The music pumps and pulses while tens of thousands of fans all tune into the vibe, dancing, becoming one organism where the line between artist and audience blurs.
The eclectic and communal nature of Gathering of the Vibes makes it a unique event and destination. The continuing communal aspect, set forth by the fans during the Grateful Dead's heyday, is equally as important as the music itself.
In 1996, Ken Hays formed Gathering of the Vibes, a place for Grateful Dead fans to come together, rock out to live music by bands in the Dead's jam band tradition, and keep the spirit of Jerry Garcia alive.