NELSON LEDGES Concerts, camping are in park's nature

Jam bands, tribute groups and other acts are ready to rock at the quarry.
By JOHN PATRICK GATTA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NELSON -- Going to Nelson Ledges Quarry Park has turned into an annual summer reunion of friends and entertainment. Many of the same acts return to the live concert site and campground to spend a relaxing time surrounded by nature, a swimming area and upbeat music.
This year's season began last month during the battle between winter and spring with a visit by Ekoostik Hookah. The popular Columbus-based jam band returns during what should be much higher temperatures this summer.
The Mayflowers Festival takes place this weekend and features two nights with one of the nation's top Americana roots outfits, Donna the Buffalo. The rest of the bill is filled with artists from the region, including Snake Oil Medicine Show, The Hillbilly Gypsies, Jug Free America (whose members just graduated from Oberlin College), Blue Print Music, Case of Culler, Fungus, Zen, Cheryl Ann Hawk and The Wood Ticks.
The Classic '80s Rock N Roll weekend, features the original members of Warrant together for the first time in 10 years May 29.
Tribute acts will be present during the June 4-6 weekend. "A Celebration of Pink Floyd" takes place with Wish You Were Here. Also on hand will be Morrison Hotel (Doors tribute), Burning River Band, Jandrix, Jim Miller and additional bands. Lighting effects and lasers will intensify the psychedelic spectacular.
July events
Over Independence Day weekend, July 2-5, the annual Gratefulfest will feature three performances from the acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute act, Dark Star Orchestra. The event is even more diverse this year with one-man troubadour Keller Williams, New Orleans fun by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, bluegrass from Vassar Clements and John Cowan Band, singer-songwriter David Gans, plus jam bands The Recipe, Big Leg Emma, The Shantee and more.
Despite concerns, last year's Gathering of the Juggalos took place with no major incidents. The outdoor event for fans of Insane Clown Posse this year will be July 15-18. For more information, go to www.juggalogathering.com.
Later happenings
From July 30 to Aug. 1, it will be the eighth annual Summer Hookah Weekend Blowout featuring two nights with headliner Ekoostik Hookah. The bill includes Wookiefoot, Railroad Earth, New Leaf, Bed Whistle, Funkkin, Bamboo, Addison Groove Project and other acts.
The fifth Annual Smokin Seafood Fest takes place Sept. 10-12 with two performances of the polyethnic Cajun slamgrass music of Leftover Salmon. Also on the bill is jamgrass legend Sam Bush, with more artists to be added.
To aid the community, the facility has coordinated raffles with some of the artists and raised more than $6,500 the past two years. Participants for 2004 include Donna the Buffalo, the Gathering of the Juggalos and a Gratefulfest fund-raiser for Rett Syndrome.
All show tickets include camping and are good through Sunday evenings. Each show and holiday weekend also includes all-night cartoons, films and videos on a big screen. For more information on these events and camping regulations, go to www.nlqp.com or call (440) 548-2716.