FamJamily Music & Arts Festival | 5.30 – 6.1.2014 | Vernon Township, NJ

FamJamily Music & Arts Festival | 5.30 – 6.1.2014 | Vernon Township, NJ

Photos By: Darkroom Dragon Photography & Shane Weber

Words By: Zachary Franck

The setting and weather were phenomenal for the music, people and vibes at the first annual FamJamily Music Festival that was held from May 30th to June 1st.The tight-knit gathering provided me with the relaxed, intimate setting that I needed after just getting back from a thirty-five hour car ride to and from Summercamp. The festival grounds were set at the base of a mountain, surrounded by rolling hills for as far as the eye could see. Blue skies sat easy above dozens of smiling people as jams poured out of the speakers. All three days were special in their own ways, and a lot of talented bands played great.

“During their set, in the midst of one of their songs’ peaks, a ridiculous windstorm hit the grounds out of nowhere. The violent gusts were actually knocking down cymbal stands and sound equipment. The band kept playing the best they could as staff ran around covering up equipment; patrons were confused on what to do. An enormous gust of wind ripped the roof of the main-stage tent completely off. People were literally wrapping themselves around the poles of the huge tent making sure it didn’t rip out of the ground. It was one of the funniest situations that I’ve seen at a festival. The band kept cool and shredded and awesome afternoon set, one of my favorites of the weekend.”

I’d have to give the best sets of Friday to Cocktail Party Phenomenon and Consider The Source. It was my first time seeing Cocktail Party Phenomenon and I was pretty impressed. They are a four piece from the Philadelphia area made up of a guitarist/singer, bassist, keyboard player/singer and drummer. Playing both originals and covers with steady improvisation in between, Cocktail Party Phenomenon is definitely a good time. During their set, in the midst of one of their songs’ peaks, a ridiculous windstorm hit the grounds out of nowhere. The violent gusts were actually knocking down cymbal stands and sound equipment. The band kept playing the best they could as staff ran around covering up equipment; patrons were confused on what to do. An enormous gust of wind ripped the roof of the main-stage tent completely off. People were literally wrapping themselves around the poles of the huge tent making sure it didn’t rip out of the ground. It was one of the funniest situations that I’ve seen at a festival. The band kept cool and shredded and awesome afternoon set, one of my favorites of the weekend.
 
Later that night Consider The Source took the stage for their 2 hour headlining slot. Everyone at FamJamily was looking forward to their set. I’ve seen them numerous times, and I am a huge fan. They are three of the best musicians that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing perform. Earlier in the day, the three of them actually hiked to the top of the mountain that overlooks the festival grounds. Hiking a mountain and shredding a masterful set is a pretty full day to some people, but for Consider The Source, it’s what they live for. They played one of the best sets that I’ve ever seen at a festival, with solos from all three of them. The crowd was left in awe by the wizardry of their guitarist Gabriel Marin. He plays a fully custom double-neck guitar and uses seventeen different pedals. Their bassist John Ferrara is easily one of the best bass players in the live music scene today. His improvisational bass solos are always a highlight of their sets. Jeff Mann is their drummer and percussionist, and he is a true master of rhythm and percussion. He has some of the best dynamics that I’ve ever seen. They ended their set with an extended version of their song “Keep Your Pimp Hand Strong,” and they completely blew everyone away. In my opinion it was easily the best set of the weekend. If you ever have a chance to see Consider The Source, then do it. They describe their sound as sci-fi Middle Eastern fusion. Enough said.
 
The next day was absolutely beautiful, not too hot and not too cold. I checked out some of the vendors whom were all extremely nice people. Two of my favorites were Coffee Coops and the Eazy Bubbles man. Coffee Coops was supplying fresh, organic Nicaraguan coffee to everyone who needed a pick-me-up throughout the weekend. It was absolutely delicious. The Eazy Bubbles man was also a really nice guy, and he showed me his bubble maker: he explained to me how he came up with it, and he showed me how to use it. He was making some huge bubbles, and all the kids running around were really enjoying him being there. The ‘Ono Hula food truck was also very good. They had a very tasty selection of custom burgers and sandwiches.
 
Two of my favorite sets of music from Saturday were Juggling Suns and ShwiKus. It was my first time seeing the classic New Jersey jam-band by the name of Juggling Suns, and they were pretty cool. They’ve been playing shows since 1997 and are still rocking the stage to this day. Their set ranged from old school psychedelic rock n roll to straight funk and even trance. It was a unique set for sure, and I enjoyed it. I would definitely see them again. ShwiKus really blew me away. They were my favorite set on Saturday. A combined force of both bands ShwizZ and FiKus, they really brought the party. Playing songs from both bands discography with heavy improvisation tying it all together. The guitarists from both bands displayed their chops,and the rhythm section held it down; the bassist, drummer and percussionist were locked tight in the pocket. It was one of the most fun sets of the weekend. Both bands are playing tons of festivals this summer and are progressing every time I see them.
 
The vibes were great on Saturday night. A bunch of people jammed around the bonfire late into the night. On Sunday, everyone was ready to relax and listen to some music before heading back to work on Monday. One of my favorite smaller jam-bands MUN absolutely shredded their afternoon slot. They just added a second guitarist, and he plays great with their front-man Wiley. They have such a sick sound and are also progressing every time that I see them. I believe that they are going to get a lot bigger within the next few years.
 
By the time the last set of the weekend rolled around, many patrons had already left and headed home. Although the crowd was small for Aqueous, it didn’t stop them from playing a good set. This four-piece from upstate New York loves to play music no matter what. Once they started playing, their tasty guitar licks drew the remaining stragglers from their tents and to the main-stage for the last set of the weekend. It was my first time seeing them, and I would definitely see them again at a festival. They are also cool people who are humble and down to earth.
 
Jordan Koza did an amazing job at putting together this first year festival. Between running around and making sure everything was going smooth, his two bands played multiple sets. His band, The Jordan Koza Family Band will be playing shows and festivals all summer. Be sure to catch one of his sets!
 
FamJamily was an awesome experience and a very cool, little gathering. I think that everyone involved had a really great time. From the staff to the patrons and the bands to the vendors, everyone helped make the weekend the best that it could be. It was exactly what I needed after attending a huge festival like Summercamp. The RickeyFarm in Vernon, New Jersey is one of the most beautiful properties that I’ve seen a festival held on. I am eager and excited to attend the next FamJamily. Don’t miss out next year. This is truly a hidden gem in the festival scene.