As they say, all good things must come to an end. Damn shame too because the Winter Jams series at Cooks Corner was a real good time. Hosted by the OC Music Festival. Four weekends and 12 bands later we got to spend some beautiful afternoons in the canyon at one of the strangest and coolest spots in Orange County, CA. Not to mention, as Jim Stidham would say, “The Award Winning Drinks!”
The last weekend wrapped up like it began, with Hempstring Orchestra, led by OCMF organizer, Ted Tesoriero, kicking off the day of music. With guest drummer, Ed Fletcher (Cubensis) behind the kit, they got everyone movin’ and groovin’ early. If you haven’t caught Teddy T and the Hempstring guys, do it. Listen to “Super Hero” song and you’ll immediately be a fan. They’re a great blend of Grateful Dead style with Phishy flavor sprinkled liberally throughout. Two sets of Hempstring on the main stage wrapped up at about 2:30.
Who could possibly close out the Winter Jams? Cubensis was the headliner on week 1. Who ever it would be would have to live up to that incredible show. Fortunately, Grampas Grass came out full tilt boogie and made everyone thank them for a real good time. I like GG. Have seen them many times in small bars and clubs around LA and OC. Something happened on Saturday at Cooks though. The wide open space of an outdoor stage, the beautiful sunlit day and perfect temperature. An added percussionist. They mixed all of those ingredients into a big pot with a perfect sound system from the guys at DJE Sound & Lighting and all of a sudden it was a different GG. A better GG. Same songs, same folks (minus long time drummer Jim Janus) just something different…something wonderful. The soulful bluesy “Janis-esque” voice of Lisa Blue, the sweet guitar licks of Brett Davis, the killer keyboard of Eric Lockhart, the antics of Jim Beaudet on bass and John Malsberger at the helm on guitar and vocals with two new brand new drummers all came together perfectly to send us all away wishing for more of the same from the OC Music Festival at Cooks Corner. Teddy T even jumped up on guitar with them for Scarlet Begonias.
Inside, from 1-4pm, was Phish tribute band, Dudes of Life. They certainly knew their stuff and dug deep into the Phish catalogue to bring out the good stuff. New stuff, old stuff, good stuff. We got what we expected from them, Phish music…until they did what I hoped someone would do, pay tribute to the fallen Purple One himself, Prince. They did with a Phishy version of Purple Rain. That’s all I need to hear…drop the mic, I can go home now…but I didn’t.
There’s talk of more of these at Cooks Corner from the OC Music Festival folks as well as plans to revive the OC Music Festival again in Orange County. Keep your eyes peeled for more from them…it’s always a good time!
