Photo Credit: Bryan Lasky

This past weekend, Guster hosted their fifth annual On The Ocean gatheringl in Portland, Maine, which marked a lively weekend of alt-rock and indie jams, in addition to the group’s surprise set atop the porta potties. The nautical event featured supporting acts Bahamas, Lucius, Shakey Graves, Madison Cunningham and more, plus nightly acoustic and full Guster acts.

On Aug. 11, the festival’s opening night commenced with the Enchantment Under The Ocean Dance–where concert-goers were encouraged to dress to the nines in their tackiest or fanciest prom attire. Guster kicked off the night with an acoustic performance for fans who attended the “more of a party than a concert,” the band wrote in a Twitter post after the event. “Such a thrill to witness a funny little idea…manifest into a big burly spectacle of joy, creativity, fishing nets and sequins. We are so lucky. What a weirdo family this all is,” they continued.

Saturday saw another headlining set from Guster, with performances from Bahamas–who had Guster lead Ryan Miller join vocals on Bahamas’ sweet and mellow hit “Lost In The Light.” Sunday attendees witnessed Shakey Graves, Lucius and Oshima Brothers, along with a special Guster Keep It Together 20th anniversary set to commemorate the record’s milestone.

That same day, Guster treated fans to an unusual and impromptu stage via the festival grounds’ porta potties. The four members stood, with instruments in-hand, above fans as they performed an acoustic set over Maine composters Garbage to Garden’s trailer which sat behind the makeshift toilets. “Just played atop a port o potty. That’s a first,” drummer Brian Rosenworcel commented via Twitter.

Following their festival event, Guster will continue the fun with a six-night run of shows, starting Sept. 2 at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass., with The Ballroom Thieves. The tour is then slated to run the bulk of its bill in the Midwest. More information on Guster’s September tour can be found here.

GUSTER SEPTEMBER TOUR

September 2 – Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood – Lenox, Mass.*

September 15 – Meijer Gardens – Grand Rapids, Mich.

September 16 – The Salt Shed – Chicago ^

September 17 – Stefanie H. Weill Center for The Performing Arts – Sheboygan, Wis.

September 19 – Heinz Hall – Pittsburgh, Pa. +

September 20 – Peristyle Theatre at the Toledo Museum of Art – Toledo, Ohio #

* w/ The Ballroom Thieves

^ w/ Neko Case

+ w/ Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

# w/ Toledo Symphony Orchestra