The sun was shining with a light breeze, not a cloud in the sky. Tonight at the Buchanan Commons, the Happy Campers threw an end-of-summer blowout known as Shakedown Saturday. Ironic this year, as downtown Buchanan has no streets at present. The fans didn’t care—this yearly event has become iconic and draws a large crowd that fills the venue.
The evening kicked off with Innerstate Transit. This band has been around for years, but their sound remains lively and fresh. Steve Krojniewski keeps the band locked in while Kieth Bruntz holds down the low end. Guitarists Jeff Harrison and Aaron Sandock traded leads, weaving in and out with precision. The group sounded amazing, especially when I learned this was only their second outing after a long hiatus. Colin Elliot, the band’s vocalist and acoustic guitarist, delivered with a clear voice and a straightforward approach on songs like “Cinderella,” “Skratchy,” and “All I See.” They sent out best wishes to Grateful Fred with “Slipping Away” before closing with “Rise and Fall.”
Between sets, Vinnie Carrasco led a volunteer drum circle. He brought extra instruments and encouraged fans to sit in and play. Vinnie, the original drummer for Happy Campers, now hosts workshops that explore the cathartic influence of drumming. He’s also a local drum teacher, carrying the rhythm forward for a new generation.
Next up was the local favorite Breakfast for Dinner, featuring Nick Kovach on vocals and harmonica, Matt Marnocha on guitar, Miki Mihailovich on bass, Dustin Speybroeck on drums, and Joe Kerby on vocals, keys, and guitar. They hit hard with a Jerry Garcia Band retrospective, covering “Don’t Let Go,” “Get Out of My Life,” “Tangled Up in Blue,” “Deal,” “Señor,” “Dear Prudence,” and “Harder They Come,” with guest TJ Kanczuzewski of the Happy Campers joining on keys. They closed their set with Sugarloaf’s “Green Eyed Lady” and an inspired version of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son.” Fun from beginning to end.
The crowd swelled as Niles’ hometown favorite The Erly took the stage. Trevor McDonald (guitar), Collin Mattiford (bass), Fran Gleason (drums), and Dew Stolz (guitar) came out tight and ready. They opened with their hit “55 on the Other Side” before diving into Grateful Dead classics like “Mr. Charlie,” “Brown Eyed Women,” and a soulful rendition of “Sugaree.” Fans had been waiting for The Erly, and they delivered the expressive, spot-on sound everyone loves to hear. Their original “Told You” reminded the crowd of their own songwriting chops before the band leaned into “Help on the Way” and “Franklin’s Tower.” Tackling these two Dead standards with such enthusiasm showcased the band’s deep talent.
As the sun began to set, the Happy Campers rolled in with style, arriving in an original Winnebago painted in plaid. The lineup—Nick Kovach (harmonica), TJ Kanczuzewski (guitar), Kyle Paulk (guitar), Jay McDaniel (bass), Tyler Kanczuzewski and Bob Henry (drums), and Karl Edmonson (keyboards)—was a well-oiled machine. They brought the music of the Dead back to life, giving the songs the same spark and inspiration the original group intended.
They launched into a super-funky “Dancing in the Streets,” followed by the day’s anthem, “Shakedown Street.” Everyone was on their feet as Mike Rowland, the event’s MC and sponsor, joined on mandolin for “Althea” and “Friend of the Devil.” The Campers kept the classics flowing with “Feel Like a Stranger,” “Cosmic Gumbo,” and “Hell in a Bucket” as daylight faded into night.
The party rolled on with “Fire on the Mountain,” “Playing in the Band,” “Estimated Prophet,” and “Stella Blue” before reinforcements arrived. Fran Gleason and Trevor McDonald joined for an extended, mind-blowing “Truckin’” into “New Speedway Boogie.” Many bands have copied the Dead’s two-drummer motif—but three drummers? Total pandemonium! The crowd surged toward the stage, bubbles floated through the air, and young and old alike danced joyfully to songs older than most in attendance. Jerry would have approved.
It had been a beautiful day: blue skies with drifting white clouds giving way to a star-filled night. Fantastic music paired with the small-town American charm Buchanan is known for. The local BBQ vendor Woodstock Grill kept folks fed, local artists displayed tie-dye clothing, and the Masons’ lodge served up hot dogs and chips. The night closed with a heartfelt “Touch of Grey.” Those in the know, know—this town has got a soul. You just gotta poke around.
