Greetings from Prowse Farm in Canton, Massachusetts, located just south of Boston off interstate 93 in the beautiful Blue Hills (and literally in the shadow of one of 'em). This is the site for the super-sized 2010 Life Is Good Festival, which has taken place for the past few years in smaller form on the Boston Common. By teaming up with Superfly Presents (the team behind Bonnaroo and Outside Lands), LiG's Jacobs brothers have given the event a serious upgrade, with 3 stages of music, tons of kid-friendly activities, socially-conscious organizations on site, and general good vibes galore. In fact, this wide open field, blue skies above, and the sounds of Eli "Paperboy" Reed and his band have forced my cynical side to take the day off. How can it not when the whole shindig is a one big fundraiser for children?
Speaking of Mr. Reed, his set just started, and I want to get over to the main stage to check it out, so I'll rattle off some info, tips, and photos for those of you planning to come on down...
While 3,000 or so all-weekend passes have sold out, the approved capacity of Prowse Farm is a healthy 15,000, and there are plenty of single-day passes available for today. Word is that Sunday is much closer to selling out, so I'd recommend grabbing a ticket online or getting here early tomorrow.
The staggered music schedule starts each day at 11:30am on the "Good Kids" stage (located under a large tent, to keep the little ones from too much sun), with the next performer starting just 15 minutes later on the "Good Vibes" stage. The first performer of the day on the main ("Life Is Good") stage gets going as soon as the "Good Vibes" band finishes up, so the outside sounds won't compete with each other.
While public transportation is recommended, if you're driving from Boston, take 93 south to exit 2B, then stay to the left to get to the public parking area (currently near the Reebok headquarters). A short walk will get you to the yellow school buses that will shuttle you across Route 138 to the festival ground gates.
The place is pretty well covered with wireless internet access, although you'll need a password. If you know me, ask me, otherwise hit up one of the many friendly fest volunteers.
If you've got a Chase credit card, bring it. It'll get you into a tent called the Chase Freedom Lounge that you might want to take advantage of (marketing schwag, laptops to use, Nintendo Wii, a recording booth, a temporary tattoo artist, etc). In fact, I'm in there right now. This afternoon the Lounge is hosting a private acoustic performance from Grace Potter, and tomorrow there will be one from Brett Dennen. Ah, sweet corporate synergy.
A bottled water will run you $3.00, a cup of beer is $6 or $7. Other prices are in a photo below. Surprisingly, not only is there beer, but a total lack of a drink tent - you can carry your plastic cup anywhere on the grounds. Obviously, make sure you bring your ID.
In addition to your standard garbage receptacles, there are, of course, ones for recyclables, but a first for me is seeing a third type: for composting. Something else I'm also surprised to see here? Breakdancing demonstrations. And Jim Rice! But no, not a breakdancing Jim Rice. He'll be here signing stuff later on today.
If you can't make it down here, the festival is being webcast on Facebook. And if you want to donate long-distance, you can simply text "LIG" to 20222 and you'll make a one-time $10 contribution to the cause.
