Gathering of the Vibes

I never could understand people whose lives came to a screeching halt the moment they had a child. I've always been of the mind that you bring a new baby into your family - inviting the little one to your party, so to speak. So I've strongly felt that you should continue to do the things that you enjoy, and that your game plan just has to evolve to accommodate your moppet. I would be the parent who brings the kiddies to our gatherings, whose kids eat whatever the grown-ups eat.

We took the Bug to her first music festival yesterday: Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport. It seemed the perfect candidate for a day trip - less than an hour away, and the lineup sounded excellent. Mid-August should bring breezes off the sound for a comfortable summer day. We'd been talking about going since before she was born, and it was to be the first major practical test of my assertion.

The day could not have been better. The weather was gorgeous - sunny, not too hot. We parked within walking distance from the venue so didn't have to deal with the shuttle bus. We sure rolled into the show differently than we ever had before - pushing a stroller laden with bottles, blankets and extra baby clothes. We got there around 1pm, and by 2:30 were settled into a great spot in the shade, in the way-way back of the concert field. We saw Strangefolk, Donna Jean & the Tricksters, Assembly of Dust, Keller Williams; all sounded great, though we were watching from quite a distance. The vendors were fun to walk past, we enjoyed Magic Hat on tap, people around us were super nice, and the Bug had a great time - she rolled around on the blankets, napped, smiled at our friends. Other people around us had their children with them, and all were very much enjoying themselves.

We left the festival just after dark, the Bug sleeping happily in her carseat, listening to wierd old Les Claypool as we walked towards the car. Was it a far cry from the days of partying until dawn? You bet it was! But it was one of the most fun days I have ever had - spending time outside with my husband and baby, listening to great live music, and knowing that we haven't stopped living - we've just brought a new friend to join us. A tiny, pink little friend who is destined to have the best taste in music of her entire preschool set.