Stars converge for HippieFest at Phillips Center

August 3, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Classic rock fans can break out their tie-dyed shirts and peace signs when HippieFest invades the Phillips Center for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24.

Rock legends Dave Mason, Mark Farner, Rick Derringer, Felix Cavaliere and Gary Wright form HippieFest’s five-member powerhouse responsible for rock anthems like “Dream Weaver,” “We’re an American Band,” “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” “Feelin’ Alright” and “Groovin’.”

Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as co-founder and original member of Traffic in 2004. Later, he launched a solo career, featuring “We Just Disagree,” among other hits.

Cavaliere made his mark with the Rascals, a band with three No. 1 hits including “Good Lovin’” and “People Got to Be Free.” The Rascals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1997 and Cavaliere was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2009.

Wright is best-known for “Dream Weaver,” a song that’s sold millions and has been featured in several movies, including “Wayne’s World” and “Toy Story 3.”

Farner’s “We’re an American Band” (with Grand Funk Railroad) and Derringer’s “Hang on Sloopy” (with The McCoys) each reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

HippieFest is part of the University of Florida Performing Arts and UF&Shands’ Chords of Color for a Cause™ summer festival, raising cancer awareness and promoting healing through music. Barbara Padilla wraps up the series at the Phillips Center Sept. 23.

HippieFest tickets are on sale and available. Call 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll free within Florida) or visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.