Tahoe Onstage photos by Michael Smyth
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA — Day 2 of the 50th anniversary of the iconic Monterey Pop Festival was a decidedly different affair from the relaxed vibe of Day 1. The crowds came and they were ready to party.
After an opening set from London newcomer Jacob Banks, the North Mississippi Allstars, never ones to lack energy, cranked things just after lunchtime with guest appearances from G. Love and Duane Betts. The Allstars closed with a scorching Allman Brothers classic “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.”
The Jackie Greene Band followed and kept the train rolling with an outstanding set of music that no doubt generated some new fans. Dr. Dog then provided the day’s most interesting set. The jam rockers from south Philadelphia feature four of the six members that interchange multiple instruments and lead duties, creating variety in the tone and feel of each of their high-energy songs.
Things turned heavy amid thundering bass lines as Jim James appeared dressed in a flowing hot pink blazer and laid down a number of dark trance tracks before Norah Jones lightened things back up. Her set was classic Norah Jones, understated and clean. To close the second night, Jack Johnson played an absolutely wonderful set packed with sing along fan favorites, plenty of guests, and a crowd-surfing, birthday-celebrating crew member — to the delight of bands and fans alike.
-Michael Smyth
Michael Smyth/ Tahoe Onstage
