On October 29th and 30th I attended the virgin voyage of the Vegoose music festival - showcasing over 30 bands, each playing one to two hour sets. Sam Boyd stadium provided the venue, including three stages and one tent, various poster and t-shirt booths, and impersonator karaoke booth and resonably priced food stands. The weather was near-perfect and parking was a breeze. These are the bands that struck my fancy at the festival.

Phil Lesh and Friends.
A five person band led by the 65 year old bass player for the Greatful Dead featuring Joan Osbourne put on a tight two hour set featuring 70's Dead classics like "Playing in the Band," "Truckin'" and "Shakedown Street". The sounds recalled the jazzy precision of the Dead in their 1973-74 era with funky piano and Hammond organ.

Beck.
This music agent provoceteur came with a boy scouts theme, complete with wildlife and a campfire. Leading off with his 1994 hit "Loser," Beck then showcased singles from his recent album Guero as well as his 90's classics Odelay, and Midnite Vultures complete with audience participation and a dancing boy scout.

Ween.
Led by Brothers Gene(vocals) and Dean (lead guitar) Ween these Pennsylvania natives got plenty of help by the fans who sang and shouted along on such legendary songs from the Ween canon like "Spinal Meningitis Got Me Down," "You F*$^#d Up," "Touch My Tooter" and "The HIV Song." On tunes like "Take Me Away" and "Buckingham Green" Dean Ween was able to demonstrate his ornate, Hendrixian style guitar chops and even performed lead vocals on a brand new song, "Leave Deaner Alone."

Flaming Lips.
This Oklahoma based band put on a great theatrical style show with confetti, baloons, costumed dancers and Lead Singer Wayne Coyne in a giant baloon. The band played mostly newer material, including a song from their upcoming album.

Blackalicious.
The first day I anxiously staked out the hip hop tent, getting a front row spot for the hip hop duo Blackalicious and I was also able to see a partial set from the asian rapper Lyrics Born, a fellow labelmate with an almost equal gift for fusion hip-hop. The band was founded by high school friends Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel in San Francisco over fifteen years ago. The two have brought a more jazz and soul vibe to the hip hop world much like the Black Eyed Peas and like the Peas they have recently encountered a good deal of harsh criticism for a commercial sound. I for one think it is merely a case of the public warming up to there sound but the real deal is their show. Starting off with the opening track from their latest release The Craft they delivered an energetic, soulful performance complete with superb backup male and female vocals. They also drew heavily from their 2002 album Blazing Arrow (a personal favorite) and managed to get the crowd loud enough to blow them away. Obviously energy of this caliber must be experienced to be believed.

Umphrey's MaGee.
This midwestern band jams with the spirit of The Allmans as well as Frank Zappa(in his jazzier years). Complimenting their double guitar attack with Hammond organ and Rhodes piano they provide music of a cerebral quality and the rhythmic variations are more than enough to please an adventurous listener. My only gripe I guess would be that there isn't more singing - given how gifted they are as vocalists.