Welcome to Sunset & SCA: Don Lichterman reveals new brand identity after $90,000 sale of old logo!

Welcome to Sunset & SCA: Don Lichterman reveals new brand identity after the $90,000 sale of his original logo design!

Updating the Sunset brand is another leap for the company’s voyage to grow further into the Entertainment & Media Industry.

New branding has already been executed and displayed on all content, all packaging, in advertising, everywhere online and on new and remodeled websites beginning May 2019.

Sunset Records & Sunset Recordings have always been on a single name basis with its owner, artists, followers, clientele, strategic partners and fans long before the introduction of the iconic label. Customers and partners around the world innately and warmly refer to the brand as “Sunset.”

Don Lichterman also nailed down one of the all-time top sales of a logo design with the price tag of his old logo tagged at $90,000.

Because of that sale, and as one of many steps to grow into being one of the leading Independent Entertainment Companies in the world, Don Lichterman unveiled its new branding on its’ new product and everywhere online along with being placed in all new advertisements’.”

The change officially took place in May 2019. The sale of the logo design was also executed in May 2019.

According to Sunset’s and SCA’s CEO and the Sunset U.S.A. President Don Lichterman, “The new branding conveys the company’s focus on creating a legacy much like Geffen did when he had his own label.” He goes onto say, “I have also envisioned a logo much like the old sphere that Geffen had when I was at MCA. “Regardless, the obvious fire in this regard had been lit when we sold the old design,” says Lichterman.

The old Sunset logo was sold for an unprecedented $90,000.

Beginning May this year, the new branding started to appear on all packaging for product in stores today, as well as the company’s advertising, website and social media outlets. Moving forward, the new “Sunset” logo and brand is also featured on all manufactured product and marketing tools in the U.S. and, internationally. The Company tested a few variations of the new logo expansively and in real time, eventually determining to use final Vector styled design that is currently being displayed everywhere that relates to Sunset.

“Our new branding is one of the main facets of the overall growth at SCA and at Sunset to which we embarked on now rather than in the future and most of all, this influx of money that came out of nowhere basically, takes care of 1/3’rd of the Business Plan that I made up this year”, says Don Lichterman.“ “And therefore, the company can continue to work debt free and without the need of a financial partner for the time being.” Lichterman continues to say that “That sale and this rebranding happening today helps me modernize the Sunset experience for our artists, clientele, strategic partners and all account holders.” “While at the same time, I want to continue to embrace our incredible heritage, history over the last 9 years and most of all, I will keep our brand to be important forever.”

Lichterman also says that, “by simplifying, transforming and streamlining the Sunset name while making the SCA acronym the focal point is what I have wanted to do and it is what I was planning to do in due time, I am just glad I was able to get that done this year.” “We are now making sure to promote the iconic and accessible name Sunset and the SCA acronym to make sure that eventually they will be household terms to everyone around the world.”

Part of that rebranding was a change in the URL for corporate site. The websites and email servers were http://www.SunsetCorporationAmerica.com and is now at http://www.Sunset-USA.com.

The Most Expensive Logo Design Sales, Costs & Rebrands Ever along with Inexpensive recognizable logo designs:

Symantec Brand & Acquisition – $1,280,000,000

According to reports, Symantec paid as much as $1,280,000,000 on the Logo and Branding they are currently sporting!

However, the actual amount is not all that shocking once you have all the facts straight.

One of the purchases made by Symantec is the acquisition of VeriSign.

They did not just gain access to the company’s ideas and resources, but also to the VeriSign logo, the famous check mark, which they are have skillfully incorporated into the Symantec logo.

In case you are not familiar with it, it represents a tick for the authentication of security certificates (SSL) for websites, which is crucial if you want people to trust your online shop or e-commerce website.

Since the tick mark is associated with trustworthiness, Symantec wisely chooses to include it in their logo.

British Petroleum Logo & Marketing – $210,000,000

The second most expensive logo of all time was paid for by British Petroleum in 2000.

How much did they pay for it?

A whopping $210,000,000!

They went with the design featuring shades of yellow and green, which was supposed to represent the company’s dedication to being more “green”.

However, what makes this BP logo even more expensive is the huge fiasco BP suffered.

Yes, we are referring to one of the most devastating oil spills in history in the Gulf of Mexico.

Needless to say, the BP logo is a far cry from what the company stands for.

Even worse, it has become the butt of many jokes online, with numerous fake BP logos out there which symbolically morph into black oil spills.

Since then, they have spent millions of dollars on damage control, and the original logo still stands.

Accenture Logo Design – $100,000,000

Accenture paid as much as $100,000,000 for their logo.

It consists out of the word “Accenture”, written in lowercase, with an accent mark above it.

The word itself is a portmanteau of the phrase “accent of the future”.

Accenture was forced to change its name and adopt a new logo after leaving the Anderson Consulting Group and venturing on its own.

However, the company known for outsourcing has caught some criticism when it comes to the Accenture logo, despite its price tag.

Some claim that the simplified logo does not convey enough meaning.

However, despite its streamlined look, the Accenture logo was chosen after 50 different options and designs were rejected.

Nevertheless, Accenture is now a reputable company, and its logo is instantly recognizable in the industry.

Posten Norge Rebrand – $55,000,000

The importance of having a good logo was not lost on the Norwegian postal service, which has shelled out $55,000,000 for the logo they are currently using.

Apart from the graphics, which are not your usual Norwegian design, it features the words “Posten Norge”, with the word “posten” meaning post.

Seems like a lot of money for something that is pretty straightforward, but you may also want to know that this state-owned company has the sole right to distribute and deliver letters which weigh less than 50g across the entire state of Norway.

The new Posten Norge logo was introduced in 2008, and all of the post offices were rebranded.

Even though the sum paid for the postal logo was astronomical, the following results showed that it was a sound investment.

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) Logo – $15,000,000

Australian and New Zealand Banking Group, which is a joint venture company, paid $15,000,000 for their logo design.

The logo features letters ANZ, which create an impression of movement, along with the graphic element.

Truth be told, the entire sum was not invested in just the logo design.

It was the total amount of a much larger marketing campaign which started in 2010 and ended in 2012.

Mind you, with ANZ being the biggest bank in New Zealand, and the third largest in Australia, they did not mind investing that sort of money on a marketing campaign.

BBC Logo Redesign – $1,800,000

There several variations of the current BBC logo, but one of the most common ones is the combination of white block letters against a dark background.

For this, the BBC paid $1,800,000.

However, they can be forgiven, given the fact that they hold a record for the time during which they have not changed their logo one bit.

Finally, they gave in 1997, which is when the new BBC logo was introduced.

Speaking of the record above, the original BBC logo was in use between 1971 and 1988.

In case the BBC decides to stick with their current logo, they will beat their previous record.

Given that we are talking about a global corporation with an instantly recognizable brand logo, the sum they have paid for its redesign does not seem excessive, especially when compared to some of the other entries on this list.

Pepsi Logo – $1,000,000

Although Pepsi‘s current logo is not all that different from their old one, they have ended up paying $1,000,000 for it.

The old iconic Pepsi logo was changed, and now features a different distribution of colors, with red being more prominent.

Also, the entire logo is tilted at an angle, and more in tune with the current trend of “flat” design.

According to others, the Pepsi logo change was an attempt to challenge Coca-Cola, which Is still the most popular Cola brand in the world.

Pepsi is not doing too shabby, either, since they can spend 1 million on a slight alteration of the logo.

There is still room for both, although Pepsi will continue with their attempts to increase their presence globally.

London 2012 Olympics Logo – $625,000

Olympics are always a big deal, not just because of the scale of the event itself, but because of how much money goes into it, as well as how much money is earned.

There is perhaps no better example of that than the London 2012 Olympics logo, which cost the Olympic committee in London $625,000, making it the most expensive Olympics logo of all time.

However, despite the sum, the London Olympics logo has been criticized heavily.

While some felt that the logo was something that could have been drawn by anyone, others thought that its design featured no cultural insight or historical landmarks London is known for.

City of Melbourne Logo Design – $625,000

London is not the only city which decided to spend $625,000 on its logo.

Melbourne did the same, and they did not need an excuse such as the Olympics to do it.

Designed by Lander Associated, the new Melbourne logo was introduced in 2009.

With its sharp lines and multiple shades of blue and green, it is supposed to represent Melbourne’s corporate power.

It also looks like a stylish version of the letter “M”. It was met with positive reviews.

Belfast Logo Design – $280,000

Joining the list of cities which have spent big bucks on their new city logo is Belfast.

The Belfast logo design was around $280,000, which is available in one of the several different colors, including, lime, blue, fuchsia, maroon, and aqua.

It can also be interpreted in two different ways: as a stylized letter “B”, or a heart.

The name of the city is written on the inside of the logo.

While not reflecting Belfast’s long and turbulent history, it is still a welcome change from common Irish stereotypes.

The idea was to make the city more attractive to tourists, as well as investors, and to emphasize the dynamic nature, and to move as far away as possible from the years during which it has gained its notorious reputation.

You will be surprised to find out how much money exactly some of the most prominent companies in the world have paid for their logo design or rebranding throughout the years. And maybe you will be even more surprised when you see the big brand names that spent close to nothing for their logos.

Let’s first see the list of the top 10 most expensive logo designs and re-branding campaigns of all times.

Now that we’ve seen how much money brands have been willing to spend on logos and building brand awareness, let’s see the other side of the medal – a few of the most famous companies in the world that spent nothing or close to nothing for their logos.

The Nike Swoosh – Total Cost: $35

It may seem surprising that such an iconic and recognizable logo cost just $35, but it is true. In 1971, the co-founder of Nike, Phil Knight bough the Swoosh from Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at the Portland State University, where Knight was teaching a class in accounting. When he bought the logo, Knight commented, “I don’t love it, but maybe it will grow on me.” Well, it has certainly grown on the Nike fans ever since then.

The Twitter Logo – Total Cost: $15

The rights to the famous blue bird logo were bought by Twitter on iStockphoto for just $15. And the author of the logo, Simon Oxley might have received just $6 for the job, after the fees. Although the Twitter logo has recently undergone a makeover, it is still based on the iconic blue bird which cost the company just spare change.

The Google Logo – Total Cost: $0

Despite the fact that Google’s famous multicolored logo has undergone a number of minor changes throughout the years the main concept has been kept. The original logo was designed in 1998 by Sergei Brin, one of the co-founders of Google. He used GIMP, a free graphics editing program. Afterwards, a friend of Larry Page and Sergei Brin from Stanford, Ruth Kedar worked on a few other prototypes of the logo. “I had no idea at the time that Google would become as ubiquitous as it is today, or that their success would be of such magnitude,” said Kedar in an interview in 2008.

The Microsoft Logo – Total Cost: $0

The logo of Microsoft was updated in 2012 and the current logo of the technological giant cost the company no additional expenditure, as they used their in-house team for the redesign. Although the new logo received mixed reviews, with some thinking that Microsoft could have done way better in the redesign, it is still a good logo that honors the heritage of the previous Microsoft logos with the four-color window.

The Coca-Cola Logo – Total Cost: $0

And finally, we’ll take a look at one of the greatest and most recognizable logo designs of all time – the one of Coca-Cola. The iconic Coca-Cola logo was created as far back as 1886, by Frank M. Robinson, the partner and accountant of John S. Pemberton, the company’s founder. He also suggested the name Coca-Cola, with the argument that the two capital Cs would appear well in advertising. Robinson experimented with Spencerian script and came up with the unique logo of the brand. Though there have been minor changes to the logo in certain periods, the classic design has remained almost intact for almost 130 years. They say the best things in life are free; looks like that’s true, or at least in the case of Coca-Cola.

As you can see, a great logo can cost thousands of dollars, but even a price tag of millions doesn’t guarantee that a logo will be good or adequate. And sometimes, logos that cost negligible amounts of money or are even free can go down in history with their iconic brand messages.

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About SCA "Corporations Are People Too My Friends." Our companies are known for creating products that enhance people's lives. Through Sunset Corporation of America and its companies, we’re equally dedicated to improving lives. Our commitment extends to helping local communities, fostering better educational systems, supporting the arts and culture, helping disadvantaged youth, protecting and improving the environment, animal welfare, wildlife issues and encouraging employee volunteerism. For more information, visit www.Sunset-USA.com.

About Sunset Sunset is an American based record label that operates its business worldwide. It was founded in 2009 by Don Lichterman as his rock, alternative and pop label, and is part of the Sunset Music International Group. Since 2009, Sunset has fast become one of the top Independent Record labels in the world and operates today under the Sunset Corporation of America and within the Sunset Music International Group. For more information, visit www.SunsetRecordings.com.

Long Gone Wild, Japan's whale "research", J17 (Princess Angeline) & KA25 lost at A Whale of a Week!

SeaWorld to Salvation: New Film Reveals Hope for Captive Orcas

Despite intense backlash from Blackfish, a film released in 2013 that sent SeaWorld's stock into a tailspin, not much has changed for the orcas held captive there.

Now a new documentary, Long Gone Wild, aims to provide an in-depth look at the case against captivity.

Freedom is finally on the horizon for the 10 orcas and 87 beluga whales who have been held captive for months, some since last summer, in Russia’s Srednyaya Bay. Last week, the Russian government began moving eight of the 97 cetaceans. All 97 animals are expected to be returned to the Sea of Okhotsk (approximately 1,100 miles away from the “whale jail”), where they were originally captured.

Charles Vinick, executive director of the Whale Sanctuary Project, provided Russian officials with advice from an international team of scientists on the best way to transport the animals without harming them. “While they are not able to follow all of our recommendations, we hope they can follow as many as possible,” Vinick told the BBC.

The news comes months after PETA and its affiliates, The Whale Sanctuary Project, conservationists, directors, and actors, including Pamela Anderson, urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to rehabilitate and release the animals back into the open ocean. “Thank God things have started moving,” Putin reportedly said last week during a televised phone-in. Had the Russian president heeded our plea last year to call off the cetaceans’ initial capture, there’d be no need to coordinate their release now.

“Will you ensure that Russian orcas and beluga whales are protected and halt plans to take them from the Sea of Okhotsk?” Anderson asked Putin on behalf of PETA U.S. in an urgent letter sent one year ago.

Although we’re pleased that Russian officials are now freeing these animals from their “whale jail,” they shouldn’t have been captured in the first place.

According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Gordeyev, the country hopes to learn from its “whale jail” disaster—the Russian government has plans to clamp down on a law that allows the capture of cetaceans for “educational and cultural purposes.”The change would mean an end to the Russian commercial trade in cetaceans.

Originally published on April 10, 2019:

Great news! Relief is coming for the nearly 100 whales and orcas who have been held captive for months, some since last summer, in Russia’s Srednyaya Bay. After pleas from dozens of celebrities, conservationists, and members of the public, Russia signed an agreement today with a group of international scientists, including Jean-Michel Cousteau, to release the mammals back into the wild. Scientists have committed to developing a release plan for the whales by next month.

The agreement includes the construction of a special rehabilitation facility for the whales that will mimic their natural environment and act as a treatment facility for any of the injured or sick animals.

Original post published March 19, 2019:

Time is running out for more than 80 beluga whales and 10 orcas who are being held captive in Russia’s Srednyaya Bay. And a dedicated group of actors, directors, and conservationists have had enough.

“We cannot stress enough that the lives of these whales are in danger, and they need immediate help,” reads a letter sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin signed by over 30 members of the entertainment and environmental communities. While orcas can travel up to 140 miles a day in the wild, this group of captive cetaceans has been imprisoned in severely crowded cages that are, at most, 27 meters long by 15 meters wide since last summer.

This ongoing story has captured the attention of advocates across the entertainment industry as well as famous conservationists and philanthropists. Actors Pamela Anderson, Holly Marie Combs, Adrian Grenier, Kate Mara, Edward Norton, and Maisie Williams—who has spoken out in the past against SeaWorld’s captive-cetacean programs—have all signed their names in support of these animals’ right to live freely. Directors Gabriela Cowperthwaite and Louie Psihoyos, who advocated for captive marine mammals with their documentaries Blackfish and The Cove, as well as primatologist Jane Goodall and marine expert Jean-Michel Cousteau have also signed their names in support of the efforts to return these whales to the ocean.

This is not the first time that honorary PETA U.S. director Pamela Anderson has reached out to Putin about this issue. In the summer of 2018, she urged him to call off the initial plan to capture these wild animals, which would subject them to a miserable life in captivity. The whales’ plight also received significant attention after actor and environmentalist (and Beyond Meat investor!) Leonardo DiCaprio tweeted his support for their release.

In addition to asking that the animals be released back into the Sea of Okhotsk, the letter requests that the government give them more space to swim and to address the temperature and stagnation of the water to prevent ice buildup while they remain in these holding cells and notes, “These steps are critical for the whales’ survival.”

“THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MOMENT FOR RUSSIA ON THE WORLD STAGE.​ THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR A HAPPY ENDING IN THIS TRAGIC AND UNFORTUNATE SITUATION.”

Read the full letter.

Animals already being held captive at marine parks here in Asia need your help. Please don’t visit marine parks, zoos, or aquariums because as long as people continue to buy tickets, animals will continue to suffer.

It breaks my heart to share with you that we may have lost two more orcas in the Pacific Northwest.

J17 (known as Princess Angeline) and K25 have not been spotted in weeks, and experts fear the worst. Both orcas appeared to be near starvation at last sight.

Southern resident orcas are in a life or death struggle. We need you with us to double down on our efforts to save this population from extinction.

Please help save starving orcas and other vulnerable animals!

Princess Angeline is the mother of Tahlequah (J35), the southern resident orca who lost her baby at birth last summer. You may recall she then carried her dead calf on her head for 17 days on a "tour of grief."

And K25, a young male, has been deteriorating ever since he lost his mother in 2017.

These orcas are starving to death. Outdated dams across the region, particularly four dams built on the Snake River, are drastically depressing numbers of Chinook salmon, the orcas' main source of food. Salmon populations have crashed since those dams were built.

We're running out of time to help the last southern resident orcas.

Making matters worse, these orcas also struggle with water pollution. A deadly mix of chemicals, including pesticides, industrial solvents and other poisons wash into the Salish Sea (including Puget Sound) when it rains. In fact, these orcas are among the most contaminated marine mammals in the world.

We'll do whatever it takes to end this crisis – are you with us?

We can't bear to see any more of these at-risk orcas lost to starvation and pollution. We're working with local and national officials to stop deadly water pollution, restore salmon habitat, and remove barriers to spawning for these whales' primary food source.

Orcas are extraordinary animals. They nurture their young, mourn their dead, and use language to communicate. It's heartbreaking to see them suffering.

I know you want to help. Please help today to save the wildlife we love.

Japan's whale hunting "research" has always been a sham. But now that they've left the International Whaling Commission, there's no one checking their actions.

It's whaling season again in Japan, but this year they've taken their annual massacre of whales to a new level. Rather than dodge the rules and exploit loopholes in the international ban on whaling, Japan simply left the International Whaling Commission altogether. Without this nominal oversight, their already legally dubious whaling operations will go unchecked.

Tell Japan to reverse course and rejoin the international commission and respect ban on whaling.

Humans have already nearly hunted whales to extinction. That's why countries banded together 73 years ago to stop the industry before there were no whales left to kill. But Japan has lived on the edge. Each year, Japanese whaling vessels marked "RESEARCH" in all caps and English, have killed dozens of whales. This so-called "research" ends with whale meat being sold for profit, revealing itself for what it truly is: just another means of hunting.

Without the imprimatur of belonging to the International Whaling Commission, Japan has increased its commitment to kill whales. This year, they plan to kill 383 whales.

The international community can't allow Japan to put whales' survival at risk.

Sign the petition to demand Japan end their annual whale hunts and recommit to a real ban on international whaling.

And, more than 180 gray whales have been found dead since beginning their epic annual spring migration north, and there is no end in sight.

Many of these whales are emaciated, a likely sign they are slowly starving to death and didn’t get enough to eat during their last feeding season. The crisis is already so dire that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared it an Unusual Mortality Event.

Gray whales are just the tip of the iceberg. These heartbreaking deaths are a signal the greater ocean ecosystem is in trouble. The stakes are sky-high for the entire Pacific and Arctic coast ecosystem and all the marine life that call it home.

Without a healthy ocean ecosystem and food web, gray whales and other marine life will continue to starve and die. No organization is better positioned to fight for the health of our oceans – off the U.S. West Coast and around the world – than us. 

As the largest international organization focused solely on protecting the world’s oceans, we work along gray whales’ entire migration route – from their calving grounds off Mexico to their feeding grounds off Alaska’s Arctic coast.

By reducing overfishing, protecting critical habitat, stopping the expansion of offshore oil drilling in the Arctic and advancing science-based ocean management, we’re making progress.

With Wavemakers like you by our side, we’ve already:

• Secured landmark protections for hundreds of forage fish species – including krill, smelts, lanternfish, squids and silversides – that support the diets of whales and other vulnerable marine life.

• Secured emergency fishery closures so sardines – whose population size crashed by 98.5 percent since 2006 – can recover, and sea lion pups won’t go hungry. Safeguarded more than 140,000 square miles of fragile seafloor habitat from the disastrous impacts of bottom trawling.

• Defended gray whale feeding grounds and migration routes from expanded offshore oil drilling and exploration in the Arctic and by passing legislation in California and Oregon.

This science-based progress happens because Oceana Wavemakers like you refuse to back down. Wavemakers like you come together to support our work every step of the way. It’s that passion and dedication we’re counting on again to make the difference for gray whales and all wildlife that call our oceans home.

The Oceana Tide Pool will be used to match future Wavemaker contributions and help save orcas and other marine life facing some of the greatest dangers our oceans have ever seen.

'What a Shit Show of a Fest' feat. Trey, SCI, moe., Phil, more at Peach Festival at Montage Mountain

Have you ever thought about doing the opposite considering every decision made is the wrong one?

After arriving to my my place in this self described award winning resort called 'The Hideout', I realized right away that I chose the wrong house.

Driving into the area, I saw a handwritten sign in black marker nailed to a tree outside of some house that said, 'Order Fresh Butchered Chickens' with the number listed below it.

I knew very quickly that I was not in my normal element which honestly, I totally took for granted in itself.

After all, I was a mere 2 to 3 hours from Philadelphia, one of the largest markets in the USA.

The Peach Festival itself seemed pretty sweet and easy as I drove into the VIP Parking Lot area. It did not take me that long at all to walk into the venue which was the Amphitheatre at Montage Mountain again, in the Poconos region in northern Pennsylvania.

Thursday night, the music was great. I walked in during Billy Strings and I saw the entire Pigeons Playing Ping Pong set where Billy Strings happen to come out for a pretty decent long period of time.

String Cheese Incident (SCI) was great. It was a throwback to the 2001 era although they do have this Ambient or Electronic vibe or layer now in some jams that was not there back then.

It was a great groove and Pigeons is exciting.

I stayed around for the late night set. I do not know any of their songs (setting aside covers they did like 'Psycho Killer' by the Talking Heads) although in reality, I really have only seen them now like 1 and a 1/2 times total (I walked in that afternoon during their set last year at Lockn' Festival).

The Festival production though was very confusing to me.

First off, I got some email the day before I split saying something about VIP getting access to the PIT area. Yet, I could have sworn that I had a Row U ticket in Section 103.

I could not tell if I was in my seat or if it was General Admission when got into the amphitheatre. I said to the people when I came up that they were in my seat. Now I understand why they looked at me for an extra few seconds wondering what I meant I guess. We eventually began to talk and so if there was any weirdness, that was washed away but I am realizing all of that pretty much now.

I still do not understand how that works. It seems as if they set times where it is GA and then it is not at other times.

Which think about that, that is just going to create weird havoc, let alone confusion. And, if it's done part of the night and not the entire evening or show, that is insane because you could have a seat, but then get caught out when they they are about to let in any other people for the GA portion of the night. Therefore, if whomever is in your seat after you are allowed back into the section or area, who gets precedent. Whose seat it?

It makes zero sense.

That almost happened to me one of the nights. I had to go down further to another entrance and exit area where the security guy let some us through before the rush.

Besides, I have never in the history of my life been to a so called festival days long where there were assigned seats. I have never been to a Farm Aid, but I know they did it at Alpine some years. I am not sure how that worked but this threw me for many loops as to why they would have assigned seating at a so called music festival.

Let alone one 4 days long.

Plus, the rules as to what is General Admission or the times it is and not is absolutely mind boggling. I should NOT have to think about that issue while I am at any show.

Also after I walked in, I knew they were selling specific types of beer from the Troeg's Brewing Company. That was also in the email. Little did I know until I ordered my first of many Sunshine Pilsner beers, that they were pulling cans from the actual six packs. They were NOT using kegs.

That also made no sense to me.

I will say that in that VIP section up near the concession area towards the Live Music Stage, there were these portable bathrooms carted in and boy man did I find them to be the nicest public and portable type of bathroom that I had ever been in. I tried ti get pictures but then I realized that probably does not look so great to people that have no clue why I was taking pictures inside a public bathroom.

Further, there was no vegetarian food to speak of (not including pizza and french fries) and as a matter of fact, it was such meat haven that there was a Jerky tent set up inside the vendor section on the other side of the venire from where I entered on Thursday. I was told that there was some veggie items by the Mushroom Stage which was a mile away from the Main Stage or what is called the 'Peach Stage.' I had to park that day by the entrance or exit near the old Grove Stage and the now Live Music Stage I believe it is called today.

I left Thursday night Friday early AM to head back to The Hideout Resort.

Friday morning, I went out to eat breakfast at Lori's Corner Kitchen in Hamlin, Pennsylvania.

After that, I want to the beach at Lake Ariel to rent a kayak. I was out on that Lake for a few hours that afternoon and then I went back to the Festival for Friday Night's gigs.

I could NOT wait to see String Cheese again.

However, this was a great lineup for me so long as I did the hikes back n forth from stage to stage. Which of course I did not but my goal was to see moe. that late afternoon, Dopapod, String Cheese's first set and then I was supposed to run back to the Mushroom Stage to see the Big Something. I never made it because I played games during that set break which BTW, after Lockin last year, I do NOT want any breaks,. Hell, I hated that last break before the Dead & Co with Branford before they came out and that was the only time there was a set break all weekend there last year. Where there was a gap in between sets. And, I still felt like it was pulling teeth watching them change up equipment.

Regardless, of how festivals should be run, I also realized that for Thursday night when I went to my supposed seat, that I went to the wrong section. I sat in in Section 101 basically where my seat was or should have been in Section 103. I'll be honest with y'all, I would have gone way down low if I knew I had the run of the place and wait a second here, I was stopped at one point saying that there was some Super VIP Section that I could NOT go down to.

I still do not get how that seating situation is set up.

For instance before and during moe., I went down low. I thought everything was fine but then I noticed some clambering behind me which was about me and to the guy next to me. Later on, the dude next to me, pointed at me. I was thinking what enemy do I have here at the Festival, let alone that knows moe.

moe. and I have some history where not all of it was great, but we very much ironed it out 10 years ago. Plus, I have seen them a few times since and so I was spiralling on it so much only to realize that it was about me being down low in what I bet was the Super VIP area.

You see I had befriended the guy next to me. I had then gone to befriend this guys friends that was clambering about me and he did not take to my greeting at all. I realized that so I backed off not saying a word to them any more. For some reason after I pulled a rather passive aggressive move let's just say, the guy and the girl clambering sat down in whatever seat. Not for some reason, I did it to shut them up I did it to make sure that if he or anytone continues to talk to shit about me, that I could bite back.

These holy than thou people that do get part of their fifteen minutes of fame so to speak, act like a bully.

The problem is that I seem to run into these issues at shows a lot, however it is on the other end. I am never in anyone else's seat anymore.

I was in the aisle too. I was NOT even in anyone's seat but who knows, maybe I was not allowed in the Super VIP's entire area, including the aisle.

Regardless, do I need to overstate the obvious here that if I happen to be in another person's seat or area, just tell me and you know what would occur? I would move out of anyone's way.

I swear these Super VIP's and VIP Sales creates this thing where people get to use part of their fifteen minutes of fame.

One guy later on in that same area, pushed me, and I turned around to say dude, those are fighting words. He buckled of course and what was worse is that I saw that he was NOT even in that correct seat.

Nothing made any sense but most of all, if that crap continues where people get 'Super VIP' muscles, there is going to be problem one time where someone will fight. If that has not already happened at these events.

I have heard other horror stories where bands fans would stand with their backs to the band down in that lower area at this amphitheatre.

This just breeds trouble.

Anyway, I am way off here not even remotely talking about the music.

I was NOT that impressed with moe.'s set.

That guitar player with the bald head totally carried the set. He startled me at one point because I had no clue he was so close to the end of the stage when I turned my head to the right.

He shredded for much of that set.

The other thing I liked was a solo using that xylophone.

It was part of some song and it wailed. They then followed that jam with a song with it as the focal part that was cool too but not on the level of the jam in that song prior to that one.

They also did one of my favorite Allman Bros. Band tunes, 'In Memory of Elizabeth Reed' and I think every band should do an Allman Bros. Band song in their set at the Peach Festival.

I just decided that right now.

That should be unwritten rule or concept but overall though, I have seen moe. soar musically and I just did not get that with this set. I would have liked to see how much they filled the venue air way back at the top of the lawn in that venue.

I remember when I saw them at Bonnaroo 2004, I was walking in the way back of that venue or wherever the main stage is at, and the sound was huge. I walked close to my VIP area to see that it was moe. I could not believe how much they filled the room musically and so to speak considering its outdoors.

I just did not get that at this show. But I liked it and I will always have this thing with moe.

I also maintain that if I had a crack at working that band, I could have gotten them way up to a huge level. That dates back to their deal with Epic or Columbia. I am literally laughing out loud because that was a funny deal. But then again, what would I have done with them at say MCA or wherever I was at that time? I don't think they did more than one record with them and that label was probably like what the hell is going on here with this band. I am thinking Benji Gordon signed it but then again, I can't remember who signed that band.

I do believe that was after Jerry died or leading up to the mid 90's from what I remember, but before Phish broke into the stratosphere which I hesitate to say that because even in 93 and 94 Phish was playing 20K seat venues. However, for the sake of my point, I am underscoring that situation and remember too, the Grateful Dead was the same way. No one one knew them for all intent and purposes, but they would do major venues since I was a kid.

Anyway, back to the Peach that night. I then ran over to see Dopapod since I had met the bass player at the 930 'pop-up' Bar thing inside of the Merriweather Post Pavilion. That was at a Phish show though and they were amazing here at this Festival. I stayed for a bunch of that set and it was also packed with people.

I ran back to get to the String Cheese Incident set, I had the same vibe as the night before where it is a throwback to the era in the early 00's, however mixed with that high level ambient sound. I know they did 'Outside and 'Inside' and I told the person I was with that were going to play the reprise way later on the evening when we least remember it was played in the first place.

But that was wishful thinking because it never happened.

It was a great set of music played a high level. String Cheese is on fire these days. Or at least when I have seen them my one to two times over the last few years, they have been great for the likes of me. I love when whats his face plays the Mandolin.

I should have been walking back over to the Mushroom Stage to see the Big Something, but all I did was play games on my cell phone with my friend from Denver. I discovered all these ways to make my face into a fire and smoke breathing dragon along with many other things.

I felt like I was 8 years old which is why it was so much fun.

So I did not leave my seat that entire set break.

The next String Cheese set was also at a great level. I cannot for the life of me remember what they played but every song and all jams were at a great level all night long.

The late night set for me was also great because I got to hear a slew of Allman Bros. Band songs. Plus, it was on the Mushroom Stage which was right near where my car was parked Friday Night. I was able to bolt after their set rather easily and sweetly but it was Greg's kid, Devon Allman in the band. Along with Dickie's kid, Duane Betts and then Berry's kid, Berry Oakley Jr. that in part, make up the Allman-Betts Band.

Having the ability to play that A. Bros. repertoire is a treat although they did 'Purple Rain' (Prince) late night too.

I had a great time. It was a great night of music.

Did I mention the food situation? Before the Greensky Set at the Peach Stage is when I finally made it back to Mushroom Stage. Fruition was playing while I was ordering and waiting for my Grilled Vegetable sandwich that was supposed to be a 'Veggie Cheesesteak'.

The food situation was downright horrible as yeah, the idea of this vender at least as what they called a 'veggie cheesesteak' was throwing grilled veggies on bread. I did not realize that was what I was biting into until I got a few steps away. As a matter of fact, there was no types of cheese even on it and yet it is in the name of the item. I threw most of it out as some hottie that was working at another vendor was watching me trying to get through eating it but after tossing it in that can, off I ran back to the main stage.

I definitely have heard of Fruition and I cannot for the life of me remember where I have heard them before. I do know that Natalie (Cressman) is doing some special thing in Lisbon, Portugal that seems very artist driven with those members participating in the event. I am not really sure what the event is but again, it looked like a musicians, musicians (meaning aficionados) type of an event. And, even though I do NOT that think that they are there as unit, they are there as individual players. Who knows what i am trying to articulate here. I wish I had more to tell you because I saw and heard maybe about 4 minutes of their music. I was also checking out things around me. I think they sounded like they do well together but again, I will have to see them for real. They must be great players though is also my real point.

The next day on Saturday I went out to Bushkill Falls.

I did about 2.1 miles total which was fine. There was some decent inclines because of course I went the opposite way. I basically started where people end although and again, I was fine with it. At first, there was no one on the trail which I know why of course since I was walking on what was the exit or opposite way for everyone else. But not until the end did I see people. And, even then, I only saw a handful of people out on those trails that day.

I headed back to Lake Ariel where I went to that beach. It was packed and it was boring and so I rented a kayak to hang out on that lake for a couple of hours.

That was the best part of my entire trip I am thinking. Being out on that water for that span of time was great. It was easy too. Even if a motorboat went by, the ripples of waves were not even an issue. I should have brought my phone but after the incident at Mohegan Spun where I let it drop into a facade of a pond insider that casino hotel, I would NOT even chance it considering how much I drop shit these days.

I thought I was going to be fried from the sun but I ended up being ok.

After getting out about 40 large black ants from the bedroom I was staying in at the house I rented over the weekend, and back out to the back porch, I headed back to the Festival grounds. I did find some 'Off' bug spray (which I would never use in real life but I could not find Cinnamon in this rental) underneath the sink and so I was able to at least keep them out from then on. But, the damage was done. They were in my suitcase. I had one in my car and I only managed to see two dead ones when all was said and done.

Anyway, this was the night of music I was most psyched for this weekend. We have Trey and the band along with JRAD and then Greensky basically opens.

This is now the third time I believe that I am seeing Greensky Bluegrass. There is not a doubt that I recognized at least two of the songs that they played during this long set at the Peach.

They also did an Allman Bros. Band cover, 'Ain't Wastin' Time No More' and again, I maintain everyone should do an A. Bros. track at the Peach.

It was a solid set in a solidly weird venue and moreover, in odd seating situation. Much of the front was wide opened seat wise and I still saw people downlow asking ushers to get people out of seats which brings me back to why bring an usher into it? Just say to the person that they are in one's seat after showing them the ticket. Oh, wait. Part of one's fifteen minutes of fame is garnered by having that power at the Peach Festival. How blind of me thinking that basic.

'Trey' also came out but it was not the Trey you think, it was someone that happened to be named Trey (I did not get the last name when they announced it) that works with Greensky. It was a very funny joke that had me duped for a few seconds until their Trey hit the stage.

That was a good set by a great band. These guys do not have a drummer. And, they still have a huge sound because they play so well together. One of the dudes is from Philly. The others are from Michigan I think and they are playing that Pier 7 in New York City this week. That's gonna be sick. I have never been to that venue yet. I am very psyched to check it out.

Then came Trey's band (Trey Anastasio Band (TAB)) with Natalie (Cressman), Jenn (Hartswick) and I am not sure of the other four players but man are they sick.

That bassist is insane. He has got to be one of the top bass players in that jam band scene let alone in general. He really stood the hell out to me that night. I certainly do NOT remember being this over the top over that dude until now.

The keyboard player is also way solid. He had great leads and great fills along with leading in major jams. I also had know idea he was able to go off as much as he did this night and in TAB.

The drums were solid and there are three horns. They are the best at what they they do which we will talk about because I have lots to say about that horn section.

I was way psyched about the songs played. If not for nuttin' as they say, I knew most of them which is unprecedented for me.

They opened with 'Set Your Soul Free' and then did two or three Trey songs that I knew.

There was a 'Giboo' and a 'Sand' in there somewhere and then 'Everything's Right' which I am not sure why, but I thought Mike sang that song. They also did 'Blaze On' which I had no clue he did with his solo projects and then 'Shine' I knew too from Phish. A few others like 'Simple Twist of Dave' which I have heard at Phish shows and I forget what else they played but they gave everyone two amazing sets of music.

However, there were two horn styled jams in particular that were very 'big band' sounding and it was wonderful.

Holy shit was that everything i want in my life but cannot go back to the 20's or 30's or 40's.

Maybe it was in 'Magilla' which is another one I Have seen somewhere along the lines but yeah, these horn styled jams were something else. You could NOT even hear trey and nor did you need to hear him. For me to say that this coherent sounding thing was going on with Trey Anastasio on guitar and yet it did not matter, is something I am not even sure I can say out loud (because of course you need him to guide the overall level and I get everyone follow suit accordingly but even still).

That was some sick shit and remember, that is NOT even talking about the Trey jamz which were huge all night long. We touched into the keyboard and/or piano jamz which was just highlight after highlight when it came to that playing.

The Bass Player even guided much of that music that night.

Collectively, they swirled amounsgt each so perfectly. It was the best and most of all, it was just great all around.

However and again, we must find some way to truly garner that overall horn sound we got in say those two jams during these TAB sets. Not only into one project, but we also need to sustain that same level of play for like 2 or 3 hours in a given night.

If this is out there and I am missing it, someone needs to grab me fast so I can see that sooner than later.

And, forget lyrics or who cares about lyric content if you can get that to a high level where you cannot even hear someone say the word hello to the person next to you, let alone where you need to hear Trey on guitar (which is generally what I need in my life, Trey on Guitar).

I wish we had an entire band or night of music like that or what I will refer to as being 'prohibition style'.

It would the second greatest dance party around. Maybe the third if you count things like Tomorrowland (which I have never been to) and that's presuming that I think that Phish of course is the best dance party around today.

Honestly, even though I have listened through a bunch of songs from these sets, I must get the two songs I speak about with the sick horn jams.

In what I considered to be like some after thought occurs with me as someone says something about Joe Russo not being at the venue for the show. I am, assuming that was during Trey's set break when someone told me that news. Considering the name of the band is Joe Russo's Almost Dead, I was set there baffled yet again.

His (drum) tech and some other guy filled in using two drums in this ensemble of JRAD.

It was still a great show. They played totally well together and honestly, it did not skip a beat so speak. The long extended set was a great one.

Oh and Joe Russo and his wife had a baby that day or maybe it was the day before it. The people next to me said they were three weeks ahead of schedule.

I found out later that drum tech was 19 years old. He should do well in life. That was a great gig for him to play at and they should get him into a band worthy or he will find his way. 19 years old though, that is great to be able to play Grateful dead material.

I love these stories, but after that set, I bolted to get back to the my house at 'The Hideout' Resort area.

Sunday, I decided to head back to New Jersey early. I had a glimmer of thought to stop at the Poconos Raceway for an event they were having this Sunday. However, I wanted to get back to work.

Besides, I did not care about seeing Warren Haynes or Phil. The last time I saw Phil at the Asbury Park Convention Center, it was downright awful. It was one of the worst shows that I have ever been to in my life.

And, though I love Warren (Haynes) as a human in life. I had dinner with him one night in 97 or 98. He also picked up one of my ex girlfriends that happen to faint in back of me at Beastie Boys shows at Irving Plaza and his wife at that time in the 90's was so nice to me as a record label person. Musically though, he is just a bit linear playing wise for me but that's me.

Oh and I hate Jon Scofield's wife. She's an arrogant asshole so I did not need to support his work at all.

There was no reason for me to be at that venue that night. It was a great weekend of music.