The Caverns

Notes from attendee of Avett Bros at the Caverns this past weekend.

“Now that I’m back with a solid internet connection, I’ll gather some thoughts/answer questions that were asked on my experience over the weekend at the redesigned/new outdoor Caverns Amphitheater.

(1) A staffer told us this was the biggest crowd they’d had yet (it was sold out), and they seemed not totally prepared for it. Lines to get in were very long. Everyone now enters via the back of the venue through a path in the woods instead of up that gravel road by the actual cavern (I think they said it’s 0.2 miles through the woods.) That got pretty congested. From parking to getting in the venue took 40 mins (two security checks). Getting out was super congested. I just sat in my camp chair for a while and waited on things to thin out before even trying to get to my car.

(2) If you have a GA ticket, get there early if you’re determined to get a good spot…it’s not huge and I sat in the back and didn’t mind that, but I know some folks are super keen to be as close as possible. While facing the stage ALL services are to the left side of the venue. All concessions, all restrooms, merch, etc. I was sitting on the right and liked that vantage point and this was fine while the sun was up but was a nightmare after the sun set. It’s not like an amphitheater lawn with an even grade, the terrain is totally unpredictable and was a pain in the a** to navigate in the dark as you’re stepping around people, chairs, blankets, etc. You’d think you were avoiding a person only to stumble upon a black chair you didn’t even see and nearly bust your a**. Hopefully they’ll make an illuminated path that has to be kept clear between the two sides.

(3) The views are great, the sound was great.

(4) I was planning on driving home after the Sunday Gizzard show, but now, I don’t know about that. I’ll probably try to get a room somewhere because it was about two hours after the show ended until I got back to my hotel ten miles away. Granted, a good portion of that was sitting in my camp chair next to my car, but I’d rather listen to music and have a beer in a field than sit in a barely moving car for over an hour.

(5) Phone connectivity is an issue. All of the venue’s stuff is hardwired so there was no issue using credit cards with them, but I had trouble with the food trucks and other mobile vendors. Having some cash on hand would probably be a good idea. One vendor was super cool and gave me food after swiping my card like ten times and not being able to establish a connection.

(6) They’re the only venue I’ve ever seen where some security not identified as cops are carrying guns. Seems excessive and weird to me. Everybody I’ve ever met working there is super nice, but that gives me the creeps a little tbh.

(7) Wear shoes you’re okay with getting dirty. Pretty much everything out there is natural surface. They put a bunch of sand/woodchips down on the path in, but I guess it’d rained recently and it was pretty muddy in spots. I wore hiking boots and was prepared, but I saw some folks lamenting their footwear choices.

(8) I’m sure this is all just growing pains and I imagine that they’ll have some the new wrinkles ironed out by the time Gizz gets there, but just thought I’d provide a heads up of what possibly lies in store

I had a great time, I do think it’s well run overall and am not just trying to put a list of gripes out there. I’m confident they’ll work a lot of this out, but I figure folks would want to be as prepared as possible and know a few tips to improving your experience there.”

The Caverns Amphitheatre:
Overall:
The natural beauty of The Caverns Amphitheater and its massive stage create an epic concert setting. The venue is wide open with a ton of scenery. The open air feel, the lights in the trees, super friendly staff, and remote setting gives this venue a very high quality experience with any band. Personally, I’ve seen a lot of bands at this outdoor amphitheater and they have all been terrific, partly because the venue rocks.

This could, in a way, be the Snowmass Music Festival venue site of the South. Eerily similar in scenery and layout.

Ownership
This place is run by a bunch of good time loving hippies and business folks. They just want you to have safe fun and to come back anytime. Several years ago they use to have these big tyed dyed and painted buses that would drive people from the parking lots to the venue. It was wild. It was basically anything could go once your on the bus. The drivers were half drunk and stoned and had the music on 9. They don’t do it anymore, but if that gives you a picture of the kind of people that run the place..

Security (Entry)-
You could walk in with a potato sack of cocaine on on your left shoulder and a bong in your right hand while a small band of gypsies, beatniks, hippies, and warriors drag their tanks, rugs, and recliners and I’m pretty sure the “security” would wave you through. In essence, don’t worry about, but don’t be stupid about it.

Bathrooms-
Not great. You gotta walk all the way down the hill to use the bathroom. Think red rocks but with grass.

Sound
Sounds is terrific. Depends on the band but it is great listening from nearly anywhere in the venue.

Outside venue:
The lot scene is fun. Lots of room to move around and walk about. There are about 4 or 5 main parking lots, each connect through gravel walkways and roads. The venue is super lax on smoking grass, drinking, and getting kinda rowdy in the lot. Good times are always found in the lot scene at this venue, so get there early, bring your drinks, food and merch and have a blast!