Ever since the Lockn’ Festival was launched in September of 2013, the event has become known for the impressive collaborations, killer tributes and smoking performances it has hosted on the grounds of Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, Virginia. Today, in advance of this year’s festival, which kicks off one week from today featuring the likes of Phish, Ween, My Morning Jacket, Umphrey’s McGee, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Twiddle, Gary Clark Jr. and a pair of jaw-dropping Phil Lesh & Friends lineups, Lockn’ organizers have opened their vaults to share pro-shot footage of past festival highlights. These clips give an indication of what attendees can expect at this year’s Lockn’.
2013
Jimmy Cliff – Sitting In Limbo (September 6)
Iconic reggae performer Jimmy Cliff was one of the standout performers of the inaugural Lockn’ in 2013, so much so he was invited back a few years later as Widespread Panic’s special guest. There was nary a dry eye in the house when Jimmy performed “Sitting In Limbo” for the Lockn’ faithful.
Trey Anastasio Band – Push On Til The Day (September 7)
“Push” has been a show-stopper since the Trey Anastasio Band debuted the song in 2001 and the version the Phish frontman’s solo ensemble laid down at the first-ever Lockn’ was no exception. This year Anastasio returns with his main band for two headlining performances including a total of four sets.
The Black Crowes – She Talks To Angels (September 7)
Lockn’ attendees were among the last festivalgoers to witness performances from The Black Crowes as the group played twice at the inaugural festival and treated fans to two completely different shows. This gorgeous rendition of one of the band’s early classics, “She Talks To Angels” comes from the band’s first Lockn’ set. Robinson brings his Chris Robinson Brotherhood ensemble to Lockn’ this year and will also perform with Phil Lesh & Friends.
Furthur with Trey Anastasio – Scarlet Begonias > Fire On The Mountain (September 7)
The Phish and Grateful Dead worlds collided on the penultimate day of the first-ever Lockn’ when Trey Anastasio sat-in with Phil Lesh and Bob Weir’s Furthur. One of the highlights was Trey cutting loose on “Scarlet” > “Fire.” At Lockn’ 16 Phish keyboardist Page McConnell and drummer Jon Fishman will have the honors of performing with Phil Lesh.
2014
Gary Clark Jr. – Bright Lights (September 4)
Young Austin guitarist Gary Clark Jr. ended his set at the second annual Lockn’ Festival with a rousing rendition of his signature song, “Bright Lights.” Clark Jr. has come a long way in the past two years and returns to Lockn’ next week for a set of his own and he’ll also make his Phil Lesh & Friends debut.
The Allman Brothers Band – Whipping Post (September 7)
Not only did Lockn’ host the final festival set of The Allman Brothers Band’s 45-year career, but the group’s appearance at Oak Ridge Farm was their last-ever performance outside of New York City. The Allman Brothers Band kicked off their Lockn’ set with a complete re-creation of At Fillmore East including this scorching rendition of “Whipping Post.”
The Allman Brothers Band – Mountain Jam > Blue Sky (September 7)
The Allman Brothers Band tacked on a handful of classics after their run through At Fillmore East including a moving “Mountain Jam” > “Blue Sky” pairing that showed the group still had gas left in the tank.
2015
Phil Lesh & Friends – Althea (September 11)
You can always count on Lockn’ to provide interesting Phil Lesh & Friends lineups and last year’s installment of the festival featured a pair of doozies. On September 11, the Grateful Dead bassist was joined by the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Eric Krasno. Both Kraz and vocalist Chris Robinson delivered standout moments during the “Althea” on that memorable night. The CRB guests with Lesh once again at this year’s festival.
Keep your eyes on Lockn’s YouTube channel for more. Head to the festival’s website to purchase tickets for Lockn’ 2016.
