side and a private timber reserve on the other. The property is owned by Jimmy Tebeau, a founding member of The Schwag, the Grateful Dead cover band that's been playing since '91 (and boy are their fingers tired). He lives on the Camp Zoe property, which he bought six years ago from a Texas evangelist who had been using the grounds -- unsuccessfully -- for a church camp.
"The first year we were here, they (the residents of Salem and
Eminence) freaked out a little bit because some of our people look
pretty crazy," Tebeau says. "But we've been members of the Chambers of
Commerce for both towns for six years now, and we pay a lot of taxes.
Eventually they realized that no one's getting hurt, no one's stealing,
people spend a lot of money around the towns and it's a beautiful
thing. And we use as many local contractors as we can, so it works out
really well."
Schwagstock 41, which takes place this weekend
(Friday through Sunday), features bands that cover the "mega-monsters
of classic rock," Tebeau says. There's Zoso, a Led Zeppelin tribute band; Think Floyd USA, which covers Pink Floyd; Moonlight Drive, a Doors cover band (from Wichita!); and a tribute to The Band called the Last Waltz Ensemble
-- plus The Schwag themselves, of course. Tebeau expects to see more
than 5,000 people in the audience throughout the weekend -- but there's
room for 10,000.
Tickets are $60, which includes camping and
parking, and most people buy theirs at the gate. "We've got a full
medical staff, professional security, a board of directors, general
managers," Tebeau says. "It didn't start out that way but it's grown to
that. It's real organized now, for being a crazy rock 'n' roll party
out in the woods."
Party on, you crazy Schwagsters.
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I have experienced camp ZOE at least 10 times. It has brought a certain zest to my life and I'm sure to many others. You can expect to meet the most kind and caring people who always aim to please. People who pride themselves on keeping the area clean as well as provide the highest quality music and entertainment in the Midwest.Do not let the cover bands fool you. They are every bit as good as the real thing.Thanks to everyone who have made these events possible.
Happy Schwag and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Your Brother,
Chuck D.
question: I think the February 18, 2004, issue of The Pitch had no Schwagstock ad. We were really off our hippie game that week.
Chips A Ho: I believe dancers should steal their moves from mother nature.
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