Here's my latest article for the Ithaca Times! I was given the great opportunity to write a review for the Big Mean BBQ which went down on August 24th and 25th at the Grassroots offsite camping area in Trumansburg, NY. Unfortunately, I only had about 800 words to review the event, so I didn't get a chance to dig in and give all the bands the attention they deserve.
Big Mean Sound Machine did an amazing job compiling such a great lineup with great regional acts like Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Driftwood, Kat Wright, Blind Owl Band, Danielle Ponder & the Tomorrow People, Black Castle, The Blind Spots, Tenzin Chopak, Roadman, DJ Gourd, Ithaca Bottom Boys among many others as well as bringing Marco Benevento who has played some of the nation’s largest stages as a solo artist and as a contributing member of one of the biggest Grateful Dead tribute bands in the country in Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.
I didn't camp, but I was able to see all of these amazing acts for only $50 and I was too late for the early bird! If you bought tickets when they first were released, you could get your pass for the whole weekend for only $25! They went up to $50 for presale pricing and cost $75 at the door and camping was $25 too I believe, though I have to admit, I was never going to camp so I'm not totally sure, but it was right about that give or take.
One moment that I didn't have room to discuss in the article was a magical moment that happened during Big Mean Sound Machine's set on Saturday. They pulled up a friend of theirs to say a few words. The gentleman called up his girlfriend, expressed his love for her, mentioned "this is a long time coming" and knelt down. The whole crowd went CRAZY as she embraced him! It was such a great moment that I honestly felt guilty not
talking about in the article, but my main focus was the music! It was truly a heart warming experience. (Photo Credit: Casey Martin of the Ithaca Times)
Check out the full length article including some of my favorites musical moments throughout the fantastic weekend here: Fourth Big Mean BBQ!
Keep an eye out for my next article highlighting the Root Shock and Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People show coming to The Haunt on September 14th too!