Trey Anastasio performs at Peach Fest 2014. Photo by Jason Riedmiller.
Peach Festival returns to Montage Mountain in Scranton for its fifth edition, starting tonight and running through Sunday, Aug. 14. The festival has certainly grown over the years, as well as experienced its fair share of bumps along the way — Bob Weir canceled a run of 2014 dates, including a headlining set with his band Ratdog at Peach; Gregg Allman canceled his current tour dates, including his trip to Scranton. But it hasn’t really seemed to matter, as the festival, which started as a gathering of the Allman Brothers Band and its fans as well as likeminded acts, has expanded in size and scope, where one or two acts to make or break the bill.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the artists we’re most excited to see (in alphabetical order) at this year’s Peach. For the full lineup and more information, visit Peach Fest’s website here.
The Allman Brothers Family Incident
String Cheese Incident, in addition to its own set, was initially scheduled to perform with Gregg Allman as The Gregg Allman Incident. But since the ABB organist/vocalist wiped out his current dates due to “serious health issues,” Peach and SCI were left scrambling. The result? A hybrid of SCI, the ABB (Oteil Burbridge, Butch Trucks, Jaimoe and Marc Quinones) and members of Gregg’s band.
American Babies
Led by guitarist/vocalist Tom Hamilton (who has also gained notice for his work with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Phil Lesh and others), the Philadelphia-based group, featuring Northeastern Pa. native Justin Mazer on guitar, has become a favorite at festivals across the country.
Cabinet
Fresh off another Susquehanna Breakdown, the festival Cabinet hosts at Montage Mountain, the bluegrass/rock outfit and its loyal, traveling fanbase are geared up for another Peach. And the band will be playing two sets, a nice nod to the hometown heroes.
The Claypool Lennon Delirium
Les Claypool, the wacky bassist/vocalist of Primus fame, is no stranger to the jam band scene. He’ll have his new duo partner Sean Lennon (yes, that Sean Lennon) in tow at Peach for a set that promises to be uniquely tripped out.
moe.
Two sets, including a tribute to Pink Floyd? Sign us up. Northeastern Pa. doesn’t see as much of moe. as it used to, back in the days of Scranton Cultural Center shows, so Peach fans should be pumped up for the upstate New York jam rockers.
The Motet
The Colorado funksters bring the party. Plus, they have their own ice cream!
Anders Osborne
Osborne’s profile has steadily risen over the past few years, thanks to his live show as well as his recorded output. Just last month, he released his latest album, “Flower Box.”
Toots & The Maytals
Toots is a reggae legend with an infectious energy. Don’t miss this.
Trey Anastasio Band
Trey’s Friday night set was the talk of Peach in 2014, and his Saturday set (he stepped up to play two nights after Weir’s cancelation) was triumphant as well. And trust us, you don’t have to be a Phish fan to dig Trey’s sets. They are quite different.
A Tribute To George Wesley
In a perfect world, George would be playing Peach and no tribute would be needed. But sadly, the beloved singer, guitarist and reggae musician passed recently. This set, featuring Mike Miz, James Wesley and others, will certainly induce some tears — of joy, and sadness.
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