Two solar powered stages were set up at Sunset Park in Asbury Park, New Jersey for the two-day festival that took place August 20 and 21, 2005. On one side of the park were environmental displays, green organizations, a children's area with arts and crafts and a family stage that featured a diversity of performers. Many of the artists here geared their music towards children. On Saturday afternoon, Ronnie Brandt, a musician and educator (www.educationsong.org), delighted the kids with his interactive songs about American history. Local artists Mimi Cross and Tommy Anton, among others, also played the family stage during the festival.

In addition to music there were speakers from various environmental groups and public officials who spoke between music sets on important topics such as clean water and protecting land from development. Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. spoke concisely on the effectiveness of grass roots movements, off shore drilling, endangered species and other New Jersey-related issues. He concluded by thanking Clearwater and volunteers for fighting to protect the environment.

Many environmental organizations were present to discuss issues and provide information on a diversity of subjects ranging from eminent domain to organic gardening. There was also an alternative transportation display along with green product venders and crafters.

John Cavanaugh, who is well-known in the region for his photographs of Bruce Springsteen and other Asbury Park musicians, was present taking pictures and displaying his impressive body of work. Gary Wein of Upstage Magazine was also at the Clearwater Festival to promote his growing multi-media empire as well as the revitalization of Asbury Park.

Situated on the other side of Sunset Park were the solar displays (powering the music and food tents), a food court and the crafters. Music on the main stage started around noon on both days and featured a diversity of talent including Soozie Tyrell who played Sunday afternoon.

After checking out the various displays and talking with interesting people, we settled in our chairs on the lawn to catch The Holy Goats at the main stage. Right from the first note The Goats were smoking with dueling guitars, distinct heavy rhythms and discernable percussion. The Holy Goats have one powerful male vocalist and a captivating female singer. They have a strong stage presence and are first-rate musicians. The Holy Goats played an energized set of songs from their debut album and forthcoming new CD that is due out in 2006.

Gary U.S. Bonds, John Cavanaugh, and the end Eminent Domain campaign!

Paul Whistler & The Blackberry Blues Band are a soulful, blues based outfit featuring rock instrumentation, sax, keys and some B3. Their set included extended jams allowing individuals to play impressive solos. Their songs included soaring guitar leads melding into driving, blues beats. They closed their set with a call to bring the soldiers home.

We always enjoy hearing and seeing Gary U.S. Bonds and his band. They played an animated set and Gary made comments and jokes between songs. 'Murder in the 1st Degree' was hot with its boogie blues rhythms. Gary introduced the band as they each took a solo before playing Otis Redding's 'I Got Dreams To Remember'. It is a slower, soulful song enhanced by the B3, sax and the backing female vocals were very pronounced. Bonds than performed 'Out of Work' updating it with some lyrics aimed at President Bush.

Willie Nile and his band took the stage around five. Willie was in good sprits making wry comments and playing an energized set of his originals and some covers. The edgy 'Hard Times in America' was outstanding and as Nile commented is "more appropriate now than when I first wrote it". 'Heaven Help the Lonely' was also compelling and potent.

Boccigalupe & The Badboys concluded the festivities on Saturday. They are a professional, tight band playing a mix of their own songs and covers including Pink Floyd's 'The Wall'. Bocci and The Badboys are masterful at bridge and chord changes easily moving from soft sultry grooves to fast and furious jams.

Thirty years later, the Clearwater Festival continues to be a formidable music and environmental event. It is a fun festival for families with music and activities for the kids yet educational and proactive with environmental organizations fighting to safeguard Mother Earth.

Willie Nile, The Holy Goats and Upstage Magazine Staff!

Related Links: For more information on Clearwater and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Clearwater MC | Boccigalupe | The Holy Goats | Willie Nile | Gary U.S. Bonds | John Cavanaugh

(Originally Published on September 01, 2005)