Phibstock: An Inaugural Experiment

July 27th - 29th, 2012
Hartsel, CO
Words, Photos & Video By Nicholas Stock
What began as a saucy conversation over beers in a bar manifested itself into a full-blown festival in the Rocky Mountains. Based in Hartsel, Colorado, Phibstock was an intimate gathering of few hundred likeminded music fans. With a lineup comprised entirely of local bands from this great state (many of which I have seen), it was more of an opportunity to camp in big sky country with friends than, to be exposed to new music. The community that sprung up around the festival was quite simply remarkable. The camaraderie and genuine kinship from people was tremendous.
-Friday July 27th-

First on the stage was the Olora Brothers who got their name by taking the letters from the middle of Colorado. They are an acoustic-infused breath of fresh air. In fact they were one of my favorite acts of the weekend. Highlights from their set included an awesome “Deep Elum Blues” and a wonderful “Sympathy For The Devil.”

Frogs Gone Fishin was up next and they were a good time. Having seen them several times I was used to their brand of roots infused rock and roll. They played a sick version of “Shakedown Street” early in their set to draw in the crowd. Cars were still streaming into the campground as they jammed on. They played for over an hour as kids danced away the wind. They ended their set with “Sex Machine” into “Shaky Ground.”


After an extended set change, Springdale Quartet got the festival going strong with their powerful instrumental demonstration. They were definitely one of the local stalwarts on the lineup and an obvious favorite of mine. Their blend of jazz, rock, and funk is plainly something that has to be experienced by any true music lover in Colorado. Instrumental takes on “Say It Ain’t So” and The Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.”

Taking the headlining slot Zobomaze 2.0 brought the heat as the night began to cool off. With new members Chaz Levinson on keys and Ryan Thrush on bass, they are back to a larger lineup and ready to kick ass again. They took some time off to get the new members up to speed, with Phibstock being one of their first shows with the full grouping. They are still young but sax player Zach Simms is showing his road worn experience, leading the show with his self proclaimed “Disortohorn.” Live Painter Skaddi again took center stage with his black light embellishments adding to the overall feel of the performance. They are firing on all cylinders again, which is nice to see. So often when a band is young it’s easier for them to fall apart with membership changes, this was not the case with Zobo at Phibstock. They played a great show, and I look forward to seeing how they progress with Chaz and Ryan.
The late night slot was

-Saturday July 28th-
Day two began with the usual camp preparations and some coffee. My friend Dixie and I headed over to the disc golf tournament around 11:00 am. There was a large turnout, equaling over thirty entrants. Unfortunately barely half of that would finish all eighteen holes. Comprised of homemade baskets this short but technical course gave festival attendees a chance to get some exercise and have a little friendly competition at the same time. I started rough shooting four over on the first round, but hitting straight par the second time through. At over 9,000 feet in elevation,

The first band to take the stage on day two was Rastasaurus. Playing what they call “American Reggae” they are a melting pot of reggae, dub, rock, funk, and more. They were a stellar way to slip into the second day of Phibstock. I have been waiting to see these guys for months so I was very happy to see them on the bill. They are just smooth in everything they do. They crisp bass lines of Mark Ciccone really ties the room together and gives the rest of the band a spring board from which to jump. Early in their set they busted out an awesome take on Bob Marley’s classic “Iron Lion Zion.” If you are looking for a good time check these guys out next time they come around.
I ran back to my camp

After an extended rain delay Jet Edison hit the mic with a shortened set. Jet Edison has been steadily building a fan base with their brand of musically affluent rock and jam sound. They played for just about forty minutes before they had to say their goodbyes, but they made good use of their time by playing tightly. At this point I would have to say that selecting only Colorado bands seemed to be working out for Phibstock.


Whisky Tango was next on the lineup and arguably played the best show of the festival. Having seen their name regularly on the bill at Quixote’s, I knew who they were, but I had yet to see them perform live. They were a bucket of fun playing a slew of their originals as well as covers of “Double Vision” and Ween’s “Bananas And Blow.” Everything about them was fun, even as the drizzle continued intermittently. Utilizing both acoustic and electric elements in their sound, it was easy to get the feeling that Whisky Tango could play absolutely anything.

Kicking off the late night festivities was Colorado electronic outfit Signal Path. Their deep grooves really resonated with the young crowd in attendance, playing until almost 2:00 am. As they were finishing their set, they gave a heartfelt thanks to the promoters of Phibstock. They were completely humble and it was refreshing to see after the Juno What debacle. Unfortunately as they were wrapping up their set, organizers were approached by firefighters who had been onsite all weekend. They were informed that there had been a noise complaint and that they would have to shut down the PA. I was amazed given the fact that we were in the middle of nowhere. The fact

Many fans were disappointed but Phib and company were told that if they pressed on with the Beans the sheriff would be called and that would not have ended well for

I would have to give the festival an A for effort and a B in execution. There were some sound issues for the bands that played, but again everyone sounded great from the front of the stage. The natural surroundings and relative remoteness all added in making this a memorable event. Looking ahead, across the street from the stage is an Alpine Valley sized hill that could accommodate a much larger stage and the room for camping is limitless. I hope that this is not the last Phibstock, as anyone who went could see enormous potential in the music and in the locale.
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