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The Daily Voice caught up with a few of the Gather of the Vibes concertgoers, most of whom would only identify themselves by first name.
Some came by day, soaking up the rays on lawn chairs. Others took shelter in the shade underneath a labyrinth of tents and blankets.
But some camped out, enjoying cool Connecticut summer nights and making the most of the four-day music festival at the beach.
Matt Cantor, a resident of New Haven County, was one the members of the Vibe tribe who spent the night in tents and campers by Long Island Sound.
“You get to know your neighbors really quickly,” he said of the experience from a hammock with his friends Lauren and Mike. “And the sunsets are beautiful.”
Cantor said Gregg Allman of the legendary The Allman Brothers Band was his favorite musical group of the day.
“It’s awesome,” said Lauren, also a resident of New Haven County. “They’re a lot of great people. You can’t not have a good time.”
During the interview, an announcer said, “Adiós, amigos. I mean, 'Hola, amigos.'” And then Weezer, a California-based rock band known for “Buddy Holly,” “Say It Ain’t So” and “Beverly Hills” took the stage.
Nearby, Omar, a resident of Fairfield County, held his Pabst Blue Ribbon board by the vendor tents. He said he was soaking in the experience.
“It’s just love, bro,” Omar said, adding that he has attended the Vibes for many years.
Tess, who grew up in Buffalo, N.Y,. and lived in California for a few years, said she came to Vibes “on a whim.” She was sitting on the lawn with friends.
Tess said she was “super stoked" to be at the festival. She came with her buddy Griffin, also from Buffalo, who attended the festival last year as well.
“The vibe is incredible,” Griffin said.
Concert-going folk weren’t the only species enjoying the concert. The Bridgeport Police horses were on hand, too, waiting in the shade by Seaside Park.
They faced a sizable flotilla of boats moored in the Sound, which were there presumably to enjoy the good vibes and the good music.
Entertainment was not limited to the bands. Local vendors — including one aptly named clothing boutique called Greatful Dons — offered up festival-themed goods.
The festival celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Twitter users posted photos and comments using the hashtag #vibes20.
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