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La Goose, Part Deux
October 31st, 2006

When Vegoose was created, the event seemed a match made in heaven. To many, the idea of ever missing a repeat of the event seemed inconceivable. Until this year's lineup was announced, that is.

To some, a festival in Las Vegas featuring Widespread Panic, String Cheese Incident, Galactic, a Marley (Damian), and five of eight surviving members of the Grateful Dead and Phish, seemed a festival not to be missed. To others, the lineup lacked the diversity that made the initial Vegoose the most unique festival in many years.

With attendance announced at 10,000 less than last year, the crowd actually seemed half the size. While festival lacked the air of enthusiasm and electricity of last year, the music that filled the air was in many ways superior to the performances of 2005.

The Black Crowes offered a stunning set on Saturday, led by new guitarist Paul Stacey. "Jealous Again" featured his most moving work, bringing a joyous smile to Chris Robinson's face that has rarely been during his tumultuous year.

One of the biggest surprises of the weekend came during a set by Las Vegas natives The Killers. The crowd at their stage was far from what one would expect for a band whose just released CD, Sam's Town, was #2 on the Billboard charts. The band played an abbreviated set, just over an hour, despite having another half hour of stage time. Perhaps the band, along with the crowd, found it more entertaining to flee for the Cabaret Clubs Tent, where the crowd was enthralled by the sounds of Jurassic 5.

It was a shame more of the crowd had not ventured to the Tent earlier in the day, when the Yard Dogs Traveling Road Show performed the most unique sets of the weekend. Part burlesque, part vaudeville, the Yard Dogs are a true story on stage. Sword swallowers, dancing angels, fire eaters and hobos, all animated to the live sounds a cartoon gypsy band, the Yard Dogs sonic and visual voodoo carnival surmised the spirit of Vegoose.

For the most part, Sunday was a Grateful Dead-Phish-Widespread Panic jam fest, as the Rhythm Devils (featuring Mickey Hart and Bill Kruetzmann of the Dead, along with Phish's Mike Gordon), Phil Lesh and Trey Anistasio (with a guest appearance by Gordon) and Widespread Panic graced the stage. While all three bands performed strong sets, the crowd's biggest ovations were reserved for Panic. Led by new guitar wiz Jimmy Herring, who interestingly performed his final show with Lesh during a Vegoose at Night show one year ago to the day, Panic again staked their claim as the highlight of yet another festival.

Despite lackluster attendance, promoters have already promised a return next year.

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