Fi and Roots of Creation.  Sci Fi unleashed a torrent of psychedelic jams that had the crowd flowing in electronic waves.  I hadn't seen these guys in a while and I was thoroughly impressed.  The Saturday night closers Roots of Creations brought their usual high level of reggae and jam.  They proved once again they are one of the best late night bands on the scene.  I have seen them more than a couple times this year and there performance at The Getdown was one of their best.

Overall The Getdown was simply a great time and fantastic weekend.  Luckily plans to throw the festival at the same time and same place next year have already begun.  So when somebody asks you what you're doing for Labor Day 2010 you can answer, "Gettin' down at Possum Holler."  The event was also recorded; video and audio recordings are set to be released in the near future.  You can already view pictures and a video of The Mantras live at The Getdown on their website.  If you have any pictures or videos you want to submit visit their website shoot them an email of your personal coverage.