Photo via Strangefolk’s Facebook page

Bridgeport, CT’s Gathering of the Vibes festival kicked off yesterday. Longtime Vibes heroes Strangefolk were one early highlight. Recalling their appearance at the first Vibes in 1996, Strangefolk invited out singer/songwriter/radio host David Gans for a cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street.” Another longtime Vibes favorite and friend of the extended Strangefolk family, fiddler Jason Crosby, also sat in on “Speculator” and “Westerly.” Dark Star Orchestra anchored the night with a recreation of the Dead’s September 25, 1976 performance Landover, MD’s Capital Center. Strangefolk guitarist Jon Trafton also prepared for the upcoming Phish shows he plans to attend in San Francisco by teasing “Bathtub Gin.”

Gathering of the Vibes continues today. Phil Lesh & Friends will headline the evening. Click here for an archival look at the Vibes by GroupMe founder Jared Hecht.